章 16: Storytelling
"Hehe, you're not as dumb as you look." The old gnome smirked. "In exchange for the healing potion, I'd like you to introduce me to your herbalism teacher."
In the gnome's eyes, one had to practice diligently for a lifetime to be able to do what Adam had just done. To be able to identify the ingredients used in a potion by just a simple look and a whiff was no easy thing. That too as a normal person!
Therefore, the gnome believed that the Magus who taught Adam herbalism must be an extraordinary Herbalist. And not just that, Adam himself must really be a gifted genius in the field of herbalism.
If he was already able to display such shocking abilities before becoming a Magus, then what would happen once he finally embarked on the path of a Magus and started brewing potions?
And the reason why the gnome wanted to meet Adam's teacher was also very simple — the pursuit of knowledge!
Herbalists and Artificers were extremely rare among Magi. Therefore, the gnome wouldn't miss out on an opportunity to meet with another fellow Herbalist and exchange herbalism knowledge.
Eh? My herbalism teacher? How come I don't know about him? Adam stood there in a daze, wondering just how the old gnome had come to such a conclusion.
POW!
The gnome smacked Adam in the forehead with his smoking pipe again. "Don't just stand there like a fool. Answer me, boy!"
"Ouch!" Adam massaged his forehead, it had swollen by now. He looked at the gnome with tearful eyes. "I cannot agree to the exchange because…"
"Because what?" The gnome asked impatiently.
Adam lied effortlessly with clenched fists. "Because my teacher has already left."
"Left?" The gnome's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Adam had a reminiscent look on his face. "It was almost five years back. That day, the black clouds had dotted the sky, signaling the arrival of heavy rain—"
POW!
"Don't test my patience, boy!" The old gnome roared as he smacked Adam's forehead again. "Get to the damn point!"
"A-Alright." Adam knelt on the ground and obediently explained.
"The truth is, when I was ten years old, I met a mysterious woman who was grievously injured. I tended to her wounds and cared for her for days until she was back on her feet again.
"To repay my favor, she taught me all the herbalism knowledge she knew and even carried out a test that confirmed that I had the gift for spell-casting.
"It took her a few years to fully recover. During this time, she taught me all the theoretical knowledge about herbalism. She even let me help her with her experiments and taught me her experiences in potion brewing.
"After she fully recovered, she left for faraway lands. Where? I do not know, but before leaving, she recommended me to join the Clover Academy."
Adam maintained eye contact with the gnome and narrated a beautifully crafted fraudulent story. Of course, there were some truths mixed in as well.
It was true that he had come across a wandering Magus back in his hometown many years back. He did spend some time with her, and during this time, the Magus tested his talent for spell-casting and showed him the path to becoming a Magus—that was to join Clover Academy.
But the rest of the story…
Was pure bullshit!
"Hmm…" the gnome stroked his dense white beard and nodded from time to time. "So a random act of kindness led you down the path of a Magus, eh?"
"Yes, sir." Adam nodded.
"And it seems that you have a gift for herbalism as well," The gnome mumbled.
After a few moments, the gnome seemed to have lost interest since he could not meet the Magus who had taught Adam herbalism. He walked back to the counter and started reading a book.
"Well, if it's like this then there's no helping it. 5 platinum pieces and the healing potion is all yours."
"Can I get a discount?" Adam asked softly.
After extorting money from the few kids in the traveling party, he had only managed to accumulate 13 platinum coins, 323 gold coins, and some silver and bronze coins.
From the kids traveling with him, he came to know that the entry fee for the academy was set at 10 platinum pieces, so there was no way he could spend the platinum coins for the potion.
And it seemed that platinum pieces were extremely rare. Out of the few kids he had extorted money out of, only Jeffrey had platinum coins. Back in his hometown, Adam didn't even know about the existence of platinum coins. The highest denomination he had ever used was a silver coin.
Seeing Adam shamelessly ask for a discount, the gnome yelled, "Get lost!"
"R-Relax, no need to get mad." Adam took out 50 gold pieces with a pained expression and gave them to the gnome. "Here."
"Hmph! You cheap little bugger." Seeing Adam's bulging money pouch, the gnome couldn't help but scoff.
Adam took the healing potion and carefully kept it in his pocket. He then bade farewell to the gnome. "Thank you, sir. See you later!"
With that, he turned around and left the store. After Adam left, the grumpy expression on the old gnome's face slowly disappeared and was replaced by a faint smile.
"What an interesting little fellow."
…
"Welcome to Sherman's Inn! How may I help you?"
A blonde young lady wearing a white dress with green-patterned embroidery greeted Adam with a bright smile. She was standing behind the reception desk which seemed to be made up of high-quality wood.
After leaving the gnome's store, he directly went to the inn that Magus Alex had recommended. Besides, it was beginning to get dark and Adam didn't want to stay out, even though he knew it was completely safe.
"I need a room. For a week." Adam got straight to the point.
"Sir, are you here for the academy's entrance examination?"
"That's right." Adam nodded.
"Great! After the discount, the total would come to 10 silver and 50 bronze pieces." The lady replied.
"S-So expensive!" Adam blurted out.
The young lady's eyes couldn't help but twitch as she struggled to maintain her professional smile. She couldn't help but wonder just where this bum came from.
Still, she replied with a courteous smile. "This is a fine establishment, sir, and the total amount also covers excellent dining options thrice a day. If it weren't for the student discount, you'd have to pay three times more."
Daylight robbery! Adam screamed in his heart. However, he still took out the money and paid the full amount.
After the paperwork was finished, a young boy dressed in black who seemed to be about Adam's age guided him to his room. "This way, sir."
Adam followed after him into the large open courtyard at the center of the building where the huge tree was located. Much to his astonishment, Adam discovered that people were actually staying inside the tree!
The boy brought Adam to his room which was at the center of the tree's trunk, bowed respectfully, and then left.
"Whoa!" Adam looked at his room with bright eyes. "This place sure is fancy."
He took his time checking out the room. When he finally went to the balcony and looked at the view outside, his eyes widened in shock!
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