I sat down at the table, flipping through the pages of the worn alchemy book once again. My eyes scanned the faint blue glow highlighting key sections, guiding me through the complex instructions.
The more I read, the more pieces of knowledge about alchemy began to fall into place. I hadn't studied this field before, but with the system's help, it all started to make sense.
"Alchemy isn't just about using catalysts," I muttered under my breath as I absorbed more of the book. "It's about understanding the balance between plants—their essence, properties, and reactions."
The book detailed how certain plants could be mixed and combined to create remedies, poisons, or even neutral compounds. I realized that basic alchemy didn't necessarily require a physical catalyst if the alchemist had a strong enough understanding of the plants.
"I can do this," I thought, feeling great confidence within me "I don't need a potion from the apothecary if I can mix the plants myself."
All of a sudden the window popped up again, alerting me of a new skill.
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You Have Learned : Basic Alchemy - Passive
You can now identify, mix, and combine natural ingredients without a catalyst.
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"This is it, I can do this!" I thought in my mind as I read more of the book Olivia gave me.
In a quick skim, I came across notes that seemed to align with what Olivia had mentioned earlier. Among the scattered illustrations of plants were specific details about stinger plants—a species known for its venomous properties. The venom wasn't typically lethal, but in large doses, it could cause severe reactions, including the purple spots I had seen on Olivia's grandfather.
Suddenly, my attention shifted to a page tucked between the notes. It wasn't part of the alchemy book but seemed to be Olivia's own writing. The ink was fresher, and the paper was less worn. I carefully picked up the notes and read its contents.
“Stinger plants… found near the edge of the forest, growing close to herbs. Might have mixed accidentally with the plants grandfather gathered…”
My heart raced, it felt like I solved a hard math equation, The trees near the elves weren’t the problem—it was the stinger plants growing near the herbs her grandfather had collected.
I stood up quickly, turning to Olivia, who was nervously pacing nearby. “Olivia,” I called her out, with my voice filled with confidence, “Do you still have the herbs your grandfather picked? The ones he gathered before he got poisoned?”
Olivia blinked, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and hope. “I—I think so. They should still be downstairs in the storage basket. Why?”
“I think I know what’s wrong,” I said with certainty. “It’s not the trees near the elves. It’s the stinger plants. They must have been mixed in with the herbs he picked.”
Her eyes widened as she nodded. “Come with me. I’ll show you the basket.”
The two of us hurried downstairs, where Olivia led me to a corner of the kitchen. Hidden behind a small table was a large woven basket filled with dried plants and herbs. She pulled it out, placing it on the table for me to examine.
I leaned over the basket, my eyes going thru the dried leaves and stems. I moved aside the larger plants, my fingers brushing over the textures until I spotted something odd—thin, needle-like stems hidden beneath the larger herbs.
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Carefully, I pulled out a few strands of what looked like tiny, inconspicuous plants. But their distinct texture, almost like a porcupine's quill.
“Here,” I said, holding up the stinger plants. “These were mixed in with the herbs. Your grandfather must have touched them while gathering the other plants. That’s what poisoned him.”
Olivia was in shock, her hands on her mouth. “I—I didn’t even notice. I was so focused on the herbs he usually picks. But these… I didn’t even see them.”
I smiled reassuringly. “It’s easy to miss. But now that we know what caused it, we can figure out how to cure him.”
Olivia’s face filled with excitement and hope. “Do you think we can fix this? Without the apothecary’s potion?”
“I’m going to try,” I said, with great confidence “I’ve learned a bit from the book, and I think I can mix the right plants to neutralize the poison. But I’ll need your help.”
Olivia nodded, her fear slowly replaced by determination. “Anything. Just tell me what to do.”
I looked back at the basket, my mind was already piecing together the steps I needed to take. This was my chance to prove myself , not only to Olivia but to Kar'npaul and his group too. I wasn't gonna let myself be dead meat, I want to become someone who could make a difference.
I crouched beside the table, narrowing my eyes at the Stinger plant hidden beneath a cluster of harmless herbs. Carefully, I reached out and plucked it from the bundle, taking extra caution not to prick myself with its tiny, venomous thorns. The plant dripped a faint sap as I held it up to the light, my Examine skill activating.
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Stinger Plant
A small, venomous plant often found hidden among other herbs. Its thorns contain a potent toxin that can cause temporary paralysis or fever when touched.
Condition: Fresh
Effects:
1. Contains venom that can cause paralysis and fever.
2. Can be used to create an antidote when properly mixed with neutralizing agents.
3. ???
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"This is it," I said to myself. The system confirmed what I suspected, the Stinger plant’s venom was causing the poisoning, but it also held the key to curing it.
Turning to Olivia, I spoke with urgency. "I need a glass of water, a spoon, and a knife. Quickly."
She didn’t hesitate, rushing to the small kitchen to gather what I asked for. As she returned, I had already laid the Stinger plant on the table, preparing to extract its venom.
Pulling out my sheathe, I used the flat edge to press down on the plant’s stem, carefully forcing the venom to drip into the glass of water. The liquid swirled faintly, mixing with the venom as it fell.
Next, I grabbed a Lime Herb from the cart, its vibrant green leaves releasing a faint citrus scent. Crushing the herb in my hand, I sliced it into small pieces with the knife and added it to the venomous mixture.
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NAME: Lime Herb
A citrus-scented herb known for its ability to neutralize toxins. Often used in healing mixtures to counteract poisons.
Condition: Fresh
Effects:
1. Neutralizes low-to-mid level toxins when consumed or applied.
2. Can enhance the healing effects of certain antidotes.
3. ???
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As the leaves dissolved into the water, the liquid began to bubble softly, slowly turning a pale green.
I stirred the concoction gently with the spoon, balancing the strength of the mixture, one mistake and this could make a failed potion, or even worse, a greater poison. I took my time, ensuring that the Lime Herb neutralized the venom without diluting its potency too much. Gradually, the water settled into a light green color—the mixture was complete.
I turned to Olivia, who stood by with wide, hopeful eyes. "This should work," I said, feeling confident that I accomplished something without asking for dire help. We quickly rushed back to her grandfathers room and I approached him, carefully lifting the glass to his lips. He swallowed the liquid weakly, his face twitching slightly as he drank.
For a few moments, nothing happened. I could feel the tension in the air, my own heart pounding in my chest. Then, slowly, the purple dots on his chest began to fade. His breathing steadied, and color returned to his pale face.
"He’s… he’s getting better," Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with relief.
I let out a deep breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. A wave of pride and satisfaction washed over me. I had done it. I did something, I felt relief as I laid down on the floor while his grandfather sat up his bed.
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NAME: Justin Joe HP: 100/100
CLASS: Botanist MP: 100/100
LEVEL: 1 STATUS: Normal
SKILLS:
Examine - LVL 2
Harvest - LVL 1
Basic Alchemy - Passive
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