The Dark Mage Of The Magus World-Chapter 100 - 101: The Astral Elixir

Ten minutes later, Hutson withdrew his magic, allowing the fire’s energy to dissipate into the air. The tiny flames flickered out, leaving only the subtle heat of their presence behind.

Reaching for a mortar and pestle, he carefully ground the dried Dragonfang Grass into a fine powder. With precise hands, he measured exactly ten grams using a delicate balance scale, then stored the powder in a glass vial, setting it aside for later use.

For the next two hours, Hutson meticulously prepared each alchemical ingredient, refining them with practiced efficiency. Only when every component was ready did he begin the delicate art of potion-making.

He poured the Mistwood Treant’s sap into a reaction flask, channeling a controlled surge of mana into the liquid. Wisps of white smoke curled upward, faint at first, then rapidly blooming into a small mushroom cloud.

At that critical moment, Hutson swiftly added the drops of Hemlock Extract and Mandrake Juice.

The reaction was instantaneous. The mushroom cloud darkened into a deep violet haze before suddenly collapsing, folding inward as though consumed by an invisible force. The once pale yellow liquid now shimmered with a rich, verdant hue.

Without hesitation, he introduced the Dragonfang Grass powder, maintaining a steady flow of mana into the solution. This step required patience—twenty full minutes of continuous magical infusion. Though the duration was long, the mana consumption was relatively minor, depleting only eight percent of his reserves.

Within the flask, the powdered herb began to dance, tiny fragments breaking apart and dissolving into the liquid. Slowly, the green solution shifted, fading back into a golden hue.

Hutson swirled the flask gently. As the liquid moved, it transformed once more—this time into a striking cerulean blue.

"Not bad," he murmured. According to AI chip’s alchemical framework, this color signified a successful synthesis.

He carefully poured the potion into a set of test tubes and instructed, "AI chip, analyze this potion and determine if it enhances my meditation speed."

"Analyzing..."

Hutson infused a thread of mana into the liquid, allowing AI chip to break down its composition. Unlike in the past—when he had to manually apply ingredients to his skin for analysis—this method was far more efficient.

Moments later, AI chip’s voice resonated in his mind:

"Analysis complete. The potion does not enhance meditation speed. The properties of Dragonfang Grass and Hemlock Extract conflict within this formulation. Although these ingredients are usually complementary, their synergy failed in this particular mixture. Suggested modification: Replace Hemlock Extract with the root sap of the Demonflower."

Hutson stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"So even projected formulas aren’t infallible. Theoretical alchemy can only go so far—real results require experimentation."

Far from discouraged, he adapted AI chip’s suggestion, adjusting the formula accordingly. Fortunately, he had an ample supply of Demonflower. Normally, such a high-grade reagent served as a primary component in advanced potions, but in this case, it would play only a supporting role.

With renewed focus, he resumed his work.

Five hours passed in the relentless pursuit of perfection.

Finally, Hutson held up a fresh test tube. Within, the liquid pulsed with an enigmatic black-violet glow. This was the refined elixir.

"AI chip, analyze again. Has this version succeeded?"

"Analyzing..."

Five minutes later, the result was confirmed.

"Success. This elixir enhances the effectiveness of the Astral Meditation Technique. Optimal usage: Dilute one milliliter in two hundred milliliters of pure water. Consumption accelerates meditation speed."

A slow smile spread across Hutson’s face. His first independently developed potion—a success.

But excitement soon gave way to calculated pragmatism. "AI chip, are there any side effects?"

"Analysis complete. Side effect detected: Increased... physiological arousal. Suggested mitigation: Appropriate release."

Hutson stared blankly for a moment. "...Seriously?"

There was no doubt—the Demonflower was responsible for this particular quirk.

After some deliberation, he deemed the side effect minor—trivial enough to ignore. With no real drawbacks, the potion was ready for use.

"AI chip, record this formula as the ’Astral Elixir.’"

"Formula recorded. Database updated."

Pleased with his work, Hutson measured out a sample dose, mixing a single drop of the potion into a glass of pure water. The black-violet droplet spread through the liquid like ink, transforming the clear water into an ethereal, star-speckled shade of midnight.

Lifting the glass, he took a cautious sip, letting the potion settle on his tongue before swallowing.

"AI chip, verify one last time. Any discrepancies in the formula?"

"Reanalyzing... No discrepancies detected. Effects confirmed."

Satisfied, Hutson downed the rest of the elixir in a single gulp.

The change was immediate.

A heightened awareness surged through him. The air itself seemed sharper, each flicker of candlelight casting shadows in exquisite detail. When he closed his eyes and slipped into meditation, the process flowed with a newfound ease, his consciousness expanding effortlessly into the astral plane.

Half an hour passed. His body remained stable—no adverse effects, aside from a slightly elevated adrenaline level.

With full confidence, Hutson consumed the remaining potion.

The world around him blurred as his senses sharpened to an almost supernatural degree.

For the first time in his life, his mind truly touched the vast, infinite cosmos.

Hutson’s perception expanded.

He could sense energy particles from farther distances, their delicate currents threading through the air in greater numbers than ever before. Every flicker of magic, every ripple of power in the atmosphere, became sharper, clearer—like the world itself had come into greater focus.

As he slipped into meditation, the vast expanse of the night sky seemed closer, its distant stars no longer mere pinpricks of light but luminous, tangible beacons. His awareness stretched toward them, his connection to the cosmos deepening in ways he had never experienced before.

The results were undeniable. His meditation speed had doubled.

The eighth star within his mind—one that should have taken four months to fully cultivate—would now require only two.

Satisfied with the potion’s success, Hutson wasted no time, fully immersing himself in his meditation, riding the elixir’s power to its fullest potential.

The Astral Elixir’s effects lasted seven hours, aligning almost perfectly with the duration of a complete meditation cycle.

As dawn broke, Hutson slowly opened his eyes.

A deep sense of satisfaction settled over him. The potion was a resounding success—his mind was sharper, his astral connection stronger than ever.

Yet, not everything was perfect.

His heartbeat was fast. Too fast.

Of course, for some men plagued by... certain deficiencies, this might not even be considered a side effect.

But for him, it was nothing but a burden.

Taking a long, measured breath, Hutson forced himself to regain composure, steadying the fire burning in his veins.

The effect was stronger than he had anticipated. Images flooded his mind—memories of that night at Count Huen’s estate.

And much to his frustration, the sensations refused to be ignored.