Chapter 366: Satisfyingly safe substances

Chapter 366: Satisfyingly safe substances

After going through the poisoning attempts of a few more students, it was the empress's turn, and Sofia was not really looking forward to it.

"We meet again," the woman said, a polite smile on her face.

"Yes, how unexpected. Are you here to help with the poisoning? There are a lot of people waiting, as you can see," Sofia answered, trying not to sound too cold or frightened.

"Of course, yes. I am always willing to help a teacher. I just happened to hear about this stunt of yours while roaming the halls, and I have acquired quite a collection of exotic substances over the years. They hardly ever find a buyer, so this should be a golden opportunity to make some money back," the woman explained with a large smile as a row of small flasks appeared in front of her.

All loaded with magic.

The one on the far right has more mana than me, for fuck's sake!

"You should try the one on your left first and work your way up to the one on the right," Elizabeth explained. "Of course, these are all quite dangerous, but I assume you know what you're doing, do you not?" she asked with a suave voice.

Sofia pretended to laugh to defuse the tension a bit. Ahah, of course I do

Only because I have a rune prepared

I know soul-damaging poisons can be dangerous still, but I should be able to trust Mr. Scribe at least. I just have to identify all of these.

So, this first one...

[The wreckage]: A strong and very concentrated alcohol with a touch of magic. Legend says it was the ancestral treasure of the dwarves, who needed a way to get wasted on their ships without occupying half the cargo with barrels of beer, back when storage magic was yet to be discovered.

Safety ranking: Sufficiently safe.

Oh, so instead of item level and grade, I get safety rankings now? You've been taking a lot of liberties lately, Mr. Scribe, is that because I am no longer getting new skills and youre getting bored? Either way, I like it, thanks.

Sofia picked up [The wreckage], gave a last look to Elizabeth who was standing in front of her, smiling ear to ear, and gulped down the contents. It was like drinking pure alcohol and pretty disgusting.

Ugh so far so good Counter isn't moving though

It looks like this one was a failure Sofia told the woman.

Elizabeths smile did not falter. No worry, I'm sure the taste of such a delicate beverage was at least an invaluable experience. Please do try the next one, Teacher Vakaria.Witness the debut of this chapter, unveiled through Ñôv€l--B1n.

For the most part. The last two I have not touched. I suspect you will reach 100% with your quest or skill or whatever this is long before you get to these, however. But if you do not, the option is there, if you have the confidence to try them.

I see What level are you at, by the way? What you did during my first class was impressive.

I have yet to attempt the last two trials. As for the party trick, its barely worth mentioning. Just see it as a very advanced mana sight. My class deals with any and all things vision related. But are you not going to drink? This one is a personal concoction of mine, Elizabeth explained.

Sofia uncorked the flask and gave it a sniff; it smelled like rotten eggs and made her gag. I know it is not my place to give you advice, but you might want to stay away from Alchemy in the future Pinching her nose, Sofia emptied the contents of the flask in one big gulp. Her vision instantly started to sway, and she became nauseous, having to use the counter as support not to fall over.

Oh shit Its been a while since I last fell so sick.

Pareth stood up from his chair and walked over to pat Sofias back as she struggled to stay conscious. The effects lasted a few seconds before starting to fade. As the nausea disappeared and her vision calmed, her muscles started to cramp randomly, and Pareth had to support her to keep her stable.

It wont last long. Try to relax; that helps with the cramps, the Empress suggested while sipping on a glass of orange-colored drink through a thin tube of hollow wood.

Where did ugh. She even- argh- get that?

It took Sofia a good minute to recover, slumped on the counter. She felt it was worth the pain, though, as VPPV progressed quite a bit.

[Venerable physique of the primeval void] - Third step of the Light forging realm:

Third step: Your nerves and brain become light (59.8/100%).

Sofia had conflicting emotions as she looked up to see the Empress looking down at her while sipping on her cold drink with a snide smile.

Do you find this funny? Sofia asked, still weak from the poisoning.

I do, Elizabeth answered before taking another sip. I was very wary of you and your link to the big four at first, but it is refreshing to see that you arent someone I need to get rid of after all. And even if I did, I feel like just leaving you to your own business will have the same result, she added, looking at Sofia then at the row of flasks full of poison right next to her.

So you think Ill just die at some point in the near future is what you are getting at?

I dont know if I should be offended

Maybe not die, Elizabeth denied, but should one keep playing with fire, they will get burned.

Not to worry, Empress, I have been burned many times already. But look, Im still standing.

Sofia fought the lingering dizziness to regain her composure and grabbed the next flask of poison.