Noel leaned against the doorframe, a smirk tugging at his lips as he watched Kazel approach. From the window, he had already caught sight of his son's return, but now, standing face-to-face, he could see the subtle energy brimming beneath Kazel's casual demeanor.
"Kazel, you've returned."
Kazel grinned. "Good afternoon, Father."
Noel's eyes narrowed playfully as he crossed his arms. "You look like you had a good time. Did you score someone?"
Kazel blinked before scoffing. "What? No. Well… almost."
Noel let out a hearty chuckle. "Ah, better luck next time, then."
Before Kazel could respond, footsteps echoed from within the house, and Lana appeared behind her husband, hands on her hips.
"Get inside, Kazel," she said, eyeing Noel with a sharp look before scoffing. "What are you doing—standing there teasing him? Let him in first!"
"Right, right," Noel relented, stepping aside with a chuckle.
Kazel shook his head with amusement as he stepped inside, the warmth of the house embracing him. "I'm going to drop my things off and then head to the market afterward."
Lana frowned. "Kazel, you've been gone for more than a week."
"Five days," Kazel corrected. "Or three… more or less."
Lana exhaled through her nose. "That's beside the point."
Noel arched a brow. "What are you doing at the market, anyway?"
"To speak with Old Pao," Kazel said simply.
Lana sighed, rubbing her temple. "Alright, but make sure you spend lunch with us first."
Kazel grinned. "Alright!"
---
The market was as bustling as ever, as if the people here never knew the meaning of a day off. Stalls lined the streets, merchants haggled, and the air was thick with the scent of roasted meat, herbs, and ink from freshly written talismans. Yet, amidst all the chaos, Kazel moved with purpose.
He made his way toward a familiar shop, and as expected, Old Pao was already waiting for him, a knowing smile curling on his lips.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Kazel the Immortal," Old Pao greeted, his voice rich with amusement.
Kazel smirked at the title, showing no humility—only pride. "I'm here to thank you, Old Pao."
"Of course, you are," the old man chuckled. "And I'm glad you're still alive despite whatever mess you got yourself into in the forest."
Kazel paused. "You knew?" Then he immediately clicked his tongue. (Of course he does, what a stupid question.)
Old Pao nodded knowingly, his eyes gleaming. "So, what brings you here?"
"As I said, showing my gratitude." Kazel reached into his pouch and placed a small but hefty bag on the table with a soft thud.
Old Pao raised a brow. "Oh? And what is this?"
"A hundred Spirit Stones. No less."
Old Pao exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I can't accept this. What would your grandfather say to me if I met him in the afterlife?"
Kazel chuckled, his voice steady, almost regal. "You can tell him his grandchild will take care of everything." His words carried a weight that left no room for doubt.
Old Pao studied him for a moment before nodding. "Hmm, very well. I will take it… as the price for the information I gave you."
Kazel smirked. "That's more like it."
But before Old Pao could stash the pouch away, Kazel leaned against the counter. "I need a favor, Old Pao."
The merchant snorted. "And here I thought you were being sincere."
Kazel laughed. "I am. But this one's more personal."
Old Pao raised a brow. "Oh? What is it?"
"I found a unique pill, but I don't know what it's for."
Old Pao rubbed his chin. "Is that right… hmm… I can give you a contact—an alchemist I trust, and a friend of mine."
"That would be helpful."
"You'll owe me a favor for this one." Old Pao's smile was full of mischief.
Kazel shrugged. "Don't worry, Old Pao, I'll make sure to give you an appropriate gift." His tone was playful, but there was an underlying promise in his words.
Old Pao chuckled, clearly entertained. "Well, I will look forward to it." He slid a small card across the counter. "Tell him Pao Pao sent you."
Kazel picked up the card and glanced at the name.
Arhatam, Alchemist Lv: 2.
He gave a nod. "Thanks." With that, he turned and headed toward the exit.
Just as he was about to step outside, Old Pao called out.
"Ah, Kazel."
Kazel paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Yeah?"
The old merchant leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter this time. "Was it… fruitful?"
Kazel smiled—his teeth showing in a sharp, confident grin—before stepping out into the lively streets without a word.
Old Pao stayed where he was, observing him step into the brightness of the market. Gradually, he entwined his shaking fingers, his lips forming an excited smile that reached toward his ears.
Kazel found the place without much effort. It wasn't far from the market, tucked away in a quiet street that smelled faintly of herbs and something… burnt. The house itself was decent, but its unkempt exterior made him hesitate for a moment. The overgrown weeds, the uneven wooden steps, and the faint scent of chemicals in the air—all of it made the place look more like a forgotten apothecary than a reputable alchemist's home.
Still, his trust in Old Pao outweighed his doubts. With a nod to himself, he knocked on the door.
A moment later, it swung open with surprising speed.
"Yes?"
The man standing before him wore a loose robe, slightly disheveled, his eyes sharp despite the deep eyebags beneath them. His hair was a mess, and the pungent aroma wafting from inside nearly made Kazel take a step back.
( This place reeks... Not for the weak-nosed, that's for sure. )
"Arhatam?" Kazel asked.
The man narrowed his eyes. "Who's asking?"
"Name's Kazel. Old Pao sent me."
Arhatam blinked. "Huh? Oh, you mean Uncle Pao?"
"That's the guy." Kazel nodded.
"Well, come in then."
He stepped aside, letting Kazel enter before shutting the door behind him. The interior wasn't any better—scrolls, glass vials, and half-crushed herbs were scattered everywhere. Bottles filled with unknown liquids lined the walls, some bubbling suspiciously on their own.
"What can I get you?" Arhatam asked, rubbing his hands together.
"I'm good," Kazel said with a light smile. "I need help with something—an appraisal, of sorts."
Arhatam's interest piqued. "An appraisal?"
Kazel reached into his pocket and retrieved a small black pill. "Do you know what this is?"
Arhatam took the pill and examined it closely. His fingers rolled it over, his sharp eyes scanning the black sheen on its surface.
"This looks familiar…" he murmured.
"Can you tell me about it?"
The alchemist sniffed it slightly before frowning. "If I had to guess, this isn't a strengthening pill. It's a poison."
Kazel smirked inwardly. "Are you sure?"
"We alchemists can only ever be ninety-nine percent sure," Arhatam said with a shrug.
"So… are you ninety-nine percent sure?"
"No," Arhatam admitted. "But I could never lie about something like this."
"What kind of poison is it?" Kazel pressed.
Arhatam clicked his tongue. "This one is only attainable in the black market. It's designed to cause Soul Rot if taken daily with no breaks. Once the process starts, it can't be stopped. The only known counter is integrating with a highly powerful Spirit Beast—something like a Phoenix-type beast—or seeking treatment from a truly capable physician."
Kazel's eyes darkened slightly. "I see."
( So that's what Old Fu gave me… This will be sweeter than I thought! Hahahaha! )
Arhatam glanced at him, curiosity flashing across his face. "Where did you get this pill, anyway?"
Kazel tucked the pill back into his pocket. "Someone special."
The alchemist raised a brow but didn't press further. "Well, I suppose that's that. Anything else?"
"No, that'll be all. Thanks, Arhatam. I'll be seeing you again."
As Kazel turned to leave, Arhatam suddenly called out. "Hey, wait."
Kazel turned his head slightly.
Arhatam handed him a small card. "This is my name card. If you ever need another consultation, feel free to visit me again."
Kazel glanced at the card. It was identical to the one Old Pao had given him earlier. "Do you give this to everyone?"
The alchemist grinned. "Heh, you never know when someone might need my services."
( That sleek old man… my friend my ass. ) Kazel thought, shaking his head. "Alright. See you later."
"Right! Have fun!" Arhatam said, watching him step out.
As the door closed, the alchemist let out a content sigh. Then his eyes widened in realization.
"Oh crap! I forgot to charge him!"
Panic flashed across his face as he yanked the door open with a wide smile. "Hey, I forgot something silly, it seems—and he's gone."