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“Come with me Skylar and Lora.” (Laenfard)

We followed the man to where he led us.

“This way is the secret passage only for merchants in case of emergency. Of course they would let me in, but in a case like this, if they were to open up that door, all would came rushing inside. It’s safer this way.” (Laenfard)

“But, what are those people going to do now? What’s even haunting them?” (me)

“Lately there have been reports of seeing some strange creatures coming to this city, the City of Light. I don’t know what could be the cause of this, but I know it’s not good. Also it interrupts us merchants.” (Laenfard)

“Where can we find out what’s going on in detail?” (me)

“You could try asking a royal guard, but they would probably be too busy and would just shoo you away. There is also a guy which tells information for money. Although I don’t trust him very much because of his shadowy aura.” (Laenfard)

We now found ourselves staring at the big wall in front of us. Laenfard grabbed a pole out of his cart and knocked on the wall. You could hear that the wall was shallow. Soon after the wall opened and we could enter. There being a hidden passage like this means that this city really cares about its merchants.

We passed through the hole in the wall. When we came to the other side Lora and I were surprised to see how colorful and bright the place was. There were flowers everywhere and it gave a blissful vibe to me. Like in a fairytale.

The people were having smiles on their faces and everyone was cheerful. Even the guards were like that, even though they still looked professional. “What an interesting place this is” I thought to myself.

The city was separated with 3 big streets. In the streets there were a lot of stores and guilds, just like I imagined. At the end of the middle street, there was a big church built out of, what it looks to be, marble. It was huge.

“Since I am a merchant, I have places to be, so I bid you farewell Skylar and Loraine.” (Laenfard)

We said goodbye to the merchant and were now looking for a place to stay. Lora had some money on her but it would probably suffice for only a day in a city like this. If we wanted a place to stay, we would probably need to work somewhere.

I can imagine there being stores that request help.

We found a place where we could stay. It isn’t much, but it will do its purpose. When we got to the room we were supposed to stay in, we were defeated by the look of it. It was pretty old. Dust everywhere. You could smell the mold in the air. We would at least need to clean up a bit, if we intend to sleep here. As a proper male, I left that job to Lora, while I went and searched for a job that will feed us.

Ideally it would be, if I found a job to produce potions and sell them, but I don’t have a lot of ingredients. I could also find a place to enchant items that I bought and sell them for a higher price. It’s good that I know stuff like this. If I didn’t, I would need Lora to go to a job.

I was walking in the main street, looking around. Finally I found a store which sells potions and elixirs. I should definitely see if they need help.

I came into the store, searching for a seller, but I couldn’t see anyone. I yelled “Is anybody here?” which to my response, a loud thud happened.

“I’ll be right there!” (???)

Hmm, it seems like she is quite busy. I waited a minute for her to come down from the upstairs. She was little with red twin tails flailing from one side to the other.

“How can I help you customer?” (???)

“I’m not a customer, I am interested in working here.” (me)

“You? You want to make potions and sell them here?”

“That is correct.” (me)

“Oh please, like you could do anything as tough as this. I don’t have time for newbies like you.” (???)

“Hey, you don’t even know how good I am! At least give me a try. All I need is one chance!” (me)

“Why should I? I can manage on my own here. Also papa will be back soon!” (???)

“Yes, I can see how you are managing on your own, being upstairs most of the time.” (me)

Looks like I hit the spot. She just scowled and sighed.

“Alright then!!! You have one chance! DON’T MESS IT UP!” (???)

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“Yes sir!” I said as I instantly grabbed one of my favorite recipes and threw all of the needed ingredients for it on the table.

I had to borrow her cauldron for making this potion, which was kind of unproductive, since you make potions that last longer with a familiar cauldron. Also, you have to infuse mana as a fuel instead of fire. Making potions out of fire is the basic way.

The potion which was I going to make, wasn’t located here in the store, so she can’t say to me that she could do the same thing. For each type of potion there is the ideal amount of mana that has to be infused into the cauldron.

Since I read a lot of books I know what kind of potions there exist and I know when to stop infusing mana. The potion I was making right now, is supposed to make you jump 5 times higher than usual. Since you can combine potions that are of the same kind, you could become a real monster with a congregation of potions.

 You need to be careful not to mix fire potion and water potions since those two negate each other. Since I am making a wind type of potion, you could drink a speed potion as well and you could then have both effects.

In order to create the best potion, you need concentration that isn’t normal by any stretch of imagination. I’ve developed that throughout the years of practicing so I know what I’m doing. Also I know how crazy this potion’s effect is because I’ve tried it once. I had a blast that day.

Finishing the potion I grabbed the flask and turned around to see the girl looking at me like she had seen an extraordinary thing. I’m not sure what is going on inside her mind, but it can’t be good.

“What are you?” She asked me with a scared face.

“I’m Skylar, nice to meet you…?”

“I’m Suzu…”

“That would be 2 gold.” (me)

“What?” (Suzu)

“It’s the price of this potion.” (me)

“Well I’m not going to pay for it. You are going to sell it to the first customer that comes by.” (Suzu)

“What? That wasn’t the deal!” (me)

“It is now. If you want to work here, you will have to be a salesman as well!” (Suzu)

It was me now who sulked. I was never good with other people… but, I have no choice right now. I need to make some money, so that I can stay with Lora here a little longer. It can’t be that hard, can it?

I then waited a bit for a customer to arrive in hopes of selling this potion for at least 2 gold. Of course my first price would be 3.

“Young man, I’m interested in this green looking potion you have in your hands. I have never seen it selling in this store. What is the effect of the potion?” (???)

I raised my head at the giant man that was speaking to me with the lowest voice I’ve heard, ever. He was like a rock. You could see that his muscles were quite out of the ordinary. I say, he could lift this store up with one finger if he wanted to…

“Ummm, this potion will make you jump 5 times higher than normal. The price of the potion is 3 gold coins.” (me)

“3 GOLD COINS? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND YOUNG BOY?” (???)

“THE PRICE IS 3 GOLD COINS! TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT!” (me)

The giant man was furiously looking at me as he seemed to judge every move I make.

“You, the girl behind the counter, yes you! Come here and drink this potion.” (???)

“Okay!” She seemed so frightened that I though she had wet her panties when he spoke to her. I don’t blame her.

She gulped down that potion in one go and suddenly she started jumping 6 meter high like a bunny on strength potions.

The man smiled at what he was seeing and said:

“You have passed the test, young lad.”

“Sorry what?” I said with a confused face slightly guessing what could be the test.

“You successfully created a potion and sold it to me for 3 gold. Here is your money.” He then put the 3 gold coins on the counter while patting the little girl, who was now smiling and wasn’t scared at all.

“I see what’s going on here… You are her father aren’t you? (me)

“Yes, I am. My name is Ruftius. Welcome to the place where you will be working, the Miracle Potions”.

Miracle potions??? That is the lamest name I heard in years… Who gives a damn, at least I made 3 gold coins…