The Witch's Laboratory and Potions

[Name: Black Iron Supply Crate]

[Type: Crate]

[Description: Opening this crate provides a moderate amount of supplies.]

The second gacha wasn't equipment, leaving Lucas Hall a little disappointed. However, supplies were just as critical at the moment. They had practically drained their resources to rebuild the ship.

Lucas opened the crate.

[You obtained: Wood *200, Cloth *200, Stone *200, Steel *50, Crystal *50, Sulfur *50]

"So much?" Lucas couldn't believe it. While wood and cloth were common, he hadn't expected to get so many high-grade materials.

The Black Iron Supply Crate was terrifyingly powerful! No wonder the Steelheart handed out 100 wood like it was nothing—they weren't short on wood.

Suddenly, a private message popped up from Captain Xu Da of the Stormwind.

"Brother Lucas, I'm thinking of forming a fleet. Are you interested in joining?"

Lucas hadn't expected to be so popular, but he declined. "Sorry, I'm not planning on joining any groups for now."

"Alright. If you change your mind, feel free to message me. There'll always be a spot for you in the Stormwind Fleet!"

"Thanks!"

After turning him down, Lucas marveled at how quickly people moved. The ocean map had just opened, and people were already rushing to form fleets.

"Should I form my own fleet?" Lucas thought suddenly.

He didn't like relying on others, but leading a fleet sounded like a hassle. Managing people could get messy.

While he was still pondering, Seraphina came running over, her face flushed with excitement. "Did you just get a bunch of supplies?"

"Yeah, I just opened a Black Iron Supply Crate."

"And this thing on the ground is...?"

Seraphina's eyes were immediately drawn to the giant Bobbit worm head on the ground. Before installation, it was only the size of a palm, easy to pick up. Its craftsmanship was detailed and lifelike.

Seraphina picked it up, inspecting it closely, touching here and there, and even taking notes.

When she pulled out a knife, Lucas couldn't take it anymore. He snatched the worm head back.

"Stop! This is rare equipment—what if you break it?"

Seraphina: "…"

After being scolded, she gave up on cutting it apart and revealed her true intention.

"I want to build an expansion structure."

"Which one?"

Seraphina did some operations in the log, and Lucas received a request.

[Crew member Seraphina has requested to build a Witch's Laboratory.

Construction requirements: Expansion Space *2, Wood *200, Cloth *200, Stone *100, Steel *50, Crystal *50, Sulfur *20.

This structure cannot be dismantled once built. Please consider carefully.]

"A Witch's Laboratory?"

Lucas was puzzled. He didn't remember seeing this option in the expansion list. And it required so many materials, plus two expansion spaces…

He checked the expansion list. Besides the Nightmare's original expansions—Extra Cargo Hold, Ancient Combat Room, and Great Statue—there were two options from the Astrologer.

[Lookout Tower: Scans 1,000 nautical miles for islands, showing them on the map every three days.

Construction requirements: Expansion Space *1, Wood *200, Cloth *100, Stone *100, Crystal *30.]

[Glass Cannon: A powerful but fragile cannon.

Construction requirements: Expansion Space *1, Crystal *100, Sulfur *20.]

"Where did you see a Witch's Laboratory? It's not in my list," Lucas asked, puzzled.

"It's a special expansion from my talent! It's totally worth it!" Seraphina said confidently.

"This…" Lucas hesitated. He had planned to build the cannon first. It would be crucial for fighting large sea creatures like the giant Bobbit worm.

His second priority was the lookout tower. Islands had richer resources and possibly treasure chests. Frequent island trips could give him a significant advantage.

The Witch's Laboratory's function was unknown, and it needed two expansion spaces. That meant no more room for a cannon until they upgraded to Level 3.

If they encountered a ship with a cannon, they'd be at a disadvantage.

"No!" Lucas rejected the idea firmly. "Cannon first. Everything else is secondary. We'll discuss it later."

"Build it, please!" Seraphina whined, tugging at his arm. "This is my only request. I won't interfere with anything else you build, okay?"

"Stop pulling!" Lucas barked, yanking his arm away. "If you want to talk, talk properly!"

This woman was tricky—acting spoiled was just a ploy!

Lucas also realized something important. He had to manage crew relationships well. Internal conflict could lead to betrayal—or even sabotage!

So, he asked about the building's function.

"What does this Witch's Laboratory do, exactly?" Lucas asked.

Seraphina's crimson eyes lit up. She knew there was hope now! She had been ready to give up, but now she eagerly explained.

"The lab provides various research tools to help me study demonic creatures' anatomy and develop new potions!"

"You can create potions?" Lucas was intrigued.

Seraphina quickly pulled out a vial.

"For example, this Vital Coconut Juice—are you sure the current formula is optimal? What if I added something else?"

She handed Lucas the vial. The system didn't display its details—just:

[Name: Unknown Potion]

[Type: Consumable/Potion/Unique]

[Quality: ??]

[Description: You'll only know after drinking it…]

"Try it! If I had the lab, I could make even better ones," Seraphina urged.

"You're not poisoning me, are you?"

"This one's definitely not poisoned!"

"So, the others are?"

"Every potion has some toxicity. Just drink it!" Seraphina pouted, then downed half the potion herself.

Seeing that, Lucas couldn't refuse anymore. He drank the rest, feeling apprehensive.

The liquid was thick and slimy, with a familiar fishy stench that hit him hard. He was about to curse but froze.

The potion's name appeared.

[Energy +10, Energy recovery speed +50% (half-drunk)]

[Name: Vital Siren Juice]

[Type: Consumable/Potion/Unique]

[Quality: Premium]

[Description: A potion created by Witch Seraphina, made from siren mucus, salt, and Vital Coconut.

Restores 15 energy, boosts energy recovery speed by 75% for 8 hours.

Overconsumption may cause poisoning.]

"This… You made this?" Lucas asked in surprise.

"Yep! If I had a lab, I could make even better potions!"

Lucas was shocked.

Developing new potions was an incredible talent. Even Lucas could see that.

Seraphina was a walking goldmine!

With her, there was no need to worry about running out of Vital Coconut. She could make new energy-restoring potions!

As the captain, it was only right to set expectations for the crew. They had to obey!

"Fine, build the lab!" Lucas agreed, approving her request in the log.

Little did he know… he might regret it.

Regret drinking this woman's metaphorical "love potion."