Angel cast a deep glance at Fritz, showing a bit of interest in his research.
However, Angel did not speak to Fritz immediately but walked over to Dangross.
Dangross was evidently still immersed in his own world, not reacting at all, even as Angel approached.
Seeing Dangross’s addict-like appearance, Angel muttered to himself, "Could it really be something addictive?"
Angel summoned a pale blue Hand of Magic that scooped Dangross up from the ground.
Since Dangross was coated in the fiery red liquid, the Hand of Magic naturally made contact with the liquid upon touching Dangross.
The Hand of Magic that Angel released now was more sensitive to energy than Angel’s real hand. And that fiery red liquid just happened to contain a certain energy.
Sensing the burning tingling sensation on the Hand of Magic, Angel murmured, "This is... quenching fluid."
Kneeling beside him, Fritz clearly recognized Angel as well. He respectfully said with a slightly trembling voice, "Yes, yes. Dangross likes quenching fluid, so I... I helped it apply it to itself."
Quenching fluid is a special combustion aid usually carried only by alchemy apprentices, as they cannot control the temperature of flames like true alchemists and can only rely on quenching fluid for assistance.
Seeing Angel remain silent, Fritz asked worriedly, "My lord, is the quenching fluid bad for Dangross? I, I..."
Angel carefully observed Dangross.
Quenching fluid only raises the temperature of the flame, and since Dangross is a flame being, the quenching fluid should not be harmful to it. At least for now, Angel did not sense any anomaly with Dangross, except that its body temperature was somewhat higher than usual. If placed on dry wood, Dangross could set it aflame just by the heat it releases without actively conjuring fire.
But this shouldn’t lead to any issues, right?
Angel: "Did Dangross actively seek Neya to release you just so you could apply quenching fluid for it?"
Fritz nodded: "Yes."
Angel pondered for a moment: "It should be fine then."
Although Dangross sometimes acts on impulse, it’s not stupid. Since it actively sought Fritz, the quenching fluid likely won’t affect it negatively and might even have an enhancing effect?
It’s just that this effect seems a bit off-track... Angel looked at the clearly "high" Dangross and couldn’t help but shake his head and sigh.
Seeing Dangross still lost in its stupor, Angel didn’t wake it but turned to the visibly nervous Fritz.
"I heard from Drue that Dangross burned down half the palace and Cypress Street too. Tell me, I want to know the details."
Fritz, not daring to refuse, recounted the situation truthfully.
...
Half an hour later, Angel left the garden enclosed by high walls. He was holding a thin skin scroll in his hand.
The skin scroll recorded the potion recipe for "Boiling Red Water."
Neya stayed by Angel’s side the entire time and finally asked curiously once they left the walled courtyard, "Is Fritz’s recipe useful?"
Angel shrugged: "I don’t know."
Neya was taken aback. She assumed the recipe was useful, seeing how Angel examined Fritz’s handbook and left with it, yet Angel responded... he didn’t know?
Seeing Neya’s hesitant expression, Angel chuckled softly: "I truly don’t know if this recipe is useful, but compared to other recipes in Fritz’s handbook, this one has the highest chance of success."
The reason he took the recipe wasn’t due to greed, but simply because it felt awkward to refuse at the time.
At that point, after discussing Dangross’s situation, Fritz earnestly asked Angel for guidance in alchemy. Angel could sense Fritz’s passion for alchemy and finally nodded.
Then Fritz handed over his handbook, hoping for Angel’s insight.
Angel flipped through the handbook, which recorded Fritz’s wildly creative potion recipes. In Angel’s view, many ideas were bold but lacked practical feasibility. This is a common flaw among those who haven’t systematically learned the essence of alchemy.
When setting the handbook down, Angel noticed Fritz’s mix of pride, modesty, and a bit of hopeful eagerness in his eyes. He remained silent for two seconds.
Fritz’s life devoted to potionology was fueled by passion, and Angel was hesitant to disillusion him directly.
He didn’t want to lie, either, so he discussed the "Boiling Red Water," offering his suggestions. At least some concepts were correct, with a certain chance of success. Additionally, Angel appreciated Fritz’s vision for the Rockborn Sol-Gel.
After offering some mild praise for the "Boiling Red Water," Fritz, feeling validated, enthusiastically handed the skin scroll to Angel.
Seeing Fritz’s fervent expression, Angel hesitated for a few seconds but still accepted it.
Acting out of goodwill, before leaving, Angel couldn’t help but advise Fritz to visit the Wizard Market for a copy of the "Framework of Potionology." But whether Fritz would heed this advice was uncertain.
In Angel’s own opinion, Fritz had potential, but he lacked opportunities. If he could grasp the basics further, he might even triumph utilizing "Boiling Red Water"... Of course, that would be the best-case scenario.
Listening to Angel’s words and recalling the earlier exchange between Angel and Fritz, Neya quickly grasped the situation.
Neya softly said, "You are indeed gentle, just as Frode said."
Angel raised an eyebrow, making no comment.
Not long after leaving the high walls, Angel saw a group of fire-clad guards running eastward.
Neya: "That palace over there probably has another fire rekindled. Sigh, the climate has been dry these days, so there’s nothing we can do."
Angel stopped walking and looked up at the clear night sky: "Is the air dry? I feel it’s quite humid... it might even rain soon."
Neya glanced doubtfully at the sky and then at Angel opposite her. To her, the air felt so dry that her lips were about to crack. Was this really called humid?
While Neya remained puzzled, Angel paused and said, "Let’s end it here. I’ll leave with Dangross now."
After his words, Angel smiled slightly, light flickered beneath his feet, and his body leapt into the night sky, disappearing completely.
Neya lowered her head, bidding Angel farewell respectfully.