Realm of Myths and Legends

Although an SS-ranked item was impressive, Izroth felt that Nature's Preservation alone was not worth being a hidden reward for this trial dungeon. However, that fact obviously changed when you took into account that it was possible to take away all the treasures within the trial dungeon.

There was no shortage of mythical and ancient quality materials in Franz's garden. Izroth even saw a few pseudo-divine materials during the time he spent gathering ingredients for the pills he crafted.

Nevertheless, Franz Winsor was willing to hand it all over to him not for the fact that she considered him to be her successor, but rather there was a request she wished to make.

"According to the rules I set when I left my legacy behind in this place, you are rightfully my successor. Of course, I have no complaints if you truly do wish to become my successor and continue my legacy. Having a genius like you as a disciple, it would be hard to find fault as your master. However, after hearing your words it has become clear to me. You have no intention of following in my footsteps. The path you wish to walk is one that cannot be accompanied by another. That's why—I want you to find a suitable successor that will continue my legacy." Franz stated with a meaningful gaze.

"I see. Basically, you want me to give up your legacy to someone else. Not only that, but you want me to find that person myself. Well, it's not an impossible task. Since you've shown your sincerity, at the very least, I am willing to hear you out." Izroth responded calmly.

Giving him Nature's Preservation along with all the resources in her garden before he even agreed to her request showed Izroth that Franz was being sincere. She also mentioned that it was just the "first gift", meaning that she was not the stingy type and knew the weight of her request.

'Any one of the items I received as a reward can be considered a treasure. Asking me to give it up to someone else after doing all the work myself to get here is too unreasonable. Though, she doesn't seem like the unreasonable type. That being said, her words aren't wrong. I can't acknowledge her as my master no matter what treasures she offers me. It's not that I don't have anyone in mind that suits her request. But, first, I'll see what she has to say.'

Franz Winsor closed her eyes and released a small sigh.

"Since it has come to this, I suppose there is no choice but to tell you my story." The aura around Franz seemed to become somewhat heavy as those words left her mouth. She pushed up the glasses on her face and opened her eyes as a hint of sadness flashed through them. However, that sadness only lasted a brief moment as it was quickly replaced by anger.

"Back then, I was betrayed by someone I placed a great deal of trust in. At that time, I thought we were close. I never could have known that my judgment was capable of being so clouded. As a result, I was severely injured due to their schemes. In the end, I managed to escape, but it was too late. Close to death's door as one could get, I had no choice but to go into hiding and consume the life saving Millennium Renewal Pill. The Millennium Renewal Pill is a grade ten pill that, if taken, no matter how close you are to death or what wounds you've received, as long as you have not perished, your life can be preserved. There are only two downsides to taking the Millennium Renewal Pill. The first is that you must enter a deep sleep for at least a thousand years. The second is that, in order to awaken from the deep sleep, one must take the grade seven Life Resurgence Pill." Franz explained.

She then continued, "However, the Life Resurgence Pill is not your typical grade seven pill. It can only be crafted under special conditions. One of those conditions is tied to becoming my successor. More importantly, in order to meet those special conditions, it requires one to be a grade four or lower Apothecary and to not yet have a developed Source. Needless to say, you meet neither of those requirements. After all, I can smell the lingering scent of a grade five pill from that cauldron on your arm."

'Even though she's just a fragment of the real Franz Winsor, she has a sharp sense of smell. In the regard, she reminds me of the Order of a Thousand Blossoms Holy Maiden, Seina. That aside, based on her words and reaction a few moments ago, her story must be more complex than she's letting on. Still, if those are the special conditions, it's true that I won't be able to craft the Life Resurgence Pill. It's surprising to learn about, but somewhere in the Mortal Realm, her real body is still alive.'

From her appearance alone, Franz Winsor seemed to be a human. Even her name was that of a human. However, a thousand years—for a human, even one who reached the peak of the legendary realm, it was impossible to live for that long. Even a grade ten pill would be be able to extend a human's life to a thousand years.

'In order to get around this, instead of extending life, she focused on preserving it to an extreme degree. Otherwise, it would be virtually impossible for her real body to stay intact after all these years. It's commendable.'

"I can guess your intentions. Your real body must be hiding somewhere in the Mortal Realm. Seeing as how there is no recipe for the Life Resurgence Pill among the rewards, I assume it is contained somewhere within the Vault of Knowledge magic artifact. If I left this place without knowing, there is a good chance that you will never awaken from your slumber." Izroth stated.

"It is precisely so. I will not ask you to give up on my inheritance for free. You are welcome to read my insights and learn the 108 Mana Seals. Of course, you must also hand those books over to my successor when the time comes. I also don't mind if you keep the cauldron and its fire core for yourself. However, the Twelve Minds Eye Pill and Vault of Knowledge are too precious. Those two items are the core of my inheritance. Without both, even if you find me a successor... Well, I am sure you understand. In exchange for giving up my inheritance and completing my request, I will teach you the 12 True Seals of Creation. While the 108 Mana Seals are impressive, it can only be considered practice for learning the 12 True Seals of Creation. As long as you master the 12 True Seals of Creation, it is not impossible to create a high grade pill using only the natural energy all around us." Franz said.

'Oh? A pill crafting method that makes it possible to craft high grade pills without actual ingredients? Something like that is possible for someone who as yet to step into the divine realm?'

Izroth was interested in the Twelve Minds Eye Pill; however, even without consuming it, he could do something similar using his own methods. As for the Vault of Knowledge, it was regrettable that he would not be able to view its contents directly. But, in the end, he had his own knowledge and experiences as an Apothecary in the Seven Realms to rely on. Therefore, the 12 True Seals of Creation alone was much more appealing than the other treasures he had received.

"Alright, I will help you find a successor. I am even willing to help them and do everything in my power to aid in your awakening. But, the Nature's Preservation and 12 True Seals of Creation are not enough for me to go out of my way." Izroth said in a straightforward manner.

"It seems that you have something in mind. Rest assured, I am generous to those who help me. As long as it's within my power and doesn't go against my morals, I can grant any request you have." Franz responded without hesitation.

"Then, I won't hold back. After you awaken, I want you to become a Guest Elder of my Mystical Realm Palace for three years." Izroth stated.

Franz Winsor was a grade ten Apothecary. Additionally, to reach that level, she had to also be a legendary realm powerhouse. Getting that kind of person to act as a Guest Elder of the Mystical Realm Palace would allow it to grow without worry.

More importantly, the influence held by a grade ten Apothecary was not small. Even the king of Amaharpe would have to greet them personally and show respect.

Right now, one of the things Izroth lacked the most was real influence. With the power and influence of the Mystical Realm Palace, Izroth had a great deal of influence over players; however, the same could not be said for the natural inhabitants of the Mortal Realm. To them, his Mystical Realm Palace could only be considered a small shop at best. And, for the path that awaited him in the future, Izroth knew that this was far from enough.

His reputation had grown to the point that the higher ups in the Mortal Realm were starting to take notice of his name. It would not be long before those people started to move against him in ways that only the residents of this world could. To help combat that, someone like Franz Winsor would be invaluable.