Skill: Pharmacy
Cost: 1 Mana
Description: Converts herbs into powders, granules, etc., enhancing their effectiveness based on the user's Pharmacist level.
Skill: Alchemy
Cost: 1 Mana
Description: Uses materials to create alchemical solutions and substances with various effects, scaling with the user's Alchemist level.
Sakeer noticed the new "Professional Skills" section listed under his [Ability Panel] and felt a sense of clarity.
So, production-class skills fall under 'Vocational Skills.' Seems similar to how special classes function...
For his recent three level-ups, Sakeer had invested all points into his Sword Master class.
For now, this was the only intermediate class that directly boosted his core attributes — an obvious choice.
This leveling process reminded him of YGGDRASIL. In the game, players could freely allocate their levels to any chosen class upon leveling up.
But the real world operates differently...
Here, warriors had to hone their martial arts skills, practicing relentlessly to improve. Mages, meanwhile, relied on study, meditation, and extensive training in magic theory.
In short, progress wasn't instant. Advancement required mastering the skills tied to each profession.
Nfirea's voice pulled Sakeer from his thoughts.
"It's my first time seeing a potion made like that," Sakeer said, feigning surprise as he turned away from his attribute panel. "I didn't expect it to work so well."
"Ah, it's nothing special," Nfirea replied modestly, scratching his head. "I still have a lot to learn."
Despite his humble words, excitement flickered in his eyes.
"Compared to recovery potions, healing magic is far more effective," Nfirea continued. "Recovery potions rely on herbs to promote natural healing. Whether it's a low-grade or high-grade potion, they only speed up the body's recovery process."
Sakeer nodded thoughtfully.
"I see... but if that's the case, recovery potions are still invaluable during emergencies," Sakeer said, his tone growing more inquisitive. "Are there ways to improve their potency?"
Nfirea's face lit up. As the grandson of Lizzie — the most renowned pharmacist in E-Rantel — and someone destined to be called a genius pharmacist in the future, Nfirea eagerly welcomed the opportunity to discuss his craft.
Even though his greatest achievements were still four years away, his knowledge of recovery potions already far exceeded that of most pharmacists.
Sakeer wasn't just making idle conversation. He had a deeper motive in mind.
In YGGDRASIL, victory in player-versus-player battles often boiled down to four key factors:
IntelligenceLevelEquipmentResources
Intelligence was paramount. The infamous battle between Ainz Ooal Gown and Shalltear Bloodfallen was proof enough. Despite Shalltear's specialized build designed to counter undead magic, Ainz's superior strategy had led to her defeat.
Had it been a random encounter with no preparation, Shalltear's overwhelming power would've claimed victory.
Level and Equipment were equally crucial.
Sakeer had the ability to steadily level up using his Player trait, eventually reaching the coveted Level 100 cap. But for now, reaching that point was still far off.
As for Equipment, that posed a greater challenge.
In this world, creating artifact-tier gear was nearly impossible. The few existing relics — treasures left behind by the Six Great Gods and the Eight Greed Kings — were legendary items shrouded in myth. Acquiring them would be no easy feat.
Finally, Resources referred to consumables like recovery potions, magic scrolls, crystals, gemstones, enchanted accessories, and countless other tools that could tip the scales in battle.
Compared to Nazarick's vast stockpile, I barely have anything... Sakeer mused grimly.
That was why he had been so eager to learn from Nfirea. Mastering potion-making could give him an edge — one he Desperately needed to survive.
After the Break
Following their rest, the group resumed their journey.
Basque, the archer, carried Captain Dosari on his back, while the Rand brothers managed to walk on their own after taking both the recovery potion and the alchemical solution Nfirea had prepared.
During the trip, Nfirea continued crafting medicinal powders and healing solutions to aid the "Rock" team's recovery. By observing how quickly their injuries improved, he gradually gauged the effectiveness of his concoctions.
Meanwhile, Sakeer patiently waited for his mana to recover before casting healing magic on Captain Dosari's fractured calf.
Just like that, the once-capable "Rock" team had now become a burden.
Two Days Later
A massive city emerged on the horizon.
"E-Rantel!"
With its imposing triple-layered walls, the border city resembled a fortified stronghold rather than a typical settlement.
And rightly so — as the central city bordering the Re-Estize Kingdom, the Baharuth Empire, and the Slane Theocracy, E-Rantel had been constructed to military specifications from the very beginning.
Since crossing the border, Sakeer and his group had encountered few travelers — likely due to the shortcut they had taken. However, as they neared E-Rantel, the roads grew livelier. Merchants, caravans, and adventurers now filled the path, signaling their approach to a bustling hub.
Squeak, squeak...
The sound of wooden wheels grinding against the dirt road filled the air.
Grandmother Lizzie drove the carriage forward, stopping at the city gates where a soldier promptly stepped in to inspect them. However, upon recognizing Lizzie, his expression shifted to one of respect.
"It's Lady Bareare! Let them through!" the soldier called out to his comrades.
As a border city, E-Rantel enforced strict inspections to prevent infiltrators and spies — particularly from the Baharuth Empire. But Lizzie's status clearly commanded enough respect to bypass those formalities.
Crack!
With a sharp snap of her whip, Lizzie urged the horses onward. The carriage, loaded with herbs and Nfirea perched in the back, rolled smoothly into the city.
Sakeer and the "Rock" team followed closely behind. While they weren't stopped for inspection, they were still required to pay an entry fee — two copper coins per person.
That's right — entry to E-Rantel wasn't free.
As the most prosperous trade hub in the Re-Estize Kingdom — outside of the port city and the royal capital — E-Rantel attracted countless merchants, adventurers, and mercenaries.
Its proximity to both the Great Forest of Tob and the Katz Plains, two highly dangerous regions, only heightened its status as a bustling center of commerce and adventure.
The moment Sakeer stepped inside, he was greeted by the sight of numerous horse-drawn carriages queuing to enter and exit the city.
One thing stood out — the sheer number of adventurers moving through the streets.
I didn't even see this many in the royal capital... Sakeer thought.
Unlike the faint sense of decay and stagnation he'd felt back in the capital, E-Rantel radiated a distinct sense of energy — a city brimming with life and purpose.