Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Assessment Passed and Reward
She poured the liquid from the silver spoon onto a test paper: "Do you know what’s wrong with it?"
Ron carefully observed the potion, using the ability of [Herb Recognition], he could see some tiny impurities moving within the liquid.
"It’s the Thorny Vine." He said after a brief thought, "Some fibers mixed in when I was peeling off the outer skin."
"Very good." Lady Allen finally showed a satisfied smile:
"The ability to detect such subtle flaws indicates you indeed have talent in this area."
She returned to the counter and took out a contract from the drawer: "This outlines the duties and rewards for the assistant role."
Ron took the parchment and began reading it carefully:
Arrive at the store an hour early every morning for preparation; responsible for organizing herbs, cleaning tools; assisting in the refining of basic magic potions...
"The reward is..." His gaze stopped at the last line, somewhat in disbelief.
"That’s correct, two Magic Stone Fragments a day, plus free use of the store’s refining equipment."
Lady Allen nodded, "Of course, if you can help prepare qualified magic potions, there will be additional bonuses."
The remuneration was quite generous, knowing that in most apprentices’ part-time jobs, the highest reward was merely one Magic Stone Fragment a day.
"Having discussed the reward, let’s talk about your work schedule." Lady Allen continued:
"You have to work here for three hours every morning; the rest of the time is yours to arrange freely."
She paused: "However, I must remind you that all the recipes you learn here must be kept confidential. The consequences of breaching the contract..."
The old witch’s gaze turned icy: "I doubt you’d want to know."
Ron nodded; in the Black Mist Jungle, the consequences of breaking a contract were often more terrifying than death.
"Then it’s settled." Lady Allen took out a quill pen, "Start work tomorrow. Remember, be early..."
"Wait." Andre, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up:
"You employed him just like that? No need for further examination?"
"Examination?" Lady Allen smiled faintly, "I’ve lived many years and have gained some insight into people."
Her gaze wandered over Ron: "Good talent, and so diligent..."
"Moreover..." Lady Allen continued, "Being able to delve into the "Basic Magic Potion Theory" to this extent in such a short time shows his comprehension in magic potion making."
She glanced at Andre: "Not everyone can read this book so thoroughly, right?"
Andre shrugged: "Indeed, I made little progress after half a year of study."
"So..." Lady Allen pushed the contract and quill to Ron:
"This is a win-win choice. You need a place to practice, and I need a talented assistant."
She took out a small bottle from under the counter, containing a light blue liquid: "Before signing the contract, drink this."
Ron took the bottle without moving immediately; he cautiously observed the potion and silently activated the [Herb Recognition] ability.
The light blue liquid displayed a unique fluidity under the dim light, with the edges slightly glowing.
These characteristics were very similar to the Truth Potion he saw in "Basic Magic Potion Theory".
And judging by the potion’s clarity and fluidity, it should be a refined product, not mixed with any dangerous components.
"Is this the Truth Potion?" Ron asked, feigning ignorance.
"Indeed, it reveals if someone harbors malice." Lady Allen nodded, "In the Black Mist Jungle, this is a basic precaution."
After repeatedly confirming it was the Truth Potion, Ron drank it down in one go.
Such verification was indeed quite standard in the Black Mist Jungle.
"Good." Lady Allen nodded satisfactorily, "I like cautious people; being too reckless in such a place doesn’t lead to a long life."
Her expression turned serious:
"But I must remind you, there will often be some special-status guests here. Whatever you see or hear, keep it to yourself."
Ron nodded solemnly; this reminder actually made him more at ease
— it’s always better to work with an employer who states the rules upfront rather than those who keep things hidden.
.........
Early in the morning, just before dawn, Ron was already standing at the entrance of the herb store.
The morning mist flowed slowly down the street, occasionally revealing some glowing little insects dancing in the fog.
These were the "glow butterflies" unique to the Black Mist Jungle, attracted by magical power fluctuations, often appearing near herb stores.
Getting here so early was thanks to Andre’s reminder last night.
"That old lady dislikes people who are not punctual." Andre said as he was helping him sort out the materials for the Secondary Body Refining:
"Last month, a candidate apprentice applied, but because they were five or six seconds late, they were directly thrown out by the two moving vines at the door."
So, to be safe, Ron arrived half an hour early.
After meditating last night, he began to revisit the contents of "Basic Magic Potion Theory" concerning herb preservation and equipment maintenance.
Since he was going to start from the most basic organizing tasks, he wanted everything to be perfect.
This was one of the few useful experiences he learned in the noble estate—if you want others’ approval, you must show enough sincerity.
At this moment, a distant, prolonged bell sound echoed in.
In the Black Mist Jungle, it’s the mark of day and night alternation, and it is said that the bell chimes contain some kind of extraordinary power, dispelling the malevolent energy accumulated during the night.
When the last bell toll faded into the morning mist, the store door opened silently.
"Come in." Lady Allen’s voice came from inside the shop, "You’re more punctual than I imagined."
As he pushed open the door, a variety of peculiar scents assaulted him.
After transitioning to a [Magic Potion Apprentice], Ron found his ability to discern these scents had significantly improved.
Mixed with a sweet sourness, it should be night-blooming jasmine nectar, used as the main ingredient in Calm Potions;
A spicy smell with a hint of fishiness, probably from Snake Fang Grass roots, able to neutralize most toxins;
And some indescribable odors, making him feel both familiar and strange.
The shop’s arrangement seemed to have changed since yesterday.
The herbs on the shelves had been rearranged, with some rare materials marked as "sold" gone, replaced by some unfamiliar new goods.
"Seen enough?" Lady Allen’s voice suddenly sounded by his ear: "Sorting these is much more interesting than just looking."
She pointed to a pile of miscellaneous items in the corner: "First, sort these into categories according to their properties. Make sure they don’t affect each other."
Upon closer inspection, that pile consisted of various bottles and jars, each containing different herbs.
Some had already begun reacting with each other, emitting a faint glow in the dim light.
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