Modulationist (Two-Star)

Robb didn't respond right away. Instead, he carefully examined the dryad's condition.

Thanks to his professional eye as a potion maker, he could tell the creature had been well-maintained. Its skin was properly hydrated, and the vines were full of vitality, both indicators at their optimal state.

Its gaze was clear rather than dazed, suggesting its mental state was stable, and it hadn't become numb or deranged from prolonged captivity.

"I do need it to assist in potion brewing."

Robb nodded, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes as he began to bargain:

"But last time you quoted 80 magic stone shards. Judging by the current market, 60 seems like a fair price."

"Ah, no, that won't do, sir!"

The merchant waved his hands dramatically, his voice sharpening like someone had told a terrible joke:

"Eighty was already a discounted price for you! A dryad of this quality would go for at least a hundred on the open market! Just look at its vitality, the color of its vines, the special functions alone are worth a fortune!"

After a back-and-forth exchange, they finally settled on 70 shards, with a free imprint service included.

"Deal." Robb pulled a pouch from his belt and counted out seventy magic stone shards into the merchant's tray.

The sound of coins was music to the merchant's ears. His eyes practically disappeared behind a wrinkled grin, like someone who had just hit the jackpot.

"A wise decision, sir."

The merchant beamed. "Please wait a moment while I prepare the materials for the control imprint."

As the merchant turned away, the dryad suddenly raised its head, locking eyes with Robb.

There was a flash of something in its gaze that Robb couldn't quite decipher.

It wasn't gratitude, fear, hope, or despair, just a profound and unshakable calm.

While he studied the dryad, the merchant returned holding a small silver box.

"Sir, the imprint will be completed shortly. But before that, may I interest you in some other items? Given your status, you might be interested in these special selections."

His voice carried an eager pitch, like someone unveiling a prized collection.

Without waiting for Robb's reply, the merchant pressed on, clearly not wanting to miss a sales opportunity:

"For example, this…"

He pulled a delicate crystal container from his robe's inner pocket. Inside floated a thumb-sized, translucent object with an odd shape, like an underdeveloped embryo, faint pulses of energy visible within.

"A unique embryo, a masterpiece by a Bloodline Modulationist, containing the essence of three extraordinary species."

"Bloodline Modulationist? Go on, give me the details."

Robb's interest spiked immediately. His eyes widened slightly as a flash of inspiration struck him regarding his stalled bloodline activation potion.

"Ah, that's insider info," the merchant whispered conspiratorially. "But since it's you asking, I'm happy to share a bit."

He leaned in, voice lowered as if revealing a state secret:

"Modulation is a specialized arcane technique focused on bloodline enhancement and transformation. Like Potion Brewing, it's a sub-discipline of Alchemy, but it requires deep knowledge of non-human physiology and supernatural bloodline studies."

"They say the greatest modulationists can even build entirely new lifeforms from scratch, creating species the world has never seen."

As this insider knowledge unfolded, Robb's profession panel updated with new information…

[New Class Info Acquired – Modulationist (Two-Star)]

[New Advanced Path Unlocked: γ – Modulationist (Two-Star)]

[Class Transfer Requirements:]

Alchemy at Mastery level ✅

Exotic Biology at Adept level

Bloodline Modulation at Adept level

Successfully perform three different types of Bloodline Modulation

[Traits Gained: Bloodline Discrimination, Tissue Activation, Genetic Fusion]

A new specialization route, but the prerequisites would require him to train two new skills from scratch...

Robb frowned. It was problematic, his schedule was already packed.

Still, bloodline modulation had obvious connections to his current research. While bloodline activation awakened dormant genetic traits, modulation went a step further, transforming or even engineering entirely new bloodlines.

Perhaps it wasn't a total reset. There might be ways to cross-apply his knowledge.

"What bloodlines are fused in this embryo?" he asked, eyes fixed on the translucent mass, heart unconsciously racing.

"Drakespawn, Wind Sprite, and Crystal Scorpion," the merchant said, voice low, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"This combo gives the host extreme adaptability and regeneration. The drake provides strength and defense, the wind sprite gives speed and agility, and the crystal scorpion adds venom and healing."

He stroked the crystal container with pride:

"I paid a fortune to acquire this."

"How much?" Robb asked, feigning mild interest.

"One hundred and fifty shards," the merchant said boldly, then added quickly, "But considering your earlier big purchase, I'll give it to you for just one hundred and twenty."

Robb did some mental math.

He'd already spent seventy on the dryad. Buying this embryo would nearly wipe out his entire savings.

And he didn't know enough about bloodline modulation yet. Buying a mysterious embryo like this was far too risky.

"No, I need to learn more first," he decided silently, then shook his head:

"Not for now. But I am very interested in bloodline modulation. Can you tell me where I might find someone who practices it?"

The merchant looked a little disappointed but quickly recovered, clearly used to haggling:

"True modulationists are incredibly rare. They say there are fewer than five in this entire region. However…"

He glanced around to ensure no one else was listening:

"If you're willing to pay the price, I might be able to arrange a secret meeting."

Robb nodded thoughtfully, mentally recording the lead, but chose to ignore the offer.

Contacting such secretive figures through a shady middleman was too dangerous.

"I'll think about it," he said vaguely, then changed the subject: "Let's complete the control imprint."

The imprinting process was surprisingly simple. The merchant took out a rune stone from the silver box and gently pressed it to the dryad's forehead.

The etched patterns on the stone glowed briefly before flowing into the dryad's skin like liquid, forming a faint, intricate mark in the center of its forehead.

"All done, sir," the merchant said, putting the box away with satisfaction.

"From now on, it's yours. Just recite the control phrase, and it will obey any command."

The control phrase, bound through spiritual imprinting, was: "Verdant Wither."

With the dryad in tow, Robb began thinking through his next steps:

"Maybe it's time for another trip to the library."

He glanced at the quiet creature walking beside him, making a mental note:

"I'll look up resources on bloodline modulation, and on dryads too, better to understand how to work with it."

The dryad followed him in silence, its gaze still calm and unmoved, as though it had seen too much to react anymore.

But Robb noticed something: every time they passed green plants, its vine-hair would sway slightly, as if silently communicating.

Back at his Alchemy Workshop, Robb had worried the dryad might not adjust well to the new environment, but to his surprise, it seemed to fit right in.

After a brief introduction and some basic instructions, the dryad quickly began helping organize herbal ingredients.

Its talent for handling plant-based materials far exceeded expectations, it instinctively knew how to preserve each herb for maximum freshness.

"You know," Robb said as he watched it gently extend its root tendrils into the soil, "I was worried you'd be hard to care for."

"Turns out you just need water, occasional magic, and a bit of dirt, just like any other plant."

The dryad's vines swayed gently. A faint trace of contentment flickered in its eyes.

Though it never spoke, Robb was gradually learning how to read its body language.

Even more surprising, once the dryad extended its roots into the floor, Robb discovered it could monitor and detect changes in the workshop's surroundings, functioning as a subtle security system.

"I'll be back later," Robb said, packing up some instruments.

"While I'm gone, keep sorting those materials, especially the exotic herbs that need special care. I've labeled each shelf with basic instructions. Adjust as you see fit."

The dryad gave a gentle nod, whether unwilling or unable to speak remained unknown.