Spirit Taming

Chapter 459: Powder Not Potion

The goal to find a potion shop was much easier than they could imagine. Mostly because there was such an organized layout to Terra city. Specifically that the potions and medicinal herbs were in their own secondary street away from the merchant area. It appeared that this was done because of the fumes that came from creating potions.

The architects of the city had gone to many different lengths to create special stone pipes, metal pipes, and even had a few beasts with wind affinity removing the smoke from the brewing of options. The same was done for the blacksmiths which were nearby since they needed the same ventilation.

Therefore, the group found themselves wanding down a street with a very appealing scent. The medicinal herbs were bright and fresh while some stalls let out a very deep and earthy ascent. This was in contrast to the almost damp smell around which came from being underground. Not that the smell was bad at all.

"I really don't see much use for this. I can't use many of these herbs when forging anything." Ralph was the most negative since he was sure that everything he saw was not going to be useful for him.

"What about the vines over there? They have some sap that can be used to help harden certain metals." Isa was ready to butt heads with Ralph and prove him wrong but one look from Clark and Maria made her hold back a little on the rest of whatever she had planned to say.

"Fine, then I will buy some of them. But shouldn't they just sell the sap?" Ralph grumbled while he went to purchase them. Clark had also done an analysis of them too.

'Dark cave vine- uncommon

The dark cave vine grows by consuming the metals underneath where it grows. The ores that it feeds off of are normally very brittle and darker in color. Therefore, the leaves and vines gain this color making it a hard to see herb in the dim lighting of the caves it grows in.

The sap can be extracted and holds a metal typing that will assist in making certain brittle ores tougher. It is also very useful when creating unstable alloys. Furthermore, it can be used for limited alchemy purposes since the sap can help replace vital vitamins within the body. But in too high concentrations it will be very toxic.'

While Clark was impressed by the little vine and how it had multiple uses, he wasn't that impressed with the fact that the herbs here were mostly earth and metal type. It appeared that many of Terra city did not venture to the top side of the world to hunt for herbs. They relied on the limited cave dwelling herbs.

There was also the fact that a lot of the herbs Clark knew were from the overworld were not in the best shape. It proved again that the medicinal herbs in Terra city were bought, transported a long distance, then sold here many days later. That also meant that they would have a limited number of higher quality potions.

"This place looks good, decent herb variety and says they have a live in alchemist. That means they are most likely one of the owners." Isa took Maria inside while Clark lingered outside. He didn't say much as the rest of the group explored before he followed Maria and Isa inside. He had a feeling he was going to be able to truly discern the level of alchemy here in Terra city.

When he entered, he saw a variety of dried herbs as the main focus. This proved again that there was a hard to get set of herbs when they were fresh. Only when they were dried would they be easy to get. But what made him very curious were the vials of powders he saw on shelves.

'Healing powder- uncommon

Mix with water and create a very low tier healing potions good for cuts, scrapes, and slow healing. It can also be used to boost the vitality in the young when they are sick. It is also helpful to drink a little dissolved in hot water when pregnant.'

It was a very basic and quick analysis. However, it proved that the alchemists in terra city had worked their way around the harder to come by fresh herbs. They had managed to change their formulas for potions in to powders so that a quick potion can be made on the go. It would be of lesser quality, but also would last longer in storage. A wise decision for the environment they were in.

"Yes, I can help you with that young ladies. I have a few basic books on alchemy with me here. I have multiple copies for just the kind of people like yourselves." The older man at the counter was shuffling under the front desk before bringing out a few older books.

They didn't look like much but Clark could tell it was the same process to make potions in powdered forms instead of liquid. This would diversify what Maria could learn later. "And you also said you were looking for insight on an alchemy beast? What kind of affinities are you interested in? Many people go with fire.

But I have to tell you, some spiritual and even dark type beasts can make excellent potions. The same with water beasts!"

The man laughed a little but it was clear he was just going through the business motions to get a little extra coin. But that was his job. To make sure he made money and got the customer what they wanted, there was nothing wrong with that.

"Spiritual and water would be ideal." Clark watched Maria speak up. She already had her midnight eel which was darkness and spiritual in nature for the most part. It hid away in her shadow always growing stronger by absorbing the energies around it. Lit was a spiritual beast and a poison type. Therefore, the connection between the two was spiritual while they had secondary typing.

That was why a dual water and spiritual beast would be ideal for Maria when it came to alchemy.

"Hmm, now that is a tough one. Here we have more earth type beasts. Some rare spiritual and metal type beasts. You might look for the auctions. Not those random or basic ones. But the expensive ones held at night.

They would auction a spiritual water type beasts for a lot around here. They would help a lot with flooded caves you know. Many of those around lately. But you could just look for a water bear or white crab. Both are less focused on alchemy but they have the affinities to match what you want." The old man seemed a bit stumped but that was to be expected.

"Ah, I see, I will have to check one out. We were planning to go after we went a few other places. We will have a few things to be sold there too." Maria was nice and paid the man for the healing powders and the books. She even grabbed a few odd tools here and there for harvesting herbs.

Some pruning shears along with the root pulling trowel that might be useful while they explored the caves around Terra city.

"Have a nice day now!" the older man waved them off and went back to his business.

"So there are very few beasts sold around here that you might like. You might have to look for a beast that has already hatched." Isa was looking at Maria and wondered if Maria would want the added effort of taming an already raised beast. That was normally much harder than raising one even though raising one was technically more costly.

"I already have my little Midnight eel, she grew perfectly fine with little guidance. Maybe I can get lucky again." hearing praise made the midnight eel shift in Maria's shadow. It was very glad to be praised for doing its job well and remaining ever vigilant. But that was just the kind of beast it was. It liked the darkness and preferred to hide away where others wouldn't bother it.

This was the best in its opinion.

"If we head to the auctions it should be fine. We were going anyways so it makes sense. I already have a lot of luck when it comes to them too. Where do you think I got Crim's egg? Alexander bought a beast for me and I chose that. Well, he didn't really buy it for me.

More like I used what I could to make it happen." Clark felt a little bad for stealing the best beast away at that time but no one else had realized how great Crim was. They didn't have the system that Clark did.

"That's true, you can help me find the best beast for me. Maybe I can get a water sprite to be friends with Isa's flame sprite." Maria giggled a little but Isa looked like she was not ready for this. She was still on edge about what the flame sprite might grow in to.

"On another note, we already have some healing powders. We can compare them to our potions later. Maybe we will learn a few things." Clark refocused them as they saw the rest of the group waiting for them by a bench set up on the street. It seemed like everyone had become bored with herbs and was ready to head to Terra Academy already.