Nameless King

Wain and Edena went to Lui Bu's laboratory. It wasn't as big as Edena's, but it was cozy and pleasant. The place had a special atmosphere. They were both alchemists but with very different approaches.

The Constructs used math, physics, chemistry, and precise calculations, while the Axalts acted on flair, paying more attention to material properties, scent, and effects.

There were alchemists among the other races, too, some of whom became great, but Axalts and Constructs have always been the benchmark for success in this field.

"Edena, do you and Lui Bu work individually?" Wain asked as he walked to the door.

"Not always. There are projects where we need each other's help, but some things we do alone. It's more efficient and quieter that way."

"Good." Wain opened the door.

A pleasant herbaceous scent wafted out of the room. It was the smell of flowers, roots, and potions.

In the center, sitting in a lotus pose, Lui Bu was meditating. Flower petals floated beside him, a pleasant aura emanating from him, as calm as a stream of water.

Lui Bu opened his eyes. He was surprised to see Edena and Wain after so long.

"Welcome back."

"Glad to see you." Wain smiled.

Lui Bu got to his feet, and they shook hands.

"I hope you didn't come empty-handed?"

"Huh, of course not. I got everything you asked me for, but before I do, I want to ask you something." Wain looked at the tables in the room, "What is it?"

Besides herbs, powders, and flowers on the table, there were parts of monsters, claws, horns, and so on.

"I needed these materials for an experiment. I had to go to a low-level arena to get them."

"Hmm? Wasn't that too risky?" Wain raised an eyebrow.

"No, Elegan helped me. He picked a great team for me, so we quickly got the monster parts and went home."

"Hey, can we get to the fun part already?" Edena tapped Wain on the side.

"Whatever you say." Wain smiled as the ring on his finger glowed brightly with a green light.

A massive cauldron appeared beside him, several goblets of brightly burning flame, and a set of unique potions with unusual effects.

"This is actually... Damn, how cool this is!" Lui Bu exclaimed.

"Thank you." Edena muttered.

Her reaction was more relaxed. While Lui Bu cheered, Edena considered the potions.

"I hope this helps you."

"Of course, this cauldron and the flame essence cubes are incredible! I used to have to manage with skills and fires, but now it will be different!" Lui Bu touched the cauldron as its description appeared.

[Dragon Flame Pattern Cauldron (Second Chronicle, Heroic Eating)

This cauldron is made of sturdy metal with unique properties. The cauldron heats up quickly and easily but takes a very long time to cool down, capable of holding a single temperature for days. In special cells in the cauldron's body, you can insert the essence of the flame. The more of them, the stronger the flame will be.

*Protects resources inside from external influences and purifies them by 90%. With sufficient skill of the Alchemist, a deeper degree of purification is possible.

*Increases the chance to create a potion with a higher Rating than originally.

*Possible to brew Third Chronicle potions and purify powerful ingredients]

"How's that? Not bad, right?"

"This cauldron is the best."

"Not bad. Honestly, I didn't expect you to be able to get something this high quality." Edena touched the boiler, "How much did it cost? I mean, all of it?"

Lui Bu stared at Wain, he was curious to know. They knew that such things were very valuable and that only rich people could afford them.

"I think you'd better not know that. Just make the most of it. All right, I've got to go. I've got one important thing to do." Wain waved his hand as he headed for the exit.

"Wait!" Lui Bu and Edena said at the same time.

"What is it?" Wain turned around.

"This is awkward to say, but we have a present for you, too." They looked at each other.

"Hmm?" Wain was surprised, "Huh, I didn't know my dear alchemists were so sentimental."

"Shut up." Edena said sharply, "That would just be fair. You gave us a home, an opportunity, and a chance. We're grateful for that, but we still haven't been able to do anything worthwhile for you personally."

"That's not true, you've done a lot for the zone, which means a lot for me, but I hear you. Go ahead, show me what you've prepared. I'm looking forward to it." Wain smiled.

His heart began to pound faster, he could taste the excitement and successful investment. Though it was only the beginning, Edena and Lui Bu were already beginning to pay off.

"Yes."

Their rings glowed. A pouch with three white pills appeared in Lui Bu's hand, Edena had a dark potion, very viscous like tar.

"We asked Frigus and Elegan in detail about your skills and abilities. They told us which consumables would suit you best." Edena muttered.

They approached Wain as they handed over their gifts.

"Thank you. I appreciate it." Wain said seriously.

"Then we should all get back to work." Lui Bu walked over to the cauldron.

"Sure."

...

Wain left the lab and met with Elegan. He prepared the perfect place for Wain to begin his third evolution.

"What do you think?" Elegan waved his hand as he showed his work.

It was a small room under the ice lake. In the center was a platform just above floor level. Next to the platform flowed two brooks of frosty water. At the edges of the streams grew trees with blue foliage, which gave off a pleasant chill.

"Not bad. It's much better than I expected. You're as good as ever." Wain nodded in approval.

"All right, then, I'll leave you out of it. I and the others need to prepare for a significant change, don't I?" Elegan smiled.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it."