Chapter 381: Testing the Medicine

"Elron, what brings you to me?"

Rognar, travel-stained, entered the Swamp Castle hall.

Since Roning's domain expanded, he'd scarcely rested.

Once he could lose himself in the landscapes, wandering freely; now, though he traversed the same terrains countless times, the leisurely charm had long since faded.

With Roning's growing authority, more knights flocked to his domain, intensifying the competition.

Though Rognar and Crami maintained composure, being scions of nobility and long-time followers, they couldn't help but resent being overshadowed by common-born knights.

Their elders and themselves saw immense potential in Roning, a future brimming with possibilities.

As early adherents, their opportunities were greater.

Yet opportunities favored the prepared; to do nothing was to let them slip away.

Thus, Rognar and Crami had redoubled their efforts.

"Yusuf, Jenny, Eileen—all here?"

In the hall, all the mages of Wubei Domain had gathered, awaiting something with expectant eyes.

Elron chuckled. "Rognar, as a high-rank knight, I've summoned you to test this potion for us."

He pulled a delicate glass vial from the table beside him.

The vial held a thick red liquid, its surface bubbling intermittently, sinister in appearance.

Rognar froze.

For months, Elron had been conscripting knights to test his potions—a well-known practice in Wubei Domain.

Some potions were harmless, even beneficial;

others... well, Damon had lain in bed for three days after consuming something.

To think it would fall to him.

"What... is this potion?"

Rognar clutched the vial; a pungent odor stung his nostrils, wrinkling his brow.

"Will this kill me?"

Elron laughed heartily. Yusuf taunted, "Rognar, you're too timid. Even if toxic, with Elron here, you won't die."

Rognar snorted. "Why don't you try it?"

They'd known each other long before following Roning, their bond deepening since.

Yusuf rolled his eyes. "If I were a high-rank knight, I'd drink it without a second thought."

Jenny explained, "This is Master Elron's latest auxiliary enhancement potion, tailored for high-rank knights. They say you're at the peak—perhaps this will push you over the edge."

Rognar's eyes widened. "There are magic potions that boost strength?"

Though familiar with the Magic Energy Guild and its potions, he'd never heard of one that enhanced strength.

Gazing at the red liquid, Rognar hesitated no longer and drank it down.

As Yusuf said, even if it failed, it wouldn't kill him.

Elron said at once, "Describe your sensations—it will help me assess the potion's effects."

Rognar furrowed his brow in pain. "It's bitter, burning from throat to stomach, then icy cold afterward—unbearable."

Eileen, taking notes, recorded diligently.

"The effects haven't kicked in yet."

Elron said, "Tell me when your blood feels like it's boiling."

Rognar focused inward; the churning cold and heat in his stomach intensified.

Finally, a wave of heat engulfed him; his breath grew ragged, face flushed, martial energy churning within.

Yet his thoughts remained clear. "My blood feels like it's boiling."

Elron's eyes lit up. "Excellent. Go outside and wield your sword—unleash your martial energy."

Rognar wasted no time, drawing his sword and darting outside.

As swordlight flashed, the courtyard's martial energy surged.

Elron stood on the steps with his three students, watching Rognar.

One minute, two minutes—until Rognar's aura calmed, his martial energy stilling.

Rognar was astonished; his martial energy permeated every inch of skin and flesh, leaving him invigorated.

Then, bronze patterns flickered across his body; his aura surged dramatically.

"Praise the Lord! Praise the Chief Physician! I've broken through!"

Rognar cried out, elated as a child.

He turned to Elron, disbelieving. "Did I really break through?"

Elron stroked his beard. "Congratulations. Wubei Domain now has another bronze knight."

Rognar practiced his moves, feeling the newfound strength. "Unbelievable—a mere drop of potion and I broke through!"

Elron explained, "While auxiliary potions do enhance strength, they don't guarantee breakthroughs. Your success means you were already on the brink—without this, you'd have broken through soon enough."

Rognar shook his head. "Alone, it would have taken me at least a year."

He looked at Elron, eyes gleaming. "How much would this potion sell for?"

Elron glanced at the vial, assessed it. "About three hundred gold. The cost is nearly a hundred."

He charged double the cost—a fair price, neither too high nor too low.

High-rank knights could afford it with effort.

Hearing the estimate, Rognar felt the test was well worth it.

In mere moments, he'd gained three hundred gold—he thought to offer himself for future tests.

"Will this be sold publicly?"

Lately, Rognar had transported grain and iron ore most often, protected by knights and cavalry—no one dared raid.

But transporting such rare, costly potions would be different—

he'd need to upgrade security.

"That decision must wait until the Lord returns," Elron shook his head.

Elron shook his head. "But before leaving, he mentioned that auxiliary potions might be given as rewards to those who contribute to the domain—free of charge."

"The Lord is too generous!" Rognar marveled.

Three hundred gold for free—who else would do that?

He foresaw that once the news spread, high-rank knights across Wubei Domain, Stone City, and Coastal City would go mad—none would refuse such a reward.

But with no war, what deeds would qualify as free contributions for the domain?

Alright, sit here for an hour.

Elron instructed, "Eileen, remain here and observe. Should he exhibit any symptoms of discomfort, document them and notify me immediately."

Yes, Teacher.

Eileen replied earnestly. (End of Chapter)