Evolution:The Bloodthirsty Saga of the Magic Engineer

Chapter 95: Ultra refined tonics

The next morning, I went straight to Professor Miguel’s laboratory. The idea of obtaining a formula for ultra-refined tonics wouldn’t leave my mind. If I couldn’t improve my spiritual strength faster, I would be stuck for years without progress.

I knocked on the reinforced door and waited. Within seconds, the professor’s voice echoed from the other side.

"Come in."

I opened the door and found Miguel, who, unlike most ordinary days, was sitting behind a table filled with vials. The scent of herbs mixed with the faint aroma of chemicals lingered in the air. He looked tired, as if he had been drinking to forget something, drowning himself in alcohol, yet he still maintained that curious and piercing gaze as he saw me enter.

"An ultra-refined tonic formula that can enhance spiritual strength?"

Miguel furrowed his brows, slightly surprised by my request.

"The success rate of producing such tonics is very low, and the required resources are extremely expensive. Many engineering masters and some alchemy masters have lost their entire fortunes trying to refine them. Only those with strong family backing can reap the benefits…"

I had expected this response. Miguel was always direct and pragmatic, so I knew he wouldn’t give me false hope. Even so, I couldn’t back down.

"Sir, you also know. My aptitude is only that of a 3-star acolyte. For a 3-star acolyte to advance to a Mage, the bottleneck is even greater. Breaking through to Mage is much easier when done at a young age, so I want to bet on this."

My voice was calm but firm.

Miguel let out a heavy sigh and leaned back in his chair, taking another sip from a potion. Somehow, this scene reminded me of my father from my old world. I recalled the times I would ask him for money, only to find him drinking beer and watching football.

"Oh… you!"

He looked at me for a moment, seeming to evaluate my determination, before scratching his graying beard and taking a deep breath.

"I have some basic formulas for ultra-refined tonics to increase spiritual strength, but I signed a contract preventing me from reselling the formulas I acquired from third parties. As for my own formulas… you definitely wouldn’t be able to afford them."

My heart sank a little. But still, I asked:

"How many magic crystals are they worth?"

Miguel let out a short laugh, shaking his head.

"Haha! I knew you wouldn’t give up. 10,000 magic crystals. And that’s only because you’re my apprentice!"

I was completely stunned.

"Damn it!"

I let out a heavy sigh, feeling a chill run down my spine. Ten thousand magic crystals? I already knew it wouldn’t be cheap, but that amount was completely out of my reach.

"It seems like I have no hope!"

"Developing an ultra-refined tonic formula to enhance spiritual strength requires an Engineering Master to spend a dozen, or even several dozen, years in continuous experimentation. The cost is immense. Furthermore, owning an exclusive formula generally accelerates the development of a Master of Ultra-Refined Tonics’ family. That’s why these formulas are so expensive."

Miguel’s words echoed in my mind.

It made sense. Having a monopoly was the key to maximizing profits. If someone could develop an exclusive and safe formula, they would have a goldmine in their hands.

Slowly shaking my head, I reflected on the matter. However, everything depended on who owned the formula.

If it were a mere acolyte, even I would consider taking the formula by force. But Miguel was an official Mage and had the Sun Mountain Tower as his patron. He also had strong connections. No one would dare try anything against him.

I sighed internally. Even though I desperately wanted one of these formulas, there was no way I could afford 10,000 magic crystals.

I was about to take my leave when Miguel said something that made my heart race.

"However, if you truly have this goal, you might not be completely hopeless!"

My mind raced.

"It seems like I have a chance!"

I straightened my posture and bowed respectfully.

Miguel observed my reaction for a moment before continuing, a slight smile on his face.

"Although I cannot give you my personally developed formulas, I still have some formulas from ancient Mages. I obtained them while exploring old ruins. If you want, you can use and experiment with them."

My expression turned intrigued.

"Formulas from ancient Mages?"

Miguel slowly nodded.

"Yes. Mages were much more prosperous in ancient times. They built the Lucarian Empire, which spanned multiple continents and even conquered other worlds! But for unknown reasons, the empire collapsed in a single night. Since then, their legacies have been lost. We modern Mages have only been able to rise to power thanks to the fragments of knowledge that remained."

Miguel’s face turned slightly flushed as he spoke. It was evident that he had a deep fascination with the ancient Mages.

The history he told wasn’t in the academy’s books. It was something only those who explored the past with their own hands knew.

My eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"I wonder how powerful those ancient Mages really were…"

Miguel chuckled lightly.

"They were gods walking among mortals, Tyler. But their secrets have been lost to time."

Then, I remembered something crucial.

"Are all these formulas defective?"

Miguel looked at me with approval.

"Indeed! You’re very sharp. Although the effects of these formulas are excellent, many of the ingredients no longer exist. At least, I have never come across them in my 200 years of life…"

Miguel spoke unhurriedly. "However, many Masters of Ultra-Refined Tonics still hold some fondness for these ancient formulas because they all desire to find a substitute for the lost ingredients. Even if they only have a fraction of the original models, their effects are still extremely useful!"

My eyes gleamed with anticipation.

If I could study these formulas and find viable substitutes, I could develop something new! With the help of the virtual laboratory, my re

"Here’s 750 magic crystals… and I’ll add these healing vials!"

My voice carried a hint of reluctance as I pulled a small cloth pouch from my robes. Opening it, a few shimmering vials were revealed, containing a reddish liquid.

Miguel chuckled lightly.

"The deal is made! These two formulas are now yours."

With a wave, he passed the scrolls to me. The moment I touched them, I felt not only the weight of the material but the knowledge they carried.

Bowing slightly, I carefully stored them and took my leave.

As I exited the room, a long sigh escaped my lips.

"800 magic crystals… my entire year’s earnings from selling vials. Of course, that was only a fraction of what I had hidden in my laboratory."

Even as a fraction, that money represented countless hours of work, crafting, and negotiations.

"There’s only one way… I need to sell more vials outside the tower to recover the magic crystals before I start experimenting."

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