CHAPTER 109: POTION SHOP

Dr. Marshal read the writings once again, and this time, he examined each tiny label on the glass bottles inside the shelf with greater attention. He even picked up the bottles one by one, determined to confirm everything he had said.

"So, how is it, Dr. Marshal?"

"Hmm... it seems that I have never used that ingredient before," Dr. Marshal stroked his chin. "We are still missing an ingredient, namely Velune leaf powder. Without all the ingredients, this potion will fail."

"Uhm... so where can we get it?"

"Actually, there is one shop that I think might sell the ingredient we are looking for," said Dr. Marshal, slowly stroking his chin. "A potion shop that is well-known among alchemists, located in Crimson Alley. If I’m not mistaken, the name of the shop is... the name of the shop is..." Dr. Marshal scratched his head repeatedly. "Damn. I completely forgot the name of the shop..."

"Stalte Cache, Sir." Mr courier said as he appeared, holding a cleaning kit. "We’ve gone there a few times to buy ingredients, Sir. Marshal."

"Oh? Really?" Dr. Marshal scratched his head. "Why, I don’t remember it at all?"

"Yes, of course, Sir. I can still remember it clearly because you once—"

"Ah, yes, yes, I remember now," Dr. Marshal interrupted Mr courier abruptly. "Thank you for reminding me, Courier 020."

"I’m glad I could help you, Sir." Mr Courier replied with a small nod.

Shaan slowly shook his head. ’Jeez, how could Dr. Marshal forget something so simple?’

"Uhm... but we don’t know where Crimson Alley is, or where that place you mentioned earlier is located," Chelsie said.

"Twilight Sanctum is huge, and we haven’t even explored the whole place yet."

"She’s right. I agree with Chelsie," Shaan nodded.

"We might just end up getting lost and wasting everyone’s time."

"Hmm... what you’re saying makes sense," Dr. Marshal replied thoughtfully.

"Alright, how about this—Courier 020 will go with you to find Stalte Cahce, while I stay here to gather and prepare the rest of the ingredients?"

"Uhm... the name is Stalte Cache, not Stalte Cahce, Dr. Marshal."

"Oh, yes, yes, that’s the one. Stalte Cache."

"...Alright, I think that sounds like a reasonable plan," Nalira said with a nod.

"At least we’ll have a lower chance of getting lost."

"Okay, I guess that means everyone agrees with—"

"Objection." Mr courier raised his hand. "I have an objection to this plan, Sir. Marshal."

Hearing Mr courier’s words, Dr. Marshal furrowed his brow. "What is it? Why do you object?"

"I object because someone has to accompany you here, Sir Marshal," said Mr courier. "I don’t want a fire burning here a second time."

Hearing the courier’s words, Shaan could only nod his head. He agreed with the courier and knew it would be very dangerous to leave Dr. Marshal alone here. With his forgetful nature, he could end up burning down the whole house.

"Uhm... how about this? Why don’t I stay here and keep Dr. Marshal company?" Chelsie suggested.

"At the very least, I can help him if he needs anything."

"Hmm... alright. I have no problem with that," Shaan said as he turned his gaze toward Dr. Marshal.

"What about you, Dr. Marshal?"

"Of course, I don’t mind at all," Dr. Marshal replied with a smile.

"With that settled, Courier 020 can guide you all to the shop safely."

Dr. Marshal looked back at the courier.

"So, do you still object to this arrangement?"

The courier quickly shook his head.

"No, sir. Everything is clear now, and I agree with your plan."

"Good, then..." Dr. Marshal reached for a small piece of paper on the table and scribbled something on it.

"When you arrive at the shop, hand this paper to the owner," he said, giving the note to Nalira, who stood beside him."It’ll make it much easier for them to understand exactly what ingredients you need."

"...Understood," Nalira replied with a nod.

"Now carry out your task, Courier 020, and lead them to the location," Dr. Marshal said firmly.

"Understood, Sir." Mr. Courier replied with a nod. " I will lead them to the location."

***

After walking for quite some time, they finally reached Crimson Alley — which turned out to be quite far from Dr. Marshal’s home.

The moment Shaan laid eyes on Crimson Alley, only one word came to mind: crowded. So crowded, in fact, that he saw people moving like a swarm of ants, tightly packed and pushing against each other as they passed through the narrow paths.

"Wow, I never imagined this place could be this crowded."

"Crimson Alley is indeed one of the most popular locations for Daemonists in the Twilight Sanctum. This is because there are so many shops here selling all kinds of things, from food to clothing and everything else Daemonists need while they are here."

"Mr. Courier, do people here use money to pay? Just like in the human world?"

Mr. Courier paused for a moment. "Money? What’s that? What do you mean?"

"...Money. It’s something people use to pay for goods and services," Nalira replied, pulling something from her pocket. "It usually comes in paper form with printed numbers on it. The bigger the number, the more valuable it is."

"Ah, I see," the courier nodded, listening carefully to her explanation.

"In Twilight Sanctum, we don’t use anything like that. All transactions are done using Dark Crystals, which you can only get from defeating dark creatures. The more Dark Crystals you have, the better."

"Interesting. I had no idea about that before."

"You two, come with me. I’ll take you to the stalte catche now," Mr. Courier said as he walked into the crimson alley. "Oh, yes, before that. Make sure you don’t attract attention. Everyone in the crimson alley is watching. Your status is still considered bad, especially you, Shaan."

"Okay, I understand." Shaan quickly pulled the hoodie string.

"All right, it’s time to go."

While walking along Crimson Alley, Shaan kept his eyes on Mr. Courier without looking away. He knew that if he looked away even for a second, Mr. Courier would disappear immediately because there were so many people in Crimson Alley and more were constantly arriving.

"I have to keep watching Mr. Courier," said Shaan, tilting his head slightly forward to make sure he didn’t lose sight of Mr. Courier.

Finally, after walking through the crowd, Mr. Courier suddenly stopped at a house located in a corner of Crimson Alley. " We have arrived. Welcome to Stalte Cahce."