Chapter 181: Cooperation

The door creaked open as Merlin stepped inside. He found Mage Fladi standing up, smiling warmly. "Ah, Merlin! You're finally here. Come, let's exchange our insights on potion crafting."

Fladi's obsession with potion-making mirrored that of Mage Hall from the Dark Spirit Domain, both so dedicated to the art of alchemy that their passion bordered on madness. While Fladi was eager to discuss potions, Merlin could only shake his head. He had little formal knowledge of potion-making, just a basic understanding of its principles. The main reason for his high success rate in crafting was the Matrix's precise control.

"Another time, perhaps," Merlin said with a gentle smile. "I came today to ask for your advice on another matter."

"Oh? Please, feel free to ask," Fladi replied, slightly disappointed but intrigued by Merlin's request.

Merlin explained his plan to craft potions for sale. Fladi quickly grasped his intent, nodding thoughtfully. "Ah, so Merlin, you're interested in selling potions. Well, it's actually quite simple. Currently, the most in-demand potion is the alkaline earth potion we discussed last time. Floating City is filled with rogue mages, many of whom practice alchemy, so there's a constant need for alkaline earth potions. Supply rarely meets demand, and if you can craft them, they'll sell quickly."

"Alkaline earth potions?" Merlin hesitated. Although he was hardly sentimental, the brutal methods that alchemists used to turn ordinary people into alchemical monsters didn't sit well with him.

Fladi noticed Merlin's hesitation, his sharp gaze observing carefully. "Are you having second thoughts, Merlin?"

Merlin took a deep breath, pushing aside his conflicting thoughts. He was no longer the person he once was; he was Wilson Merlin, a mage. "Very well. I'll make the alkaline earth potions. I'd like your help in handling their sale, Fladi. In return, you'll get thirty percent of the profits."

By offering Fladi a share of the profits, Merlin ensured his partner's full commitment. With a mutual interest in their success, they'd both be more motivated to avoid any unwanted complications.

Fladi's face lit up with a smile. Though fanatical about potions, he was no stranger to the ways of the world. He understood Merlin's intention and saw the financial benefits of the arrangement. "Deal! I take it you don't have the necessary ingredients yet? I can provide some to start with, free of charge, but after this, you'll need to buy them yourself."

Fladi then retrieved a set of ingredients for around a dozen potions and handed them to Merlin, signaling his commitment to their partnership.

Merlin accepted the materials without hesitation, then nodded. "I'll bring the finished potions to you in a few days."

"Excellent. Bring them over when you're done, and I'll sell them as quickly as possible," Fladi replied, clearly pleased.

Merlin was about to leave but paused, turning back to add, "Oh, and one more thing—I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention my involvement in making the potions to anyone."

"Of course," Fladi chuckled, understanding Merlin's desire for discretion. "Let's say that all of these potions are crafted by me. With my reputation, no one will question it."

"Perfect." Merlin nodded with satisfaction and turned to leave.

---

Returning to Brunton's courtyard, Merlin saw no sign of him, likely because he was out testing his alchemical monsters. The old mage's door also remained shut, indicating he was still occupied with his experiments. Merlin then entered his room and arranged the potion materials Fladi had provided on the table, along with a set of glassware he had obtained from the Dark Spirit Domain's Vortex Tower.

These precise tools would help minimize errors and improve his success rate. With these instruments and the Matrix's guidance, Merlin's chances of crafting the potions successfully increased significantly.

"Matrix, let's start making the alkaline earth potions!"

With the Matrix's guidance, Merlin followed the steps to the letter, carefully adjusting the heat. The first attempt failed—he hadn't yet mastered the timing, even with the Matrix's help. But he was unfazed. This was a familiar process. He started again, and on the second attempt, successfully crafted his first potion.

Over the course of an entire day, Merlin used all the ingredients Fladi had given him. He achieved a remarkable success rate, producing six potions from eighteen attempts—a 30% success rate that even seasoned alchemists struggled to match.

After a short break, Merlin headed back to Fladi's residence with the potions in hand.

---

"Merlin!" Fladi greeted him, appearing slightly weary. "I was up all night researching a new potion, so I just managed to catch a bit of rest. Did you have trouble with the alkaline earth potion?"

Merlin shook his head and placed the six completed potions on Fladi's table. "I finished six batches and brought them here for you to inspect."

"You've already made six?" Fladi was incredulous, quickly examining the potions. He sniffed each carefully and observed the color and consistency through the glass vials. "Incredible—these are perfect! I didn't expect you to produce so many so quickly."

Having the Matrix allowed Merlin to bypass many of the tedious, error-prone steps in potion-making. His only challenge was mastering the timing, which would naturally improve with practice.

"These are excellent," Fladi continued, looking genuinely impressed. "I'll handle the sales immediately, and I'll keep you updated on the profits. By the way, do you have more materials for making these?"

"Not anymore. I used all the ingredients you provided."

Fladi thought for a moment before producing another set of ingredients from his ring. "Your 30% success rate is incredible. Here's enough for about thirty more potions. I'll front the materials this time for a cost of fifty elemental stones each, totaling fifteen hundred. I'll deduct the cost from the proceeds of our sales. Does that sound fair?"

Merlin agreed without hesitation, understanding this was Fladi's way of fostering goodwill. A thirty-percent success rate was nearly unheard of, and Fladi was eager to continue their partnership.

After a brief discussion, Merlin returned to Brunton's courtyard, set up his materials, and dedicated himself to crafting more potions.