Six months later.
During these six months, Locke had practically lived in Lilith's Cottage's public library. He spent all 1,000 contribution points and a total of 210,000 Magic Stones buying Potions-related spellbooks, articles, materials, and equipment. He researched tirelessly and used Mammon Demons as raw materials, rapidly improving his Potions skills over the past half year.
Inside the makeshift laboratory, Locke looked at the Beholder Elder Potion he had reproduced and slowly exhaled. "After half a year, 1,000 contribution points, and 210,000 Magic Stones, I've finally successfully brewed the Beholder Elder Potion."
"This means my foundation in Potions has reached the level of Formal Potions. I've entered the First Ring domain."
"At the same time, I've gained a certain foundation in Abyssal Potioncraft."
"As long as one has money, improving one's Potions level is still quite fast. I was already a First-Ring Wizard, so raising my Potions skills to the First Ring stage naturally wasn't much of an obstacle."
Over the past six months, Locke had received a total of 360,000 Magic Stones from Augustus Brand. He still had 150,000 Magic Stones on hand, and with his previous savings, he currently had 200,000 Magic Stones in savings.
Since Madam Irina was still in the setup and investment phase, the first three months had operated at a loss. During the latter three months, the profits had barely offset the costs.
Therefore, over these six months, Locke had basically only received a monthly profit share of 60,000 Magic Stones.
Locke was also glad that he had listened to Senior Irina's advice and that he and Madam Irina were both part of Harlan Vela's network of connections.
Otherwise, following his original plan, he would have stepped straight into a pitfall.
Opening a shop clearly required far greater initial investment and involved far more