"Welcome, my apprentice."
"Eh? Er, what?"
"What a lukewarm response. Didn't you come here to learn medicine making?"
I had gone to see Pearl to ask for her instruction, but she called me out before I could even open my mouth. Am I really that transparent?
To be precise, I was more interested in medicinal cuisine than general medicine making. However, since medicine making likely served as the foundation, and knowing how to brew magic potions wouldn't hurt, I figured it was best to just nod and go along with it.
"Yes, I did."
"Then you're my apprentice. Oh, there's no need to call me 'Master' so formally. Just be prepared—I'm going to be putting you through your paces."
Despite her words, Pearl’s instruction was polite and easy to follow. When I had brewed Spira’s magic potion, the only reason I succeeded was because of her precise directions.
"That said, you've already mastered the basics of medicine making. From here on, if you memorize the recipes and practice the techniques, you'll become a full-fledged apothecary in no time. You wanted to know about medicinal cuisine, right? Well, I’m going to drill every recipe I know into your head, so brace yourself!"
I see. The magic potion I made the other day involved various steps that apparently covered the fundamentals of the craft. Now I just needed to actually brew more medicines to sharpen my skills. Since she was willing to share her recipes, I was eager to see what I could create.
"Now then, we’ll get to that gradually. But since you’re officially my apprentice, there’s something I want you to try."
The serious expression Pearl had worn while discussing her teaching style vanished, replaced by a gleeful, toothy grin. It was the kind of smile that reminded me of Luranna whenever she talked about a big business deal. I didn’t know exactly why, but it sent a small chill down my spine.
"Among the secret arts of medicine making passed down by the Forestfolk, there are certain recipes considered forbidden. They were taught to me, but I was told never to brew them. However, I think I'll have you make one of these forbidden medicines."
Pearl let out a cackle. If she were wearing a black robe right now, she’d look exactly like a wicked witch.
"Uh, no thanks. Why would I have to make something that’s forbidden?"
"It’s certainly forbidden for most. But for you, it’ll be fine."
"...What do you mean by that?"
"Well, you see—"
Apparently, these magic potions were forbidden because a failure during the brewing process resulted in catastrophic negative effects. We were talking about things like permanent status decreases or being struck by a death curse—pretty nasty stuff.
"Wait... My Luck Value might give me a better success rate than most, but still..."
"What are you talking about? You have that special skill, don't you? You were opening those Pandora Gifts without a second thought."
"Oh, [Destiny God's Smile], you mean?"
True, considering the benefits of that skill, I might be able to safely brew one magic potion a day. The problem was that [Destiny God's Smile] only guaranteed the avoidance of a 'fatal destiny.' It was debatable whether a permanent status decrease qualified as 'fatal' in the eyes of the skill.
Sensing my hesitation, Pearl let out an exaggerated, theatrical sigh.
"Well, I won't force you. It’s just a shame, since I thought it would be for your group's benefit."
As she spoke, she kept stealing glances at me to gauge my reaction.
For our sake?
Maybe the effect of the medicine was just that powerful. Considering the recipe was still passed down despite being forbidden, that seemed likely. Pearl must have judged that, for me, the potential rewards outweighed the risks.
"What kind of effect are we talking about?"
"Heh, you’re going to love this. It provides a status enhancement. And I’m not talking about something temporary—it’s a permanent boost."
...Wait, what?!
Did that mean I could brew magic potions that acted like the Ability Enhancement Fruits I found in the Cygnil Dungeon?
"Does such an incredible potion really exist? I’ve never even heard of it."
I couldn't hide my disbelief. Pearl nodded, her expression turning slightly grim.
"Of course not. Knowledge of it is restricted to only a select few among the Forestfolk. It’s far too dangerous for a normal apothecary to attempt... or really, for anyone who isn't an unconventional existence like you. But the effect is undeniably useful. And if word got out—well, you can imagine, can't you?"
Pearl looked at me meaningfully.
If a recipe for a Status Enhancement Potion became common knowledge, everyone would want it. But since legitimate apothecaries wouldn't want to risk making it, they would find someone else. Most likely, people would end up forcing those in weak positions, like illegal slaves, to brew them. It would be the exact same tragedy as the Pandora Gifts.
"Yeah, that definitely sounds like something that shouldn't be spread around recklessly."
"Exactly. But it's still a useful medicine. You lot are always getting yourselves into dangerous situations, so I thought if you could successfully brew these Status Enhancement Potions, it would be a huge help to you."
So that was her goal...
If I could brew Status Enhancement Potions, I could fulfill my goal of increasing the party's combat strength. In my case, [Destiny God's Smile] would at least keep me from dying. The only real concern was the success rate. It would be a cruel joke if the amount of ability decrease from a failure ended up being larger than the gain from a success.
Still, I felt it was a risk worth taking. That was how much I trusted my own Luck Value.
"Pearl-san, please teach me how to make it!"
"Heh, I thought you'd say that."