Chapter 3 Responding to Difficulties

[Apothecary Skill: lv0(3/10)]

Ivan's eyes flashed quickly, and he felt a bit more confident.

He first took a small glass dish and a slender measuring wooden spoon from the workbench, along with a wooden spatula, and approached the medicine rack.

The containers on the medicine rack were labeled, with the names of the medicines written on them. He scanned each one, paused at some of the more elegant script, and then continued.

'Chilli Pepper Grain'

Stored in an opaque black glass bottle, the bottle's capacity was intermediate, with the mouth slightly smaller than the body.

Ivan took a deep breath and held it, pressing one hand on the bottle on the board, while gently pulling off the cap with the other hand.

He carefully scooped a spoonful, leveled it with the wooden spatula, and poured it into the small glass dish, then scooped another spoonful.

He secured the cap back on and only exhaled and inhaled slowly once he distanced himself. Even so, he could still sense the spicy air, feeling a burning sensation in his nose.

This medicine, called 'Chilli Pepper Grain,' was a powdered form made from a type of chili seed, with a spiciness over three hundred times that of ordinary chili, and a strong aroma. Directly inhaling deeply could even burn the nose.

He had read in the book that a potion made from Chilli Pepper Grain was capable of cleaning equipment, meaning it was used for disinfection.

'No way are you tricking me.'

Ivan intentionally used the scale on the workbench to weigh it and finally, cautiously handed it to Old Orio.

A hint of surprise flashed in Old Orio's eyes.

He then instructed, "Make something for me, go and mix it into chilli pepper water, and clean what you just used."

Ivan complied, operating cautiously without any issues.

Before he could rest, Old Orio instructed him to fetch 'corydalis root' and 'stink bug tail scale.' Both were common herbs, the former soaked in adhesive fluid and could only be picked up with tweezers, as the sticky herbs were slippery. The latter needed to be wrapped in wet paper after removal.

Fortunately, all were recorded in "Fifty Commonly Used Herbs."

The book also recorded a special unit in pharmacy known as "ounce." One ounce equaled 16 drams, and one dram equaled 30 grains.

The ounce was both a unit of weight and volume. Different medicines marked with ounces corresponded to different weights and volumes, usually, one ounce was around 31 grams or 28 milliliters. It was evidently complex, and outsiders could easily get it wrong.

Ivan carefully compared, making sure he made no mistakes.

After directing him a few times, Old Orio realized that he couldn't stump him, so he didn't casually give instructions and rarely paid him any attention.

Ivan secretly sighed in relief at this.

In the following time, he began his usual chores, helping when instructed and waiting for orders when not.

Old Orio returned to the apothecary lab, and Ivan followed silently.

"Go fetch 4 drams of green louse liquid."

"Okay."

"Wait, I'll go myself. You stay put."

Before he left the apothecary lab, Old Orio stopped him, walking briskly to the medicine rack himself.

Ivan could only watch from a distance.

The purpose of chores was to learn secretly. How could he not keep an eye?

[Apothecary Skill Experience Point +1]

[Apothecary Skill: lv0(4/10)]

After a while, Ivan continuously watched Old Orio preparing four kinds of potions, which brought him good news.

A hint of a smile appeared on his lips.

Old Orio noticed this scene, seeing him smiling foolishly at his potion, and said coldly, "Why are you still here, kid?"

"Huh?"

Ivan was confused, thinking he was here to work. If not here, then where?

Old Orio said, "No meals provided at noon."

"Oh, alright," Ivan replied indifferently. "I'll come back after lunch."

He slightly bowed to Old Orio and turned to walk out of the clinic.

"Wait."

Having walked only a few steps, Old Orio stopped him again, thought for a while, and tossed him a book. The book was wrapped in beast hide, about two fingers thick.

"Don't come in the afternoon. Remember to report back in three days."

Upon seeing the book, Ivan smiled. He felt a bit reluctant about not coming in the afternoon, "But I'm working off my debt with chores. Is it okay not to come?"

"Get out of here, don't be a hindrance."

"Alright then, I'll definitely be back in three days."

Understanding that he couldn't insist, Ivan bid farewell.

Just a few steps out of the clinic door, he noticed a slender figure standing behind the wall—a brown-haired girl in a light green long dress. She gazed at the book in his hand with bright eyes, lingering for a second or two before looking at him.

An unfamiliar person, about his age, seemed to have a hint of hostility in her eyes.

*This left Ivan feeling baffled.*

"Hmph!"

Seeing him look at her, the girl instinctively straightened her posture, accentuating her figure beyond her years. Before he could say anything, she snorted coldly and walked toward the clinic.

At the doorway, her expression changed to one of seemingly pitiful vulnerability, and she walked inside adeptly.

No sooner had Ivan stepped out than he heard a conversation from behind, catching his attention.

"I've dismissed you."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Orio, there was an issue with my family before, which led to me neglecting the work you assigned. I promise to work hard in the future. Please give me another chance, I beg you."

"------"

*Ivan heard clearly and realized he had a rival, someone quite skilled.*

He shook his head and decided not to think about it anymore.

A few minutes later, he arrived at another street—Interlock Street.

This was the South City area closer to the seaside dock, where the commercial atmosphere of Flying Fish Port was the most intense. The Cassia Swordsmanship Hall, where he studied, was on Interlock Street, as was his father's Giant Shield Mercenary Group's headquarters.

He hadn't been to the Swordsmanship Hall in a few days and came over to explain.

He entered the Swordsmanship Hall through a small alley, through a side door, and was greeted by a large practice field.

"Hey, Ivan, you finally showed up."

Classmate Donnie had just finished training and was about to leave. Seeing Ivan, he waved in greeting.

In the sunlight, his somewhat short and stout figure looked like a short-legged bear.

Like Ivan, Donnie was also one of the underperformers in the Swordsmanship Hall, and they had always maintained a good relationship.

"Did you get beaten up?"

Ivan shot him a glare, "Accidentally injured."

"I get it." Donnie gave him a knowing look, slinging his arm over Ivan's shoulder for support and continued, "Let me tell you, I've started learning the Gushing Breath Method. From now on, call me knight's page—Donnie."

Ivan stood about 5'7", and Donnie was a head shorter, making the gesture a bit awkward.

Seeing him all sweaty, Ivan pushed him away with disdain and said, "Congratulations, page Donnie."

Donnie said, "The way you say it sounds weird, but I'll accept your congratulations. You also need to make a decision soon."

"I've already decided."

"Really? That's great. From now on, we'll train together in the Gushing Breath Method and make a name for ourselves in Flying Fish Port. Anyway, I'm starving," Donnie felt his stomach rumbling and quickly ended the conversation.

The Gushing Breath Method was a Breathing Method taught at Cassia Swordsmanship Hall. Though it sounded grand, it was merely a basic Breathing Method.

According to the quality ranking, Knight Breathing Methods were divided into basic, elementary, intermediate, superior, and the legendary supreme. The Gushing Breath Method was undoubtedly the lowest tier breathing method.

No matter the Breathing Method, the goal was to refine the Breath of Life within.

Typically, one must be at least 13 years old to start training, as starting too early could damage potential and affect physical development.

Donnie's hunger was because the training consumed a lot of energy, requiring nutrition and strength replenishment.

In his injured state, Ivan knew he couldn't withstand the Breathing Method's demands and had to wait a few days.

'No wonder the predecessor was unwilling. The family-inherited Goliath Frog Breathing Method is intermediate, two tiers higher than the Gushing Breath Method.'

*Ivan sighed inwardly and continued walking toward the interior of the Swordsmanship Hall.*

During lunchtime, there weren't many people in the hall. He found Instructor Quincy and explained his situation, including his intention to learn the Breathing Method.

Seeing his injury, Instructor Quincy didn't reprimand him and advised him to recover first before returning.

Ivan only stayed in the hall for a few minutes before returning to the street of Interlock.

"Ivan!"

"Haha, we're so glad to see you."

A short distance from the alley entrance, two figures quickly approached with a familiar appearance.

Seeing who they were, Ivan's expression turned grim. These were the swordsmen who caused the predecessor's demise, his previous 'friends.'