“Senior, want to make a deal with me?” Mo Li raised an eyebrow. “What deal?”
“Don’t worry—there’s no harm to you, in fact it might even benefit you. If it weren’t for the fact that you’re an alchemist with a penchant for poisons, I wouldn’t have entrusted this errand to you.” With that, Lana retrieved an icy blue, soap-like, cake-shaped substance from a cabinet.
“This alchemical product was concocted using a formula I happened to come by—a poison of sorts. Its effects… are somewhat peculiar.”
“Oh?”
“This medicinal cake will explode upon contact with any solid at below-freezing temperatures, unleashing a burst of fire element. Well, at least that’s what the formula says.”
“So, you mean it’ll violently explode when it touches ice?”
“Yeah, something like that. I’ve tested it myself—it does indeed explode. But strictly speaking, this product isn’t really a poison. A poison, by definition, has to harm the human body; so….”
“You want me to test how much damage this thing could actually do to a person, don’t you?”
“Bingo—exactly.” Lana grinned. “You know, an alchemist’s success is judged by the actual effect of his work. If it’s all flash with no substance, it’s doomed to be swept aside by time.”
“But I think your formula isn’t exactly practical,” Mo Li complained.
As everyone knows, only those with a natural affinity for elements like wind, fire, thunder, and ice can wield them freely. Besides, there are element-enchanted weapons. Alchemical medicines capable of unleashing vast elemental power aren’t exactly without merit.
“But here’s the catch: it only explodes when it contacts ice. That greatly limits its practicality. You can’t expect to charge into battle clutching a huge ice block, and unless you’re fighting in a frozen wasteland, this alchemical product is pretty useless.”
“Exactly. That’s why I want you to test this medicinal cake in a real combat scenario to see what effect it really has. As payment, the medicinal cake is yours.”
“….”
Mo Li paused, deep in thought rather than immediately accepting.
“Exploding when it touches ice, huh? Senior Lana, could you pass me the formula for this medicinal cake?”
“Oh?” Lana beamed at Mo Li before folding her arms. “Now that’s interesting. Kid, you’re already dabbling in alchemy, aren’t you? So why is it that you know so little about the rules?”
“Rules?” Mo Li blinked.
“Looks like I’ll have to teach you a lesson. An alchemist isn’t so generous as to simply hand over his knowledge. To gain knowledge, you must exchange something of equal value—oh, not lose it, but exchange it.”
“Exchange? … But I don’t seem to have any personal formulas of equivalent value to trade.”
“Oh, you do, don’t you?” Lana smiled. “For example, that time you made a complete mess of my laboratory—maybe I’m interested in that one~”
“That one? … But that concoction didn’t really work out for you, did it?” Mo Li said, with a hint of insinuation.
“Of course I’m not saying I need to personally use that concoction,” Lana snapped.
“Then, was it meant for your partner?”
“…You little rascal, if you keep making these dirty jokes, I’m going to get really angry!” Lana squinted.
“Sorry, sorry…”
“And besides, what partner? An alchemist who spends twenty out of twenty-four hours in the lab isn’t exactly known for having a love interest!” Lana huffed. “Kid, you really underestimate alchemists!”
“I’m very sorry… But that formula is a bit special. Since you haven’t used it, why do you want it?”
“You’re such a novice.” Lana tapped her temple. “There’s something called a thirst for knowledge—a desire that’s common among alchemists. Understand? … Never mind, you haven’t dug deep enough yet. You’ll understand in time.”
“Actually, the formula for that medicine is quite simple, and I could give it to you… But, Miss Lana, may I ask before we proceed—what’s your relationship with Uncle Norma?”
“…Why are you suddenly asking that?” Lana’s expression shifted awkwardly as she turned her face away.
“I meant—do you share a ‘what’s good for one is good for all’ kind of bond with Uncle Norma?”
“…Isn’t that obvious? Once the ‘slave contract’ was signed, if he gets unlucky, I’m screwed too,” Lana retorted rudely.
“Alright, I’ll give you the formula, but please don’t let it spread. It wouldn’t be good for either Uncle Norma or you.”
“Got it, got it. I wouldn’t expose someone else’s formula or trade it away. But seriously, how precious is your formula that you’re so cautious?”
“The formula itself isn’t precious—the valuable part is the ingredient it requires.”
“Ingredient? What ingredient is so rare?”
“Dragon’s saliva.”
“Dragon’s saliva… You added dragon’s saliva? Can you even get that stuff?”
“No—it was just a fortunate accident.”
“I see. No wonder the medicinal effect is so… bizarre. It turns out you added such an overpowering ingredient.” Lana’s expression brightened with understanding.
“Please keep this matter strictly confidential.”
“Of course I will. Things from a dragon’s body can drive those in power crazy—I don’t want any trouble.” Lana shot Mo Li an exasperated look.
After outlining the necessary precautions, the two exchanged formulas.
Maybe this alchemical formula meant nothing to others, but for Mo Li it held special significance. He’d already decided exactly how to make use of this medicinal cake.
“You can use all my alchemical materials, reagents, crucibles, and furnace as you wish. I know my lab will get messy—it’s inevitable. So here, good luck to you.” Lana carefully placed the formula Mo Li had written into her collection. Perhaps buoyed by acquiring a new formula, her mood lightened and her tone softened.
She pushed open the door and left the alchemy room.
“…So that’s a deal then?” Norma, waiting by the door, was rather surprised, wondering when their alchemist had become so easygoing.
“It’s just that a deal was struck.”
“What deal?”
“Just the secrets between alchemists, you know.” Lana replied cryptically.
Inside the alchemy room, Mo Li took a deep breath.
Once things quieted down, he set about preparing the alchemical medicines needed for tomorrow’s competition.
