That evening, Poison Fang and Rex returned with their squad.

When they produced two member emblems from "Shadow Stab" and the vital intelligence that came with them, the shockwave they caused was even greater than when Hank’s strength had skyrocketed.

The entire camp erupted, especially when Rex and the other Middle Level Apprentices described—in tones of lingering fear and disbelief—how Poison Fang had withstood attacks with his formidable physique, cast spells in quick succession, and swiftly killed two members of Shadow Stab in a near-overwhelming display of power.

"Shadow Stab! Those are the assassins from the Deep Red Royal Court that everyone fears! And Poison Fang killed two of them head-on? In a one-on-two fight?"

Countless gazes once again focused on Ian’s stone house, the desire in them so intense it was almost tangible.

If Hank’s case had merely demonstrated the massive power boost a Bloodline Potion could provide, the feeling was still somewhat abstract.

But Poison Fang’s experience proved, through the blood and fire of actual combat, just how precious and reliable that boost was in a life-or-death situation!

"I need to trade in my Contribution Points, now!"

"Is Master Ian still taking custom orders? I’m willing to pay double the Contribution Points!"

"I heard that normal Bloodline Potions are nowhere near as strong as the ones Master Ian refines!"

"Quick, go find out how Captain Hank made his deal!"

...

A fanatical wave swept through the entire camp. High Level Apprentices, their eyes bloodshot, rushed to the mission window, desperately accepting and turning in missions to hoard Contribution Points.

The Middle Level Apprentices were also scheming, fantasizing that if they could just get their hands on a Bloodline Potion, they might survive the brutal battlefield and even earn some Merit Points.

Within the Osborne Clan’s quarters, the atmosphere could no longer be described as merely oppressive; it was glacial.

Kari had been missing for so many days that his death was now all but certain.

Old Lucy’s face was ashen, the arrogance he’d shown upon first arriving at the camp completely gone from his eyes. The other members looked deathly pale, their eyes filled with despair.

Their greatest reliance was being thoroughly replaced by an outsider, and in a more superior and public manner.

And it seemed they had long since offended that Magic Potion Alchemist.

...

Inside the Alchemy Room of his stone house, Ian had heard whispers of the frenzy outside, but he paid it no mind.

This was all within his expectations; in fact, he had orchestrated it.

He had just finished a session of Meditation. The "Acceleration" effect, combined with a Concentration Potion, was increasing his Realm at a visible rate—a terrifying speed for a High Level Apprentice.

Right now, his main concern was exchanging for the formula for the Concentration Potion. He had spent so many Contribution Points lately that it even pained him a little.

The next morning, Sterling once again summoned all the High Level Apprentices.

Inside the Central Stone Tower Hall, the atmosphere was even more solemn than last time.

A lingering pallor on Sterling’s face made his expression seem all the more serious. Eleanor Wizard sat beside him.

His gaze swept over everyone below, lingering for a moment on Poison Fang.

"I’m sure you already know about the intelligence Poison Fang brought back. Deep Red’s goal this time is to cut off our supply lines and possibly even launch a full-scale assault on the camp."

Sterling continued, "Fortunately, Poison Fang and Rex brought back crucial information, buying us some warning time. However..." His tone shifted. "The scout team, led by Leon and ’Gray Rat,’ has yet to send back any word."

"From now on, all patrol routes are to be doubled, and the alert perimeter is expanded to five kilometers. Copperbeard." Sterling began to assign tasks.

"Here!" The Dwarf Rune Master straightened his stocky body.

"You and Anvil will lead the artisans and Alchemy Apprentices. You must finish reinforcing the western wall within three days. A supply convoy will arrive in a few days to replenish our materials, and you will continue to strengthen the camp’s defenses."

"Yes, sir. You can count on me," Copperbeard guaranteed, patting his chest.

"Hank, double the manpower for the patrols on the territory’s perimeter. Make sure they maintain mutual support." Hank nodded silently.

...

"Ian." Sterling’s gaze fell upon Ian.

"Your task remains unchanged. Continue to maintain a stable supply of Potions. Given the current trend, I suggest you increase production of the two basic Potions. The warehouse will give you its full support regarding materials."

Ian nodded calmly. "Understood, Sterling Wizard."

Sterling quickly assigned a few more tasks before saying gravely:

"The War has reached our doorstep. The days ahead will not be easy, but the ’Furnace’ camp is in a critical location. We must hold it, no matter the cost! Dismissed!"

Everyone filed out of the Stone Tower with solemn expressions, the oppressive sense of urgency replacing the frenzy sparked by Poison Fang’s return the day before.

However, when they saw Ian walking ahead of them, their gazes grew complicated.

"Master Ian!" a voice called out, stopping him.

Ian stopped and turned to see Rex.

He was accompanied by two others whom Ian vaguely recognized as the leaders of two of the smaller clans in the camp.

Rex took a step forward, his expression earnest. "Ian, you know the situation. A great battle is imminent, and we..."

He glanced at the men beside him. "We wanted to ask if it’s still possible to place custom orders for Bloodline Potions."

The moment he finished speaking, the stocky man next to him impatiently cut in:

"Master Ian, I am Haral of the Iron Pine Clan. Our clan would like to custom order three Bloodline Potions. Contribution Points are not an issue; we can pay immediately."

The other man, named Lucas, the leader of the Crawford Clan, quickly added, "The Crawford Clan would also like to order two and will pay the Contribution Points immediately!"

Ian was taken aback, not expecting these clans to be so wealthy. But on second thought, it made sense.

They hadn’t just sent Wizard Apprentices, but also large numbers of Attendants and Knights. The rewards from their daily missions were likely all turned over to their clans.

He kept his expression neutral, pondering for a moment before speaking slowly, "The Potions can be custom-made, but you will still need to provide the materials. If you’re truly in a hurry, you can come to my residence to discuss the details.

Also, the Dream Potion from Sterling Wizard is not cheap. One costs 800 Magic Stones. You’ll have to handle that part yourselves."

Hearing the price of the Dream Potion, Haral of the Iron Pine Clan’s eye twitched, but he still gritted his teeth and nodded.

"Understood. We’ll immediately organize a reliable team to gather the Essence Blood."

Lucas also nodded hastily. It seemed the two of them had full authority and didn’t need to report back to their respective clans.

After the group arrived at Ian’s residence, he took six Rock Bear Potions from a Constant Temperature Box and placed them on the table.

"This is all I have left in stock. Three for the Iron Pine Clan, two for the Crawford Clan, and one for Rex." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

The three men’s eyes were glued to the blood-red Potions, their breathing growing slightly ragged.

The transaction that followed was swift and smooth.

In the end, the three of them each owed Ian a double share of Rock Armor Demon Bear Essence Blood.

"A pleasure doing business with you," Ian said calmly.

"Thank you, Master Ian!"

The three men carefully put away their Potions, unable to hide the excitement on their faces. After thanking him once more, they departed in a hurry.

Ian wasted no time. He headed straight for the warehouse and exchanged for the Concentration Potion formula, also acquiring enough materials to refine it ten times.

The three men had just paid him a total of 3,000 Contribution Points! His once-empty pockets were full again.

Returning to his Alchemy Room with his bountiful harvest, Ian set up the protective wards and eagerly took out the formula.