Chapter 5

Regarding the perfection of the ruby, Aber had a clear understanding. The Horadric Cube was, after all, a divine artifact; how could something synthesized by it have any flaws? Among the same grade, it could only be the most perfect. The value reaching as high as 300 gold coins was something Aber did not expect. From 3 gold coins to 300 gold coins, a hundredfold difference made Aber even more aware of the preciousness of the Horadric Cube he possessed. If such a treasure were to be known by others, it would be a disaster.

This was already the safest store in Libao Town, and the price offered was very satisfactory to Aber. He took out the last ruby from the cloth bag and handed it to Yvette, shaking the bag to show it was empty, and said to Yvette, "There is one more ruby like this. The price can be as you said."

Yvette took the second ruby, examined it, and couldn't help but praise it in the noble's unique recitative: "A fiery and passionate gem, two equally perfect ones."

"I need some knight training potions. Do you have any recommendations?"

Like his older brother Zak, Aber used potions every month. These were magical potions made by alchemists, which could increase the formation of qi when practiced after consumption. The potion was called "Qi Condensation Potion," but no one explained more to him because his level was too low.

"Edmund Auction House can provide you with初级 'Qi Condensation Potion' at 10 gold coins per bottle," Yvette paused, her pretty face smiling as she took a sip of the coffee on the table and continued, "To be honest, the初级 'Qi Condensation Potion' contains a lot of impurities. Frequent use can cause harm. Generally, after using the初级 'Qi Condensation Potion' for one month, you need to rest for one month to let your body recover."

"What about the effects of the初级 'Qi Condensation Potion'?" This was what Aber was most concerned about, so he asked.

"The best way to use it is to take 5 bottles per month for training. These 5 bottles can make one month of training equivalent to two months of training. Then, take a break for one month and take 5 bottles again." Yvette was very clear about the effects of the auction house's products. She could see that the boy in front of her was a complete novice in this area.

"Since there is a初级 'Qi Condensation Potion,' is there a more advanced one?"

"Of course, the intermediate 'Qi Condensation Potion' is taken 5 bottles per month, with a break of half a month before taking it again. The effect is 5 bottles equal to four months of training. The advanced 'Qi Condensation Potion' is taken 3 bottles per month without a break, making one month of training equal to five months of training."

Seeing the boy's eyes widen, Yvette couldn't help but laugh, "Our auction house currently only has the intermediate 'Qi Condensation Potion' at 50 gold coins per bottle. The advanced 'Qi Condensation Potion' is only available at the main store."

Aber knew that the purchasing power here was limited. He didn't even need to inquire about the price of the advanced 'Qi Condensation Potion'; it would certainly be exorbitantly expensive. There weren't many rich people in Libao Town, and even fewer could afford the intermediate 'Qi Condensation Potion.'

Yvette hesitated for a moment, seemingly having a good impression of the boy in front of her. She leaned forward close to Aber and said softly, "According to the master alchemist at the auction house headquarters, if an apprentice knight takes the 'Qi Condensation Potion' for training, the more they take, the harder it is to become a formal knight. This is because, regardless of whether it's the初级, intermediate, or advanced 'Qi Condensation Potion,' the more you take, the more drug residues accumulate in your body. When trying to become a formal knight, these drug residues will hinder the success rate."

Aber felt Yvette's kindness. For her to share such important information with him on their first meeting made him extremely grateful. He added a respectful tone to his words, "Beautiful Miss Yvette, thank you for your reminder. This is very important to me. Is there any potion without such side effects?"

"Of course, there is the master-level 'Qi Condensation Potion' made by a master alchemist. The production of this potion is not guaranteed. It is said that a master can produce about ten bottles of master-level 'Qi Condensation Potion' per year, and these potions do not appear on the market. They are directly given to the master's relatives and friends, or bought by the nobility and the royal family. Our Edmund Auction House's own master alchemist auctions 5 bottles each year, with each bottle priced at over 1000 gold coins. One bottle of the master-level 'Qi Condensation Potion' can save an apprentice knight one year of training time." Yvette answered with a mix of envy and pride in her voice.

Without the Horadric Cube, Aber would not buy the 'Qi Condensation Potion' even if his training speed was slower. His previous training had already shown that his knight potential was not bad. Compared to his father and older brother, he could be considered a genius. He was only 12 years old, and though his body looked like a teenager, he was still very young with plenty of time to train. Becoming a formal knight was just a matter of time.

However, after hearing Yvette's introduction to the master-level 'Qi Condensation Potion,' Aber was moved. Each bottle could save one year of training time without any side effects, which was too perfect. It was just some gold coins, and these gold coins were easy to come by. He decided to try it. Raising his head, Aber said, "Give me 54 bottles of the初级 'Qi Condensation Potion.' Is the remaining money enough to buy a hand crossbow?"

Having experienced the dangers on the way, Aber had already discovered the dangers of this world. Even on the main road, one could be attacked by fierce beasts. Although he killed the shadow leopard, it was due to his calmness and some luck. He couldn't always rely on luck; equipment was also very important.

And with the money spent on potions, he couldn't afford a large sword or armor. Even if he had the money, Aber wouldn't dare to buy them. He currently didn't have the ability to protect his secrets. A hand crossbow was a good choice, just like the dagger given to him by his older brother Zak. Both were easy to hide, with the dagger for close combat and the hand crossbow for long-range attacks.

"How about this hand crossbow made by dwarves?" Yvette went out and brought back the初级 'Qi Condensation Potion' and a completely gray hand crossbow, placing the crossbow on the table in front of her.

Aber picked up the hand crossbow with one hand. It was not heavy, only 2 pounds. Both the crossbow arm and the handle, even the string, were gray, looking very unremarkable. There were a few ugly pits on the handle, and Aber looked up at Yvette with a question.

"This hand crossbow is a second-hand item. The gems on it were removed, leaving only the crossbow to be sold to me." Yvette smiled lightly, then continued, "A new hand crossbow made by dwarves costs at least 500 gold coins. This hand crossbow is considered a fine product made by dwarves, but it was only removed of its gems and the color is not popular, which is why it is still here."

"I'll take it." Aber could see that Yvette was very kind to him, though he didn't know the reason. With his experience from two lifetimes, he knew this woman wouldn't deceive him.

"Be careful when taking these potions, you are still young." Yvette neatly arranged the 54 bottles of the初级 'Qi Condensation Potion' into a box and handed it to Aber, reminding him again in a soft voice. She then gave him several hand crossbow arrows.

"Thank you, Miss Yvette. I will be careful." Aber's serious attitude made Yvette understand that he had taken her advice to heart.

When he left the auction house, Aber's pocket was already filled with 54 bottles of the初级 'Qi Condensation Potion,' a hand crossbow, and five arrows.

On the second floor of the auction house, Yvette stood by the window, watching Aber's departing back. She couldn't help but think of her younger brother, who had left home two years ago. He was probably about the same age as Aber.

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