Chapter 9: Monster Business

Lionel hesitated for a moment, wondering if he could trust the merchant. The man’s confident demeanor, paired with the promise of finding the magical herbs he needed, compelled Lionel to follow him deeper into the tent.

As he stepped inside, the musty scent of herbs and spices filled his nostrils. Shelves lined the walls, stacked with jars and pouches of various sizes, each containing a different herb or ingredient. Lionel’s eyes widened in amazement at the variety on display—he had never seen so many magical herbs gathered in one place before.

The merchant led him to a shelf at the back of the tent, where a small selection of herbs was displayed. "These are what you're after," the merchant said gruffly, gesturing toward the table. "Take a look, see if anything catches your eye."

Lionel tapped his glasses and surveyed the jars more closely, trying to identify any of the familiar herbs he found in his codex. Half of the herbs were familiar to him, but the other half seemed to be rare or exotic specimens that he had never seen before.

However, he couldn't find the [Sunroot] he was looking for.

Just then, he noticed a small jar in the corner of the shelf, labeled with the word "Rare" in bold letters. Lionel's heart leaped with excitement as he quickly made his way over to the jar. He picked it up, examined it closely, and read the label in a loud voice. "One of the rarest herbs of Ulythes, the [Elyxion] flower."

The merchant's voice broke his concentration, ready to set his pitch. "Ah, I see you've found the [Elyxion] flower. It's one of the rarest herbs, only found at the deepest chasms of a cave that extends beneath in one of the highest-tiered zones. The flower's beauty is often compared to the radiance of the sun. Legend has it that it holds powerful restorative effects, and its essence can bring new life even to the most desolate of lands."

Lionel’s excitement dimmed slightly. "It's beautiful, but it’s not what I’m looking for. I need [Sunroot]. It’s said to grow in this forest."

The merchant’s expression turned serious, and he scratched his chin thoughtfully. "[Sunroot]? That’s a tough one. Haven’t seen it in a while. It’s rare, and recently, bounty hunters have been causing trouble in these parts, which makes finding anything difficult."

Lionel’s heart sank at the news, but he pressed on. "Do you have anything similar?"

The merchant thought for a moment before pointing to a jar of dark red powder on his table. "This is made from the roots of the Fire Lily. Its properties are similar to Sunroot and can be used in enchantments."

Lionel picked up the jar and inspected the fine, dark powder. "How would I use this in an enchantment?" he asked.

The merchant leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You’ll need to mix it with other ingredients and chant the proper incantation for the effect you want. It’s a delicate process, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it."

Impressed by the merchant’s knowledge, Lionel nodded. "I’ll take it," he said, reaching into his pouch for his silver coins.

The merchant pocketed the coins with a deft motion and handed Lionel the jar. "Be careful with it," he warned. "The Fire Lily is volatile. The roots must be harvested properly to retain their magic.

Lionel thanked the merchant, tucking the jar of powder into his satchel. As he stepped out of the tent, he noticed a small crowd gathered near a nearby booth. Curious, he made his way over to see what the commotion was about.

The booth was surrounded by a fence of wooden stakes, sharpened to a fine point, with coiled wire running between them to form a nearly impenetrable barrier. Above the thick canvas tent, a sign swayed in the breeze, catching Lionel’s eye.

"Monster Enclosure - See the Wonders of the World!"

One person in the crowd tried to catch the metal slime with a net, but the slimy creature moved too fast and effortlessly slid through the gaps in the net, evading the capture.

[Xenoslime]

The creature had a dull silver hue and was roughly the size of a small apple. Its shape resembled a teardrop, with a rounded top and a tapered bottom. Two black dots served as its eyes, and its body appeared to be made of shiny metallic material.

Lionel felt curious about the creature and wondered what kind of hideous abilities it might have. He approached the booth and asked the vendor about the slime.

The vendor's grin widened as he spoke, "Ah, the metal slime! It's a creature that has the unique ability to absorb and store magical energy, making it highly sought after by mages and enchanters. It can also store fluids and transform into different types of metals."

Lionel knew capturing and selling monsters yielded a lucrative business, but at the same time, he also heard rumors of some collectors going to extreme lengths to obtain rare specimens. The other monsters in the enclosure were more unsettling than the slime, with their grotesque shapes and menacing features.

Lionel adjusted his glasses, eager to see more details about the monsters in the enclosure. From there, he saw five monsters lined up in their pen, each one stranger and odder than the last.

[Rabbithorn]

A playful creature with the body of a rabbit and majestic antlers resembling of a flimsy but exquisite vines.

It is often found nibbling on flowers that sheds its petals, which also seem to blossom in its presence.

[Vapidsnake]

Vapidsnake slithers with its scales reflecting an ethereal mist that constantly shifts in color.

Its hypnotic gaze is said to entrance those who meet its eyes, luring them into a dreamlike state.

[Terraturtle]

Terraturtle's colossal shell is virtually impenetrable, offering protection from predators and monster alike.

Its slow but its unstoppable frame could march across landscapes without hinder.

[Boarmak]

Boarmak is a ferocious, boar-like creature with thick, bristly fur and massive tusks that curve upward.

Its tusks are used for digging up roots and tubers, as well as for defense against potential threats.

[Manticore]

Manticore is a mythical beast with the body of a lion, wings of a bat, and a tail that ends in a cluster of venomous spines.

The tail of the Manticore is its most fearsome feature, capable of launching spines with deadly accuracy.

"How does one catch it?" Lionel inquired.

The vendor gestured towards the failed net-catcher. "It's no easy feat, I can assure you. That [Xenoslime] is incredibly tough and can harden into solid material while changing its form, slipping through most traps."

Lionel watched the enclosure from a distance, observing the slime as it continued to evade capture. Suddenly, the slime stopped moving and began to emit a soft glow. The crowd gasped in surprise as the metallic creature contorted and changed to a different shape, warping and twisting as if it were made of liquid.

Lionel's heart started to race as he moved closer, staring at the strange creature emerging from the mutation. The slime had transformed into a terrifying beast right before his eyes, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as he watched it. The creature seemed to be sizing up its surroundings, looking for a way to escape its enclosure.

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Suddenly, it lunged towards the fence, its razor-sharp teeth gnashing as it tried to break through the wooden stakes. The crowd backed away in fear, but Lionel couldn't tear his eyes away from the creature.

He knew that if the creature managed to escape, it could wreak havoc on the marketplace.

The vendor was already shouting for the guards to come, and he had to act fast. He quickly rummaged through his satchel and found the jar of Fire Lily powder he had just bought.

Without hesitation, Lionel mixed the Fire Lily powder with the [Ingris slime], creating a fiery concoction that would hopefully immobilize the creature. He stirred the mixture vigorously, as the intense heat of the Fire Lily powder caused the slime to bubble and boil.

He took a deep breath and ran towards the clearing, dodging through the panicked crowd as he went to its narrow spaces.

Once he approached the fence, Lionel saw the guards doing their best to hold the creature at all costs. It had managed to gnaw through one of the wooden stakes and was now using it as a weapon to fend off its captors.

Lionel raised his hand, holding the jar of fiery slime above his head, and shouted for the guards to stand back. They hesitated for a second, unsure of what Lionel was doing, but quickly complied when they saw the determined look on his face.

Using all his strength, Lionel hurled the jar of slime at the creature, hitting it directly in the face. The jar exploded upon contact, engulfing the aggressive creature in flames. The mutated slime thrashed and howled in pain, trying to pour out the fire that now consumed its body.

The creature's screams pierced the air, sending chills to his spine. But he knew he couldn't stop now. He closed his eyes and entered a meditative state, influencing the fiery energy emanating from the powder he had mixed with the [Ingris Slime].

Witnessing the flames intensify, Lionel observed as they grew larger and formed into a sphere, as the heat nibbled through the fence. Outside the barrier, the guards sensed the relentless flames crackling and swirling as they devoured the slime.

Once he opened his eyes, he saw the creature writhing in agony inside the fiery sphere. The flames were so intense that they began to spread to the surrounding area. The guards quickly jumped into action, using their water buckets to douse the fire.

Lionel continued to concentrate, directing the fiery energy to spread evenly across the sphere, ensuring that the creature was fully engulfed in flames. His control over the fire allowed him to contain the destruction within the confines of the sphere, preventing any further damage to the marketplace.

Once the last embers died, Lionel breathed a deep sigh of relief. The flames began to subside, leaving nothing but a smoldering pile of ash where the creature once stood.

He couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. It felt as if he had stumbled upon a power he never knew he had.

The guards thanked him for his quick thinking, and the vendor who sold him the Fire Lily powder offered to refund his purchase. "I never thought I'd see someone use my powder so effectively," the vendor said. "You have a talent for this kind of thing."

Lionel was still lost in thought. He felt as if he had just woken up from a dream, still processing the events that had just happened.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed within him. He had always been a quiet, unassuming person, content with his simple life. But now, he had seen a glimpse of something more.

Lionel hesitated before responding, "That creature... It seemed different from the usual monsters. It's like there was something unnatural about it."

The vendor exchanged a knowing glance with the guards. "You're perceptive. That was no ordinary monster. It was a product of dark magic, an experiment gone wrong. Some seek to harness magical creatures for their own twisted purposes."

As the vendor finished speaking, Lionel finally snapped out of his trance. "Thank you," he said softly, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the experience. "I never thought I would have to use it in such a way, but I'm glad it worked."

The crowd had fallen silent, and Lionel could feel their eyes on him as he turned to face them. He could see the fear and awe in their expressions and knew that he had done something unbelievable to their eyes.

Suddenly, Lionel felt a firm grip behind his back. "Hold on there, young man," the mysterious figure said in a deep, ominous tone. "You shouldn't carelessly expose your skills like that, especially for someone whose anima hasn't been awakened yet."

Lionel turned around to face the thin figure who had suddenly appeared behind him. The man wore a long black coat and carried a satchel of potions. His face was lined with age and wisdom, and his eyes glowed with a hint of mischief. He looked like a typical alchemist, casually strolling around buying potions.

Lionel faced the figure, surprised by the sudden interruption. "Oh, uh, sorry about that," he stammered. "I just wanted to help out."

The figure raised an eyebrow. "Well, you don't even know the rules before using your ability," said the figure, shaking its head in disapproval. "You need to be more careful."

Lionel nods, feeling a bit ashamed. "You're right. I should have been more cautious."

The figure leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Listen, a troop of soldiers is about to arrive here soon. You need to pretend like you're someone who's acquainted with an alchemist and act like one of his apprentices."

Lionel furrows his brow in confusion. "Why would I do that?"

The figure chuckles. "Well, let's just say. I have a feeling that you're going to need some protection. And if you become my apprentice. I could keep an eye on you."

Lionel raised an eyebrow. "And what's in it for you?"

The figure shrugs. "Well, I could use some extra help with my alchemical experiments. And who knows, maybe you'll learn a thing or two."

"Um, thanks for the tip," Lionel said, unwilling to let the figure know his true feelings.

"I'm not sure I can accept your offer," Lionel continued, hesitant. "But I think I'll pass for now."

Lionel's mind wandered to a story he had heard about cheap seniors trying to amass their own apprentices. He had heard how these young apprentices were made to work through their bones, doing menial tasks for hours on end, with little reward. The tales were grim and haunting, treating them like nothing more than tools to further their own interest. It was an ingrained culture among magicians, even for the alchemists.

No, but perhaps, such avarice also applies to those who seek to acquire knowledge and power as well.

The alchemist shrugged as if he had expected the boy's reluctance. "No problem, my boy. The offer is still open if you ever change your mind."

Lionel nodded politely, still unsure about the stranger's intentions. As the alchemist turned to leave, he watched him disappear into the crowd, pondering what he should do next.

Suddenly, he noticed a guard glued a piece of parchment on a nearby quest board. It was a notice from the local authorities, warning about a group of bandits roaming around in the forest.

"Great, just when I rejected that alchemist's offer." Lionel sighed, but he didn't regret it.

He didn't want to be another pawn in someone else's chess, especially if it meant sacrificing his own dreams and goals.

Lionel strolled around and noticed a book displayed at a nearby stall. It was another volume of the [Ulythes Herb Codex], and Lionel couldn't believe his luck. He had been using the first volume of the codex for his herb study, but it had only covered a fraction of the herbs he had encountered in his travels.

However, before he could approach the stall, Lionel suddenly felt a sudden jolt of pain in his chest. He toppled over, gasping for breath as the pain intensified. It felt like someone was squeezing his heart with an iron grip, causing him to collapse onto the ground.

The pain grew worse, and Lionel could feel his consciousness slipping away. He closed his eyes, hoping that the pain would go away.

But it didn't.

Instead, a strange image began to form in his mind. It was a blurry vision of a vast, fiery forge, with flames leaping high into the air. In the center of the forge stood a massive, muscular figure with a bushy beard and wild hair. His eyes glowed with a fierce intensity, clutching a hammer in his hand.

As Lionel watched, the figure shifted his eyes and spoke in a deep, booming voice.

"Take this gift. It's the origin of all life, as all flames birthed from me."

Lionel lay on the floor as a bright red flame burst forth at the remains of a charred tree. His vision turned white as he felt a presence dragging him into the depths of his consciousness. The space around him shook, and a prairie of grass stretched out before him, bathed in the morning light of the setting sun. Not far away, blurred figures armed with spears pranced around, chanting in awe as the flames burst into life. The figures cheered and cried in worship as the flames sway in a hypnotic dance.

From the vision, a memory of the book and its complex language unfold before his eye, whispering a faint echo of a long-forgotten knowledge from the past. In one of its pages, a pure and untainted form of power, described an energy completely free from the influence of anima. It wasn't an element, mana, or even anima, but a material derived from life and its origins.

Then the scene suddenly shifted, and he found himself floating in the middle of a great army. Rows upon rows of soldiers lined up, wielding different weapons made of metal. Some carried swords, others spears, while others wielded axes or maces.

Each soldier had a stern, determined look written on their face, with tension and bloodlust curdling in the air. He noticed that some soldiers wore helmets with complex designs that resembled fierce animals, like lions or wolves, while others had more practical helmets that covered their entire faces. The soldiers with plate mail armor seemed to be the most heavily armed, with shields strapped to their arms and long swords at their sides.

As the sound of the trumpet rumbled through the air, Lionel could see the soldiers standing at attention, ready to march. He watched as the soldiers began to move forward, the ground trembling beneath their feet.

Suddenly, the image began to crumble, and Lionel found himself lying on the ground, gasping for air. He opened his eyes and saw a troop of soldiers standing over him, their faces carved with concern.

"Are you alright, lad?" one of the soldiers asked.