Chapter 8: The Cauldron’s Secret

Time in the wooden hut seemed to fly by. Before I knew it, only a single day remained until the month’s end.

During this period, beyond simply residing here, my sole task had been to assist Lulu, the witch, in gathering herbs.

According to her, she was afflicted by some curse that caused her to fall into a state of rapid aging during the day.

Consequently, the more strenuous tasks naturally fell to a ‘youngster’ like myself.

Yet, despite the undeniable toil of harvesting herbs, I had, in the process, acquired knowledge I never knew existed.

“This silver-white flower is called the ‘Moonshade Bloom.’ Under moonlight, it emits a soft glow. There’s a certain forest insect that consumes it to alter its body, but humans who ingest it directly will grow various tumors.”

“These plants, which can change color with the light, are known as ‘Spirit-Shifting Grass.’ They can be used to create potions that temporarily alter one’s appearance.”

“The vine by our door is called ‘Phantasmal Vine.’ It can be combined with ‘Spirit-Shifting Grass’ to extend the duration of the effect.”

“As for this one, it’s ‘Rosemary.’ This plant emits a fragrance to attract animals. We can use this property to create potions that enhance charm, but be careful not to be enchanted by its scent, or you’ll fall into terrifying illusions…”

Lulu meticulously examined the herbs I had gathered, explaining the medicinal properties of each plant as she went.

Undoubtedly, she was a witch through and through, displaying remarkable expertise in the study of such peculiar things.

I couldn’t help but wonder if, in my own world, she might have become a renowned pharmacologist.

“The ingredients are almost all here. I believe our potion should be ready today… Oh, by the way, you’re not afraid of pain, are you?”

I couldn’t fathom why the old woman would ask such a question, yet I answered honestly.

“While I am a little afraid… I’ll be fine.”

“Good then.”

She nodded, a satisfied expression on her face.

“Gurgle, gurgle…”

Before Lulu, a massive black cauldron glowed fiercely, heated by the roaring firewood beneath it.

The liquid within churned like molten lava. As various herbs were added, the potion inside the pot alternately spewed green foam and erupted with purple light, appearing extraordinarily mystical.

At times, translucent gases would even rise from the cauldron, refracting strange patterns in the light.

Beholding her masterpiece, Lulu nodded slightly, seemingly quite pleased with her success.

“Alright, youngster, only one final herb remains.”

Lulu’s expression suddenly turned grave. Pointing at the flames beneath the cauldron, she spoke each word with deliberate emphasis,

“Stay here and help me maintain the heat. Do not, under any circumstances, make any other moves.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t move recklessly,” I promised with a nod.

“Hmm…”

Lulu leaned on her staff, about to leave, but then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she turned back, frowning in contemplation.

“I seem to have… forgotten something I needed to tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Hmm…”

She pondered for a considerable time. Whether it was the old woman’s condition causing her to suffer from senile dementia, I couldn’t say, but she stood there, frozen as if constipated, for a long while, yet still failed to recall what she had overlooked. Finally, she had no choice but to wave her hand dismissively.

“Never mind. It can’t be anything important. You wait here for me; I’ll be right back.”

Though Lulu, the old woman, claimed she would be right back, I felt as if I waited for an eternity.

Initially, I diligently helped her maintain the heat beneath the cauldron, observing the mysterious changes in the potion. But as time wore on, a weariness began to creep over me.

It was still midday, yet my eyes felt gritty, my mind was hazy, and I couldn’t stop yawning.

However, I knew I couldn’t sleep. I had to keep the heat at a steady level.

Lulu, the witch, had warned that failure to maintain a constant temperature often led to a failed concoction.

This principle bore a resemblance to what I had learned in chemistry class back then.

Moreover, the potion in this cauldron was the culmination of the old woman’s month-long efforts, the key to my transaction with the Lord, and, most importantly, the guarantee for my daughter’s safety.

No matter what, I couldn’t fall asleep.

“Add firewood, add firewood, add firewood… maintain the heat…”

Perhaps it was from repeating the motion too many times, but I felt my strength surge. I could pick up a large amount of wood in one go and toss it into the fire.

Strangely, however, the flames before me refused to grow larger; in fact, they seemed to subtly diminish.

Just as I was wondering what was happening, a slap across my face jolted me awake.

“Hey! What’s going on!?”

Lulu’s furious face appeared before me, the witch’s anger palpable.

“How can someone your age be sleeping at a time like this? I was only gone for a moment, and the fire beneath the cauldron has diminished so much! If I hadn’t returned early, the flames would probably have died out altogether!”

“Huh?” I asked, bewildered. “No way, I’ve been adding firewood the whole time, really.”

But the old woman before me seemed to disbelieve my explanation entirely, striking me several times with her walking staff before finally relenting.

“Useless thing! Go, go, go, I’ll handle the rest myself!”

She shoved me away, still fuming, and returned to the large black cauldron. She piled a massive amount of firewood beneath it, ensuring the temperature would rise again.

“Why does the color seem a bit strange this time?”

She muttered, a hint of doubt in her voice.

“Never mind, I’m in a hurry anyway.”

Without further inspection, she quickly picked up a black jar beside her and poured a dark red liquid into the cauldron.

Instantly, the potion within the pot pulsed as if alive, emitting a large cloud of greenish smoke.

“What is that?” I couldn’t help but ask, my curiosity piqued.

“Blood. The blood of a monster.”

Lulu suddenly pointed to the center of the cauldron.

“Come closer yourself. There’s something good I need you to see.”

Somewhat puzzled, I stepped forward, approaching the cauldron and peering intently into the pot.

The liquid inside churned, but I couldn’t discern anything particularly special.

“Where is it?” I asked.

“You need to get closer to see it.”

Lulu’s voice came from behind me, sounding quite near.

So I leaned in further, my body positioned over the edge of the scorching cauldron, the hot gases from within wafting against my face.

“Still nothing?”

Just as I uttered these words, I suddenly felt an immense force from beneath me, lifting me clean off my feet.

I didn’t even have time to scream before I tumbled into the cauldron before me…

“You said yourself you weren’t afraid of pain, you know.”

Before losing consciousness, I seemed to hear her words.

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