Veilmist

The magical runes on Veilmist Fang had become flawless once more, regaining their luster and exuding a magical aura.

Its magical power did not seem to have been weakened by the previous damage. Instead, after being tempered by Repair+, it had become even more stable and powerful.

Full of anticipation, Gao De focused his Mental Strength on the restored Veilmist Fang.

At once, the relevant information flowed back to him:

Once per day, you may cast the First Circle Spell Veilmist once without cost.

When casting Veilmist, Veilmist Fang will become enchanted, allowing it to deal greater damage when attacking.

Veilmist (Conjuration, First Circle):

A cloud of mist 20 feet high and with a 20-foot radius rises from around you, centered on you, and lasts for one minute.

The mist is stationary. It blocks all vision, including Darkvision. No creature can see anything farther than 5 feet away—roughly 1.6 meters—and vision within 5 feet is severely impaired.

A light breeze can disperse the mist within twenty seconds.

A strong wind can disperse it within five seconds.

The mist will be burned away by flames.

This spell is ineffective underwater.

It is a spell without any offensive power.

Was he disappointed?

A little, but not much.

After all, upon hearing the name, Gao De had more or less guessed that it would not possess much killing power.

At least it was not the worst outcome—after all, it was a spell useful in battle, rather than a purely supportive spell like Repair.

Besides, there was an unexpected surprise.

Apart from carrying a First Circle Spell of its own, Veilmist Fang actually had an additional effect: enchantment.

That was equivalent to a Mystic Item possessing two spells.

Its reputation had not been earned for nothing.

For the Okenly Merchant Guild to be called the most powerful guild of magical alchemical creations on the entire continent, it truly was extraordinary.

Gao De dearly wanted to test Veilmist Fang's power after it was enchanted.

But considering Mage Seda was in the herb garden, any commotion might draw his attention and risk exposing himself too early. After thinking it over, Gao De decided against it.

How should he make use of this First Circle Spell?

Gao De sank into thought.

The intentions of the alchemist who had created Veilmist Fang were obvious:

Use Veilmist to create an environment favorable for close combat, then attack with Veilmist Fang, whose power would rise greatly after enchantment.

It was very good synergy.

The problem was that if he wanted to attack with Veilmist Fang, he had to take the initiative and get close to Mage Seda.

And at least two of Mage Seda's spells required contact to take effect.

That ran contrary to the combat method Gao De had envisioned.

"Eh?!" As Gao De racked his brains, he suddenly noticed a note beneath Veilmist. A marvelous idea flashed through his mind.

"Perhaps... it can be used like this too."

By the time Gao De returned to the bedroom, it was deep into the night again.

As usual, Emil had long since fallen asleep.

But this time, Gao De was not as quiet and careful as usual. He went to Emil's bedside and lightly patted his shoulder.

"Mm?" Emil woke up groggily.

"It's me."

"Gao De. What is it?" Emil's voice was still hazy; he had not fully woken yet.

As he spoke, Gao De had already used Mage Hand to light the oil lamp in the room.

In his real hand lay five Shamrock Silver Coins glimmering with faint silver light.

"Tomorrow, help me buy something in the city. Whatever money is left will be your payment for the trouble," Gao De instructed.

"Huh? What do you need to buy this for?" Stimulated by the silver coins, Emil finally woke completely. He jerked upright and asked in confusion.

"Don't worry about it. Are you helping or not? One word."

Emil lowered his head and pondered carefully for a moment. Then he looked up at Gao De and said seriously, "All right. But I don't need payment. I'll help you for free."

Gao De nodded and replied just as seriously, "Thank you."

Time passed day by day in silence.

Until the final day of Awakening Month arrived.

This was the day Phil's Herb Shop received its supplies.

Just past noon, Mage Seda personally left the herb garden.

Having kept close watch on Mage Seda's movements, Gao De knew perfectly well that Mage Seda was heading to Phil's Herb Shop to collect the final ingredient needed to compound the potion.

The moment he saw him leave the herb garden, Gao De plunged headfirst into his workroom.

Of course, it was not to compound Novice Spider Venom.

At a moment like this, he had neither the mood nor the need to continue such meaningless work.

Gao De was making the final preparations before tearing all pretenses apart with Mage Seda.

He took out the glass bottles he normally used to portion potions, then cast Acid Splash+ to obtain acid that could be preserved for up to a day and filled the bottles with it.

Afterward, he placed these homemade acid bottles into the various pockets of his clothes.

Only after checking that they would not make any unusual sounds when he moved and were not obvious from the outside did he finally let out a long breath.

Do all one could, then leave the rest to fate.

Within the limits of his ability, Gao De had made as many preparations as possible. Whether he succeeded in the end would also depend on a measure of luck.

Mage Seda did not return to the herb garden until a full two hours later.

Gao De deliberately chose that moment to leave the workroom, crossing paths with him in the corridor.

"Mage Lord." Gao De stepped aside and respectfully yielded the way to Mage Seda.

Mage Seda merely swept an expressionless glance over Gao De. He did not reply, passing by Gao De with icy indifference.

Only after watching Mage Seda's back disappear from view did Gao De resume walking.

Although Mage Seda had tried his utmost to appear completely emotionless, Gao De could still clearly sense a fervor hidden in his eyes today, revealing that he was currently in an excited state.

Be excited. The more excited, the better.

After Mage Seda returned to his room and began his secluded potion compounding, Gao De did not remain idle either.

He planned out the details of the final confrontation in advance, rehearsing them in his mind.

He carefully considered every possible development after laying everything bare with Mage Seda, mentally rehearsing dangers that had not yet arisen and devising suitable responses.

Then came the wait for news from Mage Seda—perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow.

That night, Gao De did not receive Mage Seda's summons, but he barely slept at all.

Budding Month, first day.

Morning.

Before the long wooden table.

Mage Seda, his face clearly marked with fatigue, seemed somewhat dazed. He stood there blankly, as though he did not know what he was thinking.

A long while later.

He finally raised his hand. His eyes stared fixedly at the potion he had only recently compounded. He gently shook the bottle, his gaze swaying with the liquid within as turbulent waves rose in his heart, leaving him anxious and unsettled.

"This time, it should have worked, right?"

Though Mage Seda truly felt fairly confident this time, when the moment came, he still could not help becoming plagued by doubts and fears.

"I'll know once I try it." Mage Seda gritted his teeth, suppressing the restless turmoil within him. At last, he stopped agonizing over it.

"Call Gao De over to test the potion," he ordered.