Chapter Twenty-Eight: An Improved Formula

In the blink of an eye, the day arrived when the Liberty docked at the port. Andrew brought Gong Hao along to deliver goods. Truth be told, Gong Hao no longer needed to make such deliveries, but he insisted on accompanying Andrew under the pretense of “swearing lifelong allegiance to Lord Andrew.”

“Hey, Huey, I’m so glad to see you again.” When Gong Hao appeared once more on the Liberty, Bailey greeted him with a warm embrace, then eyed Gong Hao’s apprentice robes in surprise. “Well, look at that! You’ve become an apprentice?”

“Oh, yes. There was an unfortunate incident last month,” Gong Hao sighed. “An apprentice died—they say he accidentally dropped his badge and was slain by a puppet warrior. It’s truly a tragedy.”

“Oh, such a shame. But Huey, does that mean you took his place?” Bailey was still incredulous.

Gong Hao shrugged. “Someone has to do the work, right? Master Heinz thinks highly of me, so he let me fill in for Neil’s apprenticeship—for now, anyway.”

“I see. Well, whatever the circumstances, it’s good news for you.” Bailey glanced toward Andrew and Chackley, who were speaking nearby. Andrew even pointed toward the bow, apparently referencing Gong Hao, likely discussing the same matter. Bailey turned back. “Alright, in that case, I think we ought to celebrate your promotion—even if it’s only temporary. I have wine in my cabin.”

Gong Hao smiled. Even without a promotion, Bailey always found a reason to lure him to the cabin. With Bailey’s ambiguous manner, it almost seemed like a secret tryst between lovers.

Inside Bailey’s cabin, Bailey handed him a small box. “Here’s what you wanted, but it’s only information on Andrew. I’ll need more time to get details on the others. So, what did you bring me this time?”

Gong Hao took the box and calmly began unpacking bottles one by one.

Bailey’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, magic power amplification potions? How did you get these? And immunity elixirs? Heavens, there’s so many! And... this is a rejuvenation potion—my word, the noble ladies adore these; they fetch astronomical prices. Huey Grell, you rascal, did you rob the Purgatory Isle’s storeroom?”

Gong Hao replied with composure, “You forget I’m an apprentice now? I’m responsible for brewing potions.”

“Ah, so that’s it.” Bailey suddenly understood. “That’s fantastic, Huey. I always knew you were talented—I never doubted it. See, you not only broke through the one-year limit, now you’re an apprentice; you’re destined for greatness.”

For the sake of profit, even a fourth-tier warrior would flatter an apprentice.

“I doubt I’m as remarkable as you say, and such opportunities may only last until next month,” Gong Hao remarked regretfully.

“Why?” Bailey asked, distressed.

“Because next month, Chackley will likely bring another apprentice to replace me. You know I’m still just a servant, not a true apprentice. I’m only temporarily assigned to the Alchemy Tower. If you want the same quantity of potions as now, you’ll have to strike deals with the apprentices.”

“I see...” Bailey pondered. “No, we can’t risk trading with other apprentices—the more people know, the greater the danger. And Huey, I know you’re a clever lad, but that doesn’t mean other apprentices can handle matters as discreetly as you do.”

“That’s the issue—I’m not really an apprentice.”

“No, no, Huey, you needn’t worry about that. Perhaps we can help you with this,” Bailey chuckled darkly. “I guarantee you, Chackley won’t bring any apprentices to the island.”

“How do you plan to do that?”

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Bailey’s eyes. “Isn’t it simple? Whoever he favors, we’ll kill.”

Gong Hao considered, then nodded. “Try to make it look like an accident; otherwise, Chackley will be suspicious. Give me just two more months, and I’m certain Heinz will abandon the idea of recruiting new apprentices altogether.”

“Agreed, then.”

“It’s settled.”

———————————

Three days after returning from the port, Gong Hao sought out Heinz.

“Is there something you need?” Heinz’s voice was calm as ever, tinged with a cold undertone.

He never liked being disturbed without good reason, unless it was truly important.

“Master Heinz, as you instructed when I entered Purgatory Isle, besides taking over Neil’s duties, I was also to find substitutes for the lost magical plants.”

“I hope you bring me good news.”

“Regrettably, master, I haven’t succeeded yet.”

“Then why are you here? To waste my time?” Heinz spun around abruptly, glaring at Gong Hao with anger.

It was Gong Hao’s first time seeing Heinz truly angry. This old man, who usually appeared kindly, exuded a murderous aura when roused. Gong Hao could feel the intense killing intent radiating from him.

He hastily replied, “I only hope you’ll grant me authorization.”

“Authorization? What sort of authorization? What more power do you want? Don’t you know you’re already the most powerful servant in this castle?”

“Yes, master, I’m well aware. But I also know that if I’m to solve the magical plant problem, I’ll need new authority.”

“What kind of authority?”

“Permission to craft suitable tools and to research potion formulas.”

Heinz studied Gong Hao for a long moment. “I heard Pierre refused your request to research new formulas. He believes, as an apprentice, you’re being overly ambitious. Every formula here was forged through the toil of countless brilliant alchemists.”

“Yes, I know. I only wish to research potions that can’t be made due to lack of ingredients. If I can’t find suitable substitutes, at least I can refine the formulas to meet your requirements.”

Heinz eyed him coldly. “Is that so? I like the color of my walls, and I want my toilet painted to match. But you can’t find the paint. So you decide to repaint my walls to match the toilet instead? Is that it?”

Gong Hao answered calmly, “An excellent metaphor, Master Heinz—indeed, but I promise I’ll make the new color even more beautiful, more to your liking.”

“That’s a tall order.”

“I believe I can manage.”

“I’ll give you one month. During that time, you may do whatever you wish in your workspace. In a month, you must produce at least one improved formula, or a material that can serve as a substitute. Otherwise... you die!”

“Yes, master.”

Gong Hao withdrew hurriedly.

Damn, Gong Hao realized he’d committed a grave error regarding “first impressions.”

His initial encounters with Heinz, both at their first meeting and later in the castle, had always left him with the impression of a gentle elder. Subconsciously, he’d downplayed Heinz’s brutality.

But now he saw Heinz’s true, ferocious nature. Gong Hao finally understood what he had overlooked—Heinz was the very culprit behind the deaths of all those youths on Purgatory Isle. This was his real face.

———————————————

“What? You need more glass?” Andrew was astonished by Gong Hao’s bizarre request.

Why did he need so much glass?

“Yes, Lord Andrew,” Gong Hao replied. “Do you recall the losses of magical plants caused by the beast escape?”

“Of course—that’s one of the tasks the mentor assigned you. You’ve done well with the potions, but saving materials alone won’t solve the problem. We must find ways to replenish the magical plants.”

“I’ve been searching diligently. But I also wish to study their properties and composition further. My goal is to understand them quickly, so I can find substitutes.”

“I see. And what does glass have to do with this?”

“I need glass of the highest quality—clear and flawless—for making special lenses. They’ll help me observe finer details.”

Andrew frowned. “I’ve never heard of such lenses. Like magic mirrors?”

“No, sir, these lenses require no magical infusion. They simply enhance observation through basic physical means.”

“Interesting. Where did you learn about them?”

“Truthfully, I don’t know how to make them exactly—I understand the principle. That’s why I need your help, sir. These lenses exist among the common folk, who have little access to magic. Sometimes they must use clever tricks to solve problems. These lenses are one such solution. It’s a pity—if I could master Microvision, I wouldn’t need these methods.”

“I’ll help you. Those magical plants are my responsibility as well. If you can solve the problem, you’ll be doing me a great favor. Besides lenses, what else do you need?”

Gong Hao handed him a list. Andrew’s brows knit tightly. “Pipettes, wash bottles, conical flasks, burettes, gas collectors... What are these?”

“Just auxiliary tools. They’re useless for someone with magic like you, but for me, they’re invaluable.”

“All from the common folk? Why have I never heard of them?”

Gong Hao smiled slightly. “Lord Andrew, how many years has it been since you left this island?”

Andrew opened his mouth, then finally laughed. “Very well, I’ll see these things made for you. But you must promise to deliver substitute materials soon.”

“Actually, Master Heinz has already given me an ultimatum. He’s granted me full authority, but demands I solve at least one magical plant issue within a month.”

“The mentor is always impatient. Is there anything else you need from me?”

“There are a few more things, but I can handle them myself.”

“That’s good,” Andrew said, shaking the list. “You know, Grell, you’re the first servant to ever ask an alchemist for such a favor.”

Gong Hao chuckled. “It’s my honor, and your kindness, Lord Andrew. I’m forever grateful for your care—Huey Grell will always remember it.”

“You always know what to say. Now I understand why Lancelot is so fond of you,” Andrew mused. “And the young princess as well.”

Gong Hao’s cheeks flushed.

Andrew leaned in and whispered, “Chackley tells me your little princess often asks about you. She’s quite concerned for you.”

Gong Hao’s face turned even redder.

Andrew laughed heartily and waved him away.

Three days later, Andrew delivered everything Gong Hao had requested. These were indispensable tools for experimentation; compared to thermometers and measuring cups, their requirements were higher and harder to fulfill. Despite Gong Hao’s repeated adjustments for precision and practicality, he found he couldn’t make them alone, so he sought Andrew’s help.

Fortunately, Andrew, as Heinz’s disciple, found such tasks trivial. As for other experimental materials, like sulfuric acid and pure water, Gong Hao had to find substitutes himself. Some materials could always be replaced, and pure water could be distilled easily.

Thus, a rudimentary laboratory gradually took shape in Gong Hao’s hands, allowing him finally to begin analysis of potions and materials.

———————————

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