Lost in thought, Rudra remained silent for a moment as he processed the vastness of the world she had just revealed. He eventually looked up at Naina, a soft expression of curiosity on his face. "Aunty, how do you know all this?" he asked softly.

  A gentle, nostalgic smile graced Naina's face. "I traveled the outside world once," she explained. "With my master. And after seeing everything, I wanted nothing more than peace. That's why I came here, accepted a nurse request from the Adventurer Guild, and chose to live a quiet life."

  "I see…" Rudra and Aarav muttered in unison, struck by the hidden depths of the woman who had raised them.

  But Naina did not let them dwell on her past for long, quickly shifting the topic. "Now, Rudra," she asked, her tone turning practical, "can you make medicines?"

  Rudra hesitated, his lack of experience suddenly glaring. "I've never tried before," he admitted, looking down slightly. "But… I was planning to try today."

  Naina nodded in understanding. "Do you have a cauldron?"

  Rudra blinked in confusion. "A cauldron? What's that?"

  She tapped his head lightly, a mix of affection and exasperation in her eyes. "You fool. How will you make medicines without a cauldron?" She paused, her demeanor shifting to something much more serious. "Wait. I have one."

  Rudra froze. "You do?"

  "Yes," Naina replied calmly. A moment later, she raised her hand and glanced at the ring on her finger. In the next instant, a heavy metal cauldron shimmered into existence out of thin air and landed smoothly on the floor with a heavy thud.

  Rudra's eyes widened in sheer shock. "Wow… that's a Space Ring, isn't it, aunty?"

  Aarav stared in disbelief, his jaw practically hitting the floor. "Yes, it really is," he agreed, before adding quietly, "But aunty, aren't Space Rings incredibly expensive?"

  Naina's expression turned remarkably serious, the gentle orphanage matron replaced by a woman who knew the harsh realities of the world. "This is something neither of you will tell anyone," she stated firmly. "This is not an ordinary Space Ring. Unless it is actively used, no one can sense the storage space inside it."

  She looked back and forth between the two boys, ensuring they understood the gravity of her words. "This is our secret." Then, her stern expression melted back into a smile as she gestured to the heavy, intricately designed pot. "Here. This cauldron is called the Surya Cauldron. It can easily produce medicines up to Level 80."

  Rudra was left completely speechless. "Aunty… how do you even have something like this?"

  "It belonged to my master," Naina answered calmly, brushing off the magnitude of the item. "The ring did too." She waved her hand dismissively. "Enough of that. Now, make a medicine for me."

  Taking a deep breath to steady his racing heart, Rudra nodded. "Alright, aunty."

  He stepped forward and placed himself in front of the Surya Cauldron, focusing his mind as he prepared to step into a completely unknown territory.

  [Genesis…] he thought, reaching out to the ancient entity residing within his mind. [Tell me what to do.]

  The reply came instantly, echoing with its usual profound weight.

  [Heat the cauldron first.]

  Rudra hesitated, realizing a fundamental flaw in this instruction. [How?]

  There was a brief pause.

  […Right. You don't have Divine Light yet,] Genesis noted, letting out a mental sigh. [Fine. Use a simple method. Use fire.]

  Rudra nodded, feeling a bit foolish but relieved there was a mundane alternative. "Okay," he muttered aloud.

  Gathering some nearby wood, he carefully lit a fire beneath the heavy metal base of the cauldron. The flames danced gently, casting flickering shadows across the small room. Slowly, the Surya Cauldron began to warm, preparing for his very first brew.

  The fire beneath the Surya Cauldron continued to burn steadily, its flames dancing as the thick metal surface slowly absorbed the heat.

  Rudra stood before it, his breathing slow but heavy. Sweat formed along his forehead, tracking the lines of tension in his body. His arms ached, a dull throb reminding him that his physical stamina was still catching up to his mental will.

  This wasn't just medicine. This was a test.

  Aunty Naina watched from a short distance, her sharp eyes missing nothing. Aarav stood close to him, unusually quiet, his gaze fixed on the cauldron as if expecting it to explode.

  Rudra took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the scent of burning wood and raw herbs.

  [Genesis…] he thought, steadying his hands. [I'm ready.]

  This was his first real step.

  The voice answered instantly calm, profound, and resonating deep within his skull.

  [Remember this, Rudra. Alchemy is not just about ingredients. It is a battle. A war of heat, timing, and control.]

  Rudra nodded silently.

  The Brewing Process

  The first step went smoothly, though the fatigue pressed against the back of his mind like a heavy blanket.

  The Clearwater Leaf dissolved perfectly, forming the base. His memory flashed briefly to the failures of the last hour the second attempt that had turned to sludge due to impatience, the third that had collapsed from mana imbalance.

  But now Rudra had learned.

  He could feel the heat radiating from the Surya Cauldron. He could sense the mana flow, distinct and fluid, like a river he was trying to divert. He understood when to wait… and exactly when to act.

  When the final step was complete and the Glowroot stabilized the liquid, the cauldron fell silent. The hum of energy ceased.

  The serum inside shone like clear blue crystal alive, calm, and perfectly balanced.

  Then, deep within Rudra's consciousness, Genesis spoke.

  [Congratulation Rudra you have successfully created Minor Mana Recovery Serum.]

  Rudra slowly opened his eyes, the weight in his chest lifting.

  Carefully, with hands that were steadier than they felt, he filled a vial with the glowing liquid. It shimmered softly in his hands, a captured piece of the sky.

  Aarav couldn't hold himself back anymore.

  "Wow… you actually did it!" he breathed out, a big smile breaking onto his face.

  Aunty Naina stood up and took the vial from Rudra's hand. Her expression was serious at first, her eyes studying the serum carefully, looking for impurities, for faults.

  Then, her gaze softened.

  "This… this will work," she said quietly.

  She placed her hand on Rudra's head, her touch warm and grounding.

  "This is your first brew," she said. "This is the start of you real life."

  Rudra stared into the vial. In its reflection, he no longer saw a helpless boy who needed protecting. He saw a future Chemist.

  Genesis's voice echoed once more, cutting through the moment with a lesson.

  [Power does not come from a sword, Rudra. True power comes from the hands that make life possible for others.]

  Then Genesis continued, his tone quieter more personal.

  [The true reason I guided you toward becoming a chemist was so that you would never walk a path where killing becomes easy. Help others as long as your heart remains just.]

  Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

  [But don't misunderstand this does not mean you give your work away for free. There is immense effort behind every creation. Your knowledge has value.]

  [But if someone truly has nothing,] Genesis added, [help them without greed.]

  Rudra closed his eyes briefly, letting the words sink in.

  [I understand,] he replied silently. [I will remember this… always.]

  "Rudra? What are you spacing out about?"

  Naina's voice snapped him back to the room.

  "Nowhere, aunty," Rudra replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "Can you check the serum's quality? And also…" he added, slightly hesitant, "its price… and where I should sell it?"

  Naina raised an eyebrow. "So many questions. Slow down and breathe first."

  She examined the vial again, rotating it under the light to catch the viscosity.

  "…Ah," she murmured. "This serum is E-rank quality."

  Aarav blinked. "E-rank? What does that mean?"

  Naina smiled faintly. "Medicines are graded by quality," she explained. "The lowest is F-rank. And the highest is SS-rank."

  "SS-rank," she added, her voice lowering with reverence, "is something no one in this world can produce not even the Chief Chemist of the Guild Headquarters. In reality, S-rank is the highest achievable level."

  Rudra swallowed hard. "Then… how is quality measured?"

  "There are several methods," Naina replied. "But the most accurate is the result after consumption."

  She looked at the vial again. "I can say with full confidence this serum is at least E-rank. Possibly higher."

  Rudra's heartbeat quickened.

  "Let me test it properly," Naina said. "Give me a small amount."

  Rudra handed it over immediately.

  "And as for the price," she continued, "one bottle can easily sell for around one thousand Vells."

  Rudra froze. "One thousand…?"

  "Yes," Naina said calmly. "But it cannot be sold normally. This requires an auction."

  She turned toward Aarav. "And for that, there's no one better than you."

  Aarav nearly shouted. "An auction?! And me?"

  "Yes," Naina replied firmly. "I will test the serum and give you a formal report. When you meet the auction authorities, tell them the serum came from a Level 20 Chemist."

  She looked at Rudra pointedly. "You will not disclose his name or location."

  Rudra's eyes lit up as he realized the strategy. "That way, buyers will trust the quality," he said. "And they'll raise the price to build connections with that mysterious chemist."

  Naina smiled approvingly. "Exactly. And once those connections are formed, you won't need auctions anymore. For your future medicines, buyers will contact Aarav directly."

  "You'll gain direct clients," she added calmly. "And not just money. You'll be able to ask for what you need in return rare materials, favors, information."

  Rudra nodded slowly. "I understand now, Aunty Naina."

  Aarav crossed his arms and gave a short, determined nod. "Alright. Aunty, just give me the report once you're done testing."

  Rudra thought for a moment, looking at the fire still dying under the Surya Cauldron.

  "Aunty, I'll give you the finished serum by this evening," Rudra said. "I still want to improve it further."

  Naina raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Do as you see fit. If you can push its quality to D-rank…"

  She paused for emphasis.

  "You will have a very hefty sum of money in your pocket then."

  Rudra's heart skipped a beat.

  "Understood."

  "I'll have Aarav deliver the serum to you," Rudra said. "That way, everything stays discreet."

  "That's fine," Naina replied. She stood up, adjusting her clothes as she headed toward the gate. "I need to head to the hospital now."

  Rudra and Aarav walked her to the gate of Ashfall Orphanage. Once she left, the quiet returned.

  Aarav stretched his arms, his joints popping. "I'm heading to training," he said. "I'll be ready by evening."

  Rudra nodded. "Go."

  As Aarav left, Rudra turned back toward the brewing room. His mind was already working. Not on money or on fame. But on perfection.

  He has successfully created his first serum, now he had to work better for the his next serum. From seeing the outside of the window he only saw the night darkness seeing that so much time has passed he said "Is is getting late now, I will start tomorrow for next serum."

  Next Morning

  As Rudra walked toward his room, his steps slowed, the weight of the previous night's success pressing against his chest not as a burden, but as a challenge.

  Only one thought kept looping in his mind, persistent and demanding.

  [Genesis,] Rudra asked softly, [can we improve the quality of this serum even more?]

  [Improve?]

  There was a hint of genuine surprise in Genesis's voice, a ripple in the usually calm mechanical ocean.

  [You're trying to push a Level 1 medicine rank even higher? That's already close to impossible. The rank of a medicine doesn't rise only through process. The quality of herbs matters just as much.]

  Rudra frowned, stopping in the middle of the hallway. [Really? But we chose very good herbs, didn't we?]

  [Yes. The herbs are good. But think carefully, If becoming a chemist were that easy, everyone in this world would already be one. Alchemy is a skill. A balance of fire, timing, and herbs. It is extremely difficult. Did you forget? You failed twice.]

  Rudra looked at his hands. He could still feel the phantom tremors from the night before, the way his muscles had spasmed under the strain of controlling the mana.

  [Yeah… I really did forget that,] he admitted. [I remember… I felt like my hands were trembling back then.]

  [Hmm. When rarer herbs are added, the quality will naturally improve. For now, let's do this. We need to prepare around one thousand serum bottles.]

  Rudra froze. [That many?!]

  [Yes. We'll sell one hundred bottles. The remaining nine hundred, you'll keep.]

  Rudra took a deep breath, steeling himself. [Alright.]

  An Unexpected Encounter

  Suddenly Thump.

  Rudra bumped into someone as he rounded the corner.

  "Hey! Rudra! Can't you watch where you're going?!"

  Standing in front of him was Shizu, a girl from the orphanage known for her sharp tongue but kind heart. She rubbed her shoulder, looking slightly irritated. "In which thought are you lost in?"

  "Sorry, Shizu," Rudra replied immediately, stepping back. "My mind was somewhere else."

  He looked at her more closely. Her usually bright eyes seemed dim, and her skin had a pale, waxen quality to it.

  "By the way… how are you feeling today?" he asked gently.

  Shizu gave a faint, weary smile. "You already know."

  Rudra spoke instantly, the words rushing out before he could think. "It's okay. You'll get better soon."

  "Thanks," Shizu said, though her tone suggested she didn't believe him. "So, where are you heading?"

  "To my room. Just to rest a little."

  "Oh. Alright. See you later."

  With that, Shizu slowly walked away, her steps heavy and dragging.

  Rudra watched her leave, a strange uneasiness settling in his stomach.

  That was when Genesis's voice suddenly echoed, sharp and clinical.

  [Rudra. There is a faint mana presence inside her body.]

  Rudra froze. [mpossible. She can't channel mana at all. That's why she's here.]

  [Are you doubting me?]

  [No… but-]

  [That's not all. Her life force is slowly weakening. She doesn't have much time left.]

  Rudra's heart pounded against his ribs. [What do you mean…?]

  [She may die in about one month.]

  Rudra staggered as if he had been punched. [Then… How can I save her?!]

  [With an Ember Seed.]

  Then, Genesis abruptly shifted the topic, his voice turning cold again.

  [But not now. Focus on your serum first. Later, I'll explain everything.]

  Rudra clenched his fist, looking back one last time at the empty hallway where Shizu had disappeared.

  [Alright.]

  Back in the Room

  Rudra entered his room and locked the door.

  Near the Surya Cauldron, ten bottles of E-rank serum were already placed neatly, glowing softly in the dim light.

  [First, I need to transfer these into smaller bottles,] he thought.

  [Collect them. By the way… do you have money?]

  [Yes. Some savings. Aunty gave it to me on my last birthday.]

  [How much?]

  Rudra counted the coins stashed in a small wooden box under his bed. [Two hundred Vells.]

  [That's enough. We need to buy small bottles.]

  [Okay.]

  Just as Rudra was about to step out Knock knock.

  He opened the door. Dhruv was standing there, looking casual.

  "Dhruv? What's up?"

  "Nothing much," Dhruv said, leaning against the doorframe. "You've been staying alone lately, so I thought I'd check on you. Shizu told me you were here."

  "Oh. Come in."

  "No," Dhruv replied, shaking his head. "We're heading to the market. Thought I'd ask if you want to come along."

  Genesis spoke immediately inside Rudra's mind.

  [Ask Dhruv to buy the bottles. We'll continue working here.]

  Rudra responded quickly. "Actually, Dhruv… Since you're going to the market, could you buy some small bottles for us? I'll pay you now. If it costs more, Aunty Naina will repay you later."

  "For Aunty Naina?" Dhruv asked, raising an eyebrow.

  "Yes," Rudra lied smoothly. "They're for her. I'm not feeling well, so I can't go myself."

  "Alright. How many bottles?"

  "Just… one thousand."

  Dhruv paused, blinking. "…Okay."

  Rudra handed him the two hundred Vells.

  "I'll be quick," Dhruv said, pocketing the money. "The others are waiting."

  The door closed, and the room fell silent again.

  The Second Brew – Beyond Limits

  Rudra looked at the Surya Cauldron.

  'One thousand bottles… Serum… Better quality…'

  Just thinking about it filled his chest with a strange heat. Without wasting a second, he stepped forward.

  This time, his steps were steady. His hands didn't tremble. His mind was calm. His heart focused.

  'I can do this.'

  He lit the fire. Not too strong. Not too weak. Perfectly steady.

  [Good,] Genesis said. [Your heat control has improved significantly.]

  Rudra inhaled deeply. "I look forward to your continued guidance," he whispered.

  [Always.]

  Step 1 – Clearwater Leaf

  Rudra picked up six Clearwater Leaves.- Each leaf looked purer than before, like moonlight frozen in water. He added them one by one into the Cauldron.

  Ssshhh… ssshhh…

  Steam rose controlled white ribbons dancing in the air. The liquid slowly formed its base.

  [Remember. Clearwater Leaf forms the foundation. A mistake here ruins everything.]

  Rudra gently adjusted the flame, exactly as Genesis had taught him. The liquid remained stable.

  Step 2 – Blueleaf Grass

  Now came the test of patience. Fifty Blueleaf Grass sticks.

  Rudra lined them up carefully. 'should take things slowly to avoid mistakes.'

  He added the first. Pause.

  Second. Pause.

  Third.

  The liquid deepened into a rich blue. Mana threads appeared inside the Cauldron, weaving together like a glowing web of light.

  [Perfect,] Genesis murmured. [With this quantity, slow pacing is crucial.]

  After all fifty sticks, the liquid became thicker, yet completely calm. Rudra's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

  Step 3 – Mistflower

  Mistflower more quantity, more danger.

  This time, Rudra didn't crush them over the Cauldron. He held the twenty flowers in his palms first, activating them using his own body heat. Their essence melted into the air, sweet and heavy.

  [Smart,] Genesis noted. [You avoided direct heat.]

  Rudra let the essence drip drop by drop. A thin fog formed above the liquid, swirling like morning mist. The mana flow smoothed out instantly.

  Step 4 – Soft Mana Moss

  The storage layer. Rudra pressed sixty Soft Mana Moss clumps carefully, removing the excess moisture before adding them slowly.

  The liquid gained depth, turning dark and reflective like a deep, silent lake. The mana settled at the bottom.

  [Most fail here. But you're in control.]

  Rudra's breathing stayed even. His heart steady.

  Step 5 – Glowroot

  Rudra picked up four Glowroots. Only their tips touched the rim. A blue glow spread through the mixture. The liquid turned crystal-clear.

  Keep calm. Breadth.

  'So far… perfect.'

  Final Step – Ember Seed

  Rudra opened his bag. Inside lay one Ember Seed. Just one. Yet it felt heavier than the world.

  The seed pulsed gently against his skin alive.

  "Genesis…" Rudra whispered. "If something goes wrong-"

  [Listen.] Genesis's voice turned heavy. [This step will test your limits. Fear will cause an explosion. Control will make history.]

  Rudra closed his eyes. [I won't ruin.]

  He dropped the Ember Seed into the Cauldron.

  BOOOOOM-