As the sun set, Robb was completely focused on the distillation device in the second-floor laboratory of the workshop.
When the final drop of clear, amber-colored liquid fell into the crystal bottle, he let out a deep breath and carefully sealed it.
"Finally done," Robb whispered, holding the bottle up to the light. "Lava Dewdrop, perfectly reconstructed."
The liquid in the bottle had a strange flow to it, as if tiny flames were leaping inside. This was the mark of its active potency.
Layla stood nearby, her face full of joy and a deep sense of achievement. "Master, we did it!"
"Yes, thanks to your help." Robb smiled, his eyes glinting with genuine appreciation.
Lately, Layla had made remarkable progress in alchemy. Her "Diligence Makes Up for Mediocrity" talent had begun to show astonishing potential. Her intuitive sense for potion formulas had become a great aid to Robb.
It was she who suggested a special stabilizer that resolved the issue of residual impurities in the Lava Dewdrop.
"Reverse-engineering this formula was far harder than I expected."
Robb looked at the thick stack of lab notes on the table. "The sample Andrey brought from the royal family had already aged, most of the active components had degraded."
He flipped to a page in the notebook and pointed at a complex molecular structure:
"The biggest problem was right here. The core active compound ratios were completely off, which caused instability in our first three trials."
Layla nodded. She vividly remembered the second experiment, where the lab was almost consumed in an unexpected burst of fire. If Robb hadn't quickly cast a containment spell, the consequences could have been serious.
"But now, not only have we reconstructed the formula, we've optimized it."
Robb said with satisfaction, "In theory, this version of Lava Dewdrop should be about 20% more effective than the original, with improved stability."
He gently swirled the bottle, watching the glowing flecks inside spiral into a vortex pattern.
"Next, we need to test it." Robb turned to Layla. "Go tell Valenwood to help prepare the backyard. I'm going to begin the first trial tonight."
Layla curtsied and left, unable to hide her excitement.
It was her first time being part of such a major research project with her teacher, and their results were impressive.
The sense of accomplishment far surpassed any compliment she'd ever received for her looks.
Robb double-checked every detail of the formula.
As the key potion for Stage Three of the Solar Breath, the Lava Dewdrop was more complex than he had anticipated.
The biggest challenges during the reconstruction had been threefold:
First, the sample Andrey provided had degraded significantly due to age. Robb had to go through multiple extraction and concentration processes just to isolate enough effective compounds for analysis.
Second, the core ingredient, Sunfire Essence, was a rare material derived from the crystallized hearts of certain fire-elemental creatures.
Robb was forced to substitute it using his own replicated Crimsonblood Wyvern lineage, extracting dragon blood essence as an alternative, a time-consuming and exhausting process.
Lastly, the potion's stability posed a significant issue.
The original formula was clearly tailored to the unique physiology of the royal bloodline. For others, the same formula could cause severe internal burns.
Fortunately, Layla's inspiration led them to include a neutralizing agent derived from an ice-element creature, perfectly balancing the formula.
"In theory, this improved Lava Dewdrop should enhance bloodline activation efficiency by about 30%," Robb muttered to himself, finishing his notes.
As night fell, the backyard training ground was surrounded by special protective runes.
Robb sat cross-legged in the center, the glowing bottle of Lava Dewdrop resting before him.
He took a deep breath, removed the stopper, and drank a small portion.
The moment the potion entered his body, a searing heat surged through him like molten lava.
Every vein felt like it was on fire. Every muscle trembled.
Clenching his teeth, Robb began adjusting his breathing according to the instructions in Stage Three of the Solar Breath.
"Inhale… count to nine; hold… five beats; exhale… seven beats…"
As his breathing deepened, the internal heat began to stabilize.
He could clearly feel the bloodline energy circulating through his body in rhythm with each breath.
At each key acupoint it passed, it left behind a faint warmth.
This was the essence of Stage Three, Bloodline Tempering.
Through a precise breathing rhythm, the activated bloodline energy was guided in cycles, gradually transforming and strengthening the physical body.
Unlike Stage Two, which emphasized awakening the bloodline, Stage Three focused on mastering it, fully integrating the power into one's own body.
Robb felt the dragonhead core of his Primal Chimera Bloodline becoming unusually active under this training.
That crimson energy surged through him like a living creature, each wave bringing tangible improvements to his physical abilities.
"Lava Dewdrop really works," he confirmed inwardly, observing the changes in his body.
Compared to regular training, the potion had clear advantages.
The energy flow was smoother, conversion rates higher.
Most importantly, it significantly reduced the discomfort of bloodline activation, allowing him to maintain high-intensity training for much longer.
After two full hours of cultivation, Robb finally opened his eyes and exhaled deeply.
That breath turned into a wisp of red mist that lingered in the air.
[Bloodline Activation EXP +1]
[Current Progress: Bloodline Activation (Novice 45/100)]
"Faster progress than expected."
Robb was pleased. "At this rate, I should reach the Adept level within two months."
He could already sense his blood energy surging. Once he reached proficiency, he might gain a trait related to the "Life Burst" ability of Bloodline Knights.
He stretched, feeling the residual heat in his muscles.
Lava Dewdrop was indeed a rare and powerful support potion, it not only accelerated bloodline integration but also reduced the side effects afterward.
"I should let Andrey know, he's been stuck at a bottleneck with his bloodline fusion." Robb thought.
The next day, Andrey entered the workshop as Robb was guiding Layla through an improved stimulant formula.
"Did I come at a bad time?"
Andrey smiled politely, doing his best not to let his gaze linger on Layla.
Robb looked up and gestured to Layla to put down her silver spoon.
"Perfect timing, actually. Just finished."
Layla saw the visitor and curtsied. "Your Highness, Andrey."
Andrey waved it off. "No princes here, please just call me Andrey."
He turned to Robb with a teasing look in his eyes.
"I must say, you're living quite the life. Even the most beautiful apprentice of this year has become your personal assistant, eh?"
Robb chuckled, ignoring the jab. "Layla, please prepare some tea for us."
"Yes, Master." Layla responded and left, her face slightly flushed, clearly understanding the implication behind Andrey's joke.
On her way to the tea room, she couldn't help glancing back at Robb.
But he was wearing his usual calm expression, chatting with Andrey, seemingly unaffected by the earlier comment.
A slight sadness welled up inside her, and she felt ashamed of her thoughts.
"What am I thinking…" she whispered, patting her flushed cheeks.
"Master treats everyone in the workshop with equal kindness. I shouldn't be harboring such thoughts."
But as she brewed the fragrant tea, her mind involuntarily replayed moments of Robb patiently teaching her.
His focused gaze, his detailed explanations, and the admiration in his eyes when she made progress…
These little things were like sunlight melting the emotional ice she had built up over the years.
They made her long for more recognition, more attention.
"What's happening to me…"
She sighed softly, placed the tea and snacks on a tray, and tried to steady her heartbeat as she returned to the guest room.
"How are things inside the Order lately?" Robb asked, noticing Andrey's weary expression.
"It's a bloody mess!" Andrey replied. "Since Oliver defected, the enforcement squad's been searching the Black Mist Forest daily, but so far, no solid leads."
"What about the pursuit team?"
Andrey's face darkened.
"All missing. Presumed dead. Their last report said Oliver had 'half-awakened' and displayed terrifying abilities."
The scent of tea filled the room as Layla quietly entered, set the refreshments down, and stepped aside.
Andrey politely thanked her and took a sip of tea.
"This is quite nice, distinct aroma," he remarked, glancing at Layla. "You must've trained in tea brewing, Layla?"
The girl bowed her head. "Thank you. I modified the recipe with some special herbs."
Andrey nodded with a smile, then turned back to Robb.
"You really know how to enjoy life. This workshop is perfectly run, the tea's exquisite, and you've got such a thoughtful and lovely assistant."
Robb shook his head slightly, redirecting the conversation.
"So how has Oliver's defection affected the Order?"
Andrey immediately turned serious.
"A lot. First, security's been tightened, apprentices are now strictly limited in leaving the premises. Second, investigations into the organisation called Abyssal Eye are fully underway. Several suspected contacts have already been arrested."
He paused, his voice heavy.
"The worst part is the casualties. One of the pursuit team… Norris. You knew him, right?"
Robb's expression shifted. "Norris? The Intermediate Apprentice in the enforcement squad, under Lord Hugo?"
"That's him," Andrey nodded, eyes dim. "He seemed stern, but he helped a lot of newcomers. When I first joined the squad, he taught me the ropes in secret."
Robb remembered Norris helping him back when he was still in the initiate dorms.
The brutal reality of this world struck home again.
"Everyone has their fate," he said quietly. Then he noticed Andrey's bandaged arm. "What happened to your arm?"
Andrey scratched the bandage awkwardly.
"Actually, that's why I'm here. I was bitten by Marcus… after he'd fully mutated."
"What?! Take off the bandage. Let me see!" Robb's tone sharpened with urgency.
Andrey hesitated, sighed, and slowly unwrapped the bandages.
As the last layer came off, Robb's pupils contracted sharply.
The wound was rotting. The surrounding skin was an unnatural black-purple, like ink soaking into paper.
Worse, the black lines were creeping upward, almost reaching the shoulder.
"Damn it, Andrey!" Robb stood up abruptly. "Why'd you wait so long? This is clearly physical manifestation of mental corruption!"
Andrey stared at the wound in disbelief. "I thought it was just a normal bite. My bloodline should've healed it quickly…"
"Does a normal wound look like this?!"
Robb cursed, then turned to Layla. "Prepare the lab. We need to perform a minor surgery right now."
Layla snapped into action, calm and professional. "What instruments and compounds?"
"Full surgical knives. Bone-corrosion agents #3 through #7. Regeneration serum. Also…"
Robb listed a long set of items. Layla memorized them and rushed off to prepare.
"How bad is it...?" Andrey's face had gone pale.
"Very, very bad," Robb said bluntly.
"Marcus was heavily corrupted, his saliva and blood carried dangerous contaminants. You only did a basic treatment, so it seeped into your bloodstream."
He motioned Andrey to follow.
"We need to cut out the infected tissue and purify the wound with a special serum. It'll hurt, but delaying it will only make things worse."
The lab was quickly prepared. Valenwood joined them, her vines were perfect for precision work and she was one of Robb's best assistants.
Andrey lay on a custom operating table. Robb wore white sterilized gloves. Layla stood beside him, ready to assist.
"This is going to hurt."
Robb warned as he injected a paralyzing agent into Andrey's arm.
"But I need your mind clear to monitor the corruption's reaction."
Andrey gritted his teeth. "Go ahead. I can take it."
The surgery began. Robb used a beam scalpel, refined through advanced elemental sensing, to make the first incision.
The pollution ran deeper than expected, the black fluid nearly reaching the bone.
"Begin excision."
Robb nodded to Valenwood to stabilize the arm, then picked up a glowing purification scalpel to remove the corrupted tissue.
Every cut had to be exact, removing all infected areas while sparing healthy tissue.
It required immense mental control and anatomical knowledge, thankfully, Robb had both.
Despite the anesthesia, Andrey couldn't help groaning.
Even with dragonblood-enhanced pain tolerance, this kind of internal corruption surgery was excruciating.
"Just hang on. The worst is nearly over."
With the final slice, the wound looked massive, almost double its original size, exposing red muscle and white bone.
"This part's critical," Robb said, lifting a golden vial, his own specially made purifying serum.
"It'll destroy lingering corruption and promote tissue regeneration."
He poured it in. The gold liquid reacted violently with the remaining black sludge, releasing white smoke.
Andrey groaned again but held firm.
Nearly an hour passed before the wound was fully cleansed and dressed with regenerative ointment.
"All done." Robb exhaled, bandaging the injury.
"The corruption's gone, but you waited too long. There'll be a permanent scar."
Andrey gave a weak smile. "Better a scar than death or mutation. Thank you, Robb. You saved my life… again."
Robb shook his head. "You were careless. If that infection reached your core bloodline, not even an actual wizard could have helped. Good thing you weren't completely stupid and came to me."
He walked to a cabinet and retrieved three bottles of Lava Dewdrop.
"This is the improved formula. It's better than the original. Take them and follow the instructions, they'll help speed up your bloodline growth."
Andrey stared in shock at the shimmering red-gold bottles. "These are priceless!"
"If your bloodline activation reaches a certain level, it may even repair the permanent damage," Robb said calmly.
"Besides, I synthesized them myself. The cost isn't that high."
He knew Andrey had been struggling financially due to his post-awakening appetite and didn't want to burden him.
"I… I don't know how to thank you," Andrey said hoarsely.
"You didn't just save my life, you gave me these priceless potions…"
Robb smiled, suddenly joking:
"When you become the King, just remember to make me a marquis or something. That way House Reyne can finally be proud."
Andrey froze, then replied seriously:
"Not just a marquis. If I really sit on that throne, I promise, House Reyne will become a hereditary grand duchy, second only to the royal house."
Robb looked at his friend's resolute expression and gave a faint smile.
"Too much wealth only breeds arrogance and spoiled children. I just want House Reyne to have a safe umbrella to live peacefully."
He paused, then half-joked:
"Maybe we can arrange for my older brother's descendants to marry into your branch. That'd make it even more secure."
Andrey laughed. "You always make huge matters sound so casual."
He looked out the window at the setting sun, eyes burning with determination.
"But I mean it, Robb. I used to think the throne was out of reach. But now…"
The blond youth clenched his fists.
"With a friend like you by my side, I'm beginning to believe… maybe it's not just a dream."
Robb didn't respond.
He simply took a sip of his now-cold tea to moisten his throat.
No one could predict the future.