"What is the problem, sir ghost? If you infuse some mana when I tell you to. I'm confident we'll brew this potion successfully!" The apothecary declared again.

'I can't tell him I can't use mana...' Adam thought quickly, realising he had to play it smart to obtain information. After all, admitting he couldn't use mana would me him lose his leverage.

"How do I have to infuse mana in the potion? I told you to explain in detail." He wrote, causing the man's white brows to furrow.

"Heh? I don't know. I can't use mana." He answered, stumped by the question. He was only a commoner. Why would he know how to wield mana?

"Let me read and study the book where the recipe is recorded." Adam felt his body temperature increase as his hand trembled in frustration.

He really didn't know what he could do if the book didn't record explicit explanations.

The apothecary retrieved and placed an old-looking book, its pages yellowed by the inescapable passage of time. Then he opened it on the right page immediately, careful to hide the cover as Adam read the recipe.

Tier two potion: Ghostly Elixir of Ethereal Energy

Effects:

Enhanced Mana Flow: The elixir acts as a catalyst for amplifying the natural mana flow within the consumer. Users may experience heightened sensitivity to magical energies, increased spell potency, and a more profound connection to the arcane.

Soul Healing: A unique side effect of the elixir is its capacity for soul healing. The potion gently mends the spiritual wounds and fatigue accumulated through magical abuses or encounters with supernatural entities. Users may feel a profound sense of inner peace and rejuvenation.

Ephemeral Weakness: Following the elixir's consumption, users may experience a temporary weakness in their physical form.

Ingredients:

Ghost Essence (Main ingredient)

Lunar Blossom Petals

Essence of Crystalized Tranquility

Silverthorn Extract

So far, everything about the potion's description seemed to fit his needs. Skipping the brewing steps he wouldn't be involved in, he directly checked the ones concerning mana.

Remove the potion from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

During the cooling process, infuse your mana at three specific intervals: at the beginning, halfway through, and at the end.

Beginning of Cooling:

As the potion starts to cool down, position yourself near the cauldron.

Extend your hands over the potion, palms facing downward, and begin to channel your mana from your core into the mixture.

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Maintain a steady and controlled flow, allowing it to merge seamlessly with the potion. Imagine the mana intertwining with its essence.

Midway Through Cooling:

As the potion continues to cool, stay vigilant and attuned to the changes in its magical resonance.

Once you sense the opportune moment, repeat the process of focusing your mana.

This time, infuse a slightly higher concentration, adapting to the evolving state of the potion.

Visualise the mana enhancing its properties, ensuring a harmonious integration.

End of Cooling:

In the final stages of the cooling process, intensify your connection with mana.

Infuse a final surge into the potion, concentrating on refining and stabilising its magical composition.

Picture the mana completing the potion's transformation, imbuing it with a heightened energy.

Maintaining a balance in the mana infusion process is crucial. Too much mana may destabilize the potion, while too little may result in an ineffective brew. Practice and attunement to the magical energies will enhance your ability to create a potent Ghostly Elixir of Ethereal Energy.

'Is this old man crazy? I read the shit five times, but I'm still lost...' Adam furrowed his spectral brows.

The vague instructions in the book left him feeling lost. Still, he couldn't give up. His life was on the line.

He hesitated briefly before deciding to give it a try.

"Begin the brewing process." He wrote, his face filled with determination, before putting the baby in Alina's arms.

"Yes, sir ghost." The old man answered, sounding almost excited. Then, he ran to the backroom and lightened the fire under the cauldron.

Subsequently, he busied himself with his tasks, grinding, mixing, and heating ingredients for thirty minutes before removing the cauldron from the fire.

It was now Adam's turn to accomplish his task.

Following the steps described in the book, he extended his incorporeal hands, palm down, over the cauldron.

Relying on intuition, he tried to channel his mana into the concoction, feeling the process awkward as if attempting to grasp at an intangible force. Yet, he understood he had to make it flow from his heart to his hands.

As the potion cooled, he repeated the process, gauging the right moments to infuse mana. His eyes lit up as the ethereal glow of the potion shifted subtly, responding to his attempts.

In the final stages, he intensified his connection, pouring whatever residues of mana he could muster, causing the liquid's glow to reach its peak, signalling the end of the process.

'Did we do it?' Feeling drained, he gazed at the shimmering liquid, his eyes filled with hope.

"We did it! We brewed a tier two potion!" The apothecary observed the completed potion, his eyes filled with joy. He then carefully poured the potion into a vial.

Adam looked at the vial in his hands. The Ghostly Elixir of Ethereal Energy was shimmering with magical energy. He couldn't help but feel a mix of accomplishment and relief. But also anger.

He couldn't help but think that the old man used him to brew a potion he never would have been able to, since he didn't have mana.

Meanwhile, Alina cared for her baby, who cried until she put the book where the potion's recipe was written in front of him. The scene was funny. The baby seemed to read, imitating Adam.

Soon, Adam and the grinning apothecary returned to the counter before the old man delicately put the flask on it.

Intrigued and wanting to see the result of their efforts, she stood up and joined them. After all, she contributed to the creation of the potion as well.

"Wow, it looks really magical." She said with wide eyes after seeing it from up close as Adam stood frozen, looking at the book in the baby's hands.

The title was: Compendium of Forbidden Alchemical Potions.

"This son of a..."