Chapter 5 - A Lecture from a Healer
Another noisy morning, and the day begins with the usual noisy wake-up call, followed by washing my face before breakfast.
Washing up in the morning is refreshing. It sharpens my senses and clears my groggy mind.
I’d love a hot shower, but unfortunately, the facilities here fall short.
I look at my face in the mirror.
What am I, really? I’ve asked myself this question many times.
In the end, I am who I am, but the drastic changes still feel strange.
My facial features remain fairly distinct.
I can get my hair cut whenever I like, so I’ve managed to keep my medium-length, wavy hair as it was before. The texture is even more lustrous than before, which is nice.
The problem is the color. My once brownish-black hair is now a deep indigo, with a touch of purple. It’s a beautiful color, almost mesmerizing.
Not just my hair, but my eyebrows have also turned from black to this deep indigo. It’s beautiful, and I like the color, but it’s still a mystery.
My skin tone, once a healthy tan, is now pale, almost sickly. Despite daily training outdoors, I haven’t tanned at all.
My eyes remain black, but it would have been more interesting if they had turned gold or deep red.
I have some ideas about these changes, but it still leaves me with many questions.
But one thing is certain: this body is not the same as my original one. My physical abilities have been abnormally enhanced, likely due to my skills.
Furthermore, the changes have been minimal even after spending considerable time here. I have some theories about this, but it’s still a mystery.
Even my name has changed. It’s now Yukarinowe Nishijooufasu, instead of Nishiohashi Yukarinoue. The change was part of my evaluation, and I can’t correct it.
lost in thought, Frederica teases me.
“What are you doing? Daydreaming about yourself again? I didn’t realize you were such a narcissist, Yukari.”
“Hardly. I was just wondering about my skin condition.”
“Is that so? Your skin looks just as beautiful as always. Shall we head to the dining hall?”
“Sure, let’s go.”
We move to the dining hall for our daily nutritional supplement.
Despite the usual noisy crowd, we manage to have a quick meal with Zenobia and Caroline.
A few days have passed since meeting the new adventurer and healer group. We’ve slowly started to get along, training together and studying in the library.
One day, I asked the elderly healer about herb magic. Given her age and experience, I thought she’d be a good person to consult.
“You have an affinity for herb magic? That’s quite rare.”
She is a renowned healer with numerous achievements, known for her expertise and contributions to the field.
Her silver hair is tied in a loose bun over her right shoulder, and she often has a mischievous smile.
When I realized she was the same person from the library’s records, I was genuinely surprised and a bit skeptical. I still have my doubts about why such a distinguished person is in this camp, but that’s a different story.
“Let’s start with the basics. What I’ve found in the library doesn’t mention such an affinity. It’s probably a derivative of healing magic. Do you have any knowledge about it?”
“Not of any specific person, but herb magic can be used by anyone with a healing affinity. I have some ideas, though.”
“I’d love to hear them.”
I have my own theories, but a professional’s input would be valuable.
“Let’s start with the basics. All magic has a tier, from first to seventh. First-tier magic is considered legendary and has never been successfully used. Second and third-tier magic are advanced and can only be used by a few. I can use several third-tier spells!”
“Alright, enough showing off. You’re impressive, but let’s get back to the basics.”
“Fourth-tier and below are classified as intermediate and low-tier. Understood?”
“Yes, of course.”
These are the fundamentals of magic. I’ve already studied them.
“Now, let’s talk about herb magic. Even the simplest seventh-tier herb magic requires a healing affinity. For healers, creating restorative potions that can be stored is a crucial task. It’s also an obligation for the Healer Guild.”
Healers with the affinity aren’t rare, but they’re not exactly common either.
Healing magic is highly sought after, as even a seventh-tier spell is useful. Most healers work in town clinics and provide medical care. Some are adventurers, some work for military or noble households, and others are part of the Healer Guild.
Healers must contribute a certain number of potions to the Guild based on their rank.
Creating restorative potions is important, especially for small towns, travelers, and adventurers. The Guild also offers numerous benefits to its members.
“Do restorative potions have tiers? I’ve never seen one in person.”
“Yes, similar to magic. However, second-tier potions are also considered legendary. Do you know why?”
“No, I haven’t seen that in the records.”
It’s clear that the library’s resources are limited. It’s good to have the opportunity to ask an expert.
“I might be reading too much, but I’m starting to feel like a know-it-all. I should talk to more people.”
“A good question. For example, if I use a second-tier spell to create a potion, it ends up being a third-tier potion.”
“The tier drops! So, the best potions in the world are third-tier?”
“Indeed. Third-tier potions are rare, and there are many types. Getting the specific one you need isn’t easy.”
Restorative potions come in various types: wound healing, stamina recovery, mana recovery, disease treatment, and various status ailment remedies. Each has its unique, fantastical effects.
“So, even excellent healers have their strengths and weaknesses, and creating all types of third-tier potions is nearly impossible.”
“I couldn’t do it, either. Third and fourth-tier potions are valuable and are often bought by the Royal Palace, high nobles, and the military. The value of high and intermediate tier potions is clear.”
This underscores the usefulness of a healing affinity.
“I see. Given what you’ve said, my affinity is…”
“Do you have an idea of what it might be?”
“I suspect it might prevent the potion’s tier from dropping when I use herb magic?”
“You’re different from a healer, so it’s likely. You might be able to create all types of potions equally. However, you probably won’t be able to use regular healing magic.”
Being unable to use regular healing magic isn’t a significant drawback if I can create potions. In fact, the ability to create high-tier, storable potions that can be sold at a high price seems like a net positive.
The only question is how high-tier potions I can create, and that’s something I’ll have to work on.
I feel a growing desire to experiment with magic.
“I can’t wait to try it out. Are there any tips for herb magic?”
“Well, it’s more about magic in general. Visualizing the effect clearly is crucial. If you can form a strong mental image and have the necessary magical affinity and power, you can achieve almost anything.”
It’s a vague explanation, but I’m glad I don’t need to memorize complex incantations or draw intricate magic circles.
“I see. I understand that visualizing something abstract is crucial for activating magic. A strong mental image can make a difference.”
“Exactly. A more vivid and stronger mental image results in a more effective spell and better mana efficiency. Magic is all about visualization, remember that.”
“I will. It’s all about visualization, huh?”
“Practice is key.”
That’s the challenge. I think my modern Japanese knowledge gives me a significant advantage in forming vivid mental images.
For example, for wound healing, I can visualize the work of platelets, inflammation, cell division, and the strengthening of new tissues.
If such detailed medical knowledge isn’t necessary for the potions in this world, then a solid mental image is paramount.
My rudimentary and partial knowledge can still give me a significant edge.
“Thank you, Rosabel-san. I learned a lot. I’m eager to practice, though it might take a while.”
“I’m curious to see the results of your magic once you’re out of here.”
“I’ll send you a letter once I’m free. I can send it through the Healer Guild, and it will reach you, right?”
Even though it’s a distant goal, planning ahead is good for me.
“We don’t have a set release date. We don’t know who will get out first, but if you send a letter to the Guild, it will eventually reach me.”
“I will. I’m confident I can create amazing potions.”
“You’re quite confident for someone who’s never used magic before.”
“Hehe, it’s all about visualization, right? That’s something I’m good at.”
“I look forward to it.”
We both smile, feeling a bit like unscrupulous merchants. It’s a bit disconcerting.
“Feel free to come to me if you have more questions. You can also ask the other healers, including my companions.”
My companions include the elf Colette, who is usually with Rosabel, and the two older women.
It might be worth hearing different perspectives, especially from Colette.
“I’ll definitely do that. I can’t wait to use magic!”
But I never expected such an opportunity to come so soon.