Kerosene Lamp and Secret Medicine

Expensive.

And not just a little bit expensive.

Yi Chen's salary for several months working in the graveyard, plus a special bonus, only amounted to a little over a hundred silver coins. Meanwhile, the cheapest kerosene lamp here cost 500 silver coins.

But, he had to admit.

The kerosene lamps sold here were quite good.

They managed to minimize their size while ensuring their lighting capabilities, and they wouldn't be affected by shaking no matter how much they were moved.

The lamp tube and base were both made from impact-resistant materials. Some of the more expensive kerosene lamps were even engraved with defensive mystical runes, significantly reducing the chance of damage during combat.

At this moment, Edmund emerged from a special compartment in the shop, carrying a peculiar kerosene lamp in his hand.

"William, what do you think of this one? It feels quite suitable for you."

Edmund had chosen a kerosene lamp that was primarily black, with a crow specimen perched atop the lamp tube.

The crow's body had been specially treated and filled with a tough yet flexible material, ensuring it would never decay.

Notably, the crow's eyeballs had been replaced with two unique rubies, giving the dead bird an eerily lifelike quality.

Additionally, the opening for refilling the fuel was specially designed to resemble a "black-framed wooden door," making the kerosene lamp look like a small private cabin. The bonfire burning inside cast light through the window, illuminating the world outside.

The shop attendant, as if addressing a VIP customer, enthusiastically began their introduction:

"The kerosene lamp in your hand is called [The Crow's Night]. The inspiration for this lamp comes from Mr. Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven.'

It was personally crafted by our shop's master lamp maker, Gnome.

The glass is flexible and imprinted with 'Resilience Runes.'

The lamp base, handle, and all metal decorations are made from graveyard cold iron that's over ten years old.

Our shop will also provide permanent free replacements for long-lasting fuel.

The price is 4,800 silver coins."

Edmund frowned slightly. "It's a bit pricey. How do you feel about it, William?"

"It's too expensive. Let's look at other shops."

"Alright."

Yi Chen decisively turned to leave; such a sum was completely beyond his means. Seeing this, his teammates also began to leave.

However, Edmund was a step slower. By the time he emerged, he had an extra, exquisitely packaged tote bag with the Sacred Fire logo in his hand.

With a light step, he landed beside Yi Chen, casually slinging the tote bag onto his wrist.

Inside the tote bag was, in fact, the crow-adorned kerosene lamp.

"Hmm!?"

"William, you've been resting at the academy since you left the graveyard, so you shouldn't have much money on you... For me, this is just about two months' living expenses.

Once we successfully complete a high-difficulty mission of three stars or higher, we'll naturally receive generous silver coin rewards.

Since I bought it subjectively, I'm not sure if this kerosene lamp suits your taste.

If you really want to repay me, just give me half of the reward when the mission is completed."

Seeing Edmund's sincere expression, and also considering the upcoming Gentleman Mission, which was of a higher difficulty, Yi Chen finally accepted it.

"Thank you."

Yi Chen took the kerosene lamp out of the tote bag.

The lightness and comfort he felt in his hand were beyond imagination, as if he were holding the soft surface of a bird's body – soft and comfortable.

At the same time, this dark-styled kerosene lamp also matched Yi Chen's overall temperament.

Edmund had already put some distance between them and was now scrutinizing Yi Chen from head to toe.

"My judgment was correct. This kerosene lamp is practically tailor-made for you.

By the way, William, do you want to do something about that [Black Long Hair]? Although it fits your graveyard-emerged aura, this kind of long hair might be a hindrance in combat."

"Long hair?"

Yi Chen touched his shoulder-length hair, which had grown rapidly during his physical recovery period. He didn't dislike it; in fact, he rather liked it.

Most of his life before had been with short hair, but now, he wanted to try this longer style. Perhaps it was related to the changes in his body, and he himself wanted a transformation.

Moreover, this long hair also served as a 'record' of these special six months, holding a certain commemorative significance.

"I feel good like this. No need to trim it."

"How about this~ Let Anna tie it up for you. This way, it'll be suitable for combat while keeping your long hair. Give it a try."

Under Edmund's coaxing, Yi Chen agreed.

With Julianna's skillful work.

Keeping his bangs and sideburns, with a neat bun at the back, he immediately looked much more refreshed.

"Mmm~ That's great! This hairstyle suits you... Oh right, do you want to change your weapon?"

Edmund was acting as if he was preparing to give Yi Chen a 'complete makeover.'

"No need, this hand axe feels quite familiar to use."

"Hmm, the craftsmanship is indeed good, but it only belongs to the category of basic equipment. If we manage to obtain Diseased Crystallization or some more precious materials on this mission, you can use them to forge a more suitable weapon once we return to the city. A weapon for hunting the Diseased is as important as our own limbs."

"Mm."

It had to be said, The family behind Edmund was quite wealthy, even owning a mansion in Zion.

Afterward, he also treated everyone to a day-long feast and a full-body massage before the battle.

After a day of rest and recuperation, both body and mind were adjusted to their peak. The next morning, they headed to the [Gentleman Hall] to submit the mission execution letter.

A high-class carriage belonging directly to the Organization was waiting for them at the hall's entrance.

Compared to the carriage Yi Chen had ridden before, this was several notches higher... It used specially bred horses, whose stamina was several times that of ordinary horses, and they possessed resistance to disease and self-healing properties.

One could even see muscle tissue resembling feather-like growths on the sides of the horses' bodies.

The carriage, with its windows and enclosed curtains, was solid and stable. It was also equipped with an emergency power generation device. If the horses encountered any problems, it could still maintain high-speed travel using electric power, enough to escape some pursuers.

After the coachman emphasized some basic instructions, they officially set off for their destination - [Vinal City].

Although the distance was stated as 51km on paper, due to various mountainous terrains, the estimated travel time was three and a half hours.

As everyone was chatting about the mission, Yi Chen suddenly brought up a question that had been weighing on his mind.

"By the way, what is [Secret Medicine]? It doesn't seem to have been mentioned in the courses."

For a moment, The carriage fell silent.

Edmund was the one to answer this question in the end:

"It seems like William spent most of his time on himself these past six months, which is why you haven't learned about information related to the Organization... I'll explain it simply. When mentioning Secret Medicine, we must also bring up two other important concepts: [Doctor] and [Clinic]. When we first arrived in Zion, we encountered a doctor on the bridge. You should recall that, right?"

"Mm..."

Yi Chen remembered Edmund mentioning that doctors were a special group of individuals among the Gentlemen, possessing unique and powerful abilities. After being recognized by the Organization, they were issued a "Doctor's Certificate."

Edmund continued:

"[Clinic] is somewhat similar to a [Tailor Shop]. Both are important institutions established externally with the recognition and financial support of the Organization. Clinics can provide medical services such as treatment and removal of disease for Gentlemen carrying out nearby missions or those in transit. They are also a special armed department; clinics will offer support when emergency situations arise in the surrounding areas. However, the core and most crucial part of a clinic lies in the [Secret Medicine Nostrum]. For a doctor to open a private clinic and receive support from the Organization in terms of manpower and resources, they must submit a 'Secret Medicine Manuscript' and a sample. Only after the Organization conducts rigorous testing and review and confirms the value of the Secret Medicine will the clinic's application be approved. Simultaneously, clinics are required to regularly supply a fixed amount of Secret Medicine to the Organization. If the output is high and its value exceeds expectations, the Organization will increase the clinic's budget, expand the number of apprentice slots, and provide support in various aspects. Typically, the raw materials for Secret Medicine are usually derived from the [Diseased]. After being processed and refined through the doctor's unique, private methods, it becomes a special medicine that does not carry the pathogen. This is the most important and core secret of each clinic. Generally, we can categorize Secret Medicine into three types. 1. Healing Type: The effects of healing Secret Medicine are far superior to ordinary potions, capable of restoring physical strength in a short time and breaking through existing limits."

Some can even provide super-fast regeneration for a period, keeping the individual in an "undead state."

2. Combat-type

This type of Secret Medicine selectively activates and strengthens a specific trait possessed by a gentleman, granting a significant enhancement for a limited time.

If the Secret Medicine does not match the individual's trait attributes, a rejection reaction will occur, and in severe cases, it may lead to death.

3. Potential-type

These are relatively rare and very valuable Secret Medicines.

They can enhance an individual's [Psyche] for a certain period.

They are often used for exploring important areas within the Gray Zone or for breaking through Status.

The above three types are what I learned from family books. The Organization may have developed entirely new categories of Secret Medicine over the many years of its development.

In conclusion, Secret Medicines play an irreplaceable and important role in our process of combating [Diseased].

There are also points to note:

Secret Medicines have very strict dosage requirements for different individuals.

If taken in excess, it can cause irreparable, massive damage to the individual, or even direct death... It may also induce hidden Afflictions between Secret Medicines, causing internal infection to the user.

Once we pass the stage of being novice gentlemen, we will gradually come into contact with more and more Secret Medicines. These things can save our lives in critical moments.