The Herb King

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: I Want To Become An Alchemist

“Alright, son. Can you tell us more about this grandpa that you’re talking about?” Mr. Lassiter gently rubbed his son’s head. This boy must have met with a very skilled Alchemist! The four pills in his hand were the proof of it all! Not just anyone could refine pills like that and he hasn’t heard of such pill circulating in the market!

Leric put on a thoughtful look and replied. “I saw him earlier and he said that I have a special talent for Alchemy. The grandpa then said something about taking him as my master in return for helping father...”

Mr. Lassiter furrowed his eyebrows. From Leric’s description, this Alchemist must be a high-level Esper as well since he failed to sense anyone’s presence earlier. For him to ask a boy as young as Leric to become his disciple was a bit suspicious, unless Leric had something special about him that took the interest of this Alchemist. ‘Does Leric possess a talent for Alchemy?’

“Alright. You can go back to your room. Mom will bring those candies and chocolates to your room later. Tell us if someone comes, okay?” Mr. Lassiter patted his boy’s head with a smile.

“Okay.” Leric nodded his head obediently, but he was already laughing in his mind. It looks like he managed to fool his parents into believing his story.

After Leric went back to his room, the faces of the Lassiter couple became serious.

“What do you think about this, Honey?” Mr. Lassiter glanced at his wife as he took out the four pills. The pills were still warm and he truly wanted to take one already. He was sure that he could reach Level 3 Esper once he consume one or two pills! However, if he consumes the pills, that would mean that he is accepting the offer stated by the old Alchemist that Leric told them about.

.....

Mrs. Lassiter was also hesitant about this. One, an Alchemist is a noble profession that not anyone could become. Aside from the strict requirements, training an Alchemist requires a load of money and resources. Furthermore, Leric was still three years old and she didn’t want her son to spend his childhood learning about Alchemy. It might be good for his future, but he would not have much of a childhood experience if that happens since learning Alchemy requires a lot of time.

“I’m not so sure as well. I mean it’s still too early for Leric to learn Alchemy even if he has the talent for it, but this is also a great opportunity for him and there might be no hopes for him to meet this Alchemist again if we reject this offer today. Maybe we should talk about this with Leric. That boy might just be three years old, but he’s more mature than boys his age.” Mrs. Lassiter said while holding her husband’s hands. She didn’t want to decide Leric’s future by herself. She wanted her boy to decide on his own. This might be her being indecisive, but she would support Leric regardless of his decision.

Mr. Lassiter nodded his head and hugged his wife. They then went to Leric’s room.

Knock. Knock.

“Leric, Mom, and I are coming in.” Mr. Lassiter said behind the door.

“Sure, Dad!” Leric’s voice echoed inside the room.

The couple pushed the door open and saw their son smiling at them sweetly.

Mrs. Lassiter chuckled and handed him some candies and chocolates. “Here’s your reward, but you must drink water after eating them, okay?”

Leric grinned while hugging the candies and chocolates. “Yes, Mom!”

“Come here, son. Mom and Dad want to ask you about one more thing.” Mr. Lassiter sat down and gently pulled the little boy towards him. He then let the boy sit in his lap and asked. “Son, do you know about Alchemy?”

Leric glanced innocently at his father and nodded his head. “Yes, Dad. I’ve read about Alchemy and Alchemists in one of our books here. Alchemy seems like a cool job. Hehe.”

The Lassiter couple glanced at each other with smiles on their faces when they heard his answer.

“Do you want to become one?” Mr. Lassiter asked his son.

Leric was silent for a moment. ‘They might be worried about me since learning Alchemy requires too much time and resources.’

“Father, I want to be an Alchemist! I want to be cool like them! Hehe.” Leric answered with a look of awe and excitement. This way, he wouldn’t have to worry if his parents catches him refining pills in the future. His non-existent master would be his greatest alibi!

Mr. Lassiter smiled and patted the little boy’s head. “That’s good to hear. Then we won’t stop you if that’s what you want, but you have to make sure that you won’t overdo yourself, okay?”

Leric nodded his head exaggeratedly. “Yes, Dad!”

“Good! Alright, that’s all. You can eat your chocolates now.”

The Lassiter couple went out of Leric’s room and went downstairs.

Mrs. Lassiter sighed. “It looks like we don’t have a choice. This is also good since you needed those pills, but you have to be the one to consume them. Never let anyone else know about them or it could endanger our lives. Those pills are connected to Leric, so eat those pills here.” She said sternly.

Mr. Lassiter agreed with his wife. “I know, Honey. I’ll consume them here. If I become a Level 3, I might be able to turn this war around!” He said with determination. With these pills, he would be able to avenge his fallen brothers and lead this battle in their favor!

“Go on! I’ll remain here while you meditate.” Mrs. Lassiter smiled as she pushed her husband lightly.