Master Of None

"Good, then we will need to make sure we get there sooner. I want to be ready to steal away every rare material. Those herb gardens need to be planted sooner too. Before the guild even ha apprentices it needs herbalists and herb grower systems." There was unbridled excitement and energy from the old master alchemist. If anyone were to compare his real age to how he was acting they would believe he was secretly twenty years younger. 

"We already put a request for the guild with the date we would get to the city. If they are there at that time we will test their skills with the breeze peas as we decided." Walker had not known that Remey had planned these things so well. It was extremely impressive hearing the degree to which she had planned out. 

"What are breeze peas and how will they test herb growers?" Unfortunately, Walker found himself a little lost when it came to these things. Mostly because he was still very lacking when it came to the alchemy world. It wasn't that he didn't try to learn enough, but it was the fact that there was so much that needed to be learned when it came to alchemy and herbs.

"Breeze peas are a very fast growing plant that produces a wind elemental herb called a breeze pea. They are used to add wind elemental mana to a potion but they grow very very fast. One plant can grow in ten minutes and die in fifteen. The test would be to see if someone is experienced enough to grow and gather the breeze peas before they die and ruin the ingredient. It's a common test but we will be judging quality and care." 

"So it is a test to see their actions and skills in speed? Or is it more so, the idea to see how well they react and solve the problems that arise during a fast growth process? I can expect that if they can do it speedily and properly then they can do it during a slower growth cycle?" Walker had more than grasped the idea and Remey gave a quick nod. 

"We can only have the best to start the herb gardens and green houses. If we have a poor start then the entire foundation of the guild will be weak. The herbs are the backbone of how potions will be made. If there is a single species of herb that fails then we will be at an overall loss. A healing potion is not a healing potion of it is missing certain key ingredients. It could become poison or worse." This was a hard lesson for many to learn and one reason that many alchemists found themselves stuck. It was very common for an alchemist to be stuck waiting for one particular herb to continue their research or potion creations. 

"Now, back to the lab. We need to have a mid tier affinity potion by the end of the day or we will be failures!" Remey was dragged away by the old master alchemist before she could argue. Not that she seemed unhappy. Walker caught a glimpse of her own smile showing. It was clear that she treasured the time she was able to spend with him creating new potions and learning.

"Brother, I think those would be a very good potion to have when learning more elemental magic." Onyx had some desires to train himself as well and was going to first convince Walker to use them when they were completed to make sure he would also be able to use them. 

"I will have them for all of us to train. But I think we should get a basic understanding first. I know you have light and dark elemental manas in your body but only use dark elemental skills. I think you should look in to using light elemental mana more since you consume it. Once you have a baseline for it you might be able to improve the affinity you have to a degree." Walker was no fool when it came to affinities. He knew Onyx was still young and had not even scratched the surface of what he could do. 

Onyx had mostly focused on the darkness elemental skills because he was able to hide in shadows and use it since he hatched. However, Onyx had avoided using light elemental mana. Instead, Onyx had chosen to solely focus the light elemental mana on growing and becoming stronger. This wasn't a bad idea but it caused his understanding of the mana he consumed to fall behind. "I understand. I will try to use some of the skills with light elemental mana later. For now, I would like to return to the records until we hear a reply from the library." 

The two returned to their journal while Remey and the old master alchemist returned to the forge. All four of them pretended not to see the soot footprints tracked in to the mansion. It was something they all could pretend didn't exist for a little while in the least. 

Unknown to the party, the castle was a mess. 

"If you are leaving then how will I take care of these affairs? The castle needs you to stay instead of leave for this new city. Also, who will lead this city? They can't have a new king. They will need representatives." The queen was lecturing the king yet again. She didn't want to see him go while she slowly lost the ability to traverse the castle while she carried their child. 

"We will put together a council there and I will rush back home. I swear we will. I am also leaving some of the best attendants and nobles here to assist you. You can also contact me at any time. If you wish we can leave sooner and attempt to return sooner." The king was on his wits end with this conversation that had been replayed over and over the last weeks. But this was not all that was going on in the castle. 

…..

….