In the harsh climate of Malazen, vaccines and potions are crucial for survival. The Anti-Radiation Vaccine is administered to all new cadets at the academy upon entry. It is a disease-fighting antigen that has been stabilized and proven effective all the way to the Plague Desert. The vaccine has undergone extensive testing up to the third phase under the guidance of Instructress Lucia. Thousands of people have received the vaccine to assess its safety, confirm an immune response, and determine the correct dosage.
Like the other instructors, Lucia had been granted an annexation territory and budget by the academy to conduct research and development in her manor. The manor housed multiple infirmaries, laboratories, and pharmacies for treating the sick. Despite the presence of many sick people, nurses, and lab guards coming in and out of the manor, Lucia always conducted her personal research in a hidden underground chamber somewhere—keeping it as her dark secret. However, at present, the seniors were directing the cadets to a large lab room on the top floor, far away from the underground chamber.
One of Lucia's research studies has revealed that small doses of theta radiation can effectively eradicate microorganisms, as evidenced by the positive outcomes of recent trials on virus-infected subjects. However, it is crucial to note that high doses of theta radiation can be extremely hazardous, and there is currently no known method of preventing its harmful effects. Symptoms of theta radiation poisoning may include hallucinations, fatigue, and nausea. Cumulative exposure over an extended period can result in cell degradation and a shortened lifespan, while exposure to very high levels of theta radiation can cause organic matter to liquefy.
Meanwhile, mutagenic potions are also important as they can enhance physical, mental, and spiritual abilities. In addition to increasing vitality and endurance, potions can also be used to create bombs and oils. For example, a bomb like the one Karanzo used yesterday, and blade oils to enhance a weapon's performance, like the one cadet girl number two hundred and forty-six used to take down the bear with a single strike.
The recipes for these alchemical potions can be acquired through experimentation or by studying scrolls. Instructress Lucia is renowned for her experimentation with unknown concoctions, putting her own safety at risk. Any failed potion has the potential to poison, blind, or even kill her. Despite this, her black tongue has become immune to the effects, enabling her to continue testing on subjects or willing volunteers in her lab. Her lab houses various tubes containing mutant creatures from the island of Tartaros. While some may question her motives and ethics, there is a suggestion to test the worst generation of cadets with these potions, as it presents a unique opportunity that should not be missed.
The cadets found themselves in a spacious laboratory filled with alchemy equipment and special potions, all prepared by the notorious and vile female figure known as Lucia the Witch. Despite her hedonistic personality, Lucia was famous and respected for her magical potions and considered a talented necro-alchemist. Each cadet was seated in a device called a Suppressor, and in front of them, on the table, were three potions with different colors: bluish-white, yellowish-green, and reddish-black. Before the test started, they received treatment from the nurses, who administered various green, blue, and red herbal medicines, as many of the cadets were injured from the previous day's battle.
After the treatments were completed, the nurses left the lab and Instructress Lucia strode onto the stage, her straight black hair flowing down her tall, slender, and buxom figure. Many cadets found her beauty distracting, including Zain, who had been feeling sleepy just moments before. He couldn't help but notice the curves that accentuated her form, drawing his attention like targets on an archery range. Lucia charmingly tossed her hair and lifted her chin, projecting an air of arrogance. Rumor had it that some new cadets had seen Lucia's face turn sinister and wrinkled when she was angry, leading some to compare her to a female ghost terrorizing the countryside.
In the background, Lucia was followed by five nurses, each wearing a surgical mask and a thigh holster containing many injectors. However, some cadets recognized that these were not ordinary nurses like those they had seen before. They were top-class nurses in the manor and members of the Black Tongue, trained assassins who often concealed their identity or disguised themselves as nurses. Some believed that they were the successful result of Lucia's experimentation, enhanced by lengthy training and a mysterious elixir. They mostly served as spies and bounty hunters, carrying out direct orders from Lucia, especially when there was a need for ingredients or subjects.
The Instructress introduced herself, saying, "Welcome to Lucia's Manor, everyone! I am Lucia of Falenas. As you can see, I have prepared countless potions for all of you, my dear cadets. Each potion has its own effect that can improve your physical condition and immunity. However, you should be aware of the potential side effects."
Lucia lifted her potions, displaying them, and continued, "These special herbs have their own dosages. If you use them excessively, the toxins in the potions can damage your nervous system."
As Lucia explained the process, Karanzo glanced at his chair. In addition to the locking Aetherium shackles on his hands and feet, there was a vial of radioactive liquid serving as a pillow behind his head. To his right was a tube-like device connected to his chair, which would deliver the concoction directly into his bloodstream. He was puzzled. If the test was simply to drink a bitter elixir, why would a restraining seat be necessary? Let alone using Aetherium - a rare and precious crystal that suppresses the magical and spiritual energy, and they are always used by the Demolitionist to restrain the mages. It seemed like an unnecessary hassle to Karanzo. He would feel humiliated if he had to flee after drinking just one useless potion.
“The chairs you are sitting on are artificial chairs that can restrict your movements! We call them Suppressors. In each Suppressor, there is also a zeta radiation fluid that will be channeled into the nerves of the brain to accelerate genetic mutations when receiving alchemical concoctions into your veins. When the exam starts, you won't be able to move until it is over. If anyone is afraid, please leave this room immediately!”
Lucia finished her explanation and the room fell silent. None of the cadets interrupted, except for Zain, who yawned due to Lucia's convoluted explanation. For Zain, listening was more tiring than fighting a bear. The other cadets were mentally prepared for the first real acid test and were not disturbed by the sight of a long syringe. Lucia smiled, pleased with their readiness.
"Without further ado, let me demonstrate," Lucia announced, nodding at the nurse in the background. The nurse went backstage to carry out her orders and returned to the stage with a man in a wheelchair, who had his hands and feet locked onto the suppressor, while a tube connected to the suppressor was inserted into his vein.
"Thanks, Anastacia," said Lucia, acknowledging the nurse's assistance.
“Don't mention it, Madam Lucia,” replied Anastacia.
But the man in the wheelchair was less than pleased with the situation. "Hey! What are you doing?! Let me go!" he barked, struggling to break free.
"Let you go? I thought you came here because you wanted to taste my potion so badly," Lucia retorted sarcastically, her lips curling into a sly smile.
Despite his efforts, the man was unable to free himself from the restraints. Lucia watched with amusement as he continued to struggle, knowing that breaking the suppressor was impossible. She then instructed the five nurses to leave the lab and let the lab guards handle the rest. The nurses nodded in agreement and quickly joined the other nurses outside.
Lucia then took a bottle of white potion from the table beside her, opened the cap, and white smoke erupted from it, filling the room and making the cadets in the audience nervous. They wondered what would happen when the white liquid was injected into the man's body.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“W-what is that? What are you going to do?!" the man shrieked, trembling with fear.
Lucia addressed all the cadets, emphasizing, "This subject is a fugitive with a bounty on his head. He was caught red-handed trying to steal my potion, and this punishment is well-deserved. Let's see if he can survive the Purge Trial."
Lucia poured the white elixir, known as the Elixir of Dream, into the empty tube of the suppressor connector. The liquid entered the man's body slowly through a tube that had been injected into his arm. "This elixir is one of the special potions that increase cultivation performance and is useful for curing diseases, removing scars, relieving dizziness, neutralizing toxins, and reducing fatigue. However, the potion's side effects are...”
The man appeared restless as his hearing started to fade, leaving him almost unable to breathe. Suddenly, he went into a frenzy, screaming in pain, causing the sound to echo throughout the room. He experienced a combination of symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, and diarrhea, all at once, along with intense pain. The scars on his body slowly disappeared, and cold sweat and a foul smell emanated from his body as if his dark soul had left his body. White smoke emerged from his sore eyes and mouth as he struggled to breathe. This was the scene that Lucia referred to as ‘the purge.’
Lucia performed a graceful dance to depict this cleansing. She held her hands to her face, then down across her chest. Her white skin cracked, and her fangs and nails sharpened. Her pale blue eyes turned black and fiery red as she revealed her corrupt side. "Oh, you tainted souls," she declared. "Purify yourselves unto me, bask in the light of my creation, wipe away the sighs from the sweat of struggle, and feel the sensation of the healing melody!"
The scene was tense, and everyone in the room waited with bated breath to see what would happen next. Lucia had a reputation for being a necrochemist, but her experiments were often controversial. Zain didn't believe that Instructress Lucia had really gone mad with her experiments. He thought that perhaps her frightening appearance was due to the cursed potion, which made him think twice about approaching her. Meanwhile, Karanzo, biting his lip, wished he could get through the cleansing quickly to move on to the next potion. As the cadets watched, the white light from the subject's eyes grew brighter and then gradually dimmed until his eyeballs returned to normal.
Lucia returned to her normal form, hugging her chest with both hands, and swept her eyes across the cadets. "The pain you will experience comes from illness and negative things that exist within your body. If you are already pure, perhaps you will prefer sleeping soundly rather than in pain. And you will be able to hear the beautiful voice of my potion instead of going deaf," she smiled, looking at her mentally disabled subject without spiritual energy. "Congratulations, you have passed the Elixir of Dream well. However, don't be too happy just yet. There's still another potion to go, the Draught of Agony."
Without her victim's consent, Lucia poured a yellowish-green potion into the suppressor tube. The liquid inside boiled, producing a puff of hot smoke. "This potion can enhance your vision, perception, physical resilience, and magical resistance to various elements, such as heat, cold, and paralysis, as well as boost your immunity to diseases."
The room fell silent as they waited for the effects of the potion to take hold. Suddenly, the man's eyes opened wide, and he let out a blood-curdling scream. Everyone in the room was shocked and terrified by what they saw. Lucia, on the other hand, simply smiled, pleased with the success of her latest invention.
The man convulsed as if he had been shocked by something. His apprehension grew when he couldn't break free from the suppressor. His skin creased, the veins in his neck bulged all the way to his face, and then he screamed. His head strained in all directions, his body unable to endure the torment. He coughed and vomited blood.
After a while, his condition weakened considerably. His skin became dry and hot, his pulse weakened, and his gaze turned blank. He could no longer stand or scream.
"This is a side effect of the potion. If you lack enough willpower, you will end up like him," warned Lucia.
The cadets grew nervous at the instant death of the man, which was unlike the previous exams that tested their abilities. They immediately protested together, citing the rights of cadets regarding the limits of consuming forbidden potions. They recalled that even the seniors had never recommended drugs that could cause heart explosions. Besides, their goal was to become professional assassins, not die in the process.
"Hey, hey! Seriously? That's only the second potion, right?!" exclaimed one cadet.
"That woman wants to kill us, apparently!" shouted another cadet.
"Aye, Miss Lucia!" Zain called out, joking amidst the mass demonstration and surprising both the cadets and Lucia.
The cadets burst out laughing when Zain called Lucia "Miss." It was the first time that the Instructress had been humiliated by a cadet. However, Lucia remained patient, knowing that the cadets of this generation were indeed impudent. It was even reported that some of them had fought with the seniors, unwilling to be controlled.
"What about the last black elixir? Ye want to kill us all?!" Zain asked, standing upright like a professional lawyer and pointing at the woman, representing the voice of his peers and looking very cool.
Lucia's smile turned into a horrible one, and an obsidian aura rose around her body, sending shivers down the cadets' spines. After a few seconds of tension, Lucia suddenly replied with a friendly smile as her sinister aura disappeared. "Do not worry. In my test, you can pass just by drinking one potion of mine, which is the Elixir of Dream.”
Relief flashed across the cadets’ faces. For a moment, they thought that Lucia was joking. The atmosphere was calm until the woman continued, “However, the Draught of Agony is a specially designed potion that permanently increases your resistance and immunity.”
Lucia laughed softly and brought the three potions close to her face. "If you had passed my test, you would have obtained these three secret herbs, mutagenic substances, and stimulants that the Academy has guarded against for hundreds of years. That's why Dawnstrike Fortress is the most powerful fortress in Malazen. No robber or intruder, but only fools, would dare steal from me."
All the cadets found themselves in a difficult situation, caught between a rock and a hard place. This was their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become stronger, even if it meant risking their lives. The scent of the potion filled their nostrils, tempting them with the promise of becoming the strongest person in the world. With the Draught of Agony, they would be able to explore the four deadly deserts of Malazen - Blaze, Drought, Plague, and Mist. The cadets couldn't contain their joy.
Not wanting to give in to their excitement, Lucia raised the last potion that caught everyone's attention. In her hand, the reddish-black elixir emitted a sinister aura. "This is the last potion I have concocted - the Flask of Nightmare. I have to thank Sir Erigor for helping me create it. This potion contains Chthon's blood mixed with other alchemical ingredients."
Lucia opened the bottle cap of the Flask of Nightmare, and black smoke began to evaporate into the air. "Hmm… What a fresh scent," Lucia savored the aroma.
The woman closed the potion bottle and began to entice the cadets. "I will not tell you the benefits of this potion. You will have to taste it yourself, but only if you are sure you will survive. The disadvantage of this potion is that if your body is not strong enough to contain it, you will die in an instant. The chance of success, if you survive, is only 1 in 500."
Lucia placed the potion back on the table, stifling a laugh. Whoever managed to drink it would undoubtedly have their self-esteem boosted in comparison to their peers. In other words, both the path of top rankers and that of professional assassins would be open to anyone who survived the terrifying Flask of Nightmare. The cadets were filled with doubt, unsure whether to choose the safe path of not using the last potion or take the desperate gamble of drinking it. Lucia chuckled as if she couldn't wait to see the innocent cadets accept her terrible offer. "Let's begin this exam! I wonder, out of the five hundred and sixty-four cadets, how many will endure until the end?"
*
In Swordmaster Theodin's room, Theodin looked through the ancient weapons that had been stored there for a long time. He proceeded to clean them one by one. In his mind, Theodin didn't know how much longer he would keep them in this worn-out place. Soon, he heard footsteps approaching his room.
“Swordmaster! The test has already started. Don't you want to watch it?" asked the senior cadet.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not interested in those horrible processes? What I want to know is the result," replied Theodin while continuing to clean the heirlooms.
“But, Swordmaster, what if a cadet survives after drinking the Flask of Nightmare?”
While cleaning up, Theodin replied, “Yes, unfortunately, that will never happen. I was surprised myself when I heard the details. Lucia...is worse than Baron. That woman bets her greatest potion for a professional assassin. If Baron also has a vicious nature, he will surely replace the bear with a Griffin or Manticore class monster.”
"So you're saying that the sooner this preliminary selection is over, the more powerful the potential assassins will be?"
“No,” Theodin responded as he returned the cleaned heirloom to the cabinet. “What we need right now is not a powerful assassin. We need someone who can endure to the end. The chosen ones that we will release into this vast world of Runeverse.”
Swordmaster Theodin looked at some of the legendary heirlooms of the Great Empire of Dawn and noted, "Yes, those are all paths that they have chosen for themselves."