After entering the ancient structure area, Robert stayed until nightfall, engaging in several battles throughout the day. It started with one Mitachurl leading a pack of Hilichurls. Later, groups of Mitachurls appeared, along with Whopperflowers and various Floating Fungi. It made Robert understand why Blackwing had told him to eat more; you genuinely couldn't keep up your strength otherwise.
It wasn't until around six or seven in the evening that movement was heard from the entrance. A brawny man similar to Blackwing arrived with a team. Robert spotted several familiar faces in the group: Ironhead, Flower Snake, and a few others from the gambling den. These men were indeed the elite of the Treasure Hoarders, which explained why they had so much Mora to gamble with.
"Boss, shift change," the brawny man called out.
Blackwing clapped his hands and stood up. "Alright, men! Shift's over!" He led his team toward the newcomers. The area could only hold sixteen people, so his group had to leave first to make room. The researchers also changed shifts, as only a night watch was needed. This was why Blackwing, their strongest fighter, guarded during the day.
As the two groups passed each other, Blackwing spoke to Robert. "This is our second-in-command. He also uses a blade. You can call him Blackblade."
Robert wouldn't be so informal. He gave a slight bow. "Hello, Blackblade."
Blackwing said to Blackblade, "This is Blade, Scar's junior. Good in a fight."
Hearing this, Blackblade's expression softened. "Since you're in the troupe, you're family. Speak up if you need anything." "Thank you,Blackblade. I will," Robert replied, acting very polite.
After a brief handover, Robert followed Blackwing out of the pit.
Once outside, Blackwing looked at Robert. "We assemble at six tomorrow morning to take over the shift. Don't be late." He paused, then continued, "If you want to learn potion-making, go find Scar. But... materials cost money. You can deduct it from your future pay. Of course, if you manage to make elemental bottles, the troupe will buy them. We pay three hundred Mora for a standard elemental bottle."
When he said 'three hundred Mora,' a flicker of pain crossed Blackwing's face. Even for him, that price was steep. But you couldn't expect a Potioneer to work for free, as they bought their own materials. Some were hired specifically, paying them a processing fee and a share of the bottles. Regardless, anything involving elements was never cheap.
"Understood, Boss," Robert nodded seriously.
"Good. Come with me. As combat personnel, you get the highest rations. I'll introduce you to the kitchen staff." The group headed towards the kitchen. It was past dinner time, but the kitchen was still active, clearly waiting for them. After introductions ensured the kitchen staff would remember Robert, everyone ate.
Robert finished quickly and excused himself, heading off to find Scar.
...
"You want to learn how to make elemental bottles? The boss already agreed?" Scar was clearly surprised by Robert's request. But upon hearing Blackwing had approved, he didn't refuse.
"Fine. From now on, come to me for an hour of Potioneer training after dinner each day. I'll teach you for three days. If you haven't grasped the basics by then, don't bother continuing."
Robert immediately nodded. "Okay. Thank you, Scar."
Scar waved a hand. "Don't thank me yet. You might not even be able to learn it." He treated teaching Robert as a task from Blackwing, without any particular personal investment. "Today we start. I'll first teach you the origins of the Potioneer and a few universal formulas. Memorize them. I'll prepare the materials tomorrow; the cost will be deducted from your future pay." He looked at Robert. "Do you know the most commonly used potion bottles in our ranks?"
Robert replied, "There are four: Pyro, Hydro, Electro, and Cryo potion bottles."
Scar gave a slight nod, somewhat satisfied. "And do you know the origins of these four potions?"
This stumped Robert; he genuinely didn't know. In the game, Treasure Hoarders were just minor enemies; who looked into the lore of their skills?
Scar didn't get angry. "Our organization is very loose, with no profound legacy. What we call 'potion-making' actually comes from humble beginnings. The Pyro potion? It's just hazardous chemicals mixed with elemental materials—pure flammables and explosives. The Hydro potion was initially sold as 'holy water' or 'elixirs' to scam people. It was only later we discovered its potential for throwing at enemies. The Electro potion was also developed by accident. And the Cryo potion? It started because we needed to chill drinks in places without Mist Flowers. You see, these so-called 'four great potions' all have disreputable origins. To put it nicely, they call us Potioneers. To put it bluntly, we're just thugs who know a bit of chemistry and elements."
Scar stated this, without pride or resentment, simply stating facts. He looked intently at Robert. "Knowing the inglorious truth of the Potioneer, do you still want to learn?"
Robert didn't hesitate. "Of course I do. Compared to being a beast of burden, being a Potioneer is already a cut above." Robert was thinking of his wage-slave life before crossing over, but Scar assumed he meant his days as a laborer in Liyue Harbor.
"Fine. In that case, I'll teach you the formulas first. You need to memorize them." Scar began. "First, the most powerful: the Pyro potion. Initially, we used a fuel mixture plus elemental materials, but that was abandoned due to high cost. Through generations of work, we settled on the simplest flammable as a base: strong liquor. It's flammable, easy to spread, adheres well to targets, and is much cheaper than fuel. A bottle of strong liquor costs about fifty Mora in Liyue. Besides liquor, we need a fire-rich elemental material—Flaming Flower pollen. Not much, about ten grams, market price forty Mora. Then we need something to amplify the Pyro power, another material with Pyro properties. There are many options here: extract from Pyro Fungal spores, extract from Hardhead Crabs... but for the best cost-effectiveness, we also add Red Lizard tails. They're cheap, one Mora each; people in Liyue farm them specifically. Finally, the most critical material: gunpowder. This provides the explosive force. Thankfully, we Hoarders have special channels for it. It's not too expensive; one bottle needs about fifty to sixty grams, costing around a hundred Mora."
"Those are the materials. The method is simple:
1. Divide the Flaming Flower pollen in two. Mix one half with the lizard tail extract and inject it into the strong liquor. 2. Stir until the mixture is uniform with no visible separation.
3. Pour the mixture into the potion bottle.
4. Perform the first internal seal on the bottle to ensure the liquid doesn't leak. 5. Treat the other half of the pollen with a special technique to suppress its Pyro nature. After treatment, mix it with the gunpowder. 6. Inject the gunpowder-pollen mix into the bottle. The internal seal keeps the powder and liquid separate. 7. For the final step, make a small hole in the cap, insert a fuse, and screw the cap on tight. A Pyro potion bottle is done."
Scar explained meticulously, and Robert listened carefully. He had to admit, the name 'Potioneer' was really just gilding a very crude lily. This wasn't a potion; it was a Molotov cocktail. These Treasure Hoarders were really living on the edge.
"Did you get all that?" Scar asked. Robert nodded."I remember."
Scar gave a noncommittal grunt."Let's continue. Next is the Cryo potion. Materials: Mist Flower Corolla, , any Cryo monster material—lowest cost recommendation is extract from Snow-Weasel Mint... Electro potion: materials are Electro Crystal, a conductive fluid, any Electro monster material—lowest cost recommendations are Naku Weed or Amakumo Fruit extract, but those are Inazuman products, circulation is spotty lately. You can use the more expensive option: powder from Magical Crystal Chunks. That's a high-grade material affected by ley line erosion; it can substitute for many lower materials... Hydro potion: materials are frog secretions, Starconch extract, butterfly wing powder
Scar explained the materials, approximate costs, and preparation methods for each potion. Robert listened, fascinated. This was knowledge he could never have learned from the game.
By the time the sounds of other Treasure Hoarders outside had completely died down, Scar stopped. "It's late. Go get some rest. From now on, you'll have that stone chamber to yourself." The three Hoarders Robert had beaten had clearly been reassigned.
Robert felt a little reluctant; he wanted to keep learning. But seeing the dark circles under Scar's eyes, he didn't have the heart to push it. "I'll take my leave then. I'll be back tomorrow." After a brief farewell, Robert left Scar's place and returned to his quarters.
Back in his room, the traces of the others were indeed gone. The large stone chamber now held only his bedroll and an empty money box.
'So this is the treatment you get after showing your strength.' 'Not bad at all.'