Chapter 178: The Delightful Effect of the Potion
“Hmm… so expensive…”
After comparing several potions, I finally spent some money to buy a few, not being clear on their effects, so I only bought a few to try out.
The Revitalizing Potion, unlike the Mental Power Potion, does not enhance mental power, but its effect is just as its name suggests—it’s also the cheapest potion among those I bought, purchasable with red copper or ordinary currency, although that would far exceed my budget.
Moreover, I don’t have any red copper; the lowest I have is secret silver, so these two Revitalizing Potions were given to me as gifts after I purchased other potions with secret silver.
I also insisted on getting them during my haggling.
The potions I bought with secret silver were the “Everlasting Memory Potion” and the “Contemplation Potion.” One enhances memory for a period, while the other is meant for brainstorming, helping to organize thoughts. Although the effects of the second potion feel quite abstract, that’s indeed how it was described.
As for magic potions, they are too expensive, and it’s best if they are concocted on site for optimal results. Many magic potions are custom-made or by appointment, and custom orders are even pricier.
I just looked without daring to buy.
When I left, I noticed the Aoqin coins in my storage equipment and realized that I had become a miser, clearly having so much money but still being so cautious about spending.
But I had to tell myself I was just testing their effects. If they met my expectations, I definitely wouldn’t be stingy, and after all, money is just money; only the money spent can be transformed into my own possessions.
Back at the villa, even though it was already afternoon, there weren’t many people inside; at least not in the living room. They must have all gone out to have fun.
Since there was no one around, I simply locked myself in my bedroom. After all, I would be trying out the effects of the potions, and if I experienced symptoms like dizziness, I could just lie on my bed. Worst case, I would call Sister Bai to save me… Wait, shouldn’t my first reaction be to call the academy’s medical room or a hospital… Oh, I don’t know the number for the Witch Academy’s hospital, so calling Sister Bai was definitely fine.
Usually, drinking potions shouldn’t lead to such issues, otherwise that shop wouldn’t be able to stay open so comfortably.
So I boldly downed the Revitalizing Potion. Instantly, a cool aftertaste spread in my mouth, also bringing a refreshing sensation rushing to my brain. Unlike the minty freshness that lingers in my mouth, this felt more like a combination of mustard and mint, with the mintiness shooting up to my head like mustard.
This jolt made me tear up; however, I have to say it truly revived me and made me feel invigorated!
The tiredness I felt earlier and thought I might take a nap was completely gone.
Even my head felt exceptionally clear, with thoughts well-organized. However, this mental state was clearly not normal; even at my best, I couldn’t reach this level. It seems the potion’s effect was indeed quite powerful, but I wonder if using it this way counts as overdrawing?
After the effects wear off, I might feel drained for a while.
I should have asked how long the effects lasted when I inquired about whether the potions could be used simultaneously, and also if there were any other side effects.
Now I only know that the potions can be used together, but shouldn’t be overused; if there are any abnormal conditions, I should stop immediately. And for potions that enhance memory and mental power, it’s best to have some candy on hand to replenish sugar, so as not to overexert my brain and make excessive demands. After all, we are still flesh-and-bl**d beings, and some consumption is necessary.
The shopkeeper was quite thoughtful, giving me a jar of candy, since candies are surely not as valuable as secret silver.
Anyway, the merchants make money either way.
I checked my physical condition and then drank the Everlasting Memory Potion. I temporarily have no plans to use the Contemplation Potion; I just want to test how useful the memory-enhancing potion is.
Then I took out the spellbook Teacher Ji gave me.
Although this physical book only records a few hundred common runes, I really appreciate its thickness.
Even if it claims to be a “superficial analysis,” I think the book is being modest. Several days have passed, and my progress with this book has been quite unsatisfactory.
After grappling with it for three to four hours, I suddenly shut the book.
I looked up, closed my eyes, and pondered…
After a long time, I slowly opened my eyes, but I couldn’t hide the smile on my face.
So this is how the world feels to a genius with outstanding memory!
While this potion can’t compare to a photographic memory, its effectiveness exceeded my expectations!
If I had a few days to do nothing and just focused on this book, I even have confidence I could fully digest it! This efficiency was something I couldn’t even believe before!
Of course, that would require an ample supply of potions. Indeed, learning requires money…
I opened the candy jar, tossed one into my mouth, and I must say, the candy tasted great. It felt really nice to s*ck on, although I haven’t experienced what overexerting my brain feels like, but it’s better to be cautious.
This Everlasting Memory Potion is now officially on my must-buy list, easily purchasable through my phone and delivered by school express.
Plus, as long as one is willing to spend money, there’s no fear of items getting damaged during delivery. Just pay a little extra, and I can enjoy having it safely delivered within my spatial equipment; even fragile glass vial potions won’t shake at all—even if the courier danced the whole way, she would still deliver them safely.
I closed the book because I felt the effects of the Revitalizing Potion fading; I could visibly feel my spirit becoming fatigued. This duration has already been great, and it seems the effect of the memory potion was also fading. Or perhaps the potion’s effects reached a peak after consumption and then started declining until they felt negligible.
I don’t know if my decreased memory ability was due to fatigue of mental power or if the potion’s effects had dropped to a level that offered little assistance. Anyway, I knew it was time for me to rest.
However, this didn’t make me feel sleepy right away; I just felt somewhat listless.
After putting away the jar of candy and cleaning up all used items, I pushed open the door and walked out.
It should be evening now.
“Eh? Sister Xiao Han! You’re actually home!”
As I reached the railing, Hong Chanyi on the first floor immediately spotted me.
“Hmm? Yeah, I had nothing to do in the afternoon, so I stayed. I’m on a break.” I shrugged my shoulders and said.
“Oh right! I forgot to congratulate Sister Xiao Han on her bye for today’s match! It seems you’re definitely securing a top ten spot!” Hong Chanyi already started celebrating for me in advance.
“Ha ha, how can you say it’s certain? There are still several matches left; why rush?” I waved my hand as I walked down the stairs.
“Eh~ that’s not quite right; the next match is from 13 to 7, as long as Sister Xiao Han doesn’t run into Tan Han, isn’t that a sure thing? Even if you do, there are still six others competing for the three spots in the top ten! What’s there to worry about?”
“True~”
I plopped down on the sofa and didn’t argue. To tell her that Tan Han is no longer my opponent? That would be too arrogant. Plus, boasting in front of Hong Chanyi doesn’t hold much significance, so I might as well keep quiet to avoid trouble. Hong Chanyi is clearly the type who just keeps talking, so some topics are better left unmentioned.
“By the way, Sister Xiao Han, you seem a bit sluggish; you didn’t spend the afternoon wildly releasing yourself in the dormitory, did you? No way, right?”
“What releasing myself?!” I gave Hong Chanyi a light tap on the head. Why can’t she think of something good? It’s like she thinks of everyone in the dormitory as that… Wait, Yu Yatian seems to qualify for an exception.
Anyway, this dormitory has quite a few oddballs.
“Keep your mind clear, will you?!”
“Sure, sure, Sister Xiao Han. It’s my evil thoughts and depravity; I’ll definitely change!”
Just as Hong Chanyi and I were talking, a distant tremor suddenly halted our actions and speech.
This sound felt somewhat familiar, as if the Aphhemia Academy had visited our Witch Academy in the morning!
I quickly leaned by the window, looking at the commotion far away, but it was too distant to see clearly, only noticing some blurred figures. The way they arrived was similar to that of Aphhemia Academy; it was surely a huge void structure, with opening walls emitting a strong light, feeling like a small sun even from afar.
When I focused on it, I realized it was indeed a floating, island-like group of buildings, resplendent in gold and reflecting light in a holy manner; my heart began to make guesses.
This exchange from the Extraordinary Academy is undoubtedly being led by the three top academies, so the earliest arrivals must be those three Extraordinary Academies. This is most likely the Holy Angel Academy’s people coming—no, it’s the angels from Holy Angel Academy.
I wonder if that angel will be wearing a halo and have feathers on her back.
They should have feathery wings, recalling those stunning images of the Holy Angels I saw on the academy website. I wonder if breaking their wings would make them cry even prettier?
But thinking about it, the Holy Angels seem to lack gender… Hmm… that might not be bad, or perhaps even more interesting without any s*xual characteristics!
“Wow… what is that? It’s so far, it’s hard to see clearly,” Hong Chanyi also leaned by the window and exclaimed.
“Most likely the Holy Angel Academy, arriving at this hour is indeed a bit early.”
“Eh? Sister Xiao Han, you know?”
“Just a guess. This academy exchange will most likely be led by the three top academies. The first to arrive should be those three schools, and going by this special effect, it’s likely the Holy Angel Academy.”
“That seems to make sense, but shouldn’t the three top academies be the last to appear?”
“Do you want everything to be the last?!” I shot a disapproving glance at Hong Chanyi, recalling that she said the same thing when I went to class for the first time. What’s she really thinking? “Forget it, it is what it is. Hong Chanyi, do you want to go out and take a look?”
“Ah… I’m too lazy to go out; it’s just a visiting academy, no need for me to meet them personally.” Hong Chanyi flopped onto the sofa like a salted fish.
“That’s true; those academies aren’t worth us personally welcoming.” I followed along with Hong Chanyi’s words.
Because I remember Teacher Ji said not to stay behind, or things could get intense, indicating that there would likely be a duel between the academies.
Of course, I didn’t have to extend them a warm welcome.
I looked at the salted fish Hong Chanyi and then thought of something, “Hong Chanyi, did you sign up for the flying license assessment?”
“Eh? Why do you ask that? Yes, I did, but I almost forgot because I didn’t practice today!” Hong Chanyi suddenly sat up and spoke.
“Here’s a nice gift for you.” Hearing her say this, I shook my head and smiled, pulling out an Earth Vein Memory. After confirming it carefully, I tossed it to Hong Chanyi.
Earth Vein Memory is indeed like a blind box for ordinary people, but ultimately, it’s the power of the Earth Veins and the memories they carry. How could it be more complex than a Magic Source or Spellbook? There’s no way; under floating world-level spirit vision, nothing escapes its sight.
Previously, when Teacher Ji mentioned memory blind boxes, I treated it as a blind box game, but after trying several without good results, I lost interest, so I just looked and ultimately confirmed that this batch of Earth Vein Memories wasn’t anything palatable for me.
However, some were quite nice, like memories of theoretical knowledge from classes and various combat techniques, which I kept.
As for the rest, rather than occupying my brain, it’s better to gift them to others.
For instance, the one I’m tossing to Hong Chanyi now is a very basic memory suited for beginners just getting into broom flying; for me, it’s even more useless, so I might as well give it away.
There are definitely people who need this, such as Hong Chanyi, who hasn’t yet passed her flying license.
I hadn’t decided who to give it to originally, but now that it’s just Hong Chanyi in the villa, it’s convenient for her.
Besides, I’ve also saved a few for others in the dormitory; after all, since I’m giving, I’m not bothered by a bit more. It’s not about worrying about scarcity, but fairness!
Should I keep one for Tu Xingyue?
After all, she’s the vice-class leader of Class 14, managing the entire class diligently for so long.
I feel like I’m just the class’s mascot, occasionally chiming in the group chat or forwarding messages, igniting the enthusiasm in the class chat.
Tu Xingyue has really worked hard. Once this new student competition ends, I’ll pick a suitable prize for her.
“Eh? What is this?” Hong Chanyi awkwardly caught the item and then looked at me in confusion.
“Of course it’s a good item.”
“I know it’s a good thing; anything Sister Xiao Han gives is definitely good, but could you tell me what this good thing is?”
“Earth Vein Memory, or you could call it a memory blind box. After using it, you can obtain a segment of memory. Want to try?” I explained.
“Eh? Someone else’s memory? Things like this… Sister Xiao Han, you wouldn’t have done something unspeakable… Ouch~”
“Earth Vein Memory, memories carried by the Earth Veins. What are you thinking?! Do I seem like a demon who brings up other people’s memories on a whim? There’s no way I could do that!” I poked Hong Chanyi again to make her remember.
“Sure, sure! Sister Xiao Han would never do that. So how do you use this? What’s inside the memory?”
“This contains memories pertaining to flying license practice techniques, which can help you learn flying skills quickly. Let me show you.” I guided her with the Earth Vein Memory, placing her hand against her forehead. “Use your mental power slowly to draw here, yes, just like that, and gently guide it into your mind. Take it slow; otherwise, the memory might get damaged.”
“It feels strange…”
“Well, it’s a strange memory, just adapt to it,” I reassured her. After all, even I felt a bit off during my first attempt.
“Oh~ it really is a strange memory, wow… you can ride a broom like this?”
“Just make sure you learn proper techniques; don’t do anything reckless, or you could get yourself hurt.” I kindly reminded her.
“Sure, sure, I will definitely be careful.” Hong Chanyi quickly nodded.
And I also let go of my hand and… pulled out three more.
“Eh? Sister Xiao Han, you actually have so many left! This time it’s all…”
“Not at all! They belong to Dongli Yiren and the others, one for each.” I quickly interrupted Hong Chanyi’s unrealistic thoughts, wanting all of them?
What a dreamer!
In dreams, there really is everything.
“Eh… okay, then Sister Xiao Han, what are the memories you’re giving to them?” Hong Chanyi still wouldn’t give up and asked.
“Not telling you! Did you forget what I just said? This is a memory blind box; let them choose themselves when the time comes! This task is up to you, Hong Chanyi.” I patted her shoulder.
“Guaranteed to complete the mission!”
“Ha ha, no need to be so serious. Alright, let’s leave it at that; I still need to rest up. Tomorrow is unlikely to have such good fortune as a bye.”
I stretched, planning to go upstairs, take a shower, and get a good night’s sleep. The effects of the potion have completely worn off, leaving only fatigue.
However, I recalled the knowledge in my head. As long as that knowledge doesn’t dissipate along with the potion effects, it should be fine.
So let’s leave it at that.
After showering, I lay on my bed, going over the rune-related knowledge in my head one last time before drifting off to sleep.
The next day.
Today’s morning will feature the most exciting combat competition, as after the morning contest, seven out of ten newcomers will have secured their spots.
And without a doubt, it’s already quite settled for Tan Han and me; this is undoubtedly the most uncontroversial matter.
Even now, my recognition of the contestants still lingers at the stage of their number badges.
Aside from Tan Han, the only other I recognize is Hong Chanyi’s ex-girlfriend, who hasn’t been eliminated yet, making me somewhat mournful for Hong Chanyi; I mean, why not just give up on whether to be best friends? At this point, wouldn’t it be better to just pursue?
In the academy, with her ex-girlfriend Shi Huiyu providing her protection in the dormitory, who would dare to touch her?
Isn’t that just winning at life?
Having a strong sister as a support and her girlfriend to protect her—seems perfect in life!
Honestly, I’m somewhat envious.
I moved around in the preparation area, eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches.
Unfortunately, I probably won’t run into Tan Han.
As the massive light screen above the arena confirmed the final matchups.
My gaze reflexively narrowed.
Of course, I wasn’t surprised that Tan Han was indeed on a bye; rather, my opponent was actually Shi Huiyu!
This truly… is fate! I hope she can secure one of the three spots in the top ten during the afternoon resurrection match…
I turned my gaze towards Shi Huiyu and met her gaze, smiling at her. She seemed still cold, but the astonishment in her expression was unmistakable.
“Let’s have a good match…” I said with a smile as I addressed her from the side of the arena.