"You may use any of the berries and herbs here as you please," the Old Alakazam promised Feng Che solemnly. "As long as you can produce an Exceptional-grade Psychic Advancement Potion, I will provide the Ten-Thousand-Year Rainbow Fruit and the final catalyst."
"I have also collected a set of experimental tools forged from the highest quality Psychic Crystals. They are the finest instruments for concocting such potions. I hope they aid you. If you manage to create an Epic-grade potential advancement potion, I shall gift this entire set to you."
Alakazam snapped his fingers, and a workstation made of translucent purple crystal materialized. The beakers, alcohol lamps, and pestles were all crafted from luxurious, high-conductivity Psychic Crystal.
"With this equipment, my success rate for an Exceptional Rainbow Potion will rise significantly," Feng Che nodded. "Let's not waste time. I'll begin immediately."
Feng Che donned the lab coat provided by Alakazam and took a deep breath to steady his mind. A moment later, his telekinesis lifted a Thousand-Year Rainbow Fruit and its supplementary ingredients into the air.
He scanned the fruit's internal structure repeatedly with his psychic sense. Only after mapping every fiber did he pick up the crystal knife and make seven precise incisions. The fruit split perfectly into seven segments, its juices held intact by the gossamer-thin internal membranes.
This crystal workstation is incredible. It reduces my psychic energy consumption by 50%, Feng Che noted. The knife was so sharp that the diamond-hard fruit felt like wet paper. The crystals also continuously replenished his mental reserves—a testament to the fortune Alakazam had spent on this setup.
Feng Che spent the next fifteen minutes processing the other herbs—slicing, grinding, and extracting.
"There are three main hurdles to the Rainbow Potion," Feng Che explained to Sabrina and Alakazam as he worked.
"First is the decomposition. Each color segment is separated by a membrane only 0.1mm thick. Any deviation ruins the purity. Second, all seven resulting primary potions must be refined to the exact same quality level. This alone stops 99% of pharmacists. Finally, the mixing: they must be layered in the precise order of Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, and Violet to be successful."
The process was grueling, usually taking days and massive amounts of mental energy. For a non-psychic pharmacist, it would require dozens of stamina restoratives. Feng Che, however, used his Starry Sky Meditation technique to recover his reserves during the slow-boiling phases.
Three Days Later
Seven vials, resembling liquid art, sat on the crystalline table.
Rainbow Primary Potion (Red): Epic Quality. When combined with other colors, produces a transcendental effect.
Feng Che was surprised to find all seven were of Epic quality. Each had its own minor benefit: Red accelerated psychic training, while Blue increased mental capacity.
If a Thousand-Year fruit produces this, a Ten-Thousand-Year fruit might actually reach the Legendary tier, Feng Che thought.
He began the final, delicate task of layering the liquids. One mistake here would cause a chemical reaction that could turn the potion into sludge. After hours of painstaking layering, five vials of shimmering, seven-colored liquid stood before him.
Rainbow Potion: Epic Grade. High probability of increasing the potential tier of a Psychic-type Pokémon. First consumption yields the best results. Can also be consumed by humans to significantly boost their psychic potential.
I didn't realize humans could take this too, Feng Che noted. He looked up to see Alakazam's hopeful face.
"So, Feng Che? Did you reach the Exceptional level?" the elder asked.
"Based on my judgment, these are beyond Exceptional. They are Epic," Feng Che replied, gesturing to the vials. "See for yourself."
Alakazam picked up a vial, his eyes wide as he inspected the clarity and the prismatic halo radiating from the liquid. "Yes... just like the ancient texts described. This is the pinnacle of the Epic tier!"
"Old Alakazam, since this was a success, I want to attempt the Ten-Thousand-Year fruit next," Feng Che said. "I've had a realization during this process. I believe I can reach the Legendary tier. If I do, I'll be one step closer to becoming a Pharmacy Grandmaster."
"Good! Excellent!" Alakazam's whiskers trembled with joy. "If you can make a Legendary Potion, even if you want the stars in the sky, I'll pluck them for you! With a Legendary potion, I'll have a 70% chance of breaking my bottleneck and winning a new life."
Feng Che knew the Ten-Thousand-Year fruit would be exponentially harder. Its membranes were as fragile as soap bubbles. He needed practice. He searched the vault and found the Bubble Fruit, a rare specimen so light it practically floated.
If the bubble burst during peeling, the fruit vanished. Only masters like Siege of the Kalos Elite Four were known for handling them perfectly.
"I need to split these without popping them," Feng Che muttered.
His first attempt resulted in an immediate pop.
"Your mindset is wrong," Alakazam advised from the shadows. "Bubble Fruit grows in silent valleys. You must discard all stray thoughts. If your heart wavers even slightly, the fruit senses the vibration and bursts."
Alakazam and Sabrina teleported away to give him space. Left alone, Feng Che began his training. It took a dozen failures before he learned to weave his telekinesis into threads as fine as hair, gently lifting the skin.
Success!
As he peeled his first perfect Bubble Fruit, Alakazam nodded in secret approval. This wasn't just pharmacy; it was the ultimate refinement of psychic control.
Johto Region, Blackthorn City, Dragon's Den
Clair was deep in training when she suddenly froze. Before her, a black silhouette flickered. Around the shadow, countless Dragon-type Pokémon were circling in an eerie, synchronized dance...