Chapter 35

"Is this the 'Shooting Star Potion'? This is the first time I've seen the real thing."

Frey said, "Wow~" while looking at it. Luna, Reina, and Torte were also standing beside him, their eyes shining. I understand; the 'Shooting Star Potion' has a very stylish design.

The 'Shooting Star Potion' is a secret medicine that is said to bring back the soul that has returned to the sky, riding on a shooting star, all the way back to the body. From the lid, which is designed like a shooting star, a sparkling light is spilling out. I didn't pay much attention to it in the game, but in reality, it looks very beautiful.

Tarte stood on tiptoe and picked up the 'Shooting Star Potion' that was rolling at the bottom of the mixing pot.

"With this, my illness will be cured, nya...?"

"Yeah."

I nodded with a smile. If I looked anxious, Tarte would become even more anxious. Frey and the others also nodded hard. Seeing this, Tarte nodded and put her hand on the lid.

She slowly opened it, and shooting star effects flew out from inside. The liquid in the bottle was making popping sounds. I almost did a double take, but it's probably just carbonation. I hope so. I hope it's not as bad as the 'Skill Reset Potion'...

Tarte took a deep breath and slowly took a sip.

"Hmm...!"

She opened her eyes wide but swallowed it with a gulp. She immediately closed her eyes tightly and hugged herself.

"Tarte! Are you okay, nya!?"

"...It's hot in my body, nya...!!"

With a big breath, Terte hugged Tarte, who seemed to be struggling to release the heat building up inside her.

...It's frustrating that I can only watch.

How many minutes had passed? But in reality, only a few dozen seconds had passed.

When Tarte's breathing calmed down, she stood up on her own, away from Torte.

"How do you feel, Tarte?"

"...Well..."

In response to my question, Tarte didn't answer immediately. She clenched and unclenched her hands, walked around the room, and repeated squatting and standing up, as if checking if her body felt different from usual. Finally, she jumped up.

"Amazing, amazing, nya! I used to feel tired after moving this much, but not at all, nya!"

With a big smile, Tarte showed her best smile of the day. I sighed in relief and smiled, saying, "That's great."

"Tarte, that's great, nya!"

"I'm glad you're feeling better!"

"I was surprised that Tarte made the potion herself, but... I'm glad, congratulations!"

"Congratulations, Tarte!"

Torte, Frey, Luna, and Reina also congratulated her with smiles. They must be incredibly happy that Tarte is feeling better. Even I, who just met them, am incredibly happy, so their happiness must be off the charts.

"Amazing, the 'Shooting Star Potion' is so mysterious. ...Do we still have the materials to make more...?"

At Luna's muttered words, everyone except me was startled.

"Y-Yeah... We can make the 'Shooting Star Potion' now because we have the 'Dew of Paradise'!"

Frey's eyes widened, and he muttered, "If we have the 'Shooting Star Potion,' maybe we can push through that tough dungeon... We could even challenge stronger enemies..." No, I think that's a bad idea. Unless we can prepare hundreds of 'Shooting Star Potions' like players...

"Stop, stop, calm down, Frey. Yes, we can make the 'Shooting Star Potion,' but we might need the 'Dew of Paradise' for other things in the future. It's better not to use it all recklessly, right?"

"Hmm, you're right..."

Frey started to worry. He groaned, "But," and "However," and I couldn't help but smile wryly.

"I think it's good to make a few and keep them. For example, one for each of you—Frey, Luna, Reina, Torte... four for the party."

"Got it! Having one each will be reassuring in case something happens. Let's do it!"

Frey said, "Five more... no, six!" He casually added two more.

"Tarte, can you make six more? As long as you're not too tired after recovering from your illness..."

"I feel super energetic now, so it's fine, nya!"

Tarte nodded with a big smile at Frey's words and said happily, "I want to use more alchemy, nya!" What a good kid. I can't stop her, so I looked at Tarte.

"The process is the same as before, but can you do it on your own?"

"Leave it to me, nya!"

Tarte, full of determination, started the synthesis process using the 'Pharmaceutical' skill, just as she did before. Her stirring hand was light and nimble, perhaps because she was cured. After a while, smoke rose and a bright light flashed. It seems she successfully made the 'Shooting Star Potion.' She continued and completed six 'Shooting Star Potions' as Frey had hoped.

"Done, nya!"

"Wow, amazing!"

Frey applauded Tarte, who had completed the task. Tarte's cheeks were slightly red from all the praise.

Frey took the six 'Shooting Star Potions' and gave them to Luna, Reina, and Torte, then offered them to Tarte and me.

"These are for the two of you."

"Huh!"

"Me too, nya?"

I thought they would just add them to the party's items, so I was surprised. ...This is quite valuable in this world, so is it okay for me to take one? I was pondering when Frey urged me, "Here," and I ended up taking it without thinking.

"Ah, thank you. But is it okay for me to take one?"

"Of course. Sharon is practically a member of our party!"

"...! Thank you, I'll use it carefully!"

"Sure."

I was just a guide and now just a companion, but being called a companion was more heartwarming than I expected.