Floki arrived at the Shadow Clan’s apothecary just as the sun began to rise. The building was modest compared to the grand training halls, but the air was thick with the earthy scent of dried herbs and simmering potions.

Rows of shelves lined the walls, crammed with jars, scrolls, and tools for crafting pills and elixirs. At the center of it all stood Krysta, the Pill Master, her expression calm but commanding as she inspected a bubbling cauldron.

Around her, a handful of helpers moved quietly, sorting ingredients and tending to various tasks. Floki stepped forward, his staff tapping lightly against the floor.

“Pill Master Krysta? I’m here to assist,” he said, his tone confident. Krysta’s sharp eyes flicked toward him, her expression unreadable.

“You’re the one Chang assigned, aren’t you?” she replied. Floki grinned, the confidence in his posture unwavering.

“The very one. Ready to learn, teach, or impress—whatever you need,” he said.

Her lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “We’ll see about that. First, you’ll start by familiarizing yourself with the basics. There’s a book of herbs and combinations on the far table. Memorize it.”

Floki’s grin widened, his enthusiasm unshaken. “Memorize? Easy.”

Krysta’s eyebrow raised slightly, but she said nothing further. She gestured toward a thick tome resting on a wooden stand, its pages yellowed with age.

Floki wasted no time, pulling up a stool and cracking it open. The book was dense, filled with illustrations of plants, minerals, and exotic spirit resources.

Each entry detailed the properties of the ingredients, their effects when combined, and the intricate techniques required for pill crafting. Most disciples would take weeks to absorb even a fraction of the information.

But Floki had a trick up his sleeve. The system pulsed faintly in his vision as he began to read.

[Scanning Material...] Floki flipped through the pages methodically, his mind absorbing the information with precision.

The system provided summaries and cross-references, helping him connect concepts at lightning speed. By the time the other helpers had completed their first tasks, Floki had closed the book and stood up.

Krysta approached, her expression skeptical. “Done already?”

Floki nodded, holding her gaze. “I’ve memorized it. Every herb, every resource, and every technique. Want to quiz me?”

“What? There are over ten thousand plants, materials, and techniques in that book,” Krysta said, her tone laced with disbelief. Her eyes narrowed as she picked up a dried stalk from a nearby table.

“Tell me the properties of Felnwood Root,” she said. “Boosts vitality and stabilizes energy flow,” Floki replied instantly. “But only when mixed with Moonlit Orchid. Alone, it’s toxic.”

Krysta grabbed another ingredient, a jagged black shard. “Shadow Obsidian?” she asked.

“Amplifies shadow energy,” Floki said, his tone casual. “Best used in small amounts. Too much destabilizes the spirit-well.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Krysta’s face. “Impressive. Most apprentices would struggle for weeks or even months with that material.”

Floki’s grin widened. “I told you. Ready to impress.”

Krysta’s expression softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. “Memorizing is one thing. Applying it is another. Tomorrow, you’ll start crafting basic pills. Let’s see if your hands can match your mind.”

The next morning, Floki arrived early, eager to begin. He was already studying the tools laid out on the apothecary’s main table when he sensed a familiar presence nearby.

Kaida stood in the doorway, her arms crossed and an amused smirk playing on her lips. She hadn’t expected to see Floki here, of all places.

“Pill making, huh?” Kaida said, stepping inside. “Didn’t think that was your style.”

Floki barely glanced up, his focus entirely on the task at hand. He measured out a pinch of powdered herbs, his movements precise.

“It’s useful. Besides, mastery of multiple skills opens doors,” Floki said matter-of-factly. Kaida raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her expression.

“Useful? That’s it?” she asked. She watched him closely, her mind racing with possibilities.

Maybe Floki had chosen pill crafting because of her. Perhaps he was trying to impress her, proving that he could be thoughtful and capable beyond combat.

The idea brought a faint blush to her cheeks, though she quickly shook it off. Floki, oblivious to her thoughts, continued his work.

The mortar and pestle in his hands moved rhythmically as he ground a mixture of herbs into a fine paste. Kaida leaned against the table, her smirk returning.

“You know, there are easier ways to win someone over than spending hours in the apothecary,” she teased. Floki finally glanced at her, confused.

“What are you talking about?” he asked. Kaida’s expression faltered, her confidence momentarily shaken.

“Nothing,” she said quickly. “Just don’t overdo it.”

Floki shrugged, turning back to his work. “I’m here to learn. Everything else is secondary.”

Kaida lingered for a moment longer before leaving, her mind swirling with mixed emotions. She couldn’t decide if Floki’s single-minded focus was admirable or infuriating.

By the end of the second day, Floki had mastered the process of crafting basic energy-restoring pills. His hands were steady, his movements efficient, and his results consistently flawless.

The other helpers whispered among themselves, clearly impressed by his rapid progress. However, Krysta’s expression was guarded as she inspected Floki’s latest batch.

“These are High-grade pills,” she said, her tone almost accusatory. “Impossible for a novice. Did you cheat?”

Floki’s grin faltered slightly. “Cheat? How? I just followed the instructions,” he replied earnestly.

Krysta frowned, setting the pills aside. “Make another batch. I’ll watch closely this time.”

She stood over him as he worked, her eyes never leaving his hands. Floki’s movements were precise, his focus unshakable as he combined the ingredients and prepared the mixture.

As the container heated, a small explosion erupted, sending a puff of smoke and sparks into the air. Kaida, who had returned to observe from the corner of the room, chuckled softly.

“Not so perfect after all, are we?” she teased, her amusement clear. Floki waved the smoke away, muttering under his breath.

“Just a minor setback,” he said with a grin. When the dust settled, the pills emerged from the container, their surface gleaming with an almost ethereal glow.

Krysta’s eyes widened as she inspected them. “These... These are Peak-grade Healing Pills,” she said, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Do you have any idea how rare this is?”

Floki shrugged, though his grin returned. “Rare, huh? Guess I’ve got a talent for this,” he said lightly.

Krysta’s expression softened into something resembling admiration. “Floki, I want you to consider becoming my direct disciple. Your potential is extraordinary.”

Kaida, still standing in the corner, felt a pang of irritation. She had been her mother’s assistant for years, working tirelessly to learn the craft, yet Krysta had never offered her such an honor.

Floki glanced between Krysta and the pills, his grin widening. “I’ll think about it,” he said lightly, though his mind was already racing with possibilities.

Krysta nodded, her tone serious. “Do. Talent like yours shouldn’t be wasted.”

As Floki returned to his work, Kaida quietly slipped out of the apothecary, her emotions a mix of pride and frustration.

In the quiet hum of the apothecary, Kaida’s eyes lingered on Floki. Her thoughts were deep and unsettled, as if considering something far beyond the pills on the table.

Watching Floki excel in an area she had dedicated years to mastering was both impressive and infuriating.