“I’m getting more and more tempted to kidnap you into our guild.” Doran said, walking over and ruffling my hair.
She then carefully smoothed it back down. “So, what do you say? Give us sisters a chance?”
“The internet’s not above the law.” I teased, sticking out my tongue. “You didn’t chase me down just to say that, right?”
I wasn’t surprised that Doran and her group followed me.
My performance in the dungeon was bound to catch their attention.
“Sometimes I really want to crack open that little head of yours and see how many secrets are inside.” Doran said, giving me a deep look. “I’ll cut to the chase. Do you still have any Redstone Potions? Roseheart’s willing to trade for them.”
Red Coral chimed in, “A recipe would be even better.”
After exiting the dungeon, they’d heard from guild members that such potions or recipes had been sold on the market but were quickly bought out.
This only confirmed their suspicion that I had a stash of potions.
They knew the potion’s value.
To achieve 100% completion, you needed that method to reach the hidden path before the Fog Lamps ran out.
With no other short-term fire resistance potions on the market, only Redstone Potions could safely get you through Shadow Swamp.
Beyond guild prestige, 100% completion yielded more Demon Black Soil for Radiant Monastery gear.
The benefits were obvious.
They knew the recipe’s value for hoarding but wanted to try their luck.
To their surprise, I agreed. “I can give you the recipe, but I have conditions.”
“First, there’s an alchemy workshop near St. Bys Plaza in Faerns City. My alchemist is there. You can sign a deal with me to buy potions from her. I’ll only charge crafting fees, but you provide the materials. Redstone Potions are included.”
The alchemist was, of course, Moon Chang’an.
All my Redstone Potions came from her.
This saved me the hassle of gathering materials and gave her some confidence.
I hadn’t planned to hoard initially.
But when I had Triss issue the alchemist apprentice quest for other dungeons, I accidentally cornered the Redstone Potion recipe market.
That’s what sparked this plan.
Doran thought for a moment and nodded. “Deal.”
Red Coral sent a quick message to guild members in Faerns City via the communication channel.
They needed plenty of Redstone Potions for 100% completion, and charging only crafting fees was common among freelance alchemists.
As if expecting their agreement, I continued without surprise. “Second, I need you to acquire some special materials and potion recipes for me. I’ll buy them at market price.”
“What do you need those for?” Red Coral asked, puzzled.
Before I could respond, Doran grabbed her hand. “I’ll have the guild handle it. We can keep some, right?”
“Of course.” I said, smiling.
Red Coral realized she’d overstepped and coughed lightly, her teardrop mole making the gesture oddly charming.
Then, as if recalling something, she asked, “Should Roseheart help spread word about the potion’s effects?”
Doran glanced at me.
Merchants hoarding goods feared no one knowing their value.
But they didn’t know I’d already planned ahead.
“Don’t worry, I know a strategy group sister who’ll help promote it.” I said, grinning with my tiger teeth showing. “Just spread the word casually.”
She knows strategy group people?
Doran and Red Coral wondered silently, curious which group it was but not asking.
After trading over a dozen Redstone Potion recipes, the serious business concluded.
“I thought you’d publicize your names, Doran-jie.” I said, stretching and closing the trade panel.
The team’s desire for anonymity made sense, but for Doran’s group, it seemed a missed chance to boost guild fame.
My words earned a light tap on the head.
Doran’s lips twitched as she pocketed the recipes. “What do you take us for? We earn our own glory. Roseheart has its pride.”
“Uh-huh, Doran, don’t drag me into this next time.” Red Coral teased.
“No chance. With your magic damage, you think I’d let you go?” Doran shot back.
Red Coral, seeing no room for negotiation, leaned on her hand like it was trivial. “Wonder who snuck my limited-edition peach pudding.”
“Hardly compares to someone eating the cake my junior sent me.” Doran replied casually.
“Half a year ago, and you’re still holding a grudge?” Red Coral said.
“Oh, that limited pudding was from three months ago.” Doran countered.
“Newspapers from half a year ago get tossed easier.” Red Coral argued.
“Then let’s settle who replied to my love letter at semester’s end.” Doran said.
“Wasn’t it you spreading rumors I liked durians?” Red Coral retorted.
This was getting interesting.
My ears perked up, ready to catch some juicy high school girl gossip.
But before I could eavesdrop further, a pair of fair arms wrapped me in a warm, faintly fragrant embrace. “Eh, Shuiyan-jie?”
She didn’t seem to hear, burying her delicate face in my hair, sniffing softly.
She looked like a girl finally satisfied after long restraint—like reaching the AC after a hot summer.
Though I had time to quip, I had no idea how to react.
What’s going on?!
As I floundered, voices piped up nearby.
Doran and Red Coral, like kids making up after a spat, forgot their bickering and shot me mischievous, trouble-stirring looks.
“She’s recharging.” Doran said.
“Definitely recharging.” Red Coral echoed.
Recharging? Don’t slap random settings on me!
“But it’s kinda making me excited too. Shuiyan, let me hug her!” Red Coral said.
“Shuiyan, just let me pet her ears!” Doran added.
Don’t join in on the crime! The internet’s not lawless!
Thankfully, Shuiyan seemed to grasp the gravity of group crimes—or maybe she was just possessive.
With a wary look, she hugged me tighter, foiling Doran and Red Coral’s attempts.
Seeing their disappointed faces, I sighed in relief.
Wait, this still isn’t resolved, is it?