Learning from his experience, Siderius understood the formula even better. Its toxicity was because of the poor dissolvement of Phosphorus.
He had only focused on balancing the elements that he completely forgot about the Binding Agent. Its anti-demonic property was superb but in contrast, it had the most toxin in all of the ingredients.
The best way to lower the toxicity was simply lower the Phosphorus quantity. Cindrox had a huge amount of Phosphorus because the Embercoal Plant needed to be directed properly.
Embercoal had lower Fire concentrate than Firevein. Its Fire element needed Phosphorus to strike at the bacteria and disease, guaranteeing the Tonic effectiveness.
But this didn’t apply to Firevein. Its high concentration was enough to be effective and only a moderate amount of Phosphorus was sufficient.
In conclusion, the Phosphorus quantity could be lowered without sacrificing the potency of Blightburn.
With this adjustment, Rockslit Clover should also have a much better chance of surviving the mixing process. So instead of using the unprocessed body of Rockslit Clover, Siderius could use sliced pieces of its body, ensuring an easier and quicker fusion. Original content can be found at n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
The alcohol could also be improved as well by replacing it with actual Rum. Siderius couldn’t do that at the moment so he didn’t bother to improve the Base.
Siderius made another bottle of Arvenox Tonic.
He sealed the new and improved Arvenox Tonic inside a glass bottle for better preservation.
Experimenting and meditating had cost Siderius’ entire day. The time of which he was most vulnerable and useless. Dusk had just passed and it was time for him to move.
Siderius left his hideout and went to Ashe’s house once more. The sooner they saved Carsten, the better.
He didn’t do this out of the kindness of his heart. Carsten was a valuable connection between Siderius and Nadia. Saving him could yield significant benefits in the future. Sulfur and Salt were all acquired from the mining camp.
Even if Siderius couldn’t save him, his attempt in the eyes of the miner would also be seen. They would trust him more and might keep his access to Rock Salt and other material available.
Everything was calculated. Human lives were simply trade-offs in Siderius’ mind.
It was his actual self and how he operated all this time. He wasn’t ashamed of it either. He was ruthless but honest to himself. Unlike the deceitful witches.
Billy was still guarding outside Ashe’s house. He bowed down to Siderius when he appeared.
Siderius nodded then continued inside.
Ashe was sitting on the chair, holding some piece of clothing.
"Master?" Ashe put everything down to greet Siderius.
"I have the cure. It’s time to go."
Ashe’s eyes perked up with hope and joy filled her smile. "I understand, Master. However, before we go, please allow me to give you something."
"Yes, what is it?" Siderius said.
Ashe picked up the piece of clothing that she was holding before. It was a complete black scarf with very intricate seam and stitchwork.
"I saw you keep wearing the blue scarf that I made. That scarf isn’t finished and its color really doesn’t fit your black attire. So..."
Ashe was blushing a bit and held out the scarf with her hand.
"Thank you, Ashe." Siderius took the scarf gently and with respect. He knew she had good intentions. After all, she used her precious time. Instead of elevating her soul, she chose to make something for him.
It was a rare occurrence for Siderius to call Ashe by her name. This made Ashe even more embarrassed. A gleeful embarrassment. Her fingers swirled around each other.
"I’m glad that you like it, Master." Ashe said.
Siderius took off the half-scarf and put on the new black scarf. The new scarf was longer so after wrapping around his neck, its long tail rested peacefully on his chest.
He didn’t let the tail rest on his back as it could become a weakness in combat. But it wouldn’t have the same disadvantage if it was on the chest.
The white hair, full black eyes combined with the black scarf and black uniform made Siderius look deliciously dangerous.
He was a hunter in the knight. A shadow predator of the woods
"You look so good, Master."
Siderius caught Ashe’s gaze which caused her to look away. She knew she had said something improper.
"Did Kraus report anything significant?" Siderius said.
"Yes, master! Kraus reported that there is a new bounty of you. Alive only, five gold coins."
"Five thousand bronze coins... Any commoner would kill their own loved ones for that amount of money."
Luckily, Kraus had never seen Siderius’ face so it wasn’t a problem. He even hid his recognizable hair whenever they met each other. If Kraus knew he was Snow, Siderius bet that the thug wouldn’t hesitate in betraying him.
"Is that everything?"
"That’s all the news of yesterday, Master. Usually Kraus will report at midnight so he hasn’t come yet." Ashe said.
"Summon Kraus and Geolark. I want to know what happened today."
"I’m on it, Master." Ashe left the house.
Siderius sat at the table, tapping his finger on its wooden surface. Lyara did have a different attitude the last time they had met. It seemed that she no longer wished to let Siderius run free.
After his prison break, the bounty should have been up immediately. But it didn’t.
The reason for this was definitely not because of the poor decoy Sidedius had made.
He had left a dead guard took his place and wore his clothes. That should be exposed once anyone had a closer look.
So there must be another reason. The only one who could influence the bailiff that much was Lyara. Thane was rich, sure, but he was far away from being capable of doing such a thing.
If it was related to the witch, Siderius’ best course of action was to be careful. He knew he couldn’t take Lyara head on just yet.
Ashe returned shortly with the three recruits.
The three former thugs dropped down on their knees.
"Lord Watcher!" They spoke in unison.
Siderius nodded. "Tell me what happened today in Mucktown."
To hide his intentions, Siderius let the three say everything they had secretly collected. Most were trivial information and some were actually important.
"Then this afternoon, the servants of the High Lady began to search every house in Mucktown." Kraus said.
"Servants?" Siderius said.
"Yes, Lord Watcher. They are personal bodyguards of the High Lady Starcrow. I heard that she voluntarily lent them to the town to help catch the murderer."
The three finished reporting and left the house, leaving only Ashe and Siderius.
"Is everything alright, Master?" Ashe asked in a worried tone.
"No, my apprentice. It seems that saving Carsten may be a little bit difficult."
Siderius rested his chin on his hand. He frowned deeply.