Failed?

Sans squinted his eyes at Moro, who wore a smug and cunning smile.

“Alright then, explain.”

Moro stowed the elixir in his bag and cracked his neck to one side.

“You didn’t follow the instructions, and therefore you failed.”

“I produced a Lesser Healing Elixir above 40% purity. How have I failed?”

“That’s right, but I said to use the ingredients provided, and that means all of them.”

Sans once again withheld the urge to force a shoe down the man’s throat.

“But it doesn’t have to be like this…”

Moro continued to speak. He clasped his hands behind his back and paced side to side.

“You see, the king’s faction takes care of their own. You’re an incredibly gifted alchemist and it would be a pity to fail you here.”

He paused, giving Sans a side eye.

“How about it? Join the king’s faction and earn your title as an alchemist… or wait six months and try again. The choice is yours.”

Without another word, Sans walked toward the exit.

“Uh…huh?! Hey! You!”

Moro called out from behind in a fluster.

Did he really think he could use the alchemist token to coerce me into some random faction?

Sans rolled his eyes and pushed open the door.

“Wait—I said wait! Don’t you want to pass the exam?!”

Moro scrambled after him, not willing to let him go. The sheer panic in his voice made his words sing a completely different tune. As the two of entered the hallway, Sans whirled around with an emotionless façade, burying his anger away.

“I did pass the exam. It’s you who is playing with words.”

“If I say you didn’t pass the exam, then you didn’t pass the exam! Look, young man, just join the king’s faction and all of this will be swept under the rug. Who wouldn’t want to join the king anyway? Especially with your talents, you’ll be living a life of luxury in no time!”

Sans revealed a sardonic smirk and folded him arms.

“You’re incredibly persistent. Is this how you normally make friends? There is absolutely nothing you can say to make me join your stupid faction. Let me guess, you’ll be in trouble if you don’t recruit me—especially since that other guy already knows I exist.”

Although, it might be a good way to get closer to the king… but I almost don’t want to.

His first-floor trial lingered in the back of his mind like a haunting prophecy. He did not want to kill anyone for no reason at all, especially not a king who is busy ruling millions of people.

“What? N-Nonsense, and how can you be so foolish! To throw away this opportunity is…is…”

Moro stamped his foot on the ground, but Sans merely extended a hand forward.

“Also, can I get the elixir back? You gave everyone else their elixir back, but you kept mine.”

“This elixir is the property of the alchemist’s association, but I can give it back if-“

“No.”

Sans cut him off once more and turned away. It was pointless to deal with Moro any further.

“Don’t walk away from me! Are you seriously going to wait six months? An alchemist of your caliber deserves to have the world catered to him! Not scavenging for scraps with the bottom feeders!”

Before Sans could reply, a light laughter echoed from down the hall. Sans’ ear twitched and his heart skipped a beat.

Elsie?

He shook his head to clear his thoughts, turning toward the source of the sound. Elsie casually walked toward them with her hands tucked in her pockets. Hanging out of her mouth was a piece of jerky, which she chewed on with puffed cheeks.

Walking a step behind her, was an unknown man. His silver-streaked beard seemed to complement his attire, which happened to be a white cloak.

A white alchemist’s cloak?

Sans curiously looked on while Moro stood still like a statue.

“Moro, good lad, I see you’ve handled the novice exams in my stead.”

“Y-Yes, Elder Holpin…”

Elder Holpin stood an impressive head taller than Moro. His build was something like a lanky beanpole, with long legs and a thin frame. Standing beside him, Elsie seemed to have shrunk to half her normal height, but it was merely a trick of the eyes.

“Deserves to have the world catered to him? An alchemist of his caliber would truly be appreciated within in our community. Wouldn’t you say so, Moro?”

Moro shifted uneasily as he listened to Elder Holpin’s pointed comments.

“Of course, it’s just that… the young man failed… the… um…”

His voice died out toward the end as Elder Holpin stooped over with bright and intrigued eyes.

“Failed? Let us see the elixir!”

Elder Holpin extended his hand out toward Sans, who merely shrugged.

“Moron-I mean Moro said it was property of the association so he kept it.”

“Hmm?!”

The old man’s head swiveled back to Moro like an uncanny owl.

“Since when do we steal the work of others?”

“I was going to give it back-”

“After I joined the king’s faction.”

Sans interjected. At the same time, the corner of Elder Holpin’s eyes twitched.

“Moro, you’ve grown quite bold. Your antics may work outside of the Alchemist’s Association, but within here, you will follow the rules or face excommunication.”

Moro gnashed his teeth and handed over the vial of sparkling liquid to Elder Holpin. His hair bristled and he stomped away, but he couldn’t resist having the last word.

“The king will hear of this. Mark my words young man, one day you will be working under me, and I will be the one to dictate your success or failure.”

He snorted before disappearing down the hall. Elder Holpin turned to Sans and Elsie with a sigh.

“Ignore that fellow. His troubles are his own.”

Elder Holpin swished the elixir in his hands, letting the light shine through.

“Incredible, this elixir is over 90% purity! I knew you were talented, but this? This is something else! Only once in my life have I ever crafted something so pure.”

Sans glanced at Elsie, who busily tore a new chunk out of the jerky. It seemed she was just a bystander.

“Lad, who cares about some novice token. We need to make you an honorary elder! Lem told me all about you last night—I can’t believe she was speaking the truth.”

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Elder Holpin cackled as he began walking away. His stance was wide, while his shoulders scrunched down giving him the appearance of an elderly thug.

“Come along now, we have much to discuss.”

Sans and Elsie followed the elder through a series of twists and turns within the massive building. Eventually, they found themselves within a storeroom with all of its wares locked behind bars.

A middle-aged woman lazily read from a weathered tome while resting her feet upon the countertop. She was draped in white robes, similar to Elder Holpin, allowing her cherry red lips to pop out all the more.

“Hara! Take a look at this!”

Elder Holpin called out to the woman with a beaming smile. He placed the Lesser Healing Elixir onto the counter with a light tack.

“Hmm? …Oh!”

The book was slammed shut with a single hand and tossed to the side like old news. Hara swiped the elixir with two deft fingers and brought it close to her face.

“This is 90% purity! Congratulations Grumpin!”

“Tch, stop calling me that. Also, the elixir isn’t mine. Let me introduce our new honorary elder! Er… Lad, what’s your name again?”

Sans came forward.

“My name is Sans.”

“That’s right! Now I remember—your lovely wife mentioned it on the way here!”

Elder Holpin guffawed as his palm repeatedly found Sans’ back.

Wife?!

Sans shot Elsie a glare, only to find her staring off into space and somehow still chewing on a piece of jerky.

“You’re telling me that this boy, not even in his 20’s, made this elixir? I don’t believe it.”

Hara mocked as the corner of her mouth pulled back in a cynical manner.

“You old bat. If I say he’s a genius then he’s a genius! Just hand over an elder token and we’ll be on our way.”

Elder Holpin turned to Sans, ignoring Hara’s scrunched up face of fury.

“Who are you calling old-“

“Anyway lad, once we get your token, we can talk in a place with more privacy—away from this banshee. For now, tell me your process! How did you manage this quality? I suspect you skipped the auxiliary…”

In the background, Hara spouted a flurry of words which all passed right through Elder Holpin’s ears like white noise.

“Are you not listening?! Why you!”

Hara cursed under her breath and the weathered tome flew from her desk—hitting Elder Holpin in the back of the head. The book flapped open as it skid across the floor to a halt.

“Damnit witch!”

“Damn who?! Damn you! Coming here, asking me for a favor, and then ignoring me!”

Hara crossed her arms over her chest with a scrunched face. At the same time, Elsie tore another junk from the jerky in her hand and watched on as if she were at the edge of her figurative seat.

Elder Holpin let out a hapless sigh and gestured to the Lesser Healing Elixir.

“Hara, look there. This lad made that, and that’s not all.”

The old man leaned over the desk and beckoned Hara to come closer, which she begrudgingly did. He whispered even though it was just the four of them in the room.

“Last night, this boy was practicing reverse composition on Twilight Fel until dawn. Lemma saw it first-hand. Do you trust my disciple?”

Hara narrowed her brow and shifted her eyes from the elixir and then to Sans.

“One can just say that, but was there any progress-“

“I’m missing a single ingredient.”

Sans interrupted. He had easily overheard them.

“It’s a peculiar ingredient, one that doesn’t leave any traces and is potentially quite rare. However, once I find it, I will be working on a cure-“

“Hushhh.”

Elder Holpin immediately covered Sans’ mouth with a hand.

“We can talk about it more later, but for now. Hara? Do you think he’s capable?”

Hara stared at the elixir once more with a lost expression.

“I just don’t understand how this is possible…”

She shook her head and tossed a white token toward them, which Elder Holpin swiped out of the air.

“Here you go lad! You are now an honorary elder of the Alchemist’s Association!”

Elder Holpin proudly presented the token to Sans, who received it with intrigue. Sans glanced at the old man, who still wore a beaming smile.

“This is nice and all, but what’s the point of having this elder token? All I wanted was a novice token so that I could buy alchemy materials without getting anyone in trouble.”

“Don’t bother with this buffoon and let me explain.”

Hara spoke up from behind the counter, while Elder Holpin grumbled something inaudible and likely unpleasant.

“This elder token grants you access to the highest floor of the Alchemist’s Association. On that floor, and any floor below it, are recipes and techniques that have been passed down for centuries. Being an elder of the Alchemist’s Association is the equivalent of having the entire association behind you… or at least it would be if it weren’t for the king.”

Hara waved her arm as if to display the wares behind her.

“Additionally, you’ll have access to purchase any tier of ingredient from the association itself, which has a more diverse offering than your average alchemy shop. In contrast to an elder, a novice may only purchase the most basic of ingredients.”

“Miss Hara, what stops an elder from reselling the alchemy ingredients?”

Sans asked the woman while he stowed the token away. She snorted in disdain before replying.

“Any elders caught doing such a thing will lose their status immediately. However, elders may freely sell their finished products, or even half-finished products if they choose to. After all, an alchemist’s value has always been their products and not their ability to collect ingredients.”

“You see boy? Haven’t I been so helpful? Now, let’s get out of here and discuss a much more interesting topic!”

Elder Holpin stood behind Sans and steered him toward the exit, but before he could take even two steps, Hara cleared her throat loudly from behind.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Her voice was stern and foreboding.

“Ahh… curses.”

Elder Holpin’s shoulders drooped low as he turned back toward the woman. The next moment, he bowed repeatedly with a plastered smile.

“Oh thank you, my great and lovely Hara, my friend of a lifetime, and my savior in this dire time of need!”

“That’s all? Handing out an elder token without waiting for the annual elder’s exam…”

Hara looked away with pouted lips.

“That’s certainly not all! If the wonderful Hara is ever in dire need of an assistant for a session of alchemy, then my humble self can only be obliged to help.”

“Just one session?”

She gave him a side eye while her face was still turned.

“Just… ugh, two sessions! Two sessions! Come on lad, let’s get out of here!”

Elder Holpin pushed Sans toward the door once more.

“Thanks, Elder Hara!”

Sans called out over his shoulder, just in time to see her hide a smile.

----------------------------------------

The journey outside of the Alchemist’s Association was made short and sweet with Elder Holpin guiding the way. Sans and Elsie followed behind the old man, listening to his rants and raves about the way things used to be. The roads were crowded with people and difficult to navigate, but fortunately their destination wasn’t far.

“My house is just over there, and then we can freely talk.”

Elder Holpin pointed toward a modestly sized house that almost seemed lonely due to the lack of care. Overgrown weeds covered the walkway, while vibrant vines stretched along the walls. It was as if nature had repurposed the home to suit the needs of various critters and plant life.

The door creaked open, presenting a dusty and dark entryway.

“Ehh, don’t mind the mess and come on in.”

Elder Holpin waved his hand through the air, shooting small spots of fire into the different lanterns that hung from the walls. Sans and Elsie shared a look before shrugging their shoulders and followed him in.

Moving further into the house, Sans soon realized the depth of how disorderly the place was. Parchments of all ages were scattered across the floor, while random writings, that almost seemed incoherent, decorated the walls. Alchemy materials were piled high, and half of them were all materials that Sans had used previously in his efforts to unravel the Twilight Fel recipe.

Elder Holpin let out a light chuckle, but it sounded more self-loathing than anything.

“As you can see, I’ve been working on certain things. In here, we can talk freely, away from prying eyes and ears.”

Elsie’s eyes flickered to the floor only briefly before moving away to inspect the walls.

“You’ve set up some basic concealment formations, not bad.”

She nodded in approval.

“Basic? These are the most advanced ones I could get my hands on! Bah, never mind those things. So, tell me Sans. The recipe, how much progress have you really made? You said you were one ingredient away to Hara, but it’s okay to stretch the truth sometimes.”

Elder Holpin’s enlarged eyes stared right at Sans. If it weren’t for his previous well-natured actions, he would have appeared much more threatening and insane.

“It’s as I said, I’m one ingredient away. Lem must have already told you right? Speaking of Lem, how is she? I was going to continue my work after getting the alchemist token.”

“Ah, about that. Herbs and Cauldrons was closed down.”

Elder Holpin scratched his head.

“W-Wait, really?”

Sans’ body stilled.

“This is my fault, it’s always my fault. This is just like before…”

A pained expression overtook him as he thought about all those kind merchants from long ago. They were the type of people to help a poor boy in need, and in return, most lost their livelihoods. He knew he was like a contagious plague, in which everywhere he went, misfortune followed.

“No, no, no! None of this is your fault lad. Lemma shouldn’t have sold you those materials, she was merely caught up in excitement. Don’t worry about a thing! Also, did your wife not tell you? She bought out Herbs and Cauldrons before the king could acquire the property. It all worked out in the end!”

“Huh?”

Sans turned to Elsie, who stared back with innocent eyes.

“You bought the place out?”

“I said we’re going to open an alchemy shop, didn’t I? Obviously we need a storefront if we’re going to do that.”

Elsie responded. Sans smiled in relief upon hearing her confirmation.

Is it really like before? No, this time it’s different, because I have her.

Elsie waved her hand in front of Sans’ face.

“Hello? Did you not want the store?”

“Oh, no-yes, it’s perfect!”

“Good, because Lemma also agreed to work under us.”

Elsie shrugged while Sans glanced at Elder Holpin to see if he had any reaction to this. However, it was clear that everything had already been explained to him due to his frequent nods of affirmation.

“Excellent!”

Elder Holpin clapped his hands together.

“Now that that has been figured out, let’s work on a plan for that cursed Twilight Fel! The moment we uncover the method of its creation, we can then work toward a cure and rid this kingdom of it for good!”

“R-Right.”

Sans was once again taken aback by Elder Holpin’s enthusiasm, but at the same time he understood where his drive was coming from.

How painful must have it been to lose his wife and child. Now he goes to such lengths…

“I have an idea.”

Elsie spoke up, capturing the other two’s attention.

“Elder Holpin can supply Herbs and Cauldron’s with materials. That way Sans and Lemma can work double time on alchemy. Once the new materials arrive, Elder Holpin can assist Sans in solving the mystery, as I believe his experience will prove invaluable in discovering the final ingredient.”

Elder Holpin’s eyes lit up and he nodded vigorously.

“Yes, yes! I like this idea a lot. So, when do we get started?”

Sans procured a list from his bag the next moment and passed it over to Elder Holpin.

“This is everything that I want to experiment with. The ingredients that are circled are the ones that I already know exist within Twilight Fel, while the other ones are potential candidates for the last ingredient. We should start with at least ten sets of each, twenty if you can manage it.”

Elder Holpin’s eyes consumed the list as if it were a piece of visual chocolate.

“Bolorin Fruit? Why didn’t I think of that? And also this, Amorous Shade? There’s also-“

“Ahem, meet us at Herbs and Cauldrons as soon as you can. I can explain the process more in depth once we’re there.”

Sans’ words broke Elder Holpin out of his reverie. He tucked the list away and bowed before the duo.

“I will be there within the hour. Let’s put this diabolical toxin to rest once and for all.”