Chapter 8 The Dark Magic of Professor Elbert
"Hmm... this is a very dangerous mission," said Professor Elbert, sipping his favorite century-old wine while scrutinizing Rinoa's proposal. He claimed that just a drop could put a mammoth to sleep, considering that these ancient, large, and powerful creatures were once dominant in their ecosystems.
"I hope Rinoa will fulfill my desire to study Dark Magic, a mysterious and intricate art that has become a hot topic among wizards," he said.
After finishing every last drop, he tossed the bottle towards Lenz.
"Bring me another one," he said.
Lenz swiftly caught it. "Master, please don't throw this bottle carelessly; although it may look ordinary, it is made from the highly rare skin of an ice dragon, a species that has become increasingly elusive in the wild. Its rarity has become a topic of concern, as we don't even know if this species is extinct or not," Lenz stated, carefully wiping the bottle in reverence.
"Hahahaha... I am merely an enthusiast, not the maker. However, diving into the uniqueness of each concoction is an invaluable experience," Elbert added, his voice hoarse and warm, filled with excitement shining from his bright eyes. He explained in a subtle tone, "If everyone agrees to Rinoa's proposal, we might witness rare supernatural creatures that only appear in gamma locations like this, places that defy the known laws of nature and magic."
Lenz seemed to ignore Elbert's last words, becoming absorbed in his own ramblings, like a child captivated by an infinite imaginary world. His voice flowed with enthusiasm, disregarding the tremor in Elbert's, which conveyed knowledge about mysterious supernatural beings, highlighting the difference in their perspectives.
"As a true connoisseur, you must master the art of making Rosetta wine, crafted from the unique rosberry fruit that radiates beauty akin to that of a rose. Despite its poisonous nature, the taste of this wine is incredibly enticing, and its availability is scarce, flourishing only in the misty highlands of Skypia. The bottle is made from the skin of an ice dragon, which perfectly stabilizes the temperature and preserves the quality of the wine, making each drop seem as if it tells a story. The finishing touch of a hint of snow flower extract adds a special magical nuance; only the Smith family, renowned wine experts, possess the skill and privilege to produce this extraordinary wine," Lenz proclaimed proudly. However, Elbert appeared not to pay attention to him.
"Alright... alright... could you bring it again?" Elbert asked, his voice faltering and sounding heavy.