When Astrid entered the classroom called «Professor Alistair - Potion making.» She was greeted with a warm room full of students. Mizuki, was one of them.
"Hey, Mizu. I just had a lesson with Prof. Fillia." She whispered.
"Sweet. Hotaru came and taught our class some sword skills." Mizuki whispered back.
Before they could make more convo, someone entered the room.
The Potion Master, a tall and stoic figure named Professor Alistair, emerged from the cottage. His long, grey beard reached down to his waist, and his eyes twinkled with wisdom behind his glasses as he scanned the group of apprentices.
"Good morning, students," Professor Alistair boomed, his voice carrying the weight of his experience. "Today, we shall delve into the art of potion making. Today's lesson focuses on a potion known as the 'Enchanted Brew.'"
Astrid's heart fluttered with excitement. She had heard tales of the Enchanted Brew's extraordinary properties—a potion capable of granting temporary magical abilities to its drinker. She knew this was an opportunity she couldn't afford to miss.
The air was thick with the aroma of herbs and flowers, creating an intoxicating ambiance.
"Within this chamber, we will uncover the secrets of the Enchanted Brew," Professor Alistair said, his voice resonating with reverence. "But first, let us discuss the ingredients required for this extraordinary potion."
He produced a worn, yellowed parchment and began to read aloud: "To brew the Enchanted Brew, you will need the petals of a moonflower, the essence of a whispering breeze, and a single tear of a mermaid."
Astrid marveled at the list, realizing the challenges it presented. The moonflower only bloomed every hour in the forest, the essence of a whispering breeze was elusive and required perfect timing, and encountering a mermaid seemed like an impossible task.
Professor Alistair continued, "Each ingredient has a unique property that contributes to the enchantment of the brew. You will be required to gather the moonflower yourselves. Now, off you go!"
Astrid, with Mizuki, and her fellow apprentices set out on their individual quests. She ventured into the depths of the Forest, guided by an old map marked with the location of the moonflower. Hours felt like days, and she faced countless obstacles, but her determination did not waver.
Finally, on a half hour of her journey, Astrid emerged into a hidden glade, bathed in a soft, silvery light. There, she found it—the moonflower, resplendent with its shimmering petals and intoxicating fragrance. Carefully, she plucked the required petals and secured them in a protective container.
Returning to the Potion Master's cottage, Astrid discovered that the other apprentices had also triumphed in their quests. Each had their own tales of danger, adventure, and perseverance. Professor Alistair beamed with pride as he observed their success.
"Now," he said, his voice filled with anticipation, "let us gather around the brewing cauldron and create the Enchanted Brew."
As the apprentices circled the cauldron, Professor Alistair meticulously guided them through each step of the brewing process. Together, they measured, mixed, and chanted incantations. The cauldron bubbled and glowed with vibrant hues, releasing sparks of magic into the air.
Finally, the Potion Master poured the Enchanted Brew into small crystal vials. "Take these with you," he instructed the apprentices. "But remember, the potion comes with side effects." He pushed up his glasses. "Don't be in the moon for too long after drinking it." He dismissed the class.
***
It was lunchtime. The teachers had gone off for their break and the students had their meals.
In a far away land, another meeting was held. The same members returned to their seats, but another figure was with them, tied up to a chair. Hotaru spoke up first.
"Who are you? Who do you work for? What are your plans?"
The spy remained silent. The smoker puffed on his cigar. "Guess we'll do this the hard way." He snapped his fingers, and the smoke he puffed out moved magically towards the tied up spy. The smoke flew at the spy's stomach at hit as if it were a solid.
"Speak."
The spy coughed out some blood, then spat on the floor.
"I-i'm only gathering information. That is my only task."
Hotaru held her blade to the spy's neck.
"Who are you?"
"K.C."
"Employer?"
"I won't reveal i-"
The spy fell unconscious while Hotaru walked to her seat with a small "hmph."
The man at the end of the table raised queery.
"How are the subjects going?"
Hotaru, heated, said, "Matsuno's increasing at a dangerously increasing rate. Cetera, she will become really strong in the future."
One of them smiled. The smoker spoke.
"Atsuko's...Stable."
Another voice spoke up. It was a male, calm and warm.
"Nagi's preceeding well. Lilith has potential."
The first man replied to the facts.
"Understood. Now, hurry back before your breaks end. I'll deal with this spy when they wake up."
With that, the meeting dispersed, leaving a threatening man and an unconscious person in the room.