A Crown of Shadows and Starlight

Chapter 12

“It has begun.”

After thorough preparation and repeatedly memorizing the incantation for potion-making, Meilin took out a Crimson Fire Orchid—a strikingly red orchid-like plant. Its bright red, thick leaves were covered with dense veins, and when slightly shaken, the surface seemed to shimmer with faint, flickering flames. The tender main stem was a soft pink, resembling a work of art.

This was the Crimson Fire Orchid, the primary ingredient for brewing a Stamina Potion.

A well-known saying circulated among the wizarding community:

“All materials have toxic properties; the difference lies in the degree of toxicity and how they are utilized.”

Wizards were accustomed to frequently consuming potions to aid their training. Except for those with special constitutions, most accumulated toxins in their bodies over time. If left unchecked, these toxins could suddenly activate, leading to unpredictable consequences. Thus, many wizards sought out detoxifying materials or high-quality neutralizing potions.

Of course, in small amounts, the toxins in potions would gradually dissipate. The reasoning was simple—everyone understood it. The human body naturally possessed some level of immunity, and those with stronger constitutions or those who practiced Battle Qi had enhanced resistance. Regardless, magic potions were an essential commodity, consumed in vast quantities, making potion masters highly valued assets nurtured by all major factions.

“Let’s begin.”

Meilin set up her experiment journal nearby and started the process.

She placed the leaves, stems, and roots of the Crimson Fire Orchid into a pale yellow mortar and carefully ground them into a paste. This step required extreme caution. While the plant itself was non-toxic, any splashed sap could burn like fire upon contact with the skin. It might not be fatal, but it would certainly cause disfigurement.

After filtering the extract, Meilin poured the red liquid into a crucible and proceeded to prepare the other ingredients. Fortunately, the remaining components of the Stamina Potion were relatively safe. It didn’t take long for her to gather them, after which she carefully added them into the crucible in a precise sequence and proportion.

Each time a new ingredient was added, the red liquid inside the crucible foamed up. Meilin had to wait for the foam to fully dissipate before proceeding with the next addition. A single mistake could render the entire batch useless—though, at least, an explosion wasn’t a concern. If a basic potion like this could cause an explosion, she would have already made a name for herself.

After the final ingredient was added and the foam had settled, Meilin lit the candle beneath the crucible.

A wisp of blue flame ignited at the crucible’s base, and Meilin began chanting an incantation.

The black candle was a specially crafted one, used exclusively for potion-making and alchemy. As for the incantation—this was precisely why only official wizard apprentices could brew potions. The process required the use of spiritual power to guide energy particles into interacting with the potion.

Gurgle…

The liquid in the crucible began bubbling violently, releasing wisps of vapor. Meilin picked up a glass stirring rod and carefully stirred the mixture to ensure the impurities were expelled.

Fifteen minutes later, she held up a test tube filled with the red liquid, a satisfied expression on her face.

The first step was a success. The years of effort she had put into material processing had not gone to waste.

However, this was only the first step. If someone drank this potion as it was now, their blood and energy might go berserk.

Meilin placed the test tube on a nearby rack and began extracting Purple Anemone Essence.

This extract, derived from a plant called Purple Anemone Grass, served as a stabilizing agent specifically for Stamina Potions. The process was relatively safe—Meilin only needed to ensure its purity.

A short while later, ten portions of Crimson Fire Orchid Extract and ten portions of Purple Anemone Essence were neatly arranged in front of Meilin.

If an experienced potion master had witnessed this, they would never have believed that an apprentice was successfully brewing a potion on their first attempt. But this was the reality. Before this, Meilin had spent nearly four years researching potion ingredients and formulas, and now, her efforts had paid off.

Recording every step and result in her experiment journal, Meilin prepared for the final synthesis.

Hiss…

As soon as the Purple Anemone Essence was poured into the Crimson Fire Orchid Extract, white smoke curled up from the test tube, carrying a sharp sulfuric smell.

Meilin remained unfazed. Her hand was steady as she slowly dripped the stabilizing agent into the test tube while softly reciting an incantation.

After four breaths, the sulfuric odor gradually faded, revealing a liquid of shimmering purple-red hue—crystal-clear and of excellent purity.

“Mid-tier quality.”

Evaluating the potion, Meilin nodded in satisfaction. The quality of a potion significantly influenced its price.

Encouraged, she continued brewing. However, due to minor errors during the process, three of the potions failed. In the end, she obtained five mid-tier and two low-tier Stamina Potions.

Though Meilin had a way to restore failed potions, the Stamina Potion itself wasn’t valuable enough to warrant wasting such precious resources.

Even though her potion-making had been a success, Meilin didn’t immediately sell them to Hel. Trust was important, but unexpected risks always existed.

Most wizard apprentices wouldn’t rush into potion-making or alchemy experiments immediately after advancing. For a beginner, successfully producing a potion within a month would already be considered an impressive feat.

But Meilin… had completed it at a shocking speed.

Under normal circumstances, her talent would attract the attention of an official wizard, potentially securing her a place as a disciple. However, given her current situation, she had to stay low-key. If Filler caught wind of this, it might bring unnecessary trouble.

But at the same time… she needed more magic stones and resources for training.

Thus, she had to find a balance between staying discreet and making progress. For now, she decided to wait before selling the potions to Hel.

Potion-making took a mental toll, leaving her somewhat exhausted. However, instead of resting immediately, she carefully packed away all her materials.

She stored the completed potions in her spatial pouch, ensuring their safety. Then, she left her dormitory.

Fifteen minutes later, Meilin arrived at a small room beside the General Supplies Warehouse.

Before even stepping inside, she called out loudly:

“Old Hall, are you in there?”

A series of chaotic noises erupted from within—something had clearly toppled over.

Moments later, an old man with a red, bulbous nose hurriedly emerged.

“Oh? Meilin? So you really advanced to an official apprentice?”