When the Poor Think of Change, They Change Their Thinking

"I am terribly sorry, but Grandmother Lizzie is currently away on business to acquire medicinal herbs and will not be home for some time," Enfirea said apologetically.

There were indeed many pharmacists who wished to consult with his grandmother, but Lizzie rarely agreed to such requests.

Although exchanging ideas with other pharmacists could refine one's techniques and broaden one's understanding of herbs—something Lizzie had been very happy to do in her youth—she had grown to despise such interactions as her reputation grew. Because of the disparity in skill levels, she was always the one sharing her knowledge, yet she never received anything of equal value in return.

It was not to say there was no return at all, but the experiences those pharmacists treated as precious treasures were things Lizzie had long since mastered.

It would be unfair to call her stingy; it was simply that she found it more practical to spend her time on research rather than wasting it on fruitless discussions.

If there was nothing urgent at the front of the shop, Enfirea was usually the one in charge, and he would simply decline such requests from pharmacists politely.

However, Enfirea was not lying this time; his grandmother was truly away.

"Oh, her absence is no matter. Since you address Lizzie as Grandmother, I presume you must be Enfirea?" Hades asked. He had already learned the general situation of this potion workshop from Brita.

"That is me." Enfirea nodded, then added, "Perhaps you could return in a few days once my grandmother has returned, Master Jimi?"

"Hmm..."

Hades did not respond, lowering his head to contemplate the current situation.

There was no immediate rush to gather intelligence on potion-making in this new world. If Nazarick were not involved, or if the power level of this world were not so low, he would not need to be in such a hurry.

However, his only advantage over Nazarick right now was the head start he possessed. If he did not capitalize on this, it would be much more difficult to act once Momonga realized what was happening.

From his conversation with Brita, he had learned that the forest he was in previously was the Tobo Great Forest, and the nearest city to it was E-Rantel.

If he were Momonga, he would not look far afield for other cities; it was likely that Momonga would send scouts to investigate this area before long.

Hades suddenly thought that instead of doing nothing and merely hiding himself, it would be better to leave behind a hidden thread, much like the Magic Caster Guild, which might allow him to grasp some intelligence on Nazarick and formulate countermeasures.

Desperate times called for desperate measures. Hades had previously assumed that since this world possessed Tier Magic, it would be similar to YGGDRASIL, so he had decided to hide his identity completely and recruit a group of people in secret to take down Nazarick.

But now, he had to rely on himself. Continuing to hide blindly would lead to nothing, so he might as well take the initiative while he still held a slight advantage.

He had intended to remain unmoved to meet all changes, letting Momonga grow suspicious on his own, but this godforsaken world had not left him that opportunity.

Once Momonga truly realized the nature of this world, the scope of his search would narrow significantly. If he were to produce or display items that did not belong in this world, he would be identified immediately without the need for any investigation.

Now was an opportunity, whether for playing the long game or for making money.

"No need. I am in urgent need of a certain potion. I took a look just now, and you do not have it in stock. Since I lack the materials on hand, I wonder if you could sell me some raw ingredients and let me borrow your equipment? I wish to brew the potion here."

After a long silence, Hades asked Enfirea, who was waiting for his response.

"Eh? Which potion do you require, Master? Our selection is quite comprehensive," Enfirea said, surprised.

"I cannot name it; it is something I developed myself. I will pay for whatever materials I use," Hades replied.

"Hmm..." Now it was Enfirea's turn to be silent. Hades' words intrigued him. The Lizzie Workshop's selection was already very comprehensive, yet there was a potion they did not have. If possible, he was very curious to know what it was.

Enfirea had a strong curiosity regarding potions. Although his grandmother had taught him much, the knowledge he could glean from her had dwindled in recent years, and he longed to see something different.

"I don't mind lending you the equipment, but... would you allow me to observe?" After saying this, Enfirea realized it might sound like a demand and quickly added, "If you do not permit it, I will still lend it to you."

Hades heard this and said, "Of course, that is no problem. I do not mind."

I want you to observe. The potions I make in the future will need you to sell them on my behalf.

He did not care if Enfirea betrayed him later; in fact, he would feel more at ease if Enfirea did.

Out of caution, before arriving at the Lizzie Workshop, Hades had switched his race to an Elf with a production class, removed his production-class artifacts, changed into ordinary clothing, and altered his appearance using a disguise necklace.

This was the persona of the pharmacist Jimi, entirely different from the adventurer Mikiha.

He intended to place the bait inside the Lizzie Workshop to attract Nazarick's attention, while he remained in the shadows as the oriole behind the mantis.

There was risk, but it was minimal.

Once successful, however, he could secure another period of advantage.

Enfirea tidied up the shop, locked the front door, and led him to the back room, never once considering the possibility that Hades might be a villain.

Hades shook his head at this. If it were him, he would have kicked the person out long ago. He truly did not know if this boy was just too naive or simply too kind.

Although he was using him as bait, if the plan went smoothly, he would not come to any harm. Well, probably...

Entering the back room of the Lizzie Workshop, the interior was cluttered. A pungent, foul odor hit them immediately. Various plants were categorized and placed on a massive wooden shelf against the wall.

In the center of the room stood a large wooden table covered in various chemical-like apparatuses: round-bottom flasks, test tubes, beakers, and alcohol lamps—everything one could imagine.

Even more exaggerated was the distiller in the corner, standing over a person's height, with a glass tube spiraling down from it, ending in a transparent cup.

"I am not sure what materials you require, Master Jimi. Are they minerals? Or herbs?" Enfirea's voice sounded somewhat excited.

"Minerals, I suppose," Hades said.

In YGGDRASIL, there were many types of materials for crafting low-tier healing potions, not limited to just one; each material had its own attributes.

The base material for low-tier potions was minerals. By adding other ingredients, one could grant the resulting potion additional buffs, though such effects were negligible in the eyes of players.

Hades did not know if the minerals in this world would have the same effects as those in YGGDRASIL. If he could not craft low-tier potions using the materials of this world, he would have to provide the bait himself.