We were called back to the arena so they could announce the winners. I was trying to calm my nerves as I walked into the arena. I didn’t think I would win. I only used beginner recipes and one of the advanced ones. I need more practice and better ingredients for the more advanced and expert-level stuff. We all stood in rows by the judges waiting for them to speak. Gordon stepped onto a small stage and raised his hand in the air, trying to quiet everyone. It worked rather quickly as a hush fell over the place.
“Thank you all for coming. Now I will announce the competition winners, starting with our runner-ups.” Gordon then nad the two, and when I didn’t hear my na called, I felt relieved and nervous at the sa ti. Either my stuff was worse than those two, or they were better than I thought.
The crowd cheered the two winners on. They were a cat girl and a dwarf. They each received so money and a title.
“Alright!” Gordon bellowed. “Without further ado, we will now announce the winners starting from last place!”
I was extrely nervous now. Gordon Called off the fifth-place winner, who was an elf player. The judges showcased the potions to everyone so we could see their stats. The potion effects felt a little lacking to . Seeing that instilled so hope in .
Gordon continued like this with each contestant and showed the potions they made. Each one is slightly better than the last. The other players in the stands were loudly talking about each potion. I could hear so players who participated in the event talk about how they wanted to buy the potions.
“Ladies and Gentlen, we now announce the first-place winner of the apothecary competition,” Gordon said, drawing the attention of everyone. My heart was palpitating in anticipation.
“The winner goes to Gywndolyn with the userna Rejected Goddess.” I stood there for a mont in shock before I could collect myself and walk up on stage. They displayed the potions I created, and the arena erupted loudly in a heated conversation.
“What kind of broke-ass shit are those potions?”
“We never stood a chance. We played checkers here, and she was playing 4-D chess all along.”
I heard several of the other contestants voice their thoughts. I thought the stuff Old Man taught was just so basic stuff, but maybe it’s actually really good?
“If you don’t mind, may I ask you a few questions?” Gordon asked . I focused my attention back on the host.
“Sure? I guess that’s fine.” I said, still a little shaken from winning.
“I, and I am sure everyone else, would like to know. How did you learn to craft these obscene potions? The effects on them are amazing.”
I thought about my answer montarily and decided to be a bit vague. I didn’t need to trouble my ntor with obnoxious players trying to find him and asking to be taught.
“I stumbled across an old man who taught what he knew,” I said, hoping it was vague enough and that it would be enough.
“Fascinating. What was his na, and where did you find him?” Gordon asked with a tinge of excitent.
I knew I would be asked for so more details. Ti to be vague once again. “I stumbled on him in a remote location. His na is Old Man.” The remote location part isn’t wholly a lie. I did find him in a remote part of the town.
“Ah, a hidden master, and he is known as an old man?” As if what I said was perfectly natural.
“No, his na is Old Man,” I responded.
Gordon looked confused at my reply but said, “That’s what I said, old man.”
“Old Man.” I corrected him.
Gordon stared blankly at for a mont before continuing. “Anyway. For first place, here is your prize. A portable apothecary workbench. It is a Grade SS Item that can also store all your materials. It collapses down into a small briefcase when not in use. It is also soul bound to you. You also have a couple of new titles now, so exclusive to you. You also get the in-ga prize money of one hundred thousand gold and a new skin for your spark.”
I was taken aback by what I had won. The workbench is really great. I won’t have to keep returning to Old Man to use his equipnt now, and I could make potions even in the middle of a dungeon or sothing. Gordon gave his closing speech, and the crowd cheered. After, everyone started to leave.
Several other contestants rushed up to to either add as a friend or invite to their guild, even though I was in my sister’s guild. I finally got out of there and t up with my family and Naomi, though I guess she is starting to grow on a bit, so she is like…step-family? Dunno if that makes sense, but I am rolling with it.
“Mom! Those potions you made were absolutely insane!” Yuki said as we t, “How did you even craft those?”
“I just practiced what I was taught, honestly. Plus, they had so higher-grade ingredients available that I rarely had a chance to use. You can do so basic things regardless of how high-quality the material is. Plants can be lumped into categories, and their preparation is more or less the sa. The odd one might deviate, but those are rare.” I tried to explain.
We left the large coliseum and were imdiately surrounded by other players. I could even recognize one of the leaders of a particular guild when I did that lich quest. Now I have to fight my way through all of this.
Reviews
All reviews (0)