Defiance of the Fall

It was impossible not to have heard of Zenith Elixir during the gathering. Truga Ur himself mentioned it in passing. It was Black Zenith's most famous product, and having a monopoly on its concoction was an important reason for Truga's unshakeable position. There were multiple stronger Monarchs in the region, but no one wanted to harm the goose who laid the golden egg.

"Unfortunately, young master should've heard that the purification takes a significant amount of time. Every day, a single drop is added to the stockpile, and there are many who clamor for the Zenith Elixir," Truga continued, looking forlorn. "At most, I can gift young master one vat."

"One vat," Zac slowly said. "I'm afraid that's not enough. I was thinking ten."

"Ten?!" Truga Ur yelped, looking like Zac had asked him for his heart. "Impossible! That's millennia of accumulation! I might barely be able to scrape two vats together by calling in a few favors."

'This old man has eight vats stockpiled in the basement. Maybe I should steal the other six to teach him a lesson,' Esmeralda said, looking ready to sneak out of her shrine again.

Half a day had passed since they entered Black Zenith, which had given Esmeralda enough time to perform a series of experiments. She could freely interact with the environment now that Zac provided passage. Zac had also gained newfound admiration for the toad's methods. She'd come and gone right under the nose of the guests, even explored the mayor's mansion without triggering any alarms.

'There's no need. I know a way to make this old scammer open his wallet.'

Instead of throwing out a counteroffer, Zac silently placed a bottle of pills on the table. Truga looked at the bottle with confusion before his eyes widened with genuine shock. Soon, he couldn't help himself. He picked up the bottle and gingerly poured one pill into his palm, acting like the common Healing Pill was a priceless treasure.

"There's not a speck of Earthly Taint!"