The air in the Black Eagles' alchemical workshop was heavy with the earthy aroma of dried leaves, pungent spices, and the faint tang of various chemical reactions. Several shelves were lined with jars of vibrant powders, dried roots, and meticulously labeled vials.

Every corner of the workshop was filled with workers immersed in their tasks. A young apprentice carefully measured a crystalline powder into a beaker while another worker adjusted the flame beneath a simmering potion, the liquid inside bubbling and roiling.

When Sera stepped further inside, several workers glanced up from their workstations. She nodded in acknowledgment, making sure to offer a polite smile. Have to keep up appearances.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. I'm here to see Desmonda, could someone take me to her?"

A young woman with ink-stained fingers stepped forward. "Of course, Boss, please follow me."

Sera followed her guide past rows of tables and shelves. Soon, they arrived at a sturdy wooden door at the back of the workshop. The young woman knocked gently before pushing it open to reveal a smaller space.

The room was dimly lit thanks to light from a single alchemical lamp. Desmonda was standing hunched over a bubbling cauldron. The potion inside gave out a faint greenish light while she added ingredients with expert care..

Sera stepped inside, the door closing behind her with a soft click. "Am I interrupting something important?"

Desmonda glanced up, her eyes reflecting the glow of the potion. She offered a curt nod before returning her attention to the cauldron. "Hey Boss, do you need anything?"

Sera moved closer, looking through the array of ingredients and notes scattered around. "Yes, I need some details on our best-selling potions."

The alchemist didn't look up from her work as she answered. "Mainly health and stamina potions, infused with Vipershade or Aetherwisp extract. They're expensive, but they're our biggest sellers because they give people the best highs."

Sera’s gaze lingered on the bubbling cauldron for a moment longer. "Can you provide samples of these best-selling potions? I’d like to taste them."

Desmonda nodded as she retrieved two small vials from a nearby shelf. She handed them to Sera, her stained fingers brushing against the cool glass.

Sera held the first vial up to the light, which contained a dark green liquid. She uncorked it, then took a small sip, the potion sliding down her throat with a cool, almost icy sensation. The taste was a blend of bitter and sweet, with a hint of metallic aftertaste. I can see why humans will like this, though my body will probably prevent me from feeling its full effects.

Next, she turned her attention to the second vial, which contained a potion infused with Aetherwisp extract. The liquid was a cyan color, almost glowing. She uncorked it, inhaling the earthy, slightly sweet scent. She took a careful sip, the potion warm and smooth, with a taste reminiscent of fresh herbs and a hint of spice. A gentle warmth spread through her, a subtle contrast to the previous potion’s icy touch. This one has more of a kick to it, but I think improvements can be made.

Sera set the vials down, her mind cataloging the properties and potential applications of each potion. She then looked towards Desmondal. "Do you think people would be interested in potions that are more potent?"

"Sounds like a no-brainer to me. Some people already go above and beyond to get their fix of the potions we already have available, even I heard that there was a man who sold his children to get his fix."

Sera tapped a finger against her sides for a moment. If I can get even a small portion of the people in Marwood dependent on these potions, it should become very easy to get them to head to the dungeon afterward.

"Desmonda, do you happen to know if there's a patch of dirt available nearby?"

The alchemist's brow furrowed slightly as she pointed towards another door. "There's a room where I grow mushrooms. It's got some soil."

"Perfect. I want to experiment with creating new potions, and you're going to help me with that."

"Uh, sure? Do you have materials I can work with?"

"Follow me," Sera said, turning towards the door.

Desmonda sighed deeply and wiped her hands on her stained apron. The weariness etched into her features was undeniable, but a spark of curiosity flickered in her eyes as she reluctantly followed Sera.

They stepped into the mushroom-growing room, where the air was noticeably cooler, carrying a rich earthy scent. The room was lit by a few lanterns stretched across the rows of shelves lining the walls. Each one was crammed with trays of mushrooms, ranging from tiny buds to fully mature fungi.

Sera moved towards a patch of soil nestled in a corner of the room. She crouched down, gently sifting through the dark, rich earth. She plucked a few mushrooms, their stems snapping crisply in the quiet room.

"I'll need to use this patch," Sera said, looking up from her work.

Desmonda shrugged half-heartedly. Her fatigue was evident in every aspect of her posture, from the droop of her shoulders to the way she leaned slightly against a nearby shelf. "You're the boss."

Sera rose from her crouched position and dusted her hands off. "Tell me, what properties do you think a plant should have to make the most addictive, and enjoyable potion for the masses?"

Desmonda's eyes narrowed as she considered the question. "Well, for something truly addictive and enjoyable, you'd want a plant with a potent euphoric effect. It should have rapid absorption properties to make the effects immediate. A mild hallucinogenic component could enhance the experience. And, of course, it should have a pleasant taste and aroma to mask any bitterness."

Sera nodded, absorbing the alchemist's words. "I'll give you exactly what you need."

"Uh, Boss, what do you mean by that?'

"Relax, just watch me."

She stepped closer to the patch of soil. After taking a deep breath, Sera tilted her head back slightly and opened her mouth. A moment later, a small, glistening seed appeared on her tongue. She carefully spat the seed into the soil and took a step back.

Desmonda watched in fascination as the seed glowed. The soil rippled as if in response to the seed's energy. In a few seconds, a slender green shoot broke through the surface, growing at an astonishing rate.

Soon, a plant that was unlike anything Desmonda had ever seen emerged. Its leaves were a deep, iridescent blue with silver veins that pulsed gently as if carrying liquid moonlight. Tiny, luminescent flowers sprouted along the stem, each one carrying petals that shifted colors from deep purple to pale lavender. The air around the plant filled with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, a blend of night-blooming jasmine and fresh rain.

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Desmonda stepped closer, eyes wide with amazement. "I… I've never seen a plant like this before. What is it called?"

Sera tapped a finger on her chin. "I think I'll call this plant Seluna, which sounds appropriate."

Desmonda couldn't tear her eyes away from the mesmerizing plant. "Is it okay if I harvest it?"

Sera nodded. "Of course, you're free to do so. However, I need you to make three concept potions immediately so we can get some preliminary testing done."

"That would be my pleasure."

Desmonda’s fingers tingled with anticipation as she carefully plucked a few leaves and flowers, then cradled them in her hands as if they were the most precious gems. Then, she returned to the alchemical workshop and set her newly harvested materials on a clean workspace, looking over the array of equipment and ingredients available.

Sera watched as Desmonda gathered the necessary components for her potions from her workstation. The air filled with the sound of clinking glass and the hiss of simmering liquids, as the alchemist got to work.

The first potion she created was an elixir of euphoria. She ground the Seluna leaves into a fine powder, mixing them with a base of distilled water and a few pinches of other herbs. Finally, she added a few drops of an orange colored liquid to make the mixture settle.

Next, she crafted a stamina potion. This time, she dissolved the petals of the Seluna directly into the mixture with ease. She combined them with essence of Nightrunner vine and a dash of powdered Gloomroot. The potion took on a brilliant violet color, the hues shifting as it bubbled gently in its flask.

For the final potion, Desmonda decided to experiment with a calming draught. She used both the leaves and flowers of the Seluna, infusing them with Dreamleaf essence. The liquid turned a soft, pale blue, its surface shimmering like moonlight on water.

Desmonda stepped back, admiring her work for a bit. Then, she carefully labeled each flask, noting the ingredients and the expected properties.

Sera approached the table,. "Impressive," she said, picking up the flask containing the elixir of euphoria. She held it up to the light, watching as the liquid sparkled. "These look promising. What do you expect from each of them?"

Desmonda took a deep breath, her excitement barely contained. "The elixir of euphoria should induce a state of intense joy and happiness, the stamina potion will boost endurance and energy levels, and the calming draught should provide a sense of peace and relaxation, easing stress and anxiety."

"Excellent, do you think these potions are ready for testing?"

"Anything can be ready for testing if you want it to, Boss."

Sera chuckled lightly. "I'll take these potions you made with me then."

***

Sera went down into the prison area. The walls exuded a chill that seeped through her clothing. And the air was thick with the scent of dampness from both water and dried urine.

She found Zoha waiting near the entrance, bowing her head lightly. "Welcome back, Mistress."

"Are the test subjects prepared?" Sera asked, her voice low and commanding, each word imbued with authority as they started walking down the narrow corridor.

Zoha nodded, a small, knowing smirk playing on her lips. "Yes, they are. Everything is ready."

"Good, then let's get started."

Their footsteps echoed as they approached a heavy iron door. Zoha took out a large, rusted key from the folds of her cloak and inserted it into the lock. A waft of stale air greeted them as the door opened inward, revealing a large cell bathed in the flickering glow of torchlight.

Inside, a dozen people huddled together, fearful and confused. Their eyes darted around the room, taking in the grim surroundings, the cold stone walls, and the iron bars that confined them.

Sera set down the three potions she had brought on a wooden table near the cell's entrance. The glass vials clinked softly against the rough-hewn surface. "Zoha, help me pour the potions into three to four cups each."

"Understood, Mistress."

The demoness immediately retrieved a set of clean, tarnished metal cups from a nearby shelf. She placed the cups on the table next to the potions, and uncorked each flask with a practiced hand. The scent of the concoctions filled the air: sweet, tangy, and earthy, each with its unique aroma.

Meanwhile, Sera turned her attention to a few Black Eagle members who stood nearby. "Gather twelve prisoners and have them stand in a line."

The Black Eagles moved immediately as they approached the huddled prisoners. They barked orders, herding the terrified captives into a single-file line. The prisoners shuffled forward, their faces pale and eyes wide with fear as they were forced into position.

Zoha, having poured each potion into its respective cup, stood by the table. Sera soon joined her, giving a brief glance over the line of prisoners. She motioned to the first four, indicating they should step forward. The captives obeyed, trembling as they approached the table.

"These first four will test the elixir of euphoria," Sera announced, her voice cutting through the tense silence.

She nodded to Zoha, who retrieved a cup of the potion for each prisoner. The liquid inside shimmered like molten gold, reflecting it in mesmerizing patterns.

Each prisoner grasped their cup with trembling hands, the cool metal stark against their clammy skin. They glanced nervously at one another at first, the faint clinking of their cups the only sound in the heavy silence. But the liquid's sweet scent soon wafted up to their noses, causing them to inhale deeply and momentarily forget their fear.

At first, they sipped tentatively, the golden liquid slipping past their lips and caressing their tongues. Their initial hesitation melted away as the elixir's warmth spread through their bodies. Within moments, their expressions softened, the rigid lines of fear dissolving into serene contentment.

Their eyes now glazed over with a radiant joy. Soft, dreamy smiles unfurled across their faces, each curve of their lips speaking of profound bliss.

"Interesting," Sera murmured. I expect this one to be quite popular with the general populace. Hopefully, the effects of withdrawal will be just as strong, if not moreso.

Sera then signaled for the next group of four to step forward. "These four will test the stamina potion."

Zoha handed out the cups filled with the violet liquid. The prisoners drank more readily this time, driven by a mixture of curiosity and resignation. Soon, their eyes brightened with energy, and they shifted restlessly, unable to stand still.

"Not too shabby," Sera noted, her gaze sharp as she watched the prisoners' reactions. This one could be better for adventurers and mercenaries.

Afterwards, Sera signaled for the last batch of prisoners to be brought forward. "These four will test the calming potion,"

Zoha distributed the final set of cups, filled with the pale blue liquid. Again the prisoners drank, and soon, a profound sense of calm washed over them. Their tense muscles relaxed, and their frantic, darting eyes softened with tranquility.

"Very effective," Sera said. Perhaps this one should be promoted more towards the nobility and wealthy merchants. Such people often engage in negotiations, and something like this could prove popular.

She turned to Zoha, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "It seems we've created some potent potions. Let's observe them for the next few hours to note any additional effects."

As time passed, Sera and Zoha continued to monitor the prisoners closely. The first group, under the influence of the elixir of euphoria, began to exhibit signs of overstimulation. Their blissful expressions twisted into manic grins, their bodies twitching with uncontrolled energy. One prisoner let out a hysterical laugh, while another started to dance erratically, unable to contain the overwhelming sensation.

"Too potent," Sera commented. "We'll need to adjust the formula to balance the effects."

The second group, bolstered by the stamina potion, showed signs of hyperactivity. They paced back and forth, their movements growing more frantic. One prisoner punched the air repeatedly, while another ran around in circles over and over again.

"Effective, but we may need to reduce the intensity slightly," Zoha noted, jotting down notes in a small, leather-bound journal.

The third group, under the calming draught's influence, appeared to fare the best. They remained tranquil, their expressions serene. However, one prisoner’s breathing grew shallow, and their eyelids drooped heavily as if they were on the verge of falling asleep. It would seem that the calming potion appears to be the closest one to perfection so far.

"Let's get these prisoners back to their cells," Sera instructed the Black Eagles. "And Zoha, send a request to Desmonda to prepare some more potions with a few modifications. We have much work ahead of us."