Kisha glanced up from her task, her eyes scanning the bubbling Goblin's Blood and Monster Blood in front of her. She was focused on weighing the ingredients precisely, making sure each was measured perfectly as she worked.
The large flasks, filled with simmering concoctions, allowed her to observe the boiling process clearly, yet she was still multitasking with ease, moving from one step to the next.
When she needed spring water, she turned to the Spiritual Gatherer Crystal. With a gentle motion, she collected a large container of Spiritual Spring Water and poured it into the mixture.
The flame that swirled around her seemed to respond, and she instinctively knew when to adjust the temperature, adding more fire essence when necessary and lowering it when the concoction required balance. It was as if the Silver Flame itself was guiding her, whispering the right actions at the right moments.
Since the Silver Flame had already developed a consciousness, Kisha could finally relax and let it take over the more delicate parts of the boiling process. It behaved much like her battle pets—attentive, responsive, and incredibly efficient.
With its help, the process became almost effortless, and to her delight, her very first attempt at concocting the Stamina Booster was a complete success.
As the final vial settled into place, Kisha and Duke exchanged an enthusiastic high five, grinning from ear to ear. The first batch had yielded ten flawless bottles of Stamina Booster, and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Even 008 was practically buzzing with excitement, its tone celebratory, as if it too had taken part in the achievement.
"Host, it seems you also have a natural talent for alchemy—and with a success rate as high as your inscribing! We've hit the jackpot!" 008 exclaimed with excitement. Kisha could easily imagine it bouncing around in her mind, tiny hands thrown up in celebration. The enthusiasm was infectious, and she couldn't help but smile.
Still, Kisha knew better than to shoulder everything on her own. If she wanted to maintain a steady potion supply for both of her bases, she'd need help. She made a mental note to train someone to assist her with potion-making in the future.
That way, even if she got caught up with other responsibilities, the production wouldn't stop. As for how to set that up—well, that was a problem for later. For now, she focused on refining her skills, repeating the same recipe again and again to build her proficiency.
And so she did. Kisha continued concocting more Stamina Boosters with growing confidence. After Duke assisted her two more times, she gently insisted he return to his training.
She knew he was only staying to watch over her, putting his own progress on hold out of concern—but she couldn't let him sacrifice his goals for her.
When she finally sent him off, Duke looked at her with such reluctant eyes, it was as if she were abandoning a loyal puppy. Amused and touched, Kisha tiptoed to give him a quick kiss in reassurance.
But the big guy wasn't satisfied so easily. With a firm hand behind her head, he anchored her in place and deepened the kiss, his lips claiming hers with playful dominance. His tongue explored her mouth slowly and deliberately, savoring her as though he was trying to memorize her taste.
Only when Kisha was breathless and flushed did Duke finally pull away, a devilish grin playing on his lips as he looked utterly smug and satisfied. Without another word, he turned and headed back to training, his steps so light it was as if he were floating on air.
But just before he got too far, he glanced over his shoulder and called out with a teasing grin, "Wifey, that was just a little interest. Tonight, I'm coming back to collect the capital."
And with that, he walked off, leaving Kisha stunned, her cheeks burning, heart racing, and completely unprepared for what he meant by "capital."
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