Chapter 46

"Ugh, it stinks, it stinks so much~!!"

When Tarte and I returned to the inn, we immediately tried to make a <Flame Bottle>. However, the moment Tarte opened the bag containing one of the materials, <Rag of an Orc>, she let out a scream.

...Yeah. The smell was so strong that I had to pinch my nose too.

"I can endure it, but it must be tough for Tarte. Let's cover our noses and mouths with towels for now."

"Yes, sir."

We quickly took out towels and wrapped them around our faces to cover our noses. The smell was still intense, but it was somewhat better... I hope. Anyway, we should think of some countermeasures.

Tarte started laying out the tools she bought from the tool shop on the table. There were three items: a <Advanced Alchemy Pot>, <Highly Flammable Tinder>, and a <Rudia's Young Sprout Stirring Rod>. The materials needed for one <Flame Bottle> were two <Fire Mushrooms>, one <Magic Stone>, one <Oil>, one <Rag of an Orc>, and one <Empty Potion Bottle>. Both gathering and hunting were required to obtain the materials, so while the <Flame Bottle> was incredibly powerful, making it was a bit troublesome.

"My alchemy tools...! I want to make <Potions> quickly, sir!"

"Then let's get started."

I smiled at the excited Tarte and asked, "Do you remember the procedure for making <Potions>?" Tarte nodded vigorously.

"Of course, sir! I remember everything you taught me, sir!"

"You're excellent."

When I praised her, Tarte smiled brightly. She's so cute.

"By the way, the method for making <Flame Bottles> is in the <Intermediate Alchemy Book>."

"Yes, sir."

Tarte took out the book and opened the page for <Flame Bottle>. It had simple illustrations and explanations of the materials and usage. After reading it, Tarte said, "I'll give it a try, sir!" with determination.

The alchemy process for making <Potions> basically involves putting the materials with lower rarity into the alchemy pot and mixing them. It might seem complicated, but it's actually a simple task once you start.

Tarte put the items into the alchemy pot, and when it glowed, she added the next item and stirred it. Before long, the <Flame Bottle> was complete. The <Flame Bottle> had a transparent bottle with flames burning inside, and the cap was shaped like a dragon. When thrown, it would explode, and with the skill <Potion Throw>, its power would increase several times.

"It's done, sir! How is it, Master?"

"Great job! It's well-made."

When I praised her, Tarte jumped up and down, exclaiming, "I did it, sir~!" She then said, "I'll make more, sir," and proceeded to make 32 more <Flame Bottles>.

"But, I'm a bit tired, sir."

"Tarte, you haven't made many <Potions> yet. It requires concentration, so don't push yourself and get used to it gradually."

"Yes, sir."

Tarte nodded sincerely after hearing my words.

***

The next day, Tarte and I left the inn with the <Flame Bottles>. Our goal today is to use these <Flame Bottles> to hunt and level up!

"By the way, we'll also take on a quest at the <Adventurer's Guild>. That way, we can earn money for defeating monsters."

We'll get all the experience points, drop items, and quest rewards. Tarte, who has chosen the <Flame Bottle> as her combat style, needs a lot of money. Although we're currently tight on funds, once our levels go up, the income from hunting will exceed the cost of materials.

"It's my first quest, sir! I'll do my best, sir!"

"Great! Let's do our best! If Kent and Cocoa are at the guild, we can form a party, which would be perfect... I wonder if they're there?"

Thinking that Kent, who is a front-liner, would be helpful, we entered the guild. There, we saw two familiar figures in front of the quest board.

"Kent, Cocoa!"

"Sharon!!"

When I called their names, Kent and Cocoa turned around and called mine. They waved their hands enthusiastically, and Tarte and I went over to them.

"Long time no see! And let me introduce you to Tarte, who is traveling with me. She's technically my disciple."

"Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Tarte, sir. I'm learning about alchemy from my master, sir. Nice to meet you, sir."

Tarte greeted them politely, and Kent and Cocoa bowed in return. All three of them were smiling, so the first impression seemed good. They shook hands, and the softness of Tarte's paw pads was endearing.

"Then, shall we form a party of four?"

"Sure!"

"Yes, sir!"

We quickly decided to form a party of four. All that was left was to choose the quest for today, and register the party at the reception.

"The question is, which quest should we take?"

"How about an Orc extermination quest!?"

At my suggestion, Kent and Cocoa widened their eyes.

"No way, that's impossible!"

"Exterminating Orcs is impossible!!"