Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1211: Let’s Make A Bet, Scent of the Immortal Hydra Blood

Rygar frowned and scoffed, ”Do you know how difficult it is to create your own pill recipe? You want us to believe that a grade three Apothecary like you was able to create your own grade four pill recipe? Not only that, but also produce pills with a heavenly blessed pill core rank? Ridiculous! Even experienced grade four Apothecaries would not dare to make such a bold claim!”

”Whether others dare to do so or not—what do their capabilities have to do with me? I trust in my own abilities.” Izroth stated without hesitation.

”Hmph! Trust in your own abilities? Let’s see how long you can keep that arrogance of yours.” Rygar responded.

He then continued, ”The Golden Eternity Pill is a pill recipe that was created with the combined effort of talented Apothecaries of the Apothecary Guild. In terms of effect, it won’t necessarily lose to some lower grade five pills. One could overturn the entire Mortal Realm and they will only be able to find a handful of grade four pills that can claim to be its equal or superior. Apothecary Izroth, do you still dare to say that the pill recipe you created can stand against it?”

”The result will speak for itself. But, if Apothecary Rygar is so confident in my failure and his success, why don’t we make a bet?” Izroth said in a carefree manner.

”A bet? With you? A waste of time. It is beneath me.” Rygar mocked.

”Well, if Apothecary Rygar is too terrified to bet, then I won’t pressure you.” Izroth stated calmly.

”Who’s scared to bet with you?! Do you have anything worthy of betting against me?!” Rygar snapped back.

As a grade seven Apothecary, naturally, Rygar was not lacking when it came to money and resources. And, seeing as how Izroth was only a grade three Apothecary with no clear backing, Rygar figured the best he could put up were some grade four pills. Why would he waste his time on such trash?

”Have you ever heard of the Immortal Hydra?” Izroth brought up as a single vial appeared in his hand and he held it up.

He then continued, ”Within this vial is its blood—enough to fill roughly thirty percent of the average cauldron. This is what I’m willing to bet. Do you still think I have nothing worthy of betting against you?”

Rygar’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at the vial in Izroth’s hand.

”Immortal Hydra’s blood?! There are some monsters that still possess very faint traces of the hydra bloodline, but true hydra blood was long thought to have been lost in the Mortal Realm. How did this brat manage to get his hands on something so precious?!” Rygar thought to himself as a look of greed flashed through his eyes.

What Apothecary worth their salt did not know about hydra blood and the miraculous applications of legend that surrounded it? A single drop was worth a thousand times its weight in gold. Or, rather, it was hard to put an exact price on hydra blood due to its extreme rarity.

”Enough to fill up thirty percent of a cauldron... If he’s not boasting, then that vial contains enough hydra blood to use as research material and for crafting purposes for at least ten years! Not to mention, when it comes to hydra blood, the Apothecary Guild Elders who have always ignored me will come to find me willing. No, perhaps even the head of the Apothecary Guild will personally pay me a visit! If I can use that chance to become his student, then...!” Rygar’s thoughts raced.

”I can accept your bet. But, first, I’d like to confirm the contents of the vial. If it truly is hydra blood, it will have an unbearable stench that causes side effects. Since we’re in the Apothecary Guild, there’s no need to worry about being affected. The magic formation in place will suppress it.” Rygar stated.

”Since Apothecary Rygar has given his permission, then I won’t hesitate.” Izroth said as he opened the top of the vial.

”Wait-” Avia started.

The moment the vial opened, an overbearing stench quickly rushed out and flooded the entire promotion test room.

”Uuk! What is this terrible smell?! I feel like I’m going to lose my lunch..!” One of the Apothecaries uttered.

”Is this the hydra blood of legends? No wonder it’s said to be difficult to work with. This kind of stench, even if one cut off their sense of smell, it would still seep into their skin.” Another Apothecary commented.

”Ah, is this it?! This scent, I have to memorize it!” Celia said as she sniffed the air and fully inhaled the scent of the hydra blood.

The instant the scent entered Celia’s nose, her expression froze as she immediately covered her mouth and nostrils with both her hands.

”I’ve smelled so many horrible poisons, but none of them come close to this stench! It makes sense now why he didn’t let me smell it back then! If he opened that thing in the middle of the Apothecary District, they would have thought that he was trying to poison everyone!” Celia struggled to speak.

Celia was grateful that she was in the observer area. Thanks to that, she did not receive the full brunt of the stench.

Not even a breath later, those in the promotion test room began to feel unusual. They became dizzy and felt as if the life was being drained out of them with every passing second. Some even started to tremble uncontrollably and faint due to the overpowering terrible smell.

”What’s going on? Why isn’t the magic formation activating?!” One of the Apothecaries mentioned.

”Apothecary Izroth, I think the results have been confirmed. Close the vial.” Mirael said as she pinched her nose in disgust from the scent.

Izroth closed the vial and returned it to his inventory.

At the same time, a gentle yet powerful gust of wind spread throughout the promotion test room. The wind carried with it powdered pill residue. And, as those in the room inhaled it, they started to regain themselves.

Avia lowered her hand as she finished sealing the scent of the hydra’s blood within her wind.

”I have dispersed a mixture of Hunei Root and Nok Powder throughout the room to help suppress the effects of the hydra blood. Apothecary Rygar, you should know that the magic formation in the grade four promotion test room cannot compare to the ones located on the higher floor private rooms in the Apothecary Guild. If it were regular hydra blood, it could have been suppressed. But, this is true hydra blood—you should have been aware that the effects would be too much.” Avia stated with a cold and distant gaze.

”I got a little lost in my excitement and it slipped my mind for a moment, Apothecary Avia. Since no one was harmed, it should be fine. If anyone is having some trouble, I will personally see to their care. With that, there shouldn’t be any issues, right?” Rygar said as he casually brushed it off.

”Of course the magic formation here won’t be able to handle true hydra blood. But, who cares? As long as I say that I’ll take care of the aftermath, no one will have any complaints. More importantly, that hydra blood—it’s the real deal. I have to get my hands on it.” Rygar thought to himself.

”You... No, never mind. Since Apothecary Rygar said that he will bear the consequences, then I will not mention it any further.” Avia stated.

”Apothecary Avia is wise and understanding.” Rygar stated.

He then turned his attention to Izroth and continued, ”I will bet fifty grade seven Heart of Iron Will Pills. These pills will steady your mind and heart, allowing you to achieve maximum efficiency when crafting and performing other tasks. It also increases your chances of entering the legendary Mind of Craft state.”

”How stingy!” A voice echoed throughout the room.

Woosh!

In the blink of an eye, a purple streak of light rushed toward the judging area.

When the purple streak came to a halt, it revealed a middle aged man. He had short purple hair with silver streaks going through it. He possessed a pair of a piercing silver eyes with a somewhat scruffy beard. This man wore the clothes of the Apothecary Guild; however, their quality seemed a few steps above what someone like Rygar wore.

Mirael and Kian quickly rose to their feet.

”Greetings, Seventh Elder!” Rygar, Mirael and Kian said as they gave a respectful greeting.

NPC Name: Seventh Elder of the Apothecary Guild, Oaklein(???)

NPC Level: ???

Izroth observed Oaklein with his Energy Vision Sense.

’Oh? This man—he has already stepped into the legendary realm.’

”Why did the Seventh Elder have to be here now of all times?!” Rygar thought to himself as he cursed inwardly.

”Apothecary Oaklein, we are in the middle of the Right of Challenge and have yet to announce the results. Do you not think your actions to be somewhat inappropriate?” Avia said calmly.