Earth's Greatest Magus
chapter-1664

An intricate lattice of plant life blossomed to form a hundred secluded alcoves, each with its distinct character. The delicate ferns, vibrant petals, and gnarled trunks provided an illusion of solitude within the bustling forum, ensuring the participants could work in relative privacy. Yet the gaps in the foliage allowed for keen spectators to catch glimpses of the alchemic artistry unfolding within.

Three hours of time was provided to create three original potions, a test of skill and endurance. Each participant was permitted two assistants, and Emery chose Helena, with her keen elven knowledge of herbs, and Twik, his loyal plant creature.

Emery began with systematic precision. His hands moved deftly, unpacking the pre-prepared equipment from his storage ring.

Gleaming silver alembics, worn pestles and mortars, an assortment of glass flasks, each imbued with enchantments to aid the potion-making process. He arranged them meticulously within the alcove, transforming it into a productive workstation. Emery's swift movements mirrored a maestro setting his stage before the performance.

"Ok let's do as planned," he instructed. His voice, steady and composed, barely masked the excitement beneath. They had rehearsed the process countless times, yet the magnitude of the forum brought a different dynamic.

Beside the workstations were occupied by two cauldrons, the heart of their work. On the opposite end, Emery weaved his magic, casting a spell that manifested a verdant patch of soil and started to attach all the plants he was trying to use today.

It was a trick he had mastered, a technique that revitalized plants, infusing them with raw, pulsating energy of nature.

As soon as a dozen plants were placed, Emery left the task to Twik, the plant creature would use its [plant mastery] to make sure all plants reached its peak vibrancy.

Emery turned his attention towards the cauldrons. Helena had already sparked the flames, their dancing tongues casting a warm, golden glow. The heat from the fires had to be just right - too much could ruin the potion, too little could render it ineffective.

"We will start with the first one," Emery declared.

Since his stay on the wood elves' planet, Emery has tried to create hundreds of different potions and pills, some for his own interest somewhere requested by a customer. Hence he has many choices to choose from however the first original potion he chose came from his life purpose to save the people he loves.

His choice for the first potion was the re-creation of his [Reviving Pill]

A medicinal pill that would save a mortal life, as long as one still has an ounce of life. It would empower one force to the point of regenerating its body, cleansing all kinds of harmful forces. This was the same pill that get him his Rank 5 Artisan status, a tier 1 pill with originality level 5.

"Twik give me the first batch!" With a swift call to Twik, Emery received the first batch of ingredients.

The ingredients that Emery requested from Twik were a complex mix of rare herbs, luminous crystals, and a few precious elements that had unique healing properties. Each ingredient had been meticulously selected for its contribution to the overall efficacy of the [Reviving Pill]. Some were known for their potent vitality-boosting characteristics, while others had exceptional cleansing capabilities, making them invaluable to the composition of the lifesaving concoction.

Emery's technique involved the careful application of the [Fragmentation] and [Photosynthesis] spells. The [Fragmentation] spell broke down the complex structure of the materials, isolating their healing properties. This was followed by the [Photosynthesis] spell, which used the vibrant energy of nature to breathe life into these isolated components. These steps were a critical part of the process, requiring Emery's utmost concentration and precision.

The [Reviving Pill] was a lifesaver, capable of pulling a mortal back from the brink of death, given they possessed a shred of life force. It invigorated one's strength, enabling the body's regeneration while cleansing harmful forces. The concoction had earned Emery his Rank 5 Artisan status, a tier 1 pill with an originality level of 5.

However, his current skill set didn't allow him to mix the contrasting essences of negative and positive energies, a feat only possible with his absent dark core. But Emery, always the problem solver, had found a workaround. He used an elven apothecary method that utilized the earth and water elements as catalysts to house opposing energies. The outcome was a potent [Reviving Pill - Tier 2, originality level 4], an upgraded version of its predecessor. Its heightened tier made it unsuitable for anyone below the Earth realm, but its increased potency made it an invaluable asset in critical situations.

[1 hour and 45 minutes left]

Completing the first potion had taken up a significant portion of the given time. But Emery, having anticipated this, was far from perturbed. He trusted Helena's efficiency in preparing the second batch of ingredients, which was already underway as Emery wrapped up the first potion.

The second potion was a complex blend that required eighteen diverse elements. Each of these had to be prepared differently before the actual potion-making process could begin. By the time Emery had concluded the [Reviving Pill] and looked towards the next task, Helena had the second set of ingredients ready. Some components had been finely sliced, others had been heated to precise temperatures, while a few were mashed into a sticky paste. Each step had been executed flawlessly under Helena's skillful touch.

"Thank you, Helena," Emery said, expressing his gratitude with a sincere smile. Helena nodded, acknowledging his appreciation before stepping back to give Emery space for the next phase.

As Emery readied himself to begin the next phase of potion-making, he noticed the crowd that had congregated before his alcove. The spectators watched in fascination, their eyes wide with appreciation for the first finished product and buzzing with anticipation for what was to come.

Not one to disappoint, Emery employed his magic, applying [Fragmentation] and [Photosynthesis] on 18 of the most vigorous essence and putting them into one giant concoction. This method ensured that the essence of each component was not only preserved but amplified. Once extracted, the essences were united in a harmonious concoction, under Helena's vigilant watch to maintain the ideal temperature.

Emery's second creation was not a mere potion, but a work of alchemical art. It was meant to be drunk and used as a bath for its user.

The second product was none other than [Heavenly Body tempering Liquid - Tier 5 Originality level 2]

A formula designed to strengthen the drinker's physical constitution and fortify their internal organs. Its conception was inspired by a promise Emery had made to a girl from his past. He envisioned that once he gained access to the premium tier 6 or 7 ingredients from the Forum, he would be able to refine his potion, bringing it closer to the legendary concoctions of Dwarf master Dulin.

[35 minutes left]

With only half an hour left on the clock, Emery moved to the third and final recipe. He had anticipated that the first two recipes would monopolize his time and thus chose a simpler yet intriguing potion for his final display, but it was the most profound product that he has created in this Vanyar planet

"Last Batch Twik!" he called, launching into the last phase.

Emery turned his attention to the final recipe. Anticipating that the first two potions would be time-consuming, he had chosen a relatively simpler yet effective potion for his last entry. This final potion required only five ingredients, all potent but volatile and toxic. Despite their unassuming appearance and strong odor, these ingredients held immense potential, but they required careful handling to prevent disastrous results.

Once Emery had fragmented and photosynthesized these ingredients, he beckoned his Khaos guardian.

"Cthulhu now is your turn," he whispered, introducing the dark and poisonous energy of the guardian into the brew. This was the final touch, turning an ordinary potion into an extraordinary one.

Thus, the [Cthulhu Bomb - Tier 6 - originality level 2] was born.

It was more than a mere explosive potion, capable of not only destruction comparable to a magus level tier 6 spell but also leaving behind a highly corrosive substance capable of eating through high-grade metals.

With just 3 minutes to spare, Emery had finished crafting his trio of original products. He exhibited them to the eager audience and the discerning judges, an undercurrent of pride resonating in his demeanor.