Chapter 901 Swamptide Spider <TOC> Chapter 903 Crafting a Potion
Translator: SumTLMan
The Swamptide Spider is a peculiar kind of magical insect. Despite its own strength barely reaching the second-level, it’s an entity that many wizards ardently seek after.
Those wizards who specialize in insect control fancy the Swamptide Spider due to its venom. It is extraordinarily adhesive, even exhibiting void-like characteristics, rendering it extremely difficult to neutralize.
Other wizards covet the Swamptide Spider purely because of its companion magical plant: the Bewildering Vine.
The charm of the Bewildering Vine for wizards lies not in its status as a magical plant, but the fact that its sap can serve directly as a serotonin inducer with a relatively high concentration.
Serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain that induces feelings of pleasure, can enhance the sensation of happiness. A serotonin inducer, in simple terms, is a unique component that triggers the brain to release serotonin.
In the world of wizards, there exist three exceedingly natural serotonin inducers: Magic Algae Powder, Black Enchanting Tea, and Bewildering Vine Sap.
These three serotonin inducers, due to their inherent natural attributes, possess fewer side effects compared to synthetically produced perfumes or other serotonin potions.
Therefore, the Bewildering Vine enjoys quite a popularity among wizards.
However, the yield of the Bewildering Vine is much rarer compared to Magic Algae Powder and Black Enchanting Tea. Due to the conspicuous characteristic of the Bewildering Vine, the discovery of a Swamptide Spider invariably leads to the finding of the vine. Therefore, in ancient times, countless wizards sought specifically to hunt Swamptide Spiders. Despite restrictions over the years, the population of Swamptide Spiders has continued to dwindle, which consequently has also resulted in a decline in the yield of Bewildering Vines.
“Who would have thought that a Swamptide Spider would appear here? When I left the Vast Continent years ago, news about Swamptide Spiders was as rare as hen’s teeth. Every time one was found, the discoverer would reap a huge profit,” Eureka said, somewhat sentimental. Having been in Grud Town for several years, she never expected that so close to her a Swamptide Spider would exist.
“If you’re fond of Swamptide Spiders, I can catch this one for you later,” Suis turned to Eureka, suggesting.
Eureka shook her head with a touch of disgust, “Forget it, I don’t like this type of creature. Though, it might be worthwhile to catch and sell it.”
As they conversed, Angel was mulling over the words of Suis from earlier.
The implication of Suis’ words was clear: now that Leon had been poisoned by the Swamptide Spider, it was as if a ticking bomb had been implanted within him. Once the venom exploded, given his mortal body, he would meet an instantaneous end.
The poison of the Swamptide Spider has yet to detonate within Leon’s system, primarily due to the intervention of the Bewildering Vine’s sap. The Bewildering Vine is a magical companion plant of the Swamptide Spider. Its sap can suppress the spider’s poison to a certain extent but cannot fully detoxify it.
The Swamptide Spider prefers live prey, hence, its reserve sustenance maintains a peculiar equilibrium between its venom and the Bewildering Vine’s sap. Firstly, it ensures that its prey won’t die from the poison, and secondly, the Bewildering Vine’s sap prevents the prey from waking up.
If Angel were to sever the Bewildering Vine, disrupting the balance between the spider’s venom and Bewildering Vine’s sap, the toxin within Leon would undoubtedly erupt immediately.
Consequently, the priority must be to neutralize the toxins within Leon and only then deal with the Bewildering Vine.
Angel attempted to release a detoxification spell. But before he could initiate it, Suis, who stood behind him, voiced his concern: “The adhesiveness of the Swamptide Spider’s poison is exceptionally potent. If a detoxification spell fails to cleanse it thoroughly, it could inadvertently trigger the poison.”
Immediately, Angel halted his actions and turned to look at Suis.
Suis continued, “The poison of the Swamptide Spider is hard to eliminate, and it possesses void characteristics. Any minor negligence can lead to an explosive reaction. Considering Leon’s constitution, even a minuscule residue of venom can annihilate any hope of survival.”
“How should the poison be neutralized then?” Angel, with furrowed brows, questioned. He had limited knowledge about magical insects, and even less about toxins.
“To neutralize the venom of the Swamptide Spider, a specific antidote is needed.” Suis paused for a moment, “Currently, the best suited is the Tide Spider Antidote. Though not particularly precious, it isn’t frequently used and requires expert preparation.”
Suis wore an expression of helpless frustration.
The Swamptide Spider’s venom has no effect on formal wizards. They wouldn’t possibly carry the antidote for it.
Upon hearing “Tide Spider Antidote,” Angel seemed to pause for a moment, as if he had thought of something, and lapsed into deep contemplation.
At this juncture, Eureka interjected, “Even though the Bewildering Vine’s sap can suppress the Swamptide Spider’s venom, it can’t do so indefinitely. If the venom isn’t neutralized within two days, the venom will erupt, regardless of the Bewildering Vine sap’s suppression.”
Eureka then turned to Suis, “How about you open a planar passage to the Vast Continent and see if anyone is selling the Tide Spider Antidote?”
Eureka understood that Suis genuinely appreciated Leon, which is why such an idea emerged. However, she was aware that the cost of creating a planar passage was extraordinarily high. No matter how much Suis esteemed Leon, she doubted he would go as far as to create a passage specifically for him.
What Eureka was not privy to, though, was that if it was solely for Leon, Suis naturally wouldn’t conceive the idea of creating a planar passage. However, Angel was now behind Leon, which introduced a fresh dimension to the equation.
If he could secure a favor from Angel, its value would undoubtedly surpass the cost of the materials used to create a planar passage.
To her surprise, Suis’ hesitation made Eureka, who proposed this solution, somewhat taken aback. Judging from Suis’ demeanor, was he truly contemplating creating a planar passage? Was his regard for Leon that immense?
As Eureka looked puzzled, Suis suddenly said to Angel, “If you have no other alternatives, I can help you make a trip to Sky Mechanical City.”
Eureka was left in confusion. Why would Suis suddenly say this to Angel, and why in such a negotiatory tone?
A fully-fledged wizard was using a consultative tone with a wizard apprentice?
What transpired between Suis and Angel?
Eureka had found it peculiar before when Suis and Angel returned together. Suis’ familiarity with Angel suggested there were aspects she didn’t understand.
It was important to note that even Suis’ puppet split ego didn’t recognize Angel!
Eureka scrutinized Angel more carefully, sensing mysteries shrouding him. The spacial bracelet, the extravagantly gorgeous airship, the multitude of potions, and the recent acquisition of the Demeter…
The more she observed, the more bewildering it became.
After contemplating, Eureka decided to inquire Suis about why he was using a voice transmission spell. Judging from Suis’ current attitude, he should have some knowledge about Angel.
However, before Eureka could utter a word, Angel spoke to Suis, “Thank you, Lord, but it’s not necessary at the moment. If it’s merely an antidote for the tide spider, I think I can attempt it.”
As Angel was speaking, he simultaneously took out a scroll sealed with a light green cover, and began flipping through it leisurely.
Eureka exclaimed, “???” Could you give it a try? Eureka turned to Suis with a silent, questioning expression. Did he mean to imply that Angel was capable of crafting a Tide Spider antidote?
Suis, however, didn’t notice Eureka’s puzzled countenance. Instead, he nodded with a hint of regret, “If you can craft it, then that’s the best scenario.”
Initially, Suis had assumed that Angel, reputed for his proficiency in Enchanting, might not be as adept at Potionology. But now, it seemed that Angel also had insights into the field of potion crafting. The plan of gaining a favor from Angel by saving Leon seemed to have failed.
Eureka, closely observing Suis’s changing expressions, noted the color of regret that crossed his face, further mystifying her.
Angel can do alchemy? And, even more surprisingly, Suis appeared to accept this fact without question?
Eureka turned her gaze towards Angel and, suddenly, she saw a familiar name on the seal of the scroll held in his hands.
“Midora… Alchemy Notes?” Eureka softly murmured the name on the scroll, her voice wavering slightly with shock.
At this moment, Suis also noticed the name of the scroll in Angel’s hand, expressing a touch of surprise. “Didn’t expect Angel to have connections with the Master of Potion Alchemy and even receive his personal notes… When I need to craft potions in the future, it seems like I could learn a thing or two from him.”
Suis’s last sentence was murmured under his breath. Angel, engrossed in the scroll, didn’t hear it, but Eureka did.
Knowing Suis well, Eureka was aware that he had some knowledge of Potionology, although it was fairly basic. Initially, she had suggested to the captain of Ashen Times that if they lacked potions, they could substitute them with materials. This was because she had thought that some low-level potions could be crafted by Suis.
Now, Suis has actually stated!
—In the future, when he does alchemy, he could seek advice from Angel?!
Eureka felt as if she was lost in a storm. Did Suis mean to admit that Angel’s alchemical abilities surpassed his own?
With her confusion deepening, Eureka surreptitiously sent a sound transmission to Suis for clarification. “Are you implying that Angel can do alchemy and is even better at it than you?”
“Are you oblivious to Angel’s skill in alchemy?” Suis queried, his gaze filled with bewilderment as he eyed Eureka’s bewildered expression. “Angel mentioned his return to Pat Mansion half a year ago, I presumed you were aware… Angel is indeed an alchemist, yet the prowess of his potion making remains unclear to me. However, his accomplishments in enchantment alchemy are nothing short of astonishing.”
Observing Angel still engrossed in his notes, Suis decided to further enlighten Eureka:
“Rumor has it, Angel was on the cusp of crafting a Mysterious Object, only to be thwarted midway. Half of the Mysterious Spirit required for the task was intercepted by Lady Isabelle of Black Castle, which ultimately barred him from stepping into the realm of Mysterious Alchemist,” Suis shared with a hint of sentiment. “I was initially skeptical, but subsequent evidence and unfolding events validated these claims. Lady Isabella did not deny it, and the alchemy world also confirmed the occurrence. It’s safe to say, the rumors hold water.”
“Consequently, sentiments ranged from regret to sympathy to envy towards Angel, earning him the moniker: ‘Half-Step Mysterious.'”
Chapter 901 Swamptide Spider <TOC> Chapter 903 Crafting a Potion