Chapter 323: Genius

It’s difficult for someone to deduce a potion’s creation process just from its ingredients unless the formula is very common and the process is well-known.

Even a skilled potion master can’t glance at a formula and know how to make it or what the final potion does.

The same ingredients can yield different potions due to the complexity of the brewing process.

A slight deviation in any step can result in a completely different product.

Potion-making is precise; any deviation in temperature, humidity, or timing can alter the outcome.

Thus, knowing only the ingredients doesn’t reveal the final product; the brewing process is crucial.

Helag’s parchment listed only the ingredients, not the process.

Normally, this wouldn’t reveal what potion he intended to make.

To be safe, Helag added extra, unnecessary ingredients.

These additions raised the cost from 350 to 420 magic stones.

Though pricier, safety was paramount.

Helag’s meditation method, the Starry Meditation, came from the Six Rings Tower.

In the Land of Dawn, the Six Rings Tower was seen as a traitor; revealing his meditation method’s origin would be dangerous.

This caution was why Helag hadn’t immediately pursued a potion to aid his meditation upon arriving.

Now, with a simulated formula, he added extra ingredients to ensure secrecy, at the cost of more money.

Barren examined the formula, frowning. “What potion is this? I’ve never seen it…”

As a second-level potion master, Barren had seen and made countless potions; it was rare for him to encounter an unfamiliar formula.

Helag casually produced one, piquing Barren’s curiosity.

“I just tinkered with it myself, Mr. Barren. It’s normal you haven’t seen it,” Helag smiled.

“Your own research?” Barren and Vernon looked at Helag, surprised.

Those familiar with potions know that brewing and developing potions are different.

Brewing follows an established formula, relying on a fixed process.

The challenge lies in product consistency, tied to the potion master’s skill and experience.

Developing potions requires analytical skills to address specific issues, demanding extensive knowledge to create a formula for a particular problem.

This ability is rare, found only in geniuses.

Most potion masters brew potions from formulas, producing bottles of potions.

Geniuses who develop potions produce formulas, enabling others to make countless potions.

The significance of a formula far exceeds that of a potion.

If Helag possessed this talent, his value would skyrocket.

For wizard organizations or merchants, having such talent meant limitless profit.

Imagine if only one source produced a certain potion; everyone would have to buy from them.

The potential profit is immense.

At this moment, both Vernon and Barren looked at Helag with newfound intensity, more focused than when admiring the waitress, making Helag uneasy.

Helag hadn’t anticipated their reaction, realizing he’d underestimated the impact of developing potions.

His acquaintance, Larry, occasionally developed potions.

Though unsuccessful in solving Bessie’s mental damage, Larry had tried.

Helag thought this wasn’t uncommon.

He forgot Larry Terchy was a potion genius.

Helag viewed potion development through a genius lens, overlooking its difficulty for others.

He quickly said, “I haven’t succeeded yet; it’s just for fun. Don’t be too surprised.”

Barren took a deep drink, eyeing Helag. “Not succeeded? Well, let’s say you haven’t. If you do develop a formula, sell it to Vernon for great returns. Or give it to Seranthiel for contribution points.”

Barren doubted Helag hadn’t succeeded, as he sought cheaper ingredient sources.

For a few ingredients, there’s no need for special channels.

Only large quantities justify seeking discounts to save money.

Helag’s parchment suggested a successful formula.

The brewing process and effects were unknown.

Barren didn’t press, respecting Helag’s wish for secrecy.

Wizards often have secrets; Barren wouldn’t pry.

Barren and Vernon exchanged glances, understanding each other.

They wouldn’t publicize this; Helag was part of Barren’s Potion Masters Association, considered one of their own.

If Helag continued to develop, his future was bright.

Knowing Helag’s potential, Barren and Vernon planned to invest more, securing him before others noticed.

“60% off, Helag. Any potion ingredients you buy from me are 60% off. If you need rare ingredients, come to me. No need to waste contribution points at Seranthiel’s vault. I can get what they have,” Vernon said earnestly.