Two days had passed since that day. I hadn't hunted any monsters at all. I just stayed in the adventurers guild, eating quietly. Whenever Ms. Cera asked how I was, I simply said I wasn't feeling well. I didn't want to explain, not yet.
But this morning, I woke up earlier than usual—before the sun had even started rising. I adjusted my robe, checked that my sword was secured at my side, and stepped out of my room. The quiet of the early morning forest greeted me as I started walking.
"Oh, Renji, you're hunting again?" Cera asked from the guild counter, her voice gentle but curious.
"Yes," I replied simply. "I feel well enough now, so I decided to head out again."
"Good luck, then," she said with a small smile, turning back to assist other adventurers.
When I reached the forest, I reached into my bag and pulled out the empty bottles I had bought the other day. I had been thinking about making potions, not just for myself, but maybe to sell. I held one bottle in my hand and studied it.
"Hm… how should I do this?" I muttered to myself. "Is it similar to the acid I use?"
I focused. The power from the healing slime I had absorbed earlier pulsed in my hands. At first, it didn't work the way I imagined. The green liquid would dribble too fast, or sometimes not appear at all. My fingers shook as I tried to control it. I had to concentrate on the sensation in my hands, on the warmth of the slime's power.
A few moments later, a tiny drop of green liquid appeared at the tip of my finger. My heart skipped a beat. I carefully guided it into the bottle. It flowed slowly, glowing faintly, settling like it had a life of its own.
"W-wow…" I whispered, staring at the bottle as it filled. "So this is how potions are made."
Encouraged, I grabbed the next empty bottle. My movements became more deliberate. I could feel the slime's power responding to my will. The liquid formed more steadily now, and I poured it slowly into the bottle. A soft green glow lit up the inside, and a warm sensation spread through my fingers.
I repeated the process, bottle by bottle. At first, my hands were clumsy and awkward, but with each one, I became more confident. By the fourth bottle, my movements were smoother. By the sixth, I was pouring the green liquid evenly and neatly, without a single spill.
Finally, after what felt like hours, all ten bottles were filled. I held them carefully in my hands and stared at them, amazed. Each one contained the green liquid that could heal wounds, restore energy, and help others survive in dangerous fights.
"I did it… I made my first potion," I said aloud, a satisfied smile spreading across my face. I felt proud. It wasn't just about the potions themselves—it was about what I had learned, the control I now had over the power inside me.
I carefully packed the bottles into my bag, making sure none of them tipped over. I felt a small thrill at the thought of selling them later. If even one potion could be sold for a high price, I could earn enough to buy more supplies and maybe even better gear.
After a moment, I stood up and stretched, feeling the early morning sun on my face. "Alright… now I'll continue hunting," I said to myself. I tightened my grip on my sword and stepped deeper into the forest.
While I was walking deeper into the forest, I spotted a large wolf hiding behind a tree. It was eating a horned rabbit, completely unaware of me.
I crept a few steps closer, gripping my sword. The poison from the spider core pulsed in my hand, dark and sharp. I shot it at the wolf.
The wolf yelped as the poison hit, its legs trembling. Dark streaks spread over its fur where it got hit.
I didn't wait. I ran forward and swung my sword. The blade cut deep into its side. The wolf collapsed.
I bent down and grabbed its core, feeling the warm pulse as I stored it in my magic bag.
Suddenly, five more wolves appeared, circling me with low growls. Their eyes were filled with anger, and I knew they were ready to attack.
The first wolf lunged. I met it with my sword, blocking its sharp teeth. I countered quickly, swinging to cut its side, and it fell.
The second wolf came from the left. I rolled to dodge, feeling the wind from its jaws. I shot acid at it, and the green liquid hissed as it hit. Then I touched it with poison, and it yelped again.
The next wolf charged from the right. I stepped back just in time, avoiding its swipe. I swung my sword in a wide arc, slicing its arm. It howled in pain, but I noticed it was starting to heal.
I focused. The last two wolves attacked together, jaws snapping. I dodged a leap and struck the first one's head, cutting it clean.
The last wolf lunged at my chest. I swung hard, stabbing its chest. It staggered and fell to the ground.
When the battle ended, I carefully picked up all the cores and stored them in my magic bag. The forest was silent again, the only sound my breathing.
I picked up the three cores from the wolves and held them in my hands. The warmth pulsed through my fingers as I slowly absorbed them one by one.
The first core melted into me, a sharp rush of energy surging through my arms and legs. I flexed my fingers, feeling the weight of my sword feel lighter.
The second core followed. My heart beat faster, my senses sharpening. I could feel my strength building, my movements more precise and faster than before.
Finally, I absorbed the third core. A rush of power swept through my body, making my chest thrum with energy. Swinging my sword experimentally, it felt almost weightless in my hand, cutting through the air with ease.