God's Tree-Chapter 55: Elixirs and Bandits

Kaelred raised an eyebrow. "Elixirs, huh? You’ve been talking about alchemy for weeks, but I’ve never actually seen you make one."

Argolaith smirked. "Then consider yourself lucky. You’re about to witness a master at work."

Kaelred rolled his eyes. "Oh, this should be good."

Argolaith retrieved his small, rune-etched cauldron from his storage ring, setting it on a flat stone in the center of the clearing.

He gathered a few key ingredients: the magical herbs they had collected earlier, a chunk of the primordial beast’s heart, and a few vials of purified water.

He began by grinding a handful of Sagefern leaves into a fine paste using a mortar and pestle.

The fragrant aroma of the herb filled the air, and he carefully scooped the paste into the cauldron.

"First up, Sagefern," Argolaith explained. "It’s a powerful healing herb, good for sealing wounds and promoting tissue regeneration."

Kaelred nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Sounds useful."

Next, Argolaith added a pinch of Flamevine leaves, their vibrant red veins shimmering as they dissolved into the mixture. "Flamevine," he continued. "This boosts circulation and increases body heat. It’s especially useful in cold environments like this."

He poured a few drops of purified water into the cauldron, then held his hand over the surface, focusing his intent.

The runes on the cauldron’s surface glowed faintly, reacting to his touch as the ingredients began to blend together.

"Now, the most important part," Argolaith said, carefully adding a thin slice of the primordial beast’s heart.

The mixture hissed and bubbled, releasing a wave of energy that pulsed outward.

Kaelred stepped back, eyes widening. "What the hell was that?"

Argolaith grinned. "That’s the beast’s essence binding with the elixir. It’s what gives this potion its potency. This will be our ’Stamina Elixir’—it’ll restore energy, promote muscle recovery, and give us the strength to keep going, even when we’re on the brink of collapsing."

He carefully stirred the mixture, watching as the liquid darkened to a rich, golden hue. After a few minutes, he poured the elixir into two glass vials, sealing them with wax.

Argolaith handed one to Kaelred. "Drink up."

Kaelred examined the vial, turning it in his hand. "You’re sure this won’t kill me?"

Argolaith laughed. "I’d say the odds are in your favor."

Kaelred snorted and uncorked the vial. He hesitated for a moment, then downed the elixir in one gulp.

His eyes widened as a rush of warmth spread through his body, banishing his fatigue and easing the soreness in his muscles.

"Whoa," he breathed. "That’s… incredible. I feel like I just slept for a week."

Argolaith drank his own elixir, feeling the familiar surge of energy course through him. His limbs felt lighter, his mind sharper.

"Told you. Alchemy is more than just mixing herbs—it’s about harnessing the power of nature and turning it into something greater."

Kaelred nodded, a newfound respect in his eyes. "I can see why you’re so interested in it. This could make a huge difference in a fight."

Argolaith began preparing a second elixir, this time using a combination of Duskroot and Moonshade petals.

"This one’s different. It’s a ’Clarity Elixir’—designed to heighten awareness, sharpen reflexes, and enhance focus."

Kaelred frowned. "Sounds like it’d be good for scouting."

"Exactly," Argolaith said, carefully pouring the mixture into a small flask. "If we encounter any more threats like that primordial beast, this could give us the edge we need to stay ahead of them."

As they finished their alchemical preparations, Kaelred glanced toward the edge of the clearing. "So, what’s the plan now? We’ve got supplies, elixirs, and a clear path ahead."

Argolaith capped the final vial and tucked it into his storage ring. "We keep moving. The deeper we go, the closer we’ll get to the Five Trees. The lich is still watching, and I’d rather stay one step ahead of him."

Kaelred nodded. "Then let’s pack up and get moving. The longer we stay in one place, the easier we are to track."

They quickly gathered their gear and doused the fire, erasing any signs of their presence in the clearing.

As they stepped back into the forest, a cool breeze swept through the trees, carrying with it the faint whisper of unseen eyes.

The day passed in a blur of movement. Argolaith and Kaelred navigated the dense underbrush, using their heightened senses to spot clusters of magical herbs and navigate around dangerous creatures.

At midday, they stopped to prepare a quick meal using the meat from the primordial beast and a few of the herbs they had collected.

Argolaith seared thick slices of the meat over a small fire, seasoning it with Moonshade petals for a delicate, smoky flavor.

Kaelred prepared a side dish of Mana sprouts sautéed in Troll fat, the vibrant blue sprouts crackling with residual energy as they cooked.

As they ate, the energy from the meal invigorated them, restoring their stamina and sharpening their focus.

"This is probably the best meal I’ve had since we left the mountain," Kaelred said, savoring the rich flavors.

Argolaith chuckled. "Good food, good elixirs, and good company. We’re well-equipped for whatever comes next."

Kaelred’s expression grew serious. "I hope you’re right. The deeper we go, the more dangerous it’s going to get. That lich isn’t the only thing out here."

Argolaith nodded, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Then let’s make sure we’re ready for anything."

They finished their meal, packed up their supplies, and pressed on, their determination unshaken.

The shadows of the forest seemed to part before them, as if recognizing the strength of their resolve.

Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.

Weeks passed as Argolaith and Kaelred pressed deeper into the Forsaken Forest, the oppressive wilderness stretching endlessly around them.

Their journey had been marked by constant battles—against both the elements and the creatures lurking in the darkness.

The lich remained a shadow at their backs, never attacking, but never far behind.

His presence was a silent reminder that their progress was being observed, tested, and perhaps even judged.

They had grown stronger in those weeks, refining their swordplay, perfecting their teamwork, and incorporating Argolaith’s alchemical elixirs into their strategy.

The Clarity Elixir had saved them more than once, heightening their senses against ambushes.

The Stamina Elixir allowed them to push past the limits of exhaustion.

Still, the forest did not let them rest. It was midday when the attack came.

The air had grown humid, the dense mist hanging thick in the underbrush. Argolaith and Kaelred moved cautiously, their hands resting near their weapons. The forest was too quiet.

That was when the first arrow struck.

It whistled through the trees before slamming into the bark just inches from Kaelred’s head.

"AMBUSH!" Argolaith shouted, drawing his sword.

Figures burst from the undergrowth, clad in tattered armor and wielding jagged weapons.

Their eyes gleamed with a cruel hunger, their movements fluid with the confidence of killers.

Bandits, But not ordinary ones.

A crackling arc of lightning surged through the air, barely missing Argolaith as one of the bandits raised a hand wreathed in raw energy.

Another lifted a staff, conjuring blazing spears of fire that hovered ominously.

"They have magic," Kaelred growled, already moving.

Argolaith had no time to respond before the first bandit lunged. The battle erupted in a violent clash of steel and sorcery.

Kaelred met the charge of a brutish warrior, their swords colliding with a deafening clang.

Sparks flew as Kaelred pivoted, dodging a wild overhead strike before countering with a swift thrust to the ribs.

His opponent stumbled, blood spraying across the leaves, but another bandit was already upon him.

Argolaith ducked as a fire spear seared past his face, the heat singing his cloak. He rolled forward, coming up beneath the mage’s extended arm and driving his sword into his gut.

The bandit gasped, but before Argolaith could finish him, a second attacker slammed into him from behind, knocking him off balance.

The leader of the bandits stepped forward, his robe billowing with power. Unlike the others, he did not rush in. Instead, he raised his hands, fingers twisting in an intricate pattern.

The ground beneath Argolaith and Kaelred trembled.

Vines, pulsing with dark energy, erupted from the earth, coiling like snakes. They lashed at their legs, seeking to ensnare them.

"Damn mages," Kaelred hissed, slicing at the vines.

Argolaith barely managed to slash free of his own bindings before a hammer of raw force slammed into his chest, sending him crashing into a tree.

Pain exploded in his ribs, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself up.

The mage leader smirked, his eyes glowing.

"You fight well for ones without magic," he sneered. "But skill will only take you so far."

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Kaelred spit blood onto the ground. "Yeah? Come test that theory."

The bandit leader didn’t take the bait. Instead, he raised his hands again, summoning a spear of crackling lightning that hummed with deadly energy.

Argolaith and Kaelred barely had time to react before he hurled it forward.

The lightning spear streaked through the air, aimed directly at Argolaith’s heart.

But it never reached him.

At the last moment, a surge of violet energy intercepted the attack, the lightning dissipating in an instant.

The bandit leader staggered back in shock, his eyes darting toward the new presence.