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Pushing open the door, a melodic chime rang out as Alice and Ria stepped through.

Inside, the apothecary was a large open space separated in the middle by a worn counter. The counter showcased an array of delicate glass vials containing a myriad of blood and tinctures. Each bottle was hand-labeled, detailing the effects, side effects as well as the price of the vial.

Behind the counter, countless herbs, flowers, and fungi were displayed for the visitors to see. Immediately, Alice recognized some of the herbs used, often paired with the blood that the Zenia's would feed her. A selection of poisons and medicines aimed to make a vial of blood more effective or flip the effects to make it extra harmful.

Closing her eyes, Alice could distinctly recognize the different scents blended into the aromatic smell that filled the store.

'Most of these can be turned into powders that enhance the blood's effect and counter the side effects of healing blood. Seems like the owner has chosen to focus on healing and supporting type Abyss Bloods rather than the offensive types.'

Soft light from the street filtered through the large curtains, casting a mellow glow into the store as though it were daylight, illuminating the treasures of this apothecary.

Alice and Ria weren't the only ones inside this store, as a variety of customers explored the narrow aisles, seeking the right blood for their next hunt or simply exploring the options the store had to offer.

The air hummed with hushed tones and whispers as customers conversed.

Standing behind the polished counter filled with precious Abyss Blood, a man of quiet wisdom and a gentle demeanour welcomed them. He wore a crisp white long-sleeved shirt neatly tucked into his suit pants, complemented by a sleeveless vest marked by intricate floral swirls. His black wavy hair framed a pair of round glasses, hiding a set of kind yet tired grey eyes.

Despite the tiredness that lingered in his gaze, there was an undeniable depth of knowledge etched within. A bounty of wisdom.

"Ah… Unfamiliar faces. Welcome to my apothecary. What kind of blood are you looking for today?" He asked with a smile. His voice was a low, melodic rumble that carried authority within the establishment, each word comforting yet powerful.

"We're looking for some healing blood. We're trying to vary the ones we choose so the side effects don't stack up." Ria took the initiative as the man nodded and reached behind the counter.

Even in the simple gesture of reaching for a catalogue, he was measured and deliberate, emphasizing the professionalism he took in his work. There was not a single movement done without purpose.

In one swift motion, he retrieved a weighty catalogue from the counter. Its cover was worn from years of use. As he held the catalogue, his fingers moved with seasoned familiarity across the pages before stopping near the end.

"I believe these should fit the requirements. These are a little harder to procure than the rest, and not many apothecaries would have them in stock. Their price is a little on the high end when you take into account their potency. But if you are seeking rare healing blood to avoid side effects, these are the perfect candidates."

Placing the catalogue on the counter, he turned it upside down so that Alice and Ria could read the contents themselves.

Without even seeing the effects, Ria's gaze was focused on the price and felt a dagger pierce her heart. When they were buying Black Blaze Blood back in Zadash, it had only cost 5 gold per vial, high for the standard citizen but affordable for Hunters.

Yet here, the cheapest vial of rare healing blood costs an astounding 20 gold per vial. Essentially, half a month's worth of earnings for the common family for ONE VIAL.

It would take most of their current funds to just buy one healing vial, never mind restocking their pouches completely.

Seeing the smile on Ria's face twitch, the man understood that this must be above their current funds. However, there was nothing he could do about it. Due to the difficulty of obtaining these healing bloods, the price was set in proportion to the dangers.

"We have some variants that are less costly but carry a little more danger in the side effects. It simply means you cannot take them often unless you do not mind transforming a little." He interjected and flicked the pages a little, showing a new selection of blood that cost 3 gold per vial.

Despite being much cheaper, the trade-off was that they were all essentially one-time-use vials.

"Is it common for apothecaries to have such a large selection? Some of these are rather rare." Alice asked curiously while scanning her eyes over the names of these vials.

'Moonshade Lotus blood. A potent healing blood that can heal a variety of injuries. Side effects include making you extremely delectable for beasts and practically a come-eat-me sign for them.'

She had personally felt the regenerative ability of this blood and found it to be one of the least painful variants of plant-based healing bloods.

"We pride ourselves in our supply of supportive and healing-type bloods while most apothecaries are focused on offensive types. It will be hard to find a better apothecary that offers more healing blood nearby."

"I see…" Nodding her head, Alice looked over the selection with Ria, and eventually, they chose to buy 4 vials of Frostshroud Willow Blood with the side effects of decreasing body temperature, causing you to possibly fall into a short hibernation.

However, if you consume more than four vials in your lifetime, your blood will begin to freeze from within. If you continue to drink, the blood will eventually burst from your body and solidify into the shape of willow leaves. Hence the name Frostshroud Willow.

"Thank you for your purchase. Is there anything else I can help you with?" He asked while placing the catalogue back where he got it from.

"Actually, yes there is. Is there a way for me to tell if a vial of Abyss Blood has, let's say… expired?" Alice asked curiously as the man tilted his head at her question for a moment before nodding his head.

"Generally, it depends on the way the blood is stored. Most vials used to store Abyss Blood that is sold can keep blood 'fresh' so long as it is not opened. Naturally, external factors can still affect the potency and side effects of said blood, such as heat. But there is a trick to determine how much… Potency is left in said blood."

The man explained before retrieving a small sample of blood from the back.

"Of course, to use this method means you'll have to open the vial. If you get a small sample of the blood you wish to use, you should smear the sample over your Sigil mark then partially activate your Sigil so that the mark appears. Once you do so, the blood should begin to boil immediately, even if your Sigil ability is based on Ice. If it does not boil, it has lost its potency.

If it only bubbles rather than boils, then it'll do more harm than good on your body."

Rolling up his sleeve, he drew a line of blood above his forearm before activating his Sigil, and a mark appeared. Immediately, the line of blood started to boil before disappearing.

"This is a sign of blood that can still be used. I don't have any bad samples on hand, but remember, if there are any traces of the blood left after you activate your mark, you probably shouldn't drink that blood."

He explained, showing Alice his arm that didn't have a single trace of the blood, as it had boiled completely.

"Hou~ I didn't think there was a method like this." Alice remarked in surprise, as she didn't think something like this existed.

"It's not surprising that not many would know. Since most would usually drink the blood pretty quickly for their Hunt."

"Thank you for the tip." Alice smiled, bidding farewell to the owner and leaving the store with Ria.

"Are you wondering if the blood you got from last time is still usable?" Ria whispered curiously since she knew Alice could 'borrow' the power of Sigils from others.

"Mnm. It's been several weeks since then. The longer it goes on, the less inclined I am to use it since it could give the enemy a chance to attack while I drink. And if it doesn't give me power, then well… I die." Alice shrugged.

She wasn't able to use a proper extraction kit when obtaining this blood, so it was clear that it wasn't going to be pure. However, she wasn't bothered about the side effects. All she wanted to know was if she could still gain the power belonging to the man she killed.

Taking the vial of blood from her pouch, she smeared a line on her arm before activating her first Sigil.

Little by little, the blood started to bubble but was unable to boil and eventually, left stains on her arm.

"Seems like the effectiveness of this vial is practically gone." Alice sighed heavily.

'It didn't even bubble a lot either...' She thought to herself.

"Well, I'm sure we can find some better blood for you to drink later." Ria comforted.

"Either way, let's make our way to the Hunter's Guild. After buying those four vials, I only have 19 gold left. We can also ask the Underground to see if there are any rumours for beasts that you're looking for."

Nodding her head, Alice put the vial away into her pouch for now. She was going to dispose of the blood at a later date since she couldn't just pour it out onto the road.