Chapter 297: Dragon Body Potion

Chapter 297

Dragon Body Potion

Ellie overheard those conversations too. She shook her head, thinking it was a good thing she had listened in through the spore on her professor. It turned out to be exactly as she suspected.

The bright, harmless-looking girl could indeed be a danger to her. But if it was only a matter of competing for attention, Ellie didn’t worry too much about it. As long as she didn’t interfere with her "golden leg" or cause misunderstandings that would lead others to create problems for her, she could let it go. After all, Ellie’s purpose in staying here wasn’t to be a princess everyone had to bow to or someone important everyone had to focus on. She just wanted to be happy, living a carefree life without any dangers troubling her...

She shifted her focus from the new student and went to the Stratagem Branch instead. When Professor Nico saw Ellie entering, he stood up and welcomed her warmly. It seemed her previous achievements had made him quite proud.

"Finally, you’re here. I heard you went to the village to announce the passing of a fellow villager. I understand you must be quite sad about what happened. However, there’s no time for you to be sad now."

Professor Nico was unlike the more sensitive Professor Medik. His important student had made the Stratagem Branch renowned. After the recent battles, the Stratagem Branch was now seen as a key participant in various combats. With good planning and seizing the right opportunities, they could achieve victory.

It wasn’t surprising that Professor Nico’s workload had increased significantly. However, he also received much honor and respect from many people.

For the other students, it was even more significant. Ellie had not only elevated their importance but had also saved their lives. If not for Ellie...who knew if they might have ended up lying under a Camouflage Apple tree by now. So, when they saw Ellie, everyone greeted her warmly.

"Understood, Professor," Ellie nodded. As a second-year student, she needed to create 3 stratagems. The first 2 were not overly complex but were filled with traps to challenge any careless students. Professor Nico’s lessons were quite ingenious, serving as a great reminder for new students.

Ellie didn’t fall into those traps, so she successfully completed the first stratagem. However, the 2nd stratagem required more thought, precision, and steady magic power. Even so, it wasn’t too difficult for Ellie. Over the past week, she had been able to understand the layout of the stratagems and began distributing points to others.

At this point, the stratagem branch students didn’t need many points anymore, but they still wanted to hone their skills. Therefore, tasks assigned by direct students were still in demand. It was no surprise that when Ellie assigned tasks, they eagerly competed to take them on.

Nadia faced more obstacles. She didn’t quite grasp the intricacies or the observations needed for stratagems. However, her reduced stubbornness led her to approach Ellie for small suggestions, helping her understand more. The collaboration between the two improved their learning experience.

Professor Nico and his assistant didn’t mind this at all. Having his disciples consulting each other was beneficial. Additionally, it broadened their perspectives. However...he was worried that Student Ellie might learn everything too quickly. With the 700-plus hours given, Ellie might use only half that time to complete all 3 missions. If that were the case, she’d have too much free time.

Therefore, while she worked on her missions, he also assigned her additional work. These were non-mission tasks that didn’t train her thinking skills but helped her practice her skills and patience. In the end, even before completing all 3 missions, Ellie had already helped with part of Professor Nico’s work, which made him very happy.

At the same time, Ellie continued to send 5 potion-concocting missions to Professor Medik. The young professor also got more rest. However, Ellie noticed that Professor Lucien no longer let his student practice in the Botanical Building. She didn’t know what they were up to, but from the spore’s observations around the area, she found that Lady Grace only entered and exited the Light Element Building. She wasn’t learning anywhere else...which surprised Ellie.

Today, Ellie brought the potions she had made to Professor Medik for review again, although it wasn’t necessary. Professor Medik took little time to verify that Ellie had indeed used her powers in making the potions. He rewarded her with points and a bright smile. With Ellie’s speed, the missions he had worried about would surely be completed.

He couldn’t help but think about how many potions this little girl could make if she stayed with him in the Botanical Building every day. But well...he had heard that Ellie was also doing well in the Stratagems Branch, so he had no reason to hinder her learning.

"Have you reviewed the knowledge on level 2 potion concocting? And the book I gave you last time..."

"Yes, Professor, I have read it all."

"Hmm? Really? In that case, can you tell me the ingredients for the “Level 2 Dragon Body Potion”?" Professor Medik continued to focus on his work, with Professor Lucien nearby as usual. Although Ellie wanted to ask why Professor Lucien wasn’t teaching his own disciple, she decided it was better not to interfere with them.

She turned her attention back to her professor’s question. The level 2 Dragon Body Potion wasn’t something Professor Medik had taught her previously; it was knowledge she had received from a book he had given her earlier. He was likely testing to see if she had actually learned it.

"The level 2 Dragon Body Potion grants the user dragon-like strength for 10 seconds. If you drink this potion, you can defeat even higher-level beasts with a single punch. The normal concocting time is 85 minutes, but it can be reduced following the methods you taught. However, I haven’t yet tested it myself, as level 2 herbs aren’t easy to find and are quite expensive."

Ellie explained the small details first, but it was enough to satisfy Professor Medik. However, her claim of not having concocted it herself was a lie. In her dimension, was there any herb available on the market that she didn’t already have? If she told the Setter family she was interested in concocting level 2 potion, they would practically buy all the level 2 herbs for her.

But Ellie needed to make it clear that she was already very busy. Whether it was concocting the 5,000 bottles of potion she had been tasked with, which had long been completed with the help of the three spirits in her dimension that were now working on other potions, or the stratagem-making where her reputation as a stratagem creator was rising thanks to helping Professor Nico complete his missions quickly. If she seemed too free, people might start to get suspicious.

She didn’t want to become a production factory for various items. It was better to let people know just enough. Professor Medik understood Ellie well. For him...the fact that she could concoct so many potions while learning other things showed her dedication.

Initially, Ellie didn’t care much about the level 2 Dragon Body Potion. But after testing it on herself, she realized that in life-or-death situations without a weapon—Uh...although she wouldn’t use it herself since her spiritual weapon would never leave her side...it was still very useful for those around her.

She wasn’t too worried about Wint, but a young girl like Zoey was different. To prepare a backup for her, Ellie concocted this potion herself and stored a lot of it.

The advantage of this level 2 potion was that it could be consumed without limit. If you had a lot, you could drink as much as you want. The effect remained for 10 seconds each time with no side effects. As a result, after concocting many potions, Ellie and her three helpers reduced the concocting time to just 65 minutes per cauldron. This significant reduction in time was something even Professor Medik couldn’t achieve.

“For the Dragon Body Potion, some level 1 herbs are required, but that is only to balance the potion’s properties. Hence, the main ingredients are 4 level 2 herbs. The first is the level 2 Three-Eyed Dragon herb, the second is the level 2 Blood Union herb, the third is the level 2 Jarenkol herb, and finally, the level 2 Stone Banyan herb.”

“The most crucial ingredient is the Three-Eyed Dragon herb because it immediately boosts strength upon consumption, even without processing it. However, carrying this herb around can attract beasts yearning for strength due to its scent, which stimulates their appetite. Therefore, the scent must be eliminated during the concocting process.”

“But the most expensive herb among the 4 is the Blood Union herb because it’s also in high demand for blood-restorative potions. This herb helps improve blood quality, which is crucial when the body suddenly receives a surge of power. Without proper control, this can cause an explosion. The Blood Union herb ensures the body can handle the power without any damage, which is why the Dragon Body Potion can be consumed repeatedly without side effects.”

“Some people argue that the Blood Union herb would be more beneficial for other uses because it’s essential in skill training and balancing power after a level-up. Its rarity and difficulty in cultivation make it highly valuable. Therefore, the Dragon Body Potion isn’t widely focused on.”

“However, many groups consider the Dragon Body Potion a trump card in combat. In emergencies, using the Dragon Body Potion can save a life, at least once. This kind of importance has driven up its price.”

By this point, Professor Medik was confident that Ellie had thoroughly studied the potion as instructed. Moreover, she had researched external factors, such as the potion’s market price and associated debates, which weren’t in the provided texts. This showed her dedication to the task.

“You’ve learned well,” he praised, though there was a hint of regret in his voice.

“I think you should continue to learn how to concoct these potions. Even though the herbs are expensive, for the Setter family...as the future lady of the house, it will be quite necessary,” Lucien advised. To him...the family that would need this potion the most would undoubtedly be the Setter family.

In his mind, the Setter family would soon make a significant move. There were rumors that they were preparing for a major challenge for humanity. If that were true...having more trump cards would certainly be beneficial.

Ellie nodded in agreement. Even though her status as the future lady of the house was just a pretense and hadn’t been formally established, she couldn’t deny that she had become part of their group. Regardless of her official role, since they treated her well, Ellie felt she should help them in return.

After that, Professor Medik handed her 2 more books. He expected that by their next meeting, Ellie would have learned the contents of both. However...before Ellie could leave the Botanical Building, a student rushed in with a panicked expression.

“P-Professor Lucien! Huff, huff,” the student panted, trying to catch his breath. Professor Lucien raised an eyebrow in surprise. He thought it would be something for Medik, so why was the student calling for him?!

“What’s going on?”

“W-Well...your disciple...your disciple is injured!”

“Huh?” Lucien’s brows rose higher in surprise. He remembered giving his disciple over 10 books to study. How could she has gotten injured?

“Professors...I’ll take my leave now.” Ellie did not want to get involved. But before she could leave, the student interrupted.

“Duchess Ellie, I think you should come too.”

“.....”

“Well...actually, the fight started because of you. Professor Lucien’s new student stepped in to defend your reputation. Someone spoke ill of you, and Lady Grace overheard and confronted them. That’s how the fight started.”

The reporting male student explained the details. Initially, Ellie wanted to avoid these encounters. She didn’t want to get involved with Lady Grace. If she could avoid it, she would. It was no surprise that hearing about the incident made Ellie want to distance herself. But who would have thought that Grace would manage to involve her so seamlessly?!

“What did you say? Someone dared to criticize my student? What did they say about my little disciple? She barely has time for anything other than studying stratagems and staying in the Botanical Building. I even worry if she eats properly. And now someone is slandering her? That’s outrageous. I’ll go see who’s responsible for this. Besides...I support the new student in this. They’re friends; it’s only natural to stand up for each other!” Professor Medik felt a bit angry. Suddenly, someone dared to touch his student, who barely had time to breathe.

In his anger, Professor Medik rushed outside. The reporting student looked at the two directly affected before following the beautiful professor. This left Professor Lucien glancing at Ellie, locking eyes with her.

“Come with me.” In the end, there was no avoiding this situation. Both he and Ellie...were now entangled in it, whether they liked it or not.