This time, Tristan did not go home to consult his parents. He agreed on the spot.
Veylin took him to the Golden Sail Merchant Guild's secret underground Alchemy Workshop in the Royal Capital.
The workshop had originally been built to produce higher-grade alchemical goods.
After passing through the back room of a shop selling nautical charts and sailing equipment, Veylin pushed open a concealed door disguised as a bookshelf.
The stone steps leading down were narrow. Dampness crept down them, and a moonstone embedded in the wall every ten paces gave off a cold glow.
Veylin led the way.
He had changed out of his casual noble attire and wore only a plain linen research robe, gradually settling into a state of deep concentration.
Tristan followed behind, his gaze sweeping over the workshop.
Rows of copper stills, neatly sorted glassware, dried herbs and magical beast parts hanging on the walls-everything bore a label.
Veylin stopped before a long laboratory bench made of polished granite.
He took sealed boxes from a nearby storage cabinet and opened them one by one.
A chair stood in front of the bench.
"Sit down."
Tristan sat without hesitation.
Having altered other people's bloodlines several times before, Veylin fetched several thick leather restraints and secured Tristan's wrists and ankles to the chair.
"This is standard procedure, to prevent you from unconsciously hurting yourself during the alteration."
Veylin offered that explanation, then swept his gaze over Tristan. Information visible only to him appeared across his retinas.
``` [Tristan Lorenzo]
[Level: None]
[Bloodline: Star Whisper (gold tier) 31%, Child of the Tides (silver tier) 29%, mixed bloodlines 40%]
[Abilities: None]
[Overall assessment: The two bloodlines are present in similar proportions and interfere with one another, causing bloodline dormancy. Targeted guidance can activate them.]
[Guidance potion: Primary ingredient: 1