SSS SKILL: DUPLICATE

Chapter 23: Potion Research

In the morning, Edgar went to the Potion Research Lab. His guard behind him is holding a microscope. The microscope is light yellow, and its surface is smooth. The microscope is made up of a combination of clay, wood, and magnifying glass. Metal is difficult to mold, but clay is so easy for high-level earth magicians to mold into anything. Clay can only be temporarily used until a qualified metal mold for a microscope is made. Glass has been researched recently, but only a few qualified glasses are made. He turned them into magnifying glasses for a microscope and telescope. He arrived in the lab and talked with the chief, named Pelca.

"Your highness, most potions sold in the Baynard kingdom are made from the Maginev empire. If potions from the empire are sold out, mercenaries and adventurers will buy potions made from the Fran kingdom. The Maginev empire's potions are 2% more effective than our potions, and the Fran kingdom has cheaper prices," said Pelca. He had hesitation on his face but grits his teeth and made his request to Edgar.

"Your highness, we don't have enough funds for research." Pelca has a blushing face out of embarrassment. Their potion department was almost bankrupt if the military did not buy from them.

Edgar smiles at the embarrassed face of Pelca. "Don't worry, I will give additional funds to your department, and I will never let it get out of business. The kingdom will be the biggest buyer of the potion department. I am here to give you direction on research. Have you not thought of making potions that can suddenly increase strength in a short time or even permanently increase physical strength, including ordinary people? You should think of a new direction, like the short-term effect of potions on concentration, mana absorption, and the like." Edgar enumerated possible uses of potions he saw in novels. Edgar's suggestion struck Pelca's mind with lightning. He is hit with enlightenment. It brought him to a whole new world of potion-making!

"Your highness, thank you for your enlightenment! I will make sure that the Potion department will bring glory to the Baynard kingdom!" Pelca deeply bowed to Edgar while speaking his feelings and thoughts.

"The potion that increases strength in a short or permanent manner must be kept secret. Any potion that could improve strength must be confidential. They will be the secret weapon of our army. Potions for improving concentration or mana absorption can be sold. You must strictly guard your research. There are spies of the empire and other kingdoms here. Don't let anyone you don't trust get involved in research," Edgar reminded Pelca.

"I swear I won't let them steal our hard work, your highness!" promised Pelca.

"I have a secret tool that will help you in your research. It will even help you spy on the secrets of the world! Elena, bring that tool here." Edgar is expecting that the microscope will accelerate the research of the potion department. Elena went out and took out the microscope.

Pelca's heart trembled when he heard that there is that kind of artifact. Pelca's heartbeat quickens the artifact might have clairvoyance ability! He will use the artifact to spy on the Maginev empire and steal their technology! Elena returned to the room while holding the microscope. Pelca's impression of a magnificent artifact was crushed when he saw the microscope made of clay. He is hoping that it isn't the artifact. Edgar stretches his hand and uses earth magic. He controls the microscope and let it float away from Elena. He pulled the microscope toward them and let it land on the table in front of Pelca.

"Your highness, is this the artifact?" asked Pelca with an expression on his face that said he did not believe it.

Edgar smiles at the facial expression of Pelca, then answers calmly, "Yes."

Pelcas' eyes turned big. He really couldn't believe it and said, "B-But your highness, it is made up of clay! It does not even have magic runes!"

"It does not need rare magic materials and runes. It helps you see what a naked eye can't see. It magnifies your eyes by 100x. Come, I'll show you how to use it." Edgar put a specimen of a plant underneath the magnifying glass and taught Pelca and Elena how to use the microscope. They saw objects that could not be seen by their naked eyes, and their mouths are both wide open. How in the world is it possible? A question run through both of their minds. Their first experience using a microscope and seeing the world of Microworld is so magical to them.

"Have you ever thought about what composes everything that you see, like fire or earth?" Edgar suddenly asked while looking at their stupefied expression. His left hand casts fire magic. A flame is floating in his left hand. His right hand casts earth magic. A rock is floating in his right hand. There is a bit of mystery around Edgar when both elements are floating in his hands after he asks the question. Elena and Pelca are staring at the mysterious-looking Edgar. Elena can hear her loud heartbeat. Red hair, handsome face, mysterious air—the prince became a lot more handsome today in her eyes.

"Is there only fire or earth element in fire magic and earth magic? Is there mana? What mana is made up of? Why does fire disappear when poured with water? Why does the earth become soft when mixed with water? How do potions produce those effects? What substance in the potion produces those effects? Why did animals die when eating plants that gave them sudden aggressiveness and strength? What if we extract only the composition in the plant that gives a sudden increase in strength? What composes the flesh of living beings? Why do some beings live longer than others?" Edgar's series of questions cause an earthquake in the hearts of Pelca and Elena. They feel like they are standing in front of the door to Forbidden Ground, and Edgar is inviting them to walk in. Pelca subconsciously swallows his saliva to calm his nervous heart a little.

Edgar continued, and he said:

"Everything around you is made up of matter. The study of matter is called chemistry. It is a key to the secrets of the world."