Upon hearing the prompt from the character panel, Nolan first felt a sense of joy, then pondered for a moment.
He suddenly felt that learning how to craft this "Enhanced Pyro Potion - Formula #2" wasn't of much use. After all, with just one recipe, the scope was too small and completely unnecessary to spend Adventure EXP to upgrade.
No matter how high the level, it would still be limited to this one recipe, making the cost-effectiveness too low. It was far less practical compared to other skills.
If he had learned "Crafting Elemental Potions" or directly "Alchemy" it would have been perfect.
But "Alchemy" was actually a very broad category.
Similar to modern science, it contains many different branches like chemistry, biology, physics, and so on. It was impossible to completely grasp it just by learning one potion recipe.
It was like learning to ride a bicycle - no matter how high the level, even reaching the stage of condensing extraordinary traits.
The most that could be gained would be traits like "speed increase" or "reduced stamina consumption."
It's inconceivable that a high level in riding a bicycle would automatically give you knowledge of riding a horse or driving a car.
Although they all fall under the category of using transportation, they are fundamentally different in operation.
So, just by mastering one elemental potion recipe, Nolan couldn't comprehensively master alchemy.
Even raising it to max level would probably only result in characteristics like "efficient material usage" or "mass production."
To master alchemy, besides acquiring a vast amount of knowledge, the most important thing is the basic alchemical formula.
Nolan learned this from the background of game characters.
For example, Albert, Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius, had the "Art of Khemia" passed down from his master Rheindottir.
This is completely different from ordinary alchemical formulas and is a special technique originating from the ancient nation of Khaenri'ah.
Sucrose's Elemental Skill also combined alchemical formulas with Anemo to summon small Wind spirits to assist in battle.
Without alchemical formulas, no matter how much knowledge one grasped, they could only be called a profoundly learned scholar. They could not wield Alchemy to leverage knowledge to change reality.
Conversely, only mastering alchemical formulas without the corresponding knowledge as a foundation would also make it difficult to achieve anything.
Alchemists must absorb knowledge on the path to seeking the truth of the world to grow stronger.
The more you understand, the more you can do with alchemical formulas.
If Nolan wanted to become a grandmaster in the alchemy field, the pressure on Adventure EXP would be unimaginable.
Moreover, for complex knowledge-based skills, whether he can even get started is a question for this academic underachiever.
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Of course, he could also find an opportunity later to ask Sucrose to teach him some fundamental alchemical formulas.
Although wanting to become strong in this field is cumbersome and consumes Adventure EXP, and significant growth cannot be achieved in a short time, satisfying his curiosity and expanding his mindset is still necessary.
While Nolan's thoughts wandered, Sucrose continued crafting the No. 2, 3, 4, and 5 "Enhanced Pyro Potions - Formula #2"
The materials for the Pyro Potions were used up just like that, without a drop left.
Five bottles of Electro Potion were crafted using the same method. Although not much, their power could not be underestimated.
Most importantly, combining the two potions would cause additional Overload reaction damage. If there was a large quantity, he might have been able to fight the Lawachurl back in the Secret Realm.
"Mr. Nolan... the elemental potions you need are ready."
Sucrose's fair face showed a relaxed smile, then she said shyly,
"Um... in the future, during adventures... could you help pay attention to monster bones? It would be best if... they were fresher. I will continue to help you make elemental potions as compensation..."
"Sure, I'll remember. And Elemental materials like Flaming Flowers(Pyro Flowers), so we don't have to gather materials again next time we make potions."
Nolan nodded with a smile, accepting Sucrose's long-term commission.
"Right, Sucrose, if I wanted to learn fundamental alchemical formulas, what would be the requirements?" Nolan considered and asked.
"Eh? You want to learn formulas?"
Sucrose was somewhat surprised but also expected it. After all, most people would be curious about the mysterious art of alchemy. So, she pushed her round half-frame glasses and said:
"Mr. Nolan, if you want to learn, feel free to come to the Knights of Favonius alchemy laboratory to find me. Alchemy is too profound, and it can't be explained in a short time."
"Mm... next time, I'll bring some fresh monster bones over to consult you."
Nolan carefully put away the total of ten tubes of Elemental Potions, to avoid accidentally smashing and detonating them.
Sucrose must be eager to start researching the newly harvested materials now.
Nolan also realized that he shouldn't continue to disturb her.
"Mm... apart from bones, rare things like Lay Lines Flowers work too..."
The dark elastic band of the thigh-high stockings slightly tightened Sucrose's snow-white legs, accentuating a subtle and soft fleshiness. She lowered her gaze to the side and said somewhat shyly.
[Sucrose Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 150 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv. 3 (180/300)]
"No problem!"
Nolan waved and left the alchemy crafting shed.
He had made plans with Fischl and Bennett to explore the Secret Realm again tomorrow. After the consumption from this morning, his arrow reserves were running low again.
Of the Fire-Infused Arrows from last time, only one was left when they returned from the Secret Realm. The Armor Piercing Arrows were down to 30.
Many more had been used up during material collecting this morning, since they were facing the Pyro Slimes that were Elemental lifeforms.
With erosion from the Pyro element, even arrows made of iron were difficult to reuse.
So it was time to head to Wagner the Blacksmith's shop to resupply. Nolan sighed softly - it looked like another heavy expense.
He currently had 320,000 Mora on hand. Purchasing arrows would take at least a third. Fire-Infused Arrows were truly expensive, and Armor Piercing Arrows weren't cheap either. Buying ordinary Iron Headed was affordable, but they weren't very effective against monsters.
Unless it was Vision wielders who could control elements, like Amber and Fischl. They used cheap, ordinary Iron Headed Arrows.
But when focused, gathering elemental power, the might of arrows they shot out was stronger than specially crafted Fire-Infused Arrows by 30%.
This was a gap ordinary people had difficulty crossing.
As expected, it was still best to improve his sword techniques. No matter what, an Dull Blade would be much more durable than arrows. Thinking of this, Nolan glanced at his status panel.
Adventure EXP: 2845
Two thousand eight hundred experience points were enough to raise his swordsmanship to a certain level.
Of course, the first thing to improve would be the "Favonius Swordsmanship - Royal" that he learned from Eula. It was a two-handed swordsmanship, but it could also be performed with a single-handed sword.
Its advantage was in utilizing the full body's strength, with every part of the body coordinating perfectly. It also looked elegant and visually appealing when used by girls.
When used by guys, it was naturally crisp and efficient at killing enemies.
As Nolan walked towards Wagner's blacksmith shop, he invested his Adventure EXP into the swordsmanship level.
(End of Chapter)