Nate awoke greeted by the system’s prompt revealing stats that he still honestly didn’t care about. He didn’t have an obsession for potions, just a goal and the will to defy an entity that attempted to force this world’s garbage onto him. Well that system can fuck right the hell off.

Nate

Class: Potion Maker. Secondary class: **Divine Master Magician**

Magician rank: 4th realm of the Highcore.

Ability: Can make up to SSS and divine-grade potions.

Power: Ruthless Strong.

Defense: Ruthless Strong.

[Warning. You are beginning to reach a wall. Correction attempting…Outstanding work, you have found a spiritual treasure, Skeleton King’s crown. The crown will be auto selected to keep your advancement moving. Carry on! Soon, your power and defense may soar even higher!]

No wait, I screamed in my thoughts, but it was too late. The goddamn system pulled the crown all the way from the lab as if by magnetism and absorbed it into me like I was a giant fucking slime.

“Goddammit,” I said. For once, I awoke without Wolverine having to do it for me. Pfft, I’d rather have him than the system. He doesn’t piss me off. So much for selling that crown. And so I grumbled all the way, first to the outhouse, then back to the washroom. “Seriously, of all the things, it had to be a spiritual treasure. That could’ve netted us some serious gold. I’d even consider upgrading the house. Perhaps even the town, not that I’d want to be in the mayor’s place. Fuck!”

I angrily brushed my teeth for a few minutes, then pulled the stopper so that our sink would release cold water, rinsed and spit.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. And yes, there are filters in our piping. Meshes, some alchemic orbs with traces of mana, and other things sold to me by Tom and the others. It’s not perfect as expected of the time period, but it gets the job done. The meshes keep basically everything out. The water is already fairytale levels of clean, likely thanks to the lack of modern pollution, but we still accepted the purifying orbs anyway.

I wasn’t one hundred percent sure, but they kind of copied the Roman piping system in a way. That or maybe I should stop paralleling another world to the ancient old one. Imagine if history got altered by the dickish magicians of this world.

After I finished brushing up, I entered the main room to see Milia already awake and preparing breakfast. Fresh garden fruits, vegetables, and porridge. She smiled upon noticing me.

“Good morning,” I said.

“Good morning indeed,” Milia replied.

“I think today, I’ll finally get started on the refrigeration system,” I said, well into the meal. The water that preserved our things was icy cold, too damn cold, and worked well, but a temporary solution would always just be that. A temporary solution. It kept the meat cold and preserved, like a cooler, and we stored everything in jars and sealable bags, but this still paled in comparison to a decent fridge. The problem is getting my hands on the required magic to make this happen. “Or maybe not. Finding something to infinitely produce cold is easier said than done.”

“Perhaps we could inquire Harmony about ice magic?” Milia suggested.

“It couldn’t hurt,” I told her. “Should we search the library?”

“Let’s try,” Milia replied.

I turned to Wolverine. “You’ll be in charge of guarding the house while we’re away, alright buddy?”

Wolverine barked in reply and continued panting excitedly, tail wagging. He had already finished his breakfast and downed his water. While it consisted of mostly meat, Milia included a few wolf-friendly fruits. They especially loved apples.

Before we left, I showed Milia again how to handle the laundry. She used her own washing agent and offered it to me as well to replace the harsh powder I bought from town. I gladly took it. Now hear me out, I know you’re probably getting annoyed with the mushy gushy of my tale, but we most definitely started kissing each other’s faces as the magic “washing machine” did its job. Whether it was my new body, reexperiencing the liveliness of appearing to be in my twenties or the dryad’s natural seductiveness, we couldn’t get enough of each other. No, I wasn’t ready to say the L word yet, I think. Maybe I was damn closed to it.

Anyway, we headed out, allowing the machine to do its job. I’d pull the stopper when we returned and then give it a spin cycle. Let’s be honest here, the reliance of magic is how we kept somewhat of a makeshift modern system. If you could call it that. Really, anyone could probably do better, especially with the proper materials.

The people out in town were either in line for the public bathhouse or some of the few restaurants open this early. Others were setting up merchant stands, sweeping shop areas, seeing kids off for the schoolhouse, apprenticeships, or to clean up around their businesses. Believe it or not, reading was a luxury, which likely explained the ridiculous expenses of the library. Unfortunately, in this era, it was quite common to see children working or performing chores for their family’s shop or just in general. Excluding noble kids of course. They were few in this area, leaving as others did. There had to be something this town could do to balance the supply and demand of things. Hell, even my potions sell out just about every day, though to be fair, I keep the supply somewhat low on purpose. As a result, people are expecting my prices to rise at any time.

However, growing and fetching your own ingredients provided an advantage like no other. Without having to pay any third-party fees or contracts, I kept all of the profits. I’d reinvest it into the shop. I paid my employees well and though Milia tried to refuse, as she claimed to have no use for it, I insisted. It took a bit of time, but she and Harmony sometimes took a few shopping trips out in town.

Dryads were just too humble of creatures, mischievousness aside. I still couldn’t help but be nervous when it came to meeting her family. An overbearing and seductive dryad straight out of the myths would likely play me like a fool, make me the butt of every joke. It’d be my wits against theirs, but only knowing modern things will put me at a significant disadvantage. Then again, her family could be a lot of the most kind and caring beings around.

When we reached the library, I paid the guard, and received the immediate suspicious glare from Shera, the librarian. Her assistant, a young girl, bowed once as she handed the woman a cup of tea, before leaving to perform her duties.

I received the glare, but she smiled cheerfully at Milia, which annoyed me, though I did my best to keep it off my face. Like lady I get that you hate men but calm the hell down. We’re not out to get you.

We searched for about fifteen, perhaps twenty minutes for any book that could point us in the right direction and while I considered asking for help, I didn’t want the library to be even more suspicious of me. How would it look searching for anything regarding magic as someone who only lived in the town for roughly a couple of months? Honestly, it was pure luck that rumors didn’t erect here or there about me. In a small town like this, they could be the death blow to someone’s reputation or exceed them into invisible fame.

Anyway, after the unfruitful search, we headed back toward the shop to open up for the day.

“You know, before we go home, let’s see about getting ourselves a cat,” I told Milia. Her eyes lit with stars.

**

Wolverine beamed at Beakwing’s enthusiasm after explaining their recent battle with the skeleton king. He may have exaggerated a few things for effect, but if a wolf couldn’t make a tale exciting then what was he good for?

“Did he really shatter the skull with his bare hands? No weapon, no war hammer?” Beakwing asked.

“With just his fists,” Wolverine said. “The skeleton king was a formidable foe, one who can cast sword light from a rusty blade.” The sunlight wolf felt bouncy himself, but his expression of happiness faded upon sensing the turn of the winds of fate. That scent…

“Are you okay, Master’s Buddy, Wolverine, Mistress’s Lovey Cuddle Muffin, Woofy?” Beakwing asked.

“We have a new one coming, a disciple to learn under our master and she may be a handful,” Wolverine said. He looked at Beakwing. “The real test is now. Oh, and I think I hear a a rolly rolly approaching.”

“Rolly rolly?”

**

Milia and I found a little pet shelter ran by Tom’s daughter and a gold piece later, we had ourselves a kitten they found just the prior day. White and black fur with adorable big blue eyes. We didn’t pick her out, however. She chose us, immediately identifying herself as some kind of spirit beast. She practically leapt into my arms when I pointed her out. The cuteness was on a level of melting hearts. Yeah, like any cat, she’d eventually turn into a self-serving predator, but that’d generate some hilarious times too. Yes, cats make me laugh.

When I named her Cheetara, to Milia’s annoyance, the kitten snuggled into me. She passed the love to the dryad too. However, just by these actions, I just knew some competition was going to explode between the kitten and the wolf cub. I could see the lightning already and for some reason, the cat laughing evilly. Okay, maybe not that far. She was so adorable!

“I’m going to call her…”

“Don’t say—” I interrupted Milia, exaggerating my anticipating expression.

“Cutie,” Milia said.

“Heh, for a second there, I’d thought it’d be Kitty,” I said.

“I was thinking Nya-wy, but it doesn’t quite slip off the tongue,” Milia quipped.

The moment we stepped into the shop, the sound of a wagon pulled everyone’s attention. If that was it, I wouldn’t have cared and began making this morning’s batch of potions. However, the two magician presences I felt made me feel tired, annoyed. I’m in the middle of buttfuck nowhere. You’re not supposed to come this way!

I watched it head into the town and a part of me wanted to act as if their matters had nothing to do with me. However, there were two problems with that. One, I’m not done with this town, there’s just too many things to work on. What if I could convince the mayor to invest in a few projects that would increase growth. Not turn it into a city, I still want my peaceful life, but a powerhouse of a town. Somewhere fun. Second, a part of me hoped they were like me. That they just wanted someplace to settle, start a family, you know, lighthearted things. In fact, I think it was time for a game of fetch with my best buddy. Milia currently had Cheetara in her arms, petting the adorable bundle of fluff and joy.

Before I stepped outside to watch the wagon, I brought up a concern.

“We’d better put up some safety systems to keep the kitten away from the cauldrons,” I told Milia.

“Leave that to me,” Milia said. “When they’re out and hot, I’ll have the earth automatically produce a vine wall whenever she gets too close. That’s if she somehow makes it past any barriers we set up.”

I doubted she would but the old saying curiosity killed the cat existed for a reason.

Outside, the summer sky slowly filled with clouds, promising an afternoon rain shower, which we kind of needed. It rained a few times, but the heat somewhat reminded me of a walk through Florida. Yes, awful, I know. Summer heat, then rain, then the return of the sun is a recipe for a hell of a steaming.

“Beakwing, Wolverine, let’s take a stroll to the town,” I said. “We’ve got two new potions to make, and I think I know where I can find the ingredients.”

I considered making a smoke bomb, but really, what the hell would I need it for? Now, a potion that created sweet-smelling, distracting smoke, I could rock with that.

**

Mandi stretched before exiting the wagon. All eyes were on her as they should be. Peasants were a curious batch, but she’d allow them to soak up her gorgeous body. She blocked the thought of her big sister calling her a flat board. Mandi was not flat!

“Winn, Lou, can you sense them?”

“No,” Winn said as he stepped out of the vehicle, his voice calm and collected as usual. Lou smirked. “You know what that means,” he said in a cheerful voice that made the people around began to back away. “Personal interrogations.”

“Hey!” a town guard said, spear in hand. “I’ve received a report of trouble brewing.”

Mandi waved of the guard’s comment. “What trouble, sir guard. We are just standing here. Determining where we should go in this dump of a town. My, my, we haven’t said a single word to these curious peasant onlookers.”

The guard looked as if he wanted to say something, but without an actual crime to address, he’d anger his chief for arresting mere visitors. Mandi knew that of course. These weren’t like the city guard. They were a bunch of peace-loving, pathetic, softies.

“Now if you don’t mind, we will be going,” Mandi said. “Servants, make sure you park the wagon in a docking spot. Tip the peasant so that he’d cry my name in thanks for his meal tonight.”

Mandi’s butler bowed and did as she ordered. “Find us an inn too, if it’s possible in this dump. I want a bed and a bath tonight.”

When the guard finally left, face reddened out of shame and embarrassment, Lou turned to Mandi.

“So, shall we start asking questions? Discreetly of course,” Lou said.

“Discreetly? How cowardly,” Mandi said. “Ask aloud. Perhaps if one of these low life bottom lickers tells us right away, I’ll include a bonus in your pay.”

“Listen up!” Winn yelled, stealing Lou’s thunder.

“You’re supposed to be the stoic one, ass humper,” Lou hissed.

The people couldn’t look away, not with the magic that jolted through Winn’s voice. They were mortals, just like Mandi herself, but unlike them, the noble girl wore a few trinkets made for her by her big brother. Then to add to that protection were her two cousins. Nothing could stop her.

“We’re looking for a man, his white wolf cub, and his green-haired lady friend,” Winn said, reciting the description given to him by Mandi.

The townspeople actually sneered at the group, the audacity! They should be kissing the ground Mandi walked on.

“I think an example needs to be made,” she told the magician brothers. “I don’t like the way that man’s looking at me. A cross between hatred and undressing me with his eyes. Zap him.”

Both of the magicians had spell books strapped to their belts, held by hooking mechanisms that detached automatically when they pulled. Of course they wouldn’t be needed such powerful tools in this case, not while making examples of mere peasants. They also had staves strapped to their backs. Another high quality and incredible tool.

Lou raised a hand at the leering man, which widened his eyes. “I won’t kill him. I need the chance to savor the look of despair.”

“You should kill him, just so the people would understand why they should bow to us,” Mandi said. “Well, maybe not. I’m not supposed to witness death or I’ll lose my purity.”

“You’re still gullible, listening to your sister,” Winn said. “Honestly, for a mortal, she’s almost as frightening as the Lord Ruler’s daughter.”

Mandi shuddered. “The Lord Ruler’s daughter…ugh…She’s sweet, kind, weak. But too kind. The kind that would give her life for the people. Yet…Ugh, now’s not the time. Zap him!”

“Minor shock bal—” Luo’s voice cut off when a hand touched his shoulder.

He did not feel him…

Mandi did not feel him. That man, white hair like snow and eyes the color of the crimson blood moon, and good Wanda was he handsome!

Mandi’s face went beat red, but she stomped it down. Behind him was the mayor’s daughter. Something felt different about her. Mandi didn’t know what…she wasn’t like this the last time. Where’s the terrified girl?

Mandi even empathized with her being just as powerless against the magicians, aside from her brother’s charms.

“Can we not act with violence,” her white-haired target said. The cut wolf club yawned.

“The…cub doesn’t see us worthy enough to so much as growl at,” Winn said. “Perhaps we should remove the cloak from our power—”

“As I’ve said,” the white-haired man interrupted. “No violence. Relax, enjoy the town, get some tea. They have nice tea here.”

“Your target is giving me chills,” Lou said lowly to Mandi. “He appears to be mortal, but that’s only because I’m unable to scan him.”

Winn’s eyes widened. “Just what have you gotten us into, Mandi?”

Mandi flinched. “Do—don’t blame me! Besides, he’s…”

“Stop drooling!”

“I’m not drooling,” Mandi snapped. “He said no violence!”

Harmony continued to glare at them. Mandi hated that look. How dare she look down on her!

“Enough, stop being afraid of some mortals,” Mandi said.

“What about no violence,” Lou said.

“Uncloak and…” she paused. “Hey don’t walk away from me!”

She marched over to the white-haired man, only to get sand kicked into her face by…the wind slap of a griffin!

“He…has a griffin,” Mandi said.

“So, what are your orders,” Winn said. “Should we pack and leave?”

“No, follow him around the corner,” Mandi said, placing her hands on her hips, brow furrowing in thought. “Oh and don’t attack the mayor’s daughter.”

“You don’t sound really certain anymore,” Winn said.

“That’s because…gah, just follow him,” Mandi barked. “Is he courting the mayor’s daughter? Then I could punish her by forcing him to marry me!”

“You’re bleeding out of your nose,” Winn deadpanned.

Mandi grabbed the edge of Winn’s brand-new magician’s robe, but let it drop, grinning at him. Jokes like that only worked with familiarity.

She wiped her nose on a handkerchief then glared at the townspeople. They walked away as if the danger was gone. They…they had no idea about the strange vibe the handsome man produced.

If they weren’t in the middle of nowhere, in this dump, Mandi would’ve considered the idea of them being magicians. Perhaps wandering magicians. But no magician with half a brain would stay here.

“Learn what you can about him,” Mandi finally said after a long pause. “Also, find the green-haired woman.”

“Should we tie her up, sell her off to—I’m only kidding,” Lou said.

Mandi may be nobility, but she still hated vulgar activity, brothels, and the noble men or bandit kings that ran them.