The black-robed old man's expression eased slightly as well. He said coldly, "Button, we came this time to purchase some potion ingredients..."
"Potion ingredients?"
A faint smile appeared on Mage Button's face. He continued, "Hill, what potion ingredients do you need? I can first see whether I have them. Over these past few years, I've accumulated quite a few potion ingredients."
The black-robed old man pondered for a moment before saying, "What I need is Purple Stone Powder."
Merlin also spoke up. "The potion ingredients I need are somewhat complicated, such as blueberries, silverflower grass..."
Mage Button cast Merlin a surprised glance, then his expression turned solemn as he looked at the black-robed old man. "Hill, this Mage is?"
"Button, Mage Merlin is trustworthy. You need not worry."
The black-robed old man naturally knew what Mage Button meant, and replied coldly.
"So it is Mage Merlin. I do have some of the Purple Stone Powder Hill needs. However, potion ingredients such as the blueberries Mage Merlin requires are simply too precious. I do not have them either, so I can only take you to certain places to buy them. But the prices are very high, so Mage Merlin should be prepared."
Merlin nodded. When he had arrived at the Floating City, the black-robed old man had already briefly explained matters there. Transactions in the Floating City were usually conducted with Elemental Crystals, but precious items were generally traded by barter.
Merlin had plenty of Elemental Crystals, but he still preferred bartering. He would first see whether those potion ingredients were available, then make further plans.
Seeing Merlin nod, Mage Button rose to his feet and said to the black-robed old man and Merlin, "Come, follow me!"
Mage Button then left the courtyard. His Alchemical Monster followed him like a shadow,