Chapter 446

Chapter 446: Volcano Potion

Kanis knew Veyna was merely curious about the rare human race.

Yet he still disliked Midi, the outsider from a small tribe.

When was the last time the Death Scorpion family recruited warriors from the bonfire gathering? None from those backwater tribes ever matched the family’s own hundred warriors, honed in pure Dark Magic.

But now, that stubborn fool Hawke had actually brought in someone from the gathering!

Did this mean Death Scorpion’s elites were inferior to some wilderness brat—especially a frail human lacking even Night Vision Abilities?

Kanis’ scorn burned hotter when his despised target became a topic of interest to Veyna. As one of the family’s five core disciples, he saw no need to hold back.

“A human’s just a weakling, no matter how they squirm,” Kanis sneered. “Veyna, if you’re curious, I’ll teleport to the surface and drag back human slaves from the temples. How’s that?”

“Slaves?” Veyna tilted her head, avoiding commitment.

Though young, the Black Dragon High Priest hadn’t risen to power through talent alone. Agreeing would mean opposing Hawke, who’d personally brought Midi to the mission hall.

*Let men fight their battles. I’ll watch and reward the victor.*

She flashed a sugary smile at Hawke. “Are humans truly as weak as Kanis claims?”

Hawke took the bait—his reputation was now tied to Midi’s.

“Judging races isn’t my place,” he said evenly. “But Midi proved himself by killing Ulhan, the Water Spider Tribe’s Battle Mage. Even Simon of the Death Scorpion family couldn’t break him.” He eyed Kanis. “Could *you* face Simon without the family’s support?”

Kanis’ face darkened. At Level 65, Simon—the Death Scorpion heir—outclassed him in strength, resources, and status. The thirty-year-old was every core disciple’s greatest rival, having humiliated Kanis repeatedly.

Hawke’s claim that Midi had shamed Simon implied Kanis was inferior to this human.

“Simon suffering defeat? Ridiculous!” Kanis’ scorn twisted into open hostility.

“Surprising talent for a human,” Veyna remarked.

“Naturally,” said Hawke. “Why else would the family’s higher-ups approve his invitation?” Past thirty, he’d lost eligibility for the Black Dragon Conference. Midi, however, was perfect.

A candidate he personally brought into the Death Scorpion family.

Without question, Midi’s success meant Hawke’s success.

Of course, if Midi failed, he’d be tossed aside without hesitation.

Under the weight of curious, expectant, and hostile gazes, Midi felt his back burning.

Why keep staring? There are thousands of humans on Arad—go teleport to the surface and gawk all you want!

Midi stifled a bitter laugh. He wanted to shout those words but held his tongue.

He’d overheard everything when Veyna and Kanis arrived earlier.

But he wisely pretended not to hear.

This was a conversation among dark elf Higher-ups—none of his business. He wanted no trouble.

Yet Midi was bound to Hawke, and Hawke needed to counterattack to save face.

When the backlash hit Midi, there was no escaping it.

As the saying went: "In the family, you can’t choose your battles."

Pretending ignorance wouldn’t stop what was coming.

Being slighted was one thing—he could stay quiet and lose nothing.

But now it was a contest: Kanis versus Midi.

Kanis might hate the comparison, but Hawke’s words left no retreat.

Midi had to fight.

Or rather, with no way out, he’d strike first—that was his way.

The hostility at his back sharpened. Midi’s eyes raced over the task list. Ten seconds later, he found his target.

"Volcano Potion? Perfect." Midi turned and nodded casually at Hawke.

"Volcano Potion?" Hawke blinked.

"Brewing that?" Veyna leaned closer, eyes bright with interest.

Kanis snorted.

"Who are they?" Midi asked, playing dumb.

He’d started his move but kept up the act.

Kanis sneered, "Human, our names are beyond you! You dare take the Volcano Potion task? Family missions aren’t pick-and-choose!"

The Volcano Potion let mages unleash magic beyond their limits mid-battle.

Drink it, and a single Ice Dragon Dance became two—doubling attack power.

Its magic-infused formula spared users from exhaustion, with barely any side effects.

Highly sought-after, even here.

But no one thought Midi could make it.

Only alchemists could attempt it—with a 40% failure rate. Fail, and you got unstable, dangerous potions instead.

Yet Midi chose it anyway. He’d brewed Dragon Breath Potion before—Volcano was child’s play.

He ignored Kanis’s glare, Hawke’s doubt, Veyna’s curiosity. Success would answer everything.

"I chose it because I can do it. Nothing more." Midi nodded at Hawke and strode from the hall.

Potion tasks happened in the Alchemy Workshop.

Confident brewers worked on-site for rewards.

Midi aimed higher—he wanted a place in the Workshop.

Kanis’s group trailed him, of course.

So Death Scorpion’s newest warrior walked to the Workshop flanked by the martial arts master, Black Dragon High Priest, and core disciples.

The odd parade drew stares. More joined until dozens followed.

Guards at the Workshop froze at the crowd.

The duty alchemist—a sharp-eyed woman—snapped, "Silence! This is restricted ground!"

Guards stepped forward, hands on weapons, as the mob halted.