Chapter 3: Alchemy Granny

Wes, now inhabiting the body of another man named Wes, opened his eyes to unfamiliar surroundings. As his vision adjusted, he found himself on the outskirts of a city gate, surrounded by lush greenery and the distant hum of activity. This was no ordinary world; it was a realm imbued with the spirit of wuxia, where cultivators honed their martial prowess and ferocious beasts roamed the wilds. A sense of disorientation settled in, mixed with the anticipation of the unknown.

He took a deep breath, his senses catching the scent of the earth and the faint aroma of food wafting from the village. The clothes he was wearing felt foreign against his skin—simple, practical garments that bore no resemblance to the modern attire he once knew. His fingers instinctively touched the fabric, confirming what he already suspected: he was no longer in his world. Adorning his wrist was a simple yet unfamiliar device, resembling a watch, its purpose and intricacies shrouded in mystery.

His head throbbed with a strange ache, and as he clenched his eyes shut, fragments of memories began to surface. A family lineage of warriors, his fascination with weapons, his passion for history—all merging with the recollections of this new life he had entered.

With cautious curiosity, he pushed himself up from the ground and brushed off the dirt from his clothing. His gaze wandered, drinking in the vibrant scenery that unfolded before him. A large wall stood against the grandeur of towering mountains, with a gate nearby Wes could see its homes crafted with a seamless blend of simplicity and elegance. Wisps of smoke ascended from chimneys, dancing gracefully with the cool breeze.

Wes's heart quickened its pace, echoing the whirlwind of thoughts inside him. He was now Wes, an orphan who had weathered the tragic storm of losing his parents to a merciless monster raid. He lived alone in a family home that must hold countless memories of its former inhabitants. The weight of this revelation pressed upon him—grief for the life he had assumed mingled with a resolve to seize the opportunities that lay ahead.

Amidst the tangle of emotions, Wes rose to his feet and began his stride toward Alzereth. Each step carried a blend of apprehension and anticipation, akin to embarking on a path yet uncharted. The journey demanded his comprehension of this unfamiliar world, its customs, norms, and the essence of his role within it.

As Wes approached the imposing city gate emerging from the encompassing forest, he found himself under the familiar gaze of the vigilant guards who stood watch. One guard inquired, a hint of recognition in his voice, "Collecting herbs for that old woman again, Wes?" Wes responded with a swift nod and an accompanying smile, confirming his purpose as he stepped into the embrace of the city.

The city that lay before him bore the name of Alzereth, an embodiment of both human ingenuity and the magnificence of nature. Alzereth's history resonated with tales of triumph and perseverance, having originated as a modest encampment during a tumultuous war between humans and the formidable Beast tribes. Over the course of time, it had evolved into the grand city it was today—a testament to unity and resilience.

Within its expansive borders, Alzereth encompassed three distinct zones, each contributing to the city's vibrant tapestry. The outer zone teemed with bustling merchants and skilled artisans, their wares and crafts intertwining in a rich tapestry of commerce and creativity. The middle zone thrived with residences, a vibrant tapestry of life painted by families and individuals united under the same expansive sky.

Amidst this tapestry, Wes navigated the busy streets, his senses alive with the unity and awe that permeated Alzereths air. As he strolled through the outer zone, the captivating symphony of merchants haggling and artisans crafting filled his ears. The artistic allure of their creations danced before his eyes, a testament to the city's vibrant commerce and innovation.

As Wes traversed the city, he began to organize a few thoughts, seventeen years old and orphaned, the Wes of this world had been reliant on the village's goodwill after losing his parents years ago. However, he was rapidly approaching a significant turning point. With just three months remaining until he turned eighteen, the impending responsibility weighed heavily on him. He would soon have to depend on his own abilities to survive—providing food for himself, as well as the village tax of 25 Q-coins each month.

he felt an undeniable sense of belonging—a realization that he was now a part of the intricate fabric that composed Alzereth. With every step, he embraced both the history that had shaped the city and the promise of a future he was eager to mold.

Continuing through the middle zone, Wes immersed himself in the vibrant essence of community. Residents moved with purpose, their daily routines weaving a harmonious choreography that embodied the heartbeat of the city. Amidst this lively scene, the laughter of children painted the air with the colors of innocence and growth.

Following the familiar rhythm of his steps, Wes directed his course toward the heart of Alzereth. His journey led him to the abode of the old alchemist grandma—a charming wooden house permeated by the refreshing fragrance of nature and the intriguing aroma of diverse herbs and medicinal mixtures.

Upon stepping into the quaint wooden hut, a wave of even more potent fragrances enveloped Wes's senses. The air was thick with a symphony of aromatic notes, a blend of herbs and essences that seemed to permeate every inch of the space. The soft jingle of a bell above the door announced his entrance, momentarily diverting the attention of an elderly woman who was engrossed in reading a weathered tome behind a counter.

Wes's gaze wandered in wonder, his eyes marveling at the intriguing scene that unfolded before him. Shelves adorned with an array of bottles, each emitting a soft, mysterious glow, lined the walls. These containers held colorful elixirs that seemed to hold secrets of their own, their labels providing brief hints about their contents.

Amidst this captivating display, the woman's voice broke through the ambiance, a gentle invitation that cut through the scents and sights surrounding Wes. With a warm smile and kind eyes, she called to him, beckoning him to approach the counter where her alchemical treasures were showcased.

"What are you standing around for? You've seen it all before," she chided playfully, her voice carrying a touch of mirth. "Get over here and close the door— you're letting the warmth and aroma escape."

Wes stood before the old alchemist, a sense of familiarity and comfort settling between them. Her wrinkled face exuded warmth as she greeted him, her voice a gentle melody of care and camaraderie.

"Ah, young Wes, there you are. How have you been, my dear?" she inquired, her gaze fixated on him with genuine interest.

Wes returned her smile, his eyes reflecting gratitude. "I've been good, Granny. The herb collecting went well today."

The old woman nodded approvingly, her attention shifting to the bag at his waist. "I see you've brought quite a haul with you. Let's see what you've got."

With practiced hands, Wes placed the bag on the counter, the sound of rustling leaves filling the air. The alchemist began to examine the herbs one by one, her fingers brushing against their delicate petals and leaves.

"Hmm, this one is of good quality," she murmured, her expression thoughtful. "And this one is a little young, but it'll do. You've done a fine job, Wes."

Finally, the old woman looked up from her inspection, her eyes meeting Wes's. "I can offer you 5 Q-Coins for these herbs, Wes."

Wes's response was swift, a nod of acknowledgment as he had come to expect this arrangement. However, just as he was about to voice his acceptance, a soft beep emanated from his wristwatch. His eyes flicked to the device in surprise, a notification materializing before him.

Notification: 5 Q-Coins have been transferred to your account.

Confusion briefly clouded Wes's expression. He had yet to become accustomed to the routine of this world, this sudden display of technology left him intrigued and slightly taken aback.

As his mind processed the situation, the memories of this world surfaced within him—images of bustling markets, news updates scrolling across screens, and the intricate ways in which the smart watches facilitated daily life. While his own version was an older model, lacking the extensive features of more modern variants, it remained a crucial tool for identification, transactions, and staying informed about the city's affairs.

With newfound clarity, Wes focused on the task at hand, the old alchemist's voice drawing his attention once again. "There you go, my dear. 5 Q-Coins for your hard work."

"Thank you, Granny," Wes replied, his gratitude genuine as he accepted the coins. He glanced at the display on his wrist, his account balance now at 120 Q-Coins.

With a nod of farewell, Wes turned to leave, a sense of purpose guiding his steps. However, before he could take another step, the old woman's voice reached his ears once more.

"Wes, wait a moment."

He turned back, his curiosity piqued. "Yes, Granny?"

The alchemist's gaze held a mixture of concern and consideration. "You know, you'll be turning eighteen soon. Have you given any thought to my offer? Working here at the shop, it might not pay much, but it would be enough to cover your monthly tax and ensure you have enough to eat."

Wes's lips curled into a friendly smile as he met her gaze. "I appreciate your offer, Granny, I really do. But I have a plan, something I've been thinking about for a while. I want to follow my own path and make my own way in the world."

The old woman's eyes twinkled, her understanding evident. "I see determination in your eyes, Wes. Very well, follow your heart and pursue your dreams. Just remember, my offer still stands if you ever change your mind. You're always welcome here."

Wes's smile widened, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Granny. I will remember that. And who knows, maybe someday I'll return, but for now, I have some things I need to take care of."

With a final nod of appreciation, Wes turned to leave the alchemist's hut. As he stepped back into the bustling streets of Alzereth, a renewed sense of purpose burned within him. He had a quest to embark upon, a path to forge, and a future to shape. And as he walked away, he couldn't help but feel that the world was opening up to him in ways he had never imagined.