"What?"
Hutson stared in surprise. He hadn't expected Larry to have prepared a backup Dawn Elixir for him.
Larry chuckled, shaking his head.
"I originally intended for this to be a learning experience for you—to help you gain more alchemy practice." He took a sip of coffee, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Dawn Elixirs are far too advanced for someone at your level. I never thought you'd actually succeed."
He set his cup down and leaned forward.
"I've seen many wizards in my time, but your talent for alchemy is the best I've ever encountered. Among wizardry, your aptitude is about seventy-five points. But for alchemy? Easily ninety-five."
Hutson scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed by such high praise.
He knew the truth—Deep Blue had played a crucial role in his success. Without it, he wouldn't have been able to calculate every microsecond of precision required for the potion's refinement.
Still, he appreciated the recognition.
