Chapter 215 - 215: Alchemist Irona, Unknown Guest
Deep within an underground cavity, several kilometers beneath the surface, scorching magma filled the space, reigning supreme with its overwhelming high temperature.
In such an environment, no living beings could survive here.
However…
At the center of the magma-filled cavity, a colossal body coiled, resembling a mountain in size.
Antler-like crystal spikes emitted a radiance that even the magma could not conceal.
Six wings enveloped the body, their edges sharp as they showcased the formidable power of their owner.
Beneath the glass-like crystal scales, veins akin to tree leaves spread throughout, connecting and converging at the massive heart, pumping blood to every part of the body with each rhythmic beat.
It was evident that this enigmatic creature was in a state of hibernation or deep slumber.
Suddenly, in accordance with a certain rhythm, the heart, which had been beating steadily, leaped with a surge of energy. The powerful beats transmitted tremendous energy, propelling it through the magma within the vast cavity and bursting into countless streams of upward magma flow.
Crown of the Ocean.
Lord Manor.
“Did the tremors last night cause any collapses in the underground lizardman kingdom and kobold caves?”
“Report, my lord, we haven’t received any reports yet, but 1 have ordered them to intensify their investigation.”
Upon hearing Wiius’ report, Ji Chen nodded.
Last night, while everyone was fast asleep, the tremors that had occurred on the mountain peak resurfaced once again.
However, just like the previous time, after one tremor, everything fell silent.
Therefore, suspecting that the previous tremor was not a coincidence, Ji Chen immediately dispatched troops to the underground lizardman kingdom to see if there were any issues there.
According to the information received, the lizardmen had also sensed the tremors but hadn’t discovered anything abnormal.
However, if there was any slight abnormality, it was in the increased activity of the magma river flowing underground.
Ji Chen was puzzled by this situation.
Helplessly, he had the lizardmen stationed by the magma river, closely monitoring for any anomalies that might indicate a volcanic eruption.
During the recent days of conquering the lizardman kingdom, Ji Chen had come to know that the four major lizardman kingdoms were situated beneath the entirety of the New Moon Islands, with a portion below the islands themselves and another part lying beneath the ocean floor.
Considering the widespread magma rivers underground, it was safe to say that most of the New Moon Islands had been formed due to volcanic eruptions.
If left unchecked, a volcanic eruption could bring devastating consequences. Not only would the underground lizardmen face instant peril, but the very existence of the New Moon Islands would be at risk of annihilation.
All Ji Chen could do for now was to be vigilant. After all, facing a disaster like a volcanic eruption, there was nothing human power could do except escape.
However, according to the thousands of years of history the lizardmen possessed, this volcano had already entered a dormant state. As long as there were no external forces, it was unlikely to erupt on its own.
Thinking of this, Ji Chen seemed to recall something and asked, “How is Irona’s progress now?”
“She has joined us. Irona’s alchemy skills are the most formidable I’ve ever seen, well, the most formidable for a half-orc. The healing potions she prepares can greatly accelerate the healing process of injuries.”
“The reason why the injured half-orcs can recover so quickly is largely due to her potions.”
Wiius’ face showed some admiration as he continued, “Besides healing potions, Irona also prepares various other potions like the Rage Potion, Breathing Potion, Blindness Potion, and dozens more. As long as she has enough materials, she can continuously produce all kinds of potions.”
“My lord, where did you find her? It’s like finding a treasure!”
Ji Chen smiled and replied, “Believe it or not, I met her on the way back.”
Indeed, Irona was not a combat-type hero but rather the first “technical” talent in Crown of the Ocean, a master alchemist skilled in concocting various potions.
[Irona (Hero)]
[Race]: Half-Orc
[Secondary Profession): Master Alchemist
[Level]: 20
[Current Tier]: Purple (Rare Tier)
[Potential]: Purple (Rare Tier)
[Skills]: Potion Mixing (Purple Skill, able to concoct various potions)
Material Identification (Purple Skill, able to keenly discern various materials)
Talent Creation (Purple Skill, through long-term research, able to develop new potions)
Absolute Loyalty (Purple Skill, absolutely loyal to the lord, unwavering until death)
[This is an extremely rare humanoid female hero among the half-orcs, and also a herbalist that is difficult to find among millions of half-orcs. She is also an expert-level alchemist, a near-extinct profession.]
From the description, it could be understood that among the half-orcs, who were physically developed but had simple minds and an average intelligence not exceeding 50, finding an expert-level alchemist was an unimaginable feat.
Yet, such a “talent” was accidentally encountered by Ji Chen and even successfully recruited.
To fully utilize her talent, which was ten times stronger than that of a senior alchemist, Ji Chen gave special instructions to build a dedicated alchemy workshop for her. He also mobilized a large number of lizardmen and kobolds to search for various herbal materials on the surface and underground.
The first batch of healing potions she concocted was immediately used on the injured half-orcs in this battle.
Clearly, the effects were excellent.
It was truly worthy of all the effort he put in to make Irona submit to him back then..