"Master, you are far too kind. May I ask what brings you here this time?" Leylo asked tentatively.
At the mention of business, Master Barnaby immediately grew animated. He leaned forward, his voice rising a pitch.
"Baron Leylo! That dragon scale you sent last time was simply inconceivable!" He waved his arms excitedly. "I've studied magical beast materials my entire life, and I've never seen a scale so peculiar! It actually contains pure physical defense and powerful magical energy simultaneously. Moreover, these two distinct forces achieve a perfect, unbelievable balance within the scale! It is truly a masterpiece of the Creator!"
Leylo felt a stir in his heart.
Master Barnaby continued with increasing fervor: "Baron, to be honest, I am currently researching a potion that can help a Tier 4 peak magical beast break through to Tier 5! This research has haunted me for decades. The key lies in how to balance the violent physical power and magical energy during the breakthrough. Those scales of yours have given me immense inspiration! They are the catalyst I have been searching for!"
His breathing quickened, his eyes burning as he looked at Leylo.
"Based on my analysis of the residual aura and trace elements on the scales, that silver dragon is highly unusual! Its lair—or rather, the place where you found those scales—must contain more valuable clues! There might even be more scales, or other secretions and shed materials!"
"So..." Barnaby rubbed his hands together. "Baron Leylo, I hope to conduct an on-site investigation of the place where you discovered the dragon scale. This is crucial to my breakthrough research! Of course, I won't ask for your help for nothing."
He reached into his spatial magic bag once more and produced a box, carefully sliding it toward Leylo.
"As a token of my gratitude, here are five vials of Great Knight Breakthrough Potion. If the Baron agrees to let me inspect that location, they are all yours!"
Great Knight Breakthrough Potion!
Leylo was genuinely surprised. For Blackstone Territory, which was in dire need of high-end combat power, these five vials were of extraordinary significance. And Master Barnaby's request was merely to visit that abandoned mine?
"If I take any items from there, I am willing to provide another batch of equivalent potions as additional compensation," Barnaby added.
Leylo kept his face impassive, but he was laughing inwardly. He had brought Moonlight back long ago; aside from a lingering dragon aura and some battle traces, it was impossible to find another dragon scale in that mine, let alone anything else of value.
Letting Master Barnaby investigate was zero risk and earned him five potions for free—it was a literal windfall.
"Your dedication to research is truly admirable, Master," Leylo said with a look of feigned respect. "It is but an abandoned mine. Since it serves your research, you are free to go. There's no need to speak of rewards; that would be too formal."
Though he said he didn't want the reward, his hand made no move to push the box back.
Barnaby was overjoyed by Leylo's prompt agreement. "The Baron is a man of high character! Rest assured, I am only conducting academic research. I will not cause any destruction, nor will I reveal the location of that site."
"I trust your integrity, Master." Leylo smiled and called out, "Bolin!"
"My Lord, I am here!" Bolin quickly ran in.
"Bolin, this is Master Barnaby, a renowned master of alchemy and potions. The Master wishes to conduct research at the abandoned mine where we were previously stationed. Lead the way, ensure the Master's safety, and fulfill his reasonable requests."
"Yes, My Lord!" Bolin looked at Barnaby curiously and bowed respectfully.
"I am in your debt," Barnaby nodded to Bolin, then turned back to Leylo to thank him once more.
Leylo stood to see him off. Watching Master Barnaby—full of anticipation and excitement—depart Blackrock Castle with Bolin amidst the low growls of his fierce Wyvern, the corners of Leylo's mouth curled into an arc. He hoped the master alchemist would find the "inspiration" he sought in that empty cave.
However, he needed to "fleece" Moonlight once more. When the Master returned, he might be able to trade for another batch of precious potions.
The Art of the Trade
The afternoon sun was just right, warm but not scorching. On the terrace, a ball of white fur was curled up on a specially prepared cushion, letting out soft snores. Leylo approached with quiet steps.
Moonlight seemed to sense something. Its ears twitched lazily, and its eyelids cracked open to reveal pale gold vertical pupils. It glanced at Leylo, then closed them again without interest, a low purr—like a satisfied cat—vibrating in its throat.
"Wake up, Moonlight." Leylo's voice was low.
The tip of Moonlight's tail stopped swaying, clearly annoyed that its nap was being disturbed. It rolled over and buried its head in its front paws, pretending not to hear. Leylo wasn't bothered; he knelt beside it, bringing his head level with the dragon's.
"I need a favor."
Moonlight remained still, letting out a louder purr. Leylo patted its furry paw. "I need some of your scales."
Moonlight finally reacted. It snapped its head up, pale gold eyes glaring at Leylo with intense wariness, as if asking: What are you up to now? It even opened its mouth slightly, revealing tiny, snow-white fangs in a silent protest.
"Relax, I'm not asking for free." Leylo knew the right way to handle Moonlight. "That master alchemist I mentioned before is very interested in your scales and is willing to trade good things for them."
Moonlight tilted its head, seemingly weighing the value of "good things." After a moment, it flopped back down lazily and brushed its tail against Leylo's leg, looking entirely uninterested. It wasn't interested in anything an alchemist could offer—only in what the cook provided.
This stubborn attitude was exactly what Leylo had expected. He stood up and clapped his hands unhurriedly. The crisp sound echoed across the terrace.
Soon, the side door opened, and Marlene the cook emerged carrying a silver platter as large as a bathtub. Piled high on the platter were golden roasted geese, freshly out of the oven, sizzling with oil and bursting with aroma!
The rich scent of meat and spices instantly filled the terrace. Moonlight, who had been playing dead, twitched its nose violently, its eyes snapping wide open. It "sprang" from the cushion, all laziness gone.
Moonlight landed gracefully on the marble tabletop in the center of the terrace, its eyes locked onto the mountain of roasted geese.
"Want some?" Leylo walked slowly to the table, one hand pressing down on Moonlight's large head as the dragon prepared to pounce.
Moonlight whimpered, nuzzling its head hard against Leylo's palm to move it, its gaze never leaving the succulent feast for a second.
"Old rules: an exchange."
Moonlight paused, looking up with a gaze full of accusation and reluctance. It looked at the geese, then at Leylo, seemingly locked in a fierce mental struggle.
"A fair trade," Leylo emphasized. "A few of your old, shed scales for this massive platter of delicious roasted goose. It's a bargain."
Moonlight's front paws scratched irritably at the smooth tabletop.