When Elena Virelle first stepped into the alchemist's side chamber, she had not anticipated the sheer volume of smoke that would be involved.
"I told you not to stir counterclockwise," barked Mistress Calya, her face a perfect blend of exasperation and soot. "That combination forms volatile froth if agitated incorrectly."
"I thought it was clockwise!" Elena coughed, waving the smoke away as a bit of purple liquid dribbled down the side of the bubbling cauldron.
The lesson for the morning had started with something deceptively simple: how to prepare a Minor Cleansing Draught. Elena had followed the instructions—mostly. There had been one missing ingredient, a local root called bascrin, which she'd substituted with something similar she'd found in the drying racks.
That something turned out to be sleeproot. As the name suggested, it did not cleanse. It knocked out rats and possibly small mammals.
"It was an educated guess," Elena muttered.
"You're not here to guess. You're here to learn."
"I'm doing both."
Calya squinted at her, but a ghost of a smile tugged at her lips. "You're lucky you didn't burn off your eyebrows."
Elena wiped her face with a cloth. "Does that happen often?"
"Only to the talented ones."
---
After cleanup, Calya handed Elena a small booklet titled Beginner's Codex of Useful Concoctions. On the back was a stamped price: 2 silver crowns.
Elena blinked. "That's... half a week's pay as a stable cleaner."
"You're not paying for it. It's a loaner. Don't spill nightmoss tea on it."
Elena flipped through the pages and found more than just potion instructions. There were margin notes about prices, expected demand, and even marketplace tips. According to the guide:
A Minor Healing Potion sells for 5 copper crowns.
A Minor Cleansing Draught can fetch 6 to 7 copper if made pure.
A Nightwatch Elixir—used by guards on night duty—sells for 9 copper.
The more potent potions, like mana restoratives or strength-boosting tonics, required rare ingredients or certifications. But even the low-level ones could bring in money.
She did the mental math. If she could brew three potions a day and sell them for 6 copper each, that was 18 copper—nearly 2 silver crowns after a week. Enough to buy bread, rent a cot, and maybe afford more alchemy tools.
Elena's eyes gleamed. "How much do the ingredients cost?"
"That's the right question," Calya said approvingly. "Depends. If you forage, it's free but risky. If you buy, a single bundle of starleaf might cost you 2 copper crowns."
"So... profit is razor thin unless you're careful."
"Welcome to the economy."
---
That afternoon, Elena spent her break in the town's reading room. It wasn't quite a library—more of a shared space above the Glasmint bakery, where townsfolk donated or copied books. There, on a crooked shelf labeled History, she found a tome called The Kingdoms of Velmoria: A Survey.
She sat cross-legged on the floor and opened it.
Astraea was part of the continent of Velmoria, currently fractured into five major kingdoms:
Aurnhelm, the kingdom of iron and stone, known for blacksmiths and battlemages.
Thessaly, the trade kingdom, famous for its merchant fleets and spice routes.
Elarien, the old forest kingdom, ruled by druids and elemental mages.
Zarvain, a desert empire of glass cities and sandships.
And Solvaine, the kingdom of stars—technically extinct, now listed as ruins of a fallen civilization.
Elena's pendant pulsed faintly as she read that last name.
"Solvaine…" she whispered. Something about it tugged at her.
---
Back at the cottage that evening, Liora returned from her patrol shift, her armor slightly scuffed.
"Training mishap?" Elena asked.
"Bandits," Liora replied casually. "Very bad at their job."
Elena looked at the scratches. "Want a draught? I think I brewed one that won't explode."
Liora raised an eyebrow. "That's... comforting."
They shared a chuckle, and Elena passed her a small glass vial. It was glowing a faint yellow. Inside, the liquid shimmered—but didn't bubble ominously.
Liora downed it in one gulp. "Not bad. Needs mint."
"Noted."
Liora handed her a folded note. "Someone dropped this at the barracks. Addressed to you."
Elena unfolded it.
"To the alchemist who smells like burnt moss— You owe me a proper potion. Meet me at the old garden tower at sunset tomorrow. Bring something that works. Or don't come at all. — Mysterious Benefactor.
Elena blinked. "Who the hell—?"
Liora leaned over her shoulder. "You're making enemies already. I'm so proud."
---
[End of Chapter 10]