Chapter 126: Brewing the Antidote Potion

The Antidote Potion was a five-star high-level elixir, an upgraded version of the three-star low-level antidote, with effects several times stronger than the latter. The alchemical array required to brew this potion was a pentagram of 1,024 strokes—so complex that among the hundred-plus people present, including Makki, only a few could even draw it, let alone successfully brew the potion.

“Hmph, kid, what a sucker you are. Throwing away fifty thousand gold coins just for a woman—such reckless extravagance really makes me sweat!” To Makki, Rolin seemed like a “rich second generation” with a hopeless romantic streak. Otherwise, how could he have so readily agreed to such a losing deal? But none of that concerned Makki; the thought of soon pocketing fifty thousand gold coins made his eyes gleam as they fixed on the magic crystal card resting on the alchemy stone platform.

Suddenly, surprised murmurs burst from the crowd. Makki’s gaze shifted from the magic crystal card to Rolin’s fingers, which were carefully drawing the alchemical array. Though his movements weren’t swift, they were steady and precise, each stroke executed without hesitation.

Makki quickly examined the fiery traces left by the fire magic on the platform where Rolin’s fingers had passed. As an officer of the Alchemy Guild, although usually idle, Makki was familiar with such high-level alchemy arrays. To his astonishment, the intricate fiery patterns woven together matched perfectly the pentagram array used to brew the Antidote Potion.

Could it be that Rolin wasn’t just pretending but genuinely attempting to craft this five-star high-level potion? Makki’s curiosity deepened.

Because his brother’s surgery depended on it, Rolin dared not afford even the slightest carelessness, despite his strong confidence. His drawing of the alchemy array was not as fluid as usual, yet even so, his superb alchemical skill captured the attention of all present.

Standing closest to Rolin, Simoni was least surprised. Over the years, he had come to recognize Rolin as a prodigy in potion alchemy—given time, he was sure Rolin would soar to great heights. But he hadn’t expected Rolin to boldly accept the challenge of brewing a five-star high-level potion now. Watching Rolin’s steady technique, Simoni had a growing sense that the young man might actually succeed.

Monroe suppressed her inner turmoil, her beautiful eyes fixed on Rolin’s formation. After a while, her slightly parted lips betrayed her astonishment; she realized Rolin’s every move was far more advanced than her own. A storm of emotions surged within her—had this former prodigy in magical studies turned out to be even more talented in alchemy? A strange thought stirred deep within: could Rolin’s stagnant level three magical cultivation be because he had devoted himself to potion alchemy, which explained his extraordinary prowess?

Monroe sighed deeply. Regardless, her student had risked fifty thousand gold coins and the chance to become a member just to win this opportunity for her. She must not let him down. Determined, she calmed her nerves and raised her delicate fingers to begin drawing the array for brewing an insect-repellent potion.

Among the onlookers, many were filled with admiration. Rolin’s masterful handling of the alchemical array impressed even some veteran alchemists, who quietly praised the skill of a mere seventeen- or eighteen-year-old boy.

As the alchemical array gradually took form, anticipation grew. Few present had witnessed the brewing of a five-star high-level potion, so when the complex pentagram array lit up, whispers spread—this youth had truly succeeded in drawing the array!

Makki’s face darkened. The array’s illumination signified that half the brewing process was complete. The steady glow showed the array’s exceptional stability—a critical step in potion alchemy. Could this kid genuinely pull off the entire brew?

Rolin breathed a sigh of relief. Though he had brewed many five-star potions before, this was his first time crafting the Antidote Potion. Seeing his array hold well, he nodded to himself quietly.

Ignoring the gazes and murmurs around him, Rolin skillfully placed the level-five magic crystal core and herbs into the center of the array, then channeled fire magic to begin the brewing.

Monroe and Simoni had both failed on their first attempts. Brewing high-level potions, especially on the first try, often ended in failure. Their task was to learn from these failures for future attempts, so they were not discouraged. Seeing Rolin’s steady progress bolstered their spirits, and they began anew.

Under Makki’s sullen watch and the crowd’s exclamations, Rolin’s pentagram hovered in midair. Then, beneath the array appeared the hourglass symbolizing the potion’s successful brewing!

Unhurried, Rolin lifted a crystal vial from the alchemy stone platform and carefully collected the shimmering Antidote Potion. At that moment, envy, amazement, jealousy, and hope painted the faces of all onlookers.

Some had thought Rolin’s claim to brew a five-star potion was boastful; others suspected he had strategically sacrificed himself to protect his beautiful teacher, with his attempt merely symbolic and doomed to fail. Yet now—

As the clear, sparkling drops of Antidote Potion filled the vial, the crowd felt foolish for underestimating the boy. They say never judge a book by its cover, nor the sea by its waves—but few could have imagined such talent in one so young and inexperienced.

After collecting the potion, Rolin cast a dark magic cleansing spell to wipe away the residue left on the platform from the brewing, then took a brief rest before beginning to draw the array for the insect-repellent potion once more.

The agreement required him to successfully brew three batches of the Antidote Potion. Despite his remarkable skill, Rolin did not dare claim absolute certainty. What he could do was dedicate himself fully each time, avoiding any careless mistakes.

Without suspense, Rolin’s second array lit up again, and the surrounding crowd quietly rejoiced. They were grateful to have come to the Alchemy Guild that day to witness such exquisite craftsmanship. His fluid, elegant movements in potion alchemy were a visual feast, surpassing anything they had seen before.

With experience gained, Rolin’s second brewing proceeded much faster. Amid the crowd’s awe, the second batch of Antidote Potion was successfully crafted. Without pause, Rolin began the third brew.

This time, his drawing of the array was even more effortless; his fingers moved so swiftly that some nearby spectators felt dizzy. Immersed in the beauty of the array, Rolin swiftly completed the third drawing and began blending the magic crystal core and herbs at the array’s center.

The crowd held their breath in anticipation. If Rolin succeeded this time, he would win the “bet” and earn membership in the Alchemy Guild.

Yet, as all eyes focused on Rolin’s brewing, no one noticed Makki standing to the side, his face ashen. Quietly, he extended a finger adorned with a faintly glowing crimson ring—a magic ring similar to the “miniature wand” worn on Rolin’s finger.

The ring pulsed with subtle magical energy. Having witnessed Rolin’s superb skills, Makki was almost certain the third brew would succeed quickly. If that happened, not only would he lose face, but the fifty thousand gold coins on the magic crystal card would slip entirely from his grasp. Desperate, he resolved to sabotage Rolin’s final brewing with magic!

Though his covert action could not escape the crowd’s eyes, as an officer overseeing the assessment—and the nephew of the Alchemy Guild’s vice president—Makki was confident he could silence any objections.

Under the control of his formidable willpower, a tiny fireball, no larger than a fingernail, quietly formed beside his finger. With a snap of his fingers, a streak of flame shot toward Rolin’s alchemical array!