"Many of my fellow clansmen were tragically killed in front of my eyes, and many others suffered humiliation."
When Chatiya spoke of this, her eyes were filled with fear, hatred, and a sense of helpless guilt.
"I was supposed to face a similar fate, but someone stopped it."
"At the time, I didn’t understand, but after I learned the Sivir Language, I understood. They said I was beautiful and keeping me intact could fetch a higher price. So, the clansman beside me was dragged out and humiliated. Even so, she never revealed my identity and kept it a secret." Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝓷𝓮𝓽
"After arriving on this plane, I was kept in a cage, surrounded by darkness most of the time. When I next stepped out of the cage, it was for that day’s auction, and then I was bought back by the adult."
After speaking, Chatiya had become a small, pitiful figure sobbing with tears.
Herag patted her head, unable to do anything more.
The invasion of the Elf Plane by the Wizard Plane is essentially no different from the colonial invasions of the New Continent, inevitably filled with bloodshed and darkness, showing the ugliness of human nature.
Herag might one day play the role of this invader, so he had no words to comfort Chatiya.
At the same time, Herag couldn’t help but think, "Wizards are the invaders now, but who knows, one day, they might become the invaded."
This is something entirely possible; there are many planes more powerful than the Wizard World.
Herag felt a myriad of thoughts in his mind, leading to an even greater longing for strength.
"Stop crying. Focus on studying Herbalism and Magic Potion during this time. If you learn it sooner, you can help me too." Herag said.
Chatiya nodded, wiping away her tears, and placed a thick book on her lap, opening it to read, occasionally sobbing.
During this time, Chatiya had learned the basics of Magic Potion and began assisting Herag in Magic Potion Refining, handling some insignificant tasks.
For example, she could take care of some simple Magic Potion processing and potion preparation, allowing Herag to focus on the most crucial parts.
The Elven Race’s talents are indeed high, and their strong affinity with plants is evident in Magic Potion Refining.
Chatiya handled various plant-based Magic Potion materials smoothly, encountering hardly any difficulties.
"Don’t your elves refine Magic Potions?" Herag asked.
Chatiya thought for a moment and said, "The elders can, but it’s not as refined as yours. They use simple herbs to create them, and the effects are quite good."
A new batch of orders also came in during this time, which required urgent completion.
Herag, after only a few days of rest, plunged back into work, calling upon Chatiya to help refine Magic Potions.
With Chatiya’s help, the progress was indeed faster and much easier.
Herag no longer needed to juggle multiple tasks, reducing the strain on his energy.
Chatiya worked diligently and carefully enough that after familiarizing herself for a few days, Herag felt confident entrusting some tasks to her.
Herag packed the refined Magic Potions into a basket and headed to Blake’s garden.
"Mr. Blake, this batch of Magic Potions is complete." Herag placed the basket on the ground.
Blake opened the door and came out, his face showing some fatigue, nodding, "Well done."
"Have you found out who did it?"
A batch of Magic Potions had been intercepted recently, leading to these orders.
Blake shook his head, then gritted his teeth, saying, "I don’t know, but sometimes, it’s not about finding out who did it but knowing who would do such things."
"Our Cheqi Family controls seven Magic Potion Garden bases in total, and we’ve long monopolized the source of Magic Potion Materials. The pricing for these materials and potions is practically set by us, which has unsettled some."
"On the surface, everyone is polite and cordial, but inwardly, they wish each other would die sooner. These incidents are likely the handiwork of those Wizard Families."
"Be careful and avoid leaving Black Rock Valley recklessly. I suspect their next step might involve targeting our alchemists."
So far, the other side has only stolen their finished Magic Potions, which is considered minor.
If they continue to act, the future maneuvers surely won’t be this simple.
The Magic Potion Gardens or alchemists could become targets. The Black Rock Valley has the protection of a Level 2 Witch Array, so it’s relatively safe.
But other Magic Potion Gardens don’t have Witch Array protection. Black Rock Valley is the largest and most important Magic Potion Garden base, hence the Witch Array protection.
If they target other Magic Potion Gardens, the Cheqi Family will suffer considerable losses.
After all, they are just a Pure-blood Wizard Family with limited manpower, and when distributed, not many people are left for each Magic Potion Garden.
The defense force at Black Rock Valley is minimal, with only Herag and Blake as stationed Official Wizards, and Herag isn’t considered a combatant.
If conflicts continue, it’s very likely that battles will occur, though this isn’t something Herag needs to worry about.
Herag’s position in the Cheqi Family is an alchemist, and having just been promoted to Official Wizard, the Cheqi Family wouldn’t involve him in battles.
Herag asked, "Can’t we retaliate?"
"There’s no way. Without evidence, how can you unjustly accuse others? We also can’t pinpoint which family did it. Acting rashly would only worsen the situation." Blake explained.
The biggest issue now is that while suspicious targets have been identified, it’s impossible to ascertain which family is responsible, forcing the Cheqi Family to quietly endure the loss.
Herag felt this matter wasn’t that straightforward, and it wouldn’t end anytime soon.
Even within Black Rock Valley, Herag knew he needed to remain vigilant and couldn’t feel complacently secure just because of the Level 2 Witch Array.
Herag received news that one of the Magic Potion Gardens had been attacked.
The assailants came and went quickly, throwing a few spells into the garden before fleeing, leaving no time for the garden’s people to capture them.
This loss, though not significant overall, greatly vexed the Cheqi Family.
Blake summoned Herag, his expression heavy as he said, "I’ll be away for some time, and anyone who dares to come won’t be allowed to leave. I can’t go into details, but just stay in Black Rock Valley and don’t go out unnecessarily. During this time, Black Rock Valley will be on lockdown, with no one allowed in or out."
After speaking, Blake left Black Rock Valley, leaving Herag in charge.
Since Herag hadn’t signed a contract with the Cheqi Family, many confidential matters couldn’t be shared with him.
Blake’s departure clearly indicated that the Cheqi Family had formed a plan, making it more difficult for those attempting sabotage to succeed, at least requiring them to pay a price.