CH147
After Brack finished speaking, Helag said, "I'll make some arrangements soon. I hope everyone can cooperate to improve the potion field yields."
Having toured each potion field, Helag already had some ideas in mind.
After Brack introduced him to the team and discussed a few matters, everyone dispersed to continue their work.
"Mr. Brack, I have some ideas. Once I finalise them, I'll show you to see if they're feasible," Helag said as they walked together.
Brack nodded. "No problem."
Back at the castle, Helag instructed Deep Blue, "Deep Blue, create a growth and cultivation plan for Kent Valley's potion fields. It should detail the current growth status of each field, potential future growth, possible issues, and necessary interventions."
His idea was simple: with Deep Blue, he could implement a modernised management system for the potion fields.
The beauty of data analysis lies in predicting future scenarios based on current conditions.
Potion materials can suffer from pests or sudden wilting, which are normal occurrences and part of expected losses.
However, all changes have precursors. Identifying problems early allows for preemptive solutions.
For the wizard apprentices, managing regular care is challenging enough. Predicting issues is difficult, and typically achieved only by experienced elders.
With Deep Blue's data analysis capabilities, Helag could create detailed growth plans and reports to assist the apprentices in managing the potion fields, significantly improving overall yields.
[Plan completed.]
Deep Blue quickly delivered the results; such calculations were no challenge for it.
Detailed plans and numerous data reports appeared before Helag.
He took several sheets of parchment and used magic to print the plans and reports onto them.
***
Two days later, Helag took these documents to Brack.
Brack's residence was simple, a small wooden house with a vegetable garden.
The garden grew common vegetables, seemingly tended by Brack himself, as there were no servants in sight.
As Helag approached the garden gate, Brack emerged.
"Mr. Brack, take a look at this," Helag said, handing over his work.
Initially puzzled by the charts, Brack quickly understood after Helag's brief explanation.
"This… this is a remarkable design!" Brack was impressed not by the content but by the pie charts, bar graphs, and tables, which were refreshing and innovative.
As a seasoned wizard, Brack quickly recognized the inherent value of these data visualization methods.
They could be applied beyond potion field management, even to spell model analysis.
Brack praised, "Helag, did you come up with all this?"
Helag modestly smiled. "Just something I tinkered with in my spare time."
"A genius! Larry wasn't wrong; you're a true genius!" Brack exclaimed.
He continued examining the parchment. "I see you've written growth trends and potential issues for each potion field over seven days, a month, and three months. How did you do this?"
Helag explained, "It's based on existing knowledge and predictions. It may not be entirely accurate, but it provides a reference. If predicted issues arise, they can be addressed early."
Brack reviewed the content, comparing it with his experience, and found most of it aligned.
He was knowledgeable but lacked the time and energy to oversee every potion field.
"This is excellent. I'll have them copied and distributed," Brack decided.
Helag added, "I'll update the content monthly, making real-time adjustments based on growth conditions."
Brack considered and said, "Don't spend too much time on this. Your cultivation is also important."
"It's fine. It won't take much time. Once the data model is established, only minor adjustments are needed," Helag explained.
This work wouldn't consume his time; Deep Blue could handle the data analysis.
The parchments were quickly copied into dozens of sets and distributed to the wizard apprentices and knights managing the potion fields.
Helag gathered them in the potion field's clearing, explaining how to interpret the data.
The wizard apprentices, being smarter than average, quickly grasped the data visualization and plans with little effort.
The knights, however, learned more slowly, struggling with many concepts.
These knights were literate but lacked advanced knowledge.
Unlike wizard apprentices, who studied basic math and science.
There was no choice but to take it slow.
"If you have questions, feel free to ask me or help each other," Helag instructed.
The apprentices and knights nodded, studying the parchments carefully.
One perceptive apprentice murmured, "This could replace us."
He realized that with this system, fewer people were needed to oversee the potion fields.
They could simply follow the plans and address issues as scheduled, without constantly monitoring every plot.
Over the next two weeks, the apprentices and knights familiarized themselves with the plans and data, gradually learning to manage the fields accordingly.
Helag initially spent time guiding them, combining practical demonstrations with explanations. They eventually understood.
Now, Helag could confidently let them handle things independently.
A few days later, Brack sent word that there were updates on some first-level spells.
Helag hurried over, and Brack said, "Based on your request, the family found three first-level spells. See if you're interested. If you want them, we'll buy them for you."
CH148
Brack handed over a parchment detailing three first-level spells.
[First-Level Spell: Dark Orb, a dark energy attack spell, priced at 150 magic stones.]
[First-Level Spell: Dark Armor, a dark energy defensive spell, priced at 350 magic stones.]
[First-Level Spell: Giant Body, which enlarges the body and enhances physical strength, priced at 300 magic stones. Friendly reminder: prepare extra clothes.]
After reviewing the spells, Helag nodded. "They're all good. I'll take them."
Brack smiled. "I knew you specialised in dark energy, so I found these for you. Dark energy spells aren't expensive, just rare due to the few wizards with this affinity."
Helag spent a total of 800 magic stones and was left with 1,500 magic stones after purchasing the spells.
Helag was satisfied with these spells. Dark Orb and Dark Armor suited his dark energy specialization.
Though its exact effects were unknown, Giant Body seemed to be a physical enhancement spell.
"This spell enlarges the body. Combined with my partial petrification spell, it could become even tougher…"
A few days later, the spells arrived at Kent Valley.
Three thick spell model books lay on Helag's desk. He first picked up the Dark Orb spell.
The spell model was simple, mainly using dark energy particles to release explosive energy.
"Deep Blue, begin analyzing and constructing the Dark Orb spell model."
[Task archived,
estimated completion in 1 hour 25 minutes,
estimated mana consumption 17%.]
Since Helag became a formal wizard, Deep Blue found analyzing first-level spells easier.
At the third-level apprentice stage, these spells would have consumed much more time and mana.
In Helag's mind, the Dark Orb spell model slowly took shape.
First-level spells were more complex than zero-level spells, with multiple modules, each more complex than those in zero-level spells.
The more complex the first-level spell, the more modules it had, making construction more intricate.
After observing several first-level spell models, Helag noticed that Absolute Defense's structure resembled first-level spell models, based on modular principles.
However, Absolute Defense used zero-level spells as modules, while first-level spell modules couldn't stand alone as spell models.
An hour later.
[Dark Orb spell model construction complete.]
With Deep Blue's completion of the Dark Orb spell model, Helag went to a flat area behind the castle.
Here stood several logs from the Forbidden Forest, used to test spell power.
Helag softly chanted a few syllables, channeling mana into the Dark Orb spell model.
Dark energy particles quickly gathered in his hand, forming a black orb slightly smaller than a basketball.
The black orb emitted black light and strong magical fluctuations.
Helag aimed at the log and threw the Dark Orb.
Boom!
A loud explosion startled Mary and Lennon, who resumed their tasks after realizing the sound came from behind the castle.
Such noises were common, as the esteemed Helag often experimented with spells.
The log bore some dents but remained largely intact, usable for many more tests.
"Deep Blue, assess the Dark Orb's strength."
[Based on calculations, the Dark Orb's estimated strength is 8 units, mana consumption 6%.]
Helag nodded, satisfied with the strength.
In terms of attack power, the Dark Orb met first-level spell standards, far surpassing zero-level spells.
When he advanced to a crystallized wizard, the Dark Orb's strength would likely rival Malcolm's Blood Claw.
After testing the Dark Orb, Helag moved on to constructing the Dark Armor spell model.
This spell wasn't a shield spell but a summoning spell, summoning armor.
Two hours later.
"Dark Armor."
With a thought, Helag's body was quickly enveloped in black armor.
The full-body armor covered even his head.
The helmet resembled a crown, and the black armor emitted a dark aura, resembling a fallen knight rather than a lawful character.
The armor was incredibly light, almost weightless, yet very sturdy.
"Deep Blue, assess the Dark Armor's defense strength."
[Calculating, estimated average defense strength is 40 units.]
Deep Blue calculated the average strength, as different armor parts varied in defense, with the chestplate strongest and the legs weaker.
A defense strength of 40 units was impressive. Combined with Absolute Defense, Helag felt confident in withstanding a crystallized wizard's attacks longer.
Finally, Helag constructed the Giant Body spell model but didn't immediately cast it, heading to the castle's backyard instead.
Unsure of the spell's effects, he feared damaging the roof.
"Giant Body!"
Channeling mana into the Giant Body spell model, a force flowed from the model throughout his body.
Helag watched as his muscles swelled and bones thickened.
His body grew taller, elevating his perspective.
Seconds later, the transformation stopped.
"Deep Blue, assess the changes from Giant Body."
[Analyzing data…]
[Giant Body:
Strength +4.1,
Agility +1.2,
Constitution +5.6,
Height +1.2 meters.]
Helag had become a literal giant, standing over three meters tall.
Already tall, gigantification turned him into an imposing figure, with proportionally enlarged muscles.
Helag calculated that with all enhancement spells, his stats would reach:
[Strength 35.5,
Agility 31.4,
Constitution 35.6,
Spirit 42.2.]
Helag eagerly anticipated using true bloodline power in the Abyss Plane, combined with these spells, to see how much his body could be enhanced.
He glanced at his torn clothes, feeling helpless, but indeed, everything had grown larger.
Even down there already big, now even bigger.
He then cast Dark Armor, which, as expected, adapted to his size.
CH149
In the castle's backyard plaza, a giant over three meters tall stood in the center, clad in black full-body armor.
With no one around, anyone who saw this would have been thoroughly spooked.
After concluding his experiment, Helag dismissed the spell, and his body rapidly shrank back to normal size.
He glanced at his tattered clothes and chuckled helplessly.
"I can't just run around naked in the backyard…"
Helag had no choice; he needed to wear something.
Though he was alone in the inner castle, streaking around in broad daylight felt odd.
After pulling out a set of clothes from his space ring, Helag felt much more comfortable.
"Looks like I'll need to keep a few extra sets of clothes on hand," Helag mused.
"Next, I need to complete the advanced version of the Starry Potion. The current version is useless to me, so I need to experiment with a new potion formula to speed up my meditation."
He returned to the lab, ready to have Deep Blue simulate improvements to the Starry Potion formula when Brack arrived.
Helag had to set the task aside and went to see what Brack needed at the castle gate.
When Helag arrived, Brack said, "Your first order has come in. There's an order for fifty batches of Advanced Healing Potion, due in three months."
"No problem," Helag nodded.
He was eager to start. Advanced Healing Potion was a staple among formal wizards, a hundred times more effective than White Fresh Healing Potion.
Of course, it was also much more expensive.
On the market, a single Advanced Healing Potion cost seventy to eighty magic stones. Most formal wizards only carried two or three for emergencies.
Even formal wizards had to consider the cost due to its high price.
"You'll get a 10% commission on this batch of Advanced Healing Potions. The timeline is generous, so no rush. This order is mainly for practice, as you haven't made advanced potions before. Take your time to get familiar," Brack advised.
Helag replied, "I understand."
"The materials will arrive tomorrow. Typically, potion masters need 1.5 to 2 times the raw materials to make potions. I'll prepare two sets for you. Let me know if you need more," Brack said.
Helag asked, "What if there's extra?"
Brack laughed, "The extra is yours, a perk of the job, but it depends on your skill."
He didn't expect Helag to have much leftover material on his first attempt at making Advanced Healing Potion. Two sets might not even be enough.
It wasn't that Brack doubted Helag's abilities; it was purely an experience issue.
Even with great talent, experience is essential. Early on, mistakes due to inexperience lead to more material waste.
The next morning, wizard apprentices arrived with several carts at the castle gate. Lennon helped store the goods in the castle's warehouse.
Helag took some materials from the warehouse to the lab, preparing to make the Advanced Healing Potion.
The main ingredient for Advanced Healing Potion was Dragon Blood Grass, known for its powerful wound-healing properties.
Wizards processed Dragon Blood Grass into Advanced Healing Potion, effective for both external and internal injuries.
In most cases, a single Advanced Healing Potion could save your life unless you were already dismembered.
"Deep Blue, assist with the Advanced Healing Potion preparation."
Helag had thoroughly studied the books Larry sent, familiarizing himself with many advanced potion formulas and processes.
In these books, Advanced Healing Potion was often used as an introductory teaching example.
Helag extracted the juice from a green herb using magic.
Surprisingly, the juice was blood-red and bubbled like boiling water.
Helag quickly enveloped the juice with magic, stabilizing its properties by infusing magic into every part.
Soon, the juice stopped bubbling and calmed down.
This step seemed simple but required immense mental power.
As a third-level apprentice, Helag wouldn't have been able to stabilize the Dragon Blood Grass juice, unable to control it.
This was a mental power requirement, unachievable even with Deep Blue's help, explaining why only formal wizards could make advanced potions. Many steps demanded high mental power.
With his mental power now adequate, Helag, aided by Deep Blue, proceeded smoothly with potion-making.
About three hours later, Helag held a vial of blood-red liquid.
By its color, it was a pure Advanced Healing Potion.
The first attempt took three hours, but Helag estimated he'd get faster as he became more familiar.
He could likely complete the fifty batches in less than a month.
Brack hadn't expected Helag to be this quick. He initially thought Helag would need several days to learn the process before making Advanced Healing Potion properly.
And the potion's quality would require time to adjust and optimize, a necessary phase for any novice potion maker.
Helag planned to make two batches daily, spending five to six hours, leaving the rest of the time for meditation and study.
With his current mental power, mistakes were unlikely.
Brack's two sets of materials wouldn't be wasted, with one batch going into Helag's space ring.
Helag focused more during preparation, knowing the leftovers were his.
In terms of potion quality, Helag ensured it was above average, with many high-quality batches.
Helag knew to keep a low profile but needed to demonstrate his value to encourage the Terchy family to invest more.
He planned to inform Brack of the order's completion in two months.
Not too late, not too early, just within a reasonable timeframe.
A month and a half later.
Helag felt accomplished looking at the fifty neatly arranged Advanced Healing Potions.
He had Lennon notify Brack.
Besides the fifty, Helag made thirty more for personal use.
While most wizards kept two or three, Helag stockpiled thirty, as if preparing to open a shop.
Outside the castle.
"You've finished the batch?" Brack asked, surprised.
Helag nodded, presenting a box of Advanced Healing Potions.
CH150
Brack picked up a vial from the box, examining its quality, and smiled.
He then checked each Advanced Healing Potion and said, "Very impressive. It's hard to believe this is your first time making Advanced Healing Potions. I can confidently assign you more orders in the future."
"As long as you're satisfied, Mr. Brack," Helag said, visibly relieved.
Brack chuckled, "Don't stress too much. From what I've seen, you're already a very competent potion master."
Although Helag's batch didn't have a high proportion of high-quality potions, achieving this level on his first attempt was remarkable.
Moreover, even at this level, he was fully qualified as a potion master.
"You'll earn 350 magic stones from this order, included in next month's pay," Brack stated.
Helag's monthly salary was 100 magic stones, so this order alone exceeded three months' pay.
After this day, Brack officially regarded Helag as a potion master, occasionally assigning him orders.
These orders were mostly for advanced potions. Through fulfilling them, Helag not only mastered various potion-making processes but also earned many magic stones.
He gradually controlled his output quality, and over time, the quality of his potions improved, earning Brack's increased respect.
***
Before long, a year had passed.
Helag held a bottle of blue potion, pouring some into a glass of water, which quickly turned blue.
He drank the blue water and began meditating.
[Helag Merlin:
Strength 18,
Agility 18,
Constitution 19,
Spirit 46,
Mana 100%.]
In a year, he completed three stars of meditation, with two points left on the second array.
He had completed the optimization of the Starry Potion, replacing the demon flower with a creature called the Three-Star Bug.
With this bug, the advanced Starry Potion was successfully tested, allowing Helag to complete a star of meditation in three to four months.
However, the Three-Star Bug was costly and unavailable in Kent Valley, requiring purchase through the Terchy family's channels.
The advanced Starry Potion cost 50 magic stones per batch, usable ten times, requiring 150 magic stones monthly.
Helag's monthly salary was only 100 magic stones, and without extra income from orders, he couldn't afford the advanced Starry Potion.
Fortunately, after his potion-making skills were recognized, Helag received more orders, significantly increasing his income to cover the advanced Starry Potion's cost.
"4,100 magic stones."
Helag calculated that after a year, his total wealth amounted to this, a substantial fortune.
With Helag's help, potion field yields increased by about 20% over the year.
This made Brack value Helag even more, requesting the family to raise Helag's salary from 100 to 200 magic stones.
In addition to the space ring from Lilian and the Wind Spirit's Blessing Ring, Helag acquired another ring.
This ring, set with a ruby, had an internal space as large as a football field.
It was a reward from the Terchy family after a year at Kent Valley.
Space rings of this size were rare and highly sought after, quickly bought when available.
Over the year, Helag's space ring filled with various potions, nearly reaching capacity.
With the Terchy family's reward ring, he had ample space again.
He stored all potions in the new ring, neatly organized.
The potions alone were worth over ten thousand magic stones, reserved for his use.
The plane coordinate mark on his palm still lacked enough energy, preventing travel to the Abyss Plane.
After a busy year, Helag planned to focus on selecting and absorbing bloodline power.
Currently, he only had the Primordial Thunder God's bloodline.
Helag had experimented with capturing small animals for bloodline tests, finding Great Dark Heaven unresponsive to their bloodlines.
He learned that not all animals possessed bloodline power; most lacked such inheritance in their blood.
Bloodline power required creatures with inherent strength, like magical beasts.
"I'll need to trouble Brack," Helag thought.
In Kent Valley, he relied on the Terchy family's channels to obtain magical beast flesh.
***
In Brack's vegetable garden.
"Magical beasts? What type?" Brack asked.
Helag replied, "Any kind will do, the stronger, the better. I need powerful magical beast flesh for experiments."
Brack nodded, "Understood. I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I find anything."
Wizards often used magical beast flesh for experiments, especially potion masters researching potion formulas and material effects.
These materials included herbs and magical beast flesh.
Brack didn't think much of it, simply noting the request.
He took out a piece of paper, wrote some information, and chanted a few syllables. A hexagram magic circle appeared, summoning a six-winged sprite.
Brack placed a magic stone before the sprite and said, "Deliver this letter to Bartro Terchy."
The sprite, with a delicate face, tilted its head at Brack, then took the large magic stone, making it disappear in an instant.
It then took the letter, holding it in its hands, and vanished into the hexagram circle.
"Is this the Terchy family's messenger?" Helag asked, surprised to see Brack sending a letter.
"Yes, a cute little fellow. Oh, she's older than me, haha," Brack laughed.
Messengers were a wizard communication method, using a contract with a creature to send messages or items for a fee.
The fee could be a gold coin or a magic stone; Helag had heard of messengers requiring a fingernail piece each time.
Helag admired these messengers but lacked access.
He still relied on rune stones for communication, linked to the Terchy family.
Every rune stone used outside wizard organizations had to be registered with Augustus Academy to connect to the magic net.
Rune stones worked only within the magic net's coverage, while messengers ignored distance.
Few creatures could serve as messengers, and those that could wouldn't contract with a weak wizard like Helag.
The sprite had a contract with the entire Terchy family.
TL/n -
Now you'll get your regular doses of chapters.
**
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