Earth's Greatest Magus

The Apothecary Institute stood as a vital pillar in both the community and the Magus Alliance. Established to handle tasks beyond the capabilities of regular apothecaries. These assignments often required high levels of skill, prolonged durations, or the utilization of considerable resources.

One such challenging task confronted Emery:

[Provide 2000 Tier 5 Cold Resistance Potions]

[Duration: 4 weeks]

[Reward: 5000 Alliance Merits]

Proposed by the Magus Alliance headquarters of the sector, the faction merits seemed like a modest incentive. However, the real problem lay in the fact that 2000 Tier 5 potions would cost around 30 to 40 million spirit stones to make, making the job akin to a robbery by the alliance.

"This Tier 5 potion is perfect for a new master like you," the grandmaster commented with a knowing smile.

Emery reciprocated with a grin and inquired, "Are there any alternative jobs available?" The grandmaster proceeded to present him with a variety of other potential assignments, each posing its own set of challenges and rewards.

Emery, contemplating the various options laid before him, examined the next potential job:

[Supporting Blacksmith Institutes]

[Duration: 6 months]

[Reward: 10,000,000 spirit stones and a Tier 7 metal]

This assignment entailed contributing to the blacksmith center once a week for a span of 6 months. The promise of a substantial reward – 10 million spirit stones and a Tier 7 metal – was certainly enticing. However, Emery hesitated as he couldn't afford to wait for 6 months to finish the task and receive his honorary title.

"Next, please," Emery requested, eager to explore alternative opportunities.

The grandmaster, sporting a thoughtful frown, presented another option:

[Apothecary Instructors]

[Duration: 3 months]

[Reward: None]

This task involved serving as an apothecary instructor within the institute for a period of 3 months, promising no tangible reward. While the prospect of gaining deeper insights into the workings of the institute was appealing, the commitment of three days a week might be taxing on Emery, considering his current obligations.

Delving into the list of available jobs, Emery's attention was caught by a particular assignment:

[Create new poison resistance recipe]

[Duration: 3 weeks]

[Reward: 3000 alliance merits]

This task required Emery to support one of the Magus Alliance outposts by crafting a specific poison resistance recipe, aiding them in clearing a designated area of interest. The outpost, conveniently located, seemed accessible, and with his expertise in poison, Emery believed he could swiftly complete the job. Moreover, accumulating more alliance merits would contribute to the Earth faction's credibility.

With a determined nod, Emery accepted the job, stating, "I will take this one."

Without wasting any time, he promptly visited the outpost using the teleportation gate, arriving at Magus Alliance Outpost 115.

The commander, a stern figure with a weathered face that reflected years of service, scrutinized Emery with a discerning gaze. He remarked, "You look too young for a master," his tone a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Undeterred, Emery met the commander's gaze with confidence as they made their way to the designated area of interest.

The site was nestled in a remote part of the magus alliance outpost, accessible only through a winding labyrinth of pathways flanked by towering rock formations. The air carried a subtle hum of magic, signifying the presence of the outpost's protective enchantments.

As they approached the excavation site, the commander explained the significance of the location. The ground bore marks of previous tries at excavation, with tools scattered around the perimeter. The promise of high minerals lay beneath, waiting to be unearthed for the betterment of the alliance. However, a daunting obstacle stood in their way – a relentless and deadly poison mist that shrouded the possible bounty.

The mist, an ethereal and ominous presence, twisted and danced in the air, creating an invisible barrier that repelled any attempts at further exploration.

"Even a magus could last only 10 minutes down there; as for any of the workers, they wouldn't last a minute."

The commander explained the dire situation, highlighting the need for a solution. There was, in fact, an existing product proven to allow workers to safely toil for 6 hours, but it was a tier 5 pill that cost a hefty 30,000 spirit stones – a price tag impractical for their project. Consequently, the request extended beyond creating a more effective antidote; it also sought a answer that was economically feasible to ensure the successful completion of their undertaking.

With an air of determination, Emery nonchalantly entered the mouth of the cave, leaving the commander perplexed. "Wait, don't you need a special suit for that?" the commander called after him, but his words fell on deaf ears.

Thirty minutes passed, and concern began to etch itself onto the commander's face. After three hours, he decided to dispatch someone to check on Emery's well-being, only to find no trace of him. Anxiety turned to near despair as 24 hours elapsed, and the commander contemplated reporting the presumed demise of the new apothecary master. However, just as the commander prepared to deliver the grim news, Emery emerged from the cave, seemingly unaffected by the risky conditions within.

"I need to set up a workshop here," Emery declared, catching the commander off guard with his nonchalant demeanor. The efficient reasoning behind this decision became apparent – a dedicated workshop on-site would facilitate the swift testing of his product in the real conditions of the poisonous mist. Emery immediately contacted his Merlin shop, requesting a staff member to assist him by procuring the necessary ingredients for his potion.

Assisted by Cthulhu, a legendary being with mastery in poisons, and the computational prowess of VIA, Emery efficiently formulated a tier 4 pill recipe within a matter of hours. This amazing speed left the commander astounded. "Impossible, this is not even two days!" he exclaimed.

The newly concocted product proved to be a game-changer, offering a duration of 12 hours of protection for the workers—

more than sufficient for their one-day job. What added to the commander's amazement was the cost-effectiveness of the ingredients, significantly reducing the overall expenses.

While the job originally required Emery to hand over the recipe, his newfound business acumen prompted a shrewd proposal. Instead of surrendering the recipe, Emery suggested becoming the exclusive distributor for the project. In return, he assured the magus alliance outpost that he would handle any future challenges related to poison they might encounter within the cave.

Emery's negotiation skills paid off, securing a 12-month agreement valued at 300 million spirit stones. Although he could only retain 13% as profits, it was a low-grade product that could be easily replicated by any artisan he employed, ensuring a steady income for the Earth faction.

It was indeed another triumph for Emery and a step forward in establishing Earth faction's presence in the sector.