Chapter 22: Player Combat States and Arrival at "E-Rantel"

[Skill: Pharmacology]

Cost: 1 Mana Point

Description: Allows the user to craft powders, granules, and similar formulations from medicinal herbs, enhancing their efficacy. (Improves with the level of the "Pharmacist" class.)

[Skill: Alchemy]

Cost: 1 Mana Point

Description: Enables the creation of alchemical solutions and materials with varying effects depending on the materials used. (Improves with the level of the "Alchemist" class.)

...

Lyle noticed a new section labeled "Professional Skills" at the bottom of his Abilities Menu and began to understand its purpose.

It seemed that crafting-related abilities were categorized as "Professional Skills," which felt somewhat akin to "specialized classes" in their mechanics.

Without hesitation, Lyle allocated all three of his unspent levels to the "Sword Saint" class. After all, this was currently the only class he had that could directly enhance his base attributes.

The process of leveling up mirrored the system from YGGDRASIL, where players could freely assign newly acquired levels to their chosen classes.

The real world, however, functioned differently.

Here, warriors could only advance by rigorously honing their combat skills and training.

As for magic users, they needed to study, read grimoires, meditate, and perform other rituals to progress in their craft.

In essence, advancing a specific profession in this world required mastering its associated skills.

Nfirea turned to Lyle and asked a question, breaking his concentration on the interface.

Lyle shifted his gaze away from the status screen and pretended to return to the conversation. "The method used to make these potions is new to me. I'm a little surprised."

"It's nothing special," Nfirea replied modestly, though his enthusiasm was evident. "Compared to healing magic, healing potions are weaker in effect."

"Recovery potions rely on herbs to accelerate natural healing. Whether low-grade or high-grade, they can only speed up the process to a limited extent," Nfirea explained.

Lyle listened intently, clearly interested. He lowered his voice and began discussing potion-making in detail with Nfirea.

Rather than being secretive, Nfirea seemed thrilled to share his knowledge. As the grandson of the renowned herbalist Lizzie Bareare, Nfirea was already considered the most talented pharmacist in E-Rantel.

Even four years before he would earn the title of "genius pharmacist," his understanding of healing potions already surpassed that of most professionals in the world.

In YGGDRASIL, four factors determined a player's victory in combat:

Intelligence: This was paramount. The fight between Ainz and Shalltear showcased how intellect could turn the tide even against a seemingly superior opponent. Ainz exploited Shalltear's anti-undead build with sheer cunning, outwitting her in a battle she was designed to win.

Levels: These were crucial, as higher levels provided significant advantages.

Equipment: Gear played a vital role, but high-tier equipment was hard to come by in this new world. Lyle realized that crafting god-tier items would be nearly impossible here. Such artifacts were either relics of the Six Great Gods or the Eight Greedy Kings, making them exceptionally rare.

Resources: These included consumables like recovery potions, magic scrolls, crystals, gems, enchanted accessories, and other tools.

For now, Lyle couldn't compete with a fortress like the Great Tomb of Nazarick in terms of resources. However, he saw potential in potion-making, which was why he eagerly discussed recovery potions with Nfirea.

After a brief rest, the group prepared to move out again.

Archer Lerr carried Captain Dosari on his back, while the two brothers, having consumed recovery potions and alchemical solutions crafted by Nfirea, were now able to walk on their own.

During the journey, Nfirea tirelessly mixed herbs to create powders and alchemical healing solutions, accelerating the recovery of the injured adventurers.

By observing their recovery, Nfirea also gained insights into the effectiveness of his concoctions.

Once Lyle's mana had regenerated, he used healing magic to mend Captain Dosari's shattered leg. The results were immediate and impressive.

The Rock team had instead become a burden.

Two days later, a grand city appeared on the horizon.

E-Rantel!

The city, fortified with three layers of thick walls, looked more like a military stronghold than a mere border settlement.

Or, to be more precise—

As the central city at the intersection of the Re-Estize Kingdom, the Baharuth Empire, and the Slane Theocracy, E-Rantel was originally constructed with the specifications of a fortress.

Since entering the kingdom:

Perhaps due to taking shortcuts, Lyle's group had encountered very few people along the way. However, as they approached E-Rantel, the number of merchants and adventurers on the road visibly increased.

The sound of wooden wheels grinding against the ground filled the air.

Creak, creak!

Granny Lizzie drove her carriage to the city gates. The guards immediately stepped forward to block their path for inspection. Upon seeing her, though, they quickly softened their stance, their faces showing respect.

"It's Lady Bareare! Let her through!"

The soldiers turned to call out to those stationed further back.

As a border city, anyone entering from outside was subject to inspection to prevent infiltration by invaders and criminals—especially from the Baharuth Empire.

Granny Lizzie gave the guards a curt nod and cracked her whip, the sharp snap spurring the horses forward. The carriage, loaded with herbs and carrying Nfirea in the back, rolled steadily into the city.

However, Lyle and the Rock team that followed were not given such courtesy.

The guards stopped them at the gates, charging two copper coins per person as an entry fee.

This was standard.

E-Rantel required a toll for entry.

In the Re-Estize Kingdom, E-Rantel was one of the most prosperous cities outside the port towns and the capital, thanks to its vibrant trade.

Being close to both the dangerous Forest of Tob and the treacherous Katze Plains, the city naturally attracted a large number of adventurers and mercenaries.

This, in turn, spurred commercial growth and prosperity.

Once inside the city, they were greeted by the sight of streets bustling with carriages ready to enter or leave the city.

Lyle could clearly feel the high percentage of adventurers among the crowd.

This was a stark contrast to the capital, where he had always felt a faint sense of oppression and decline.

The first impression of E-Rantel, however, was one of life and vitality—a place where the very air seemed to hum with energy.