Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1254: One Missing Ingredient

...

A few minutes later...

After spending some time discussing and arranging a few matters, Varuu was currently escorting Izroth off the tenth floor.

Due to special circumstances, only the Head of the Apothecary Guild, Varuu, was capable of activating the teleportation magic formation that led on and off the tenth floor. In case of emergencies, there were some other ways for the tenth floor to be accessed; however, those methods were all carefully guarded secrets of the Apothecary Guild.

”What will you do now?” Varuu asked as she stopped before the teleportation magic formation.

”I still have some things to take care of in Danaharpe. Once I finish getting everything settled, I have to make a quick stop by the city of Everpeak in Proximus. I expect someone from the Dragon Palace will contact me some time after that happens.” Izroth answered.

When Izroth mentioned the Dragon Palace, there was a brief look of conflict that flashed through Varuu’s eyes.

”Today, you have offended the Duvelle family. They will not let you go without some form of retaliation. Of course, they are not so bold as to go after your life directly since you are an Honorary Elder of the Apothecary Guild. However, they will not make things easy for you if you plan on gaining a foothold in Danaharpe.” Varuu warned.

”Rest assured, it is not my first time dealing with those who hope to hinder me. I won’t go out of my way to start trouble, but if they want to bully or suppress me, they will have to pay a heavy price.” Izroth replied nonchalantly.

”Naturally, the Apothecary Guild will back you. But, most of the noble families of Danaharpe are connected to the Duvelle family one way or another. They will look for any fault or excuse to expel you from Danaharpe in order to make an example out of you for offending one of their own. Be mindful that it is not just the Duvelle family that you have to worry about, Apothecary Izroth.” Varuu said.

”Whether it’s the Duvelle family or the nobles of Danaharpe, what I said does not change. That said, I appreciate Apothecary Head Varuu’s concern. I will keep a close eye out for trouble.” Izroth stated.

”As long as you understand, then it is fine.” Varuu nodded as she motioned her hand and activated the teleportation magic formation.

She then said, ”Ah, it almost slipped my mind. The issue you were previously worried about—I have sent someone to take care of it. By now, they should be waiting for you in front of the property that the Duvelle family has handed over to you.”

”Oh? I will have to thank Apothecary Head Varuu for the trouble.” Izroth said as he cupped his hand into his fist.

”If I can not do this much, I truly would not deserve to be the Head of the Apothecary Guild.” Varuu said with a light smile.

She then continued, ”Travel well, Apothecary Izroth. If you are ever in any trouble, you can send word through any Apothecary Guild branch. Even if I am unable to leave Danaharpe at the moment, I will do my best to assist you.”

”I will take your words to heart. Until our paths cross again, Apothecary Head Varuu.” Izroth said as he stepped onto the teleportation magic formation and vanished.

...

In the blink of an eye, Izroth arrived on the first floor of the main Apothecary Guild building.

’Worldly Skies said that she wanted to take some time to get used to her Natural Energy and complete the first Chapter of the Vault of Knowledge. As for Celia... She still has not contacted us ever since she left. Given the circumstances surrounding those two, I doubt she would have left Worldly Skies’ side if it were not an urgent matter. Well, she should be capable of taking care of herself. If she does get into trouble, I’m sure she’ll contact one of us. It’s a shame I wasn’t able to meet with Apothecary Rozomius. But, since there were more important matters to attend to, it couldn’t be helped. Besides, it didn’t turn out too bad since he agreed to pay a visit to the Mystical Realm Palace one day.’

”Now, should I go see the gift prepared for me by the Head of the Duvelle family? But, before that, she should be waiting for me somewhere on the first floor.” Izroth said to himself as his gaze traveled to a certain part of the room where a small crowd had gathered.

’She’s certainly not hard to find.’

Izroth made his way over toward the crowd.

”She’s so beautiful... Is she really an Apothecary?” One of the people in the crowd said.

”Shhh! Idiot! Do you want to offend the wrong person? Don’t you see the grade seven Apothecary badge on her sleeve? She won’t even have to lift a finger to deal with us. Just one word and there will be a line of people willing to do it for even a small chance that she’ll teach them or craft a pill- Huh? What is that guy doing? Does he have a death wish?” Another spectator in the crowd warned before he witnessed a sight that caused his eyes to widen in shock.

Izroth walked through the crowd and stopped at the table where Avia sat alone with her eyes closed.

”One should look but never approach. This guy is asking for trouble.” One of the nearby Apothecaries sighed as he shook his head.

”Have you been waiting long?” Izroth asked casually.

Avia opened her eyes and stood to her feet.

She cupped her hand into her fists and slightly bowed her head and replied, ”Not at all, young master.”

Everyone present was left dumbfounded by the scene before their eyes.

Did that beautiful trephasia who was also a grade seven Apothecary just call that person young master?! Just who was this guy for someone of that stature to be considered a servant of all things?

”There are too many eyes and ears here.” Izroth said in a meaningful tone.

”Yes, it would seem that a few too many flies have gathered around while I was meditating.” Avia said with a sharp and cold gaze.

When those in the crowd felt Avia’s cold gaze, they quickly dispersed and went on their way. After all, none of them wanted to risk offending a grade seven Apothecary. But, more importantly, they did not want to mistakenly annoy someone who could have such a person as his servant.

”It’s good that you had no issue finding me. Since you’re here, I assume you’ve finished your mission?” Izroth mentioned.

”The relic entrusted to me by Lady Nomii is quite useful. It made finding you a simple task. As for the mission—there were some unexpected roadblocks. But, overall, we have managed to secure everything on the list except for one item.” Avia stated with a heavy sigh.

”I can guess what item you’re referring to. It must be the Fire Ice Heart.” Izroth commented.

”You are correct. As far as I know, there is only one place to obtain the Fire Ice Heart and that is at a certain lake that is made of half burning water and half bone-chilling water. The problem is the location of this lake. It is inside the Mother of All Forests. Not only that, but the territory it rests on belongs to the Fourth Great Clan.” Avia explained.

She then continued, ”As you know, the Fifth Great Clan still views me as a traitor. If I set foot in the Mother of All Forests and it becomes known, not only would my life be in danger, but Lady Nomii would be dragged down with me. Even if that were not the case, it is not feasible to steal something that belongs to the Fourth Great Clan. They have many forest beasts with sharp senses under their control that guards their territory. We would be discovered and captured in an instant. If there was any other way, I would have tried, but...”

”You did well. The circumstances can’t be helped. It’s a good thing that you decided to return instead of acting recklessly. That aside, the Fire Ice Heart is something that we must get our hands on since it cannot be substituted with another ingredient. Fortunately, it seems that luck is on our side. The Fourth Great Clan may just end up handing over the Fire Ice Heart willingly.” Izroth stated calmly.