Chapter 62: The Brewer's Skills

Chapter 62: The Brewer's Skills

Astrid patiently awaited her turn. She had watched everyone’s faces turn to pleasure. Once or twice, she could chalk it up to someone's preference, but when it was literally everybody that universally savoured it as if it was honeyed nectar, she needed to try it for herself.

It was finally her turn. Charlotte had said that it can only be poured one at a time as the barrel needed time to rest before each pour. Astrid didn’t really understand, but she doubted the woman would lie to her. Charlotte poured the drink for her in a fresh glass. It was smooth and curved. It had an elegance that reminded her of the cups back in the Noble District.

As the liquid hit the bottom of the glass, golden flecks spiraled within the clear liquid. Usually, most drinks had particles within, but not this one. It was as clear as a divine lake, not a spec of impurity was to be found.

Astrid grabbed the cup. Everyone gazed at her, giving her a knowing look as she placed the glass to her lips and tipped the ale into her mouth. She frowned. Not because it tasted bad, or good, but it was the lack of taste. It just reminded her of the filtered water she was used to.

What is everyone getting so excited about? Astrid thought rather dejectedly. Maybe she didn’t have the taste buds for it? Maybe altering the matter within her body at the auction had somehow demolished her sense of taste? Now she was panicking.

Oh goddess, no taste? I’d rather die. No longer will I be able to taste my mother's heavenly pastries. Or the pastries of the baker, Garret. Not the pastries, anything but the pastries. Astrid sniffled back her tears and finally swallowed the tasteless drink. A sudden intense heat clung to the walls of her throat like a furnace, then all at once, a sweet cooling honey replaced the searing heat as it fell all the way down her throat and into her stomach.

However, it didn’t end there. As it rested at the bottom of her stomach, the cooling sensation travelled back up and sent an intense buzz into her mind that forced a smile onto her face. She sat up straight and gazed at the drink.

You have consumed an Epic beverage - level 50 - Revitalising Spirit

For three hours you are granted:

| +20 intelligence.

| +20 wisdom.

| +15 constitution.

| +10 dexterity.

| Instantly regenerates all mana.

| +15% increased focus when using magic.

Incredible, but I don’t have any channelling abilities to use? Astrid’s thoughts cut through the giddiness that attempted to latch onto her mind. She tried to think of what it would help, but she couldn’t exactly test out her abilities here. With three hours there should be enough time to test out her Skills and see what focus helps with.

“It’s amazing.” Astrid praised.

“Thank you for the kind words.” Charlotte clenched her hands together in excitement.

“Does it take long to make?” Gloria said with hazed eyes. “Can I buy some?” It looked like her intelligence wasn’t enough to counteract the potent alcohol as her petite shoulders swayed.

“It takes around one month to make a batch,” Charlotte admitted. “And the ingredients are difficult to come by. I’m afraid I’m not in a position to sell it quite yet.”

“She’s a perfectionist.” Maggie placed her arm around Charlotte's waist.

Charlotte leaned into Maggie’s embrace. “I want to strive for excellence. If I can improve it even further, it may be of great help to the mages around Rebirth. Especially with threats looming in the darkness, every little will help.”

Astrid and Lisa gazed at each other. The events back in the auction house were unspoken as of yet. Lisa put Astrid’s mind to ease with a gentle nod.

“You think they’re hiding within one of the survivor colonies?” Maggie asked.

“Could be, I mean, how many of them are we even aware of?” Lisa said. “There could easily be hundreds that we have no chance of knowing. There are plenty of areas around Ruitera that Rebirth refuses to travel. Like the Dead Seas being one of them.”

“The Dead Seas,” Froderick shivered.

Astrid had heard of the Dead Seas. It was an area that was so deep that it was impossible to travel down without some sort of pressure suit, and a wall of mist separated it from the surroundings. Although it was forever ago that Rebirth had wandered in that direction. For good reason. It was an area so dense with sea monsters that it was suicide to approach. Some even say that a monster that rivals the Leviathan slumbers deep within the seafloor. Lurking, waiting for any Seafarer that is brave, or stupid enough to challenge the deathly waters. Maybe they were from there? Astrid thought, but it was impossible. No human life could live there without being immediately ripped apart.

“Yeah, it would be impossible for them to be there,” Brett said as a matter of fact. “Then what about one of the Bubbled Towns down below?”

The others thought for a minute before nodding.

“You know, that kinda makes sense,” Daniel said. “Who would have thought? Brett’s capable of using his head. Charlotte, another ale, this is a cause for celebration!”

“Ass,” Brett scoffed. “But another ale can’t hurt.”

“Talking about the robed men.” Josh turned to Astrid. “I heard you fought one of them off?”

“I did,” Astrid said.

“What was it like?” Nick perked up on his stool. “Were they strong?”

“You’re always so curious.” Astrid smirked. “They’re very strong. If it wasn’t for my skill, I would have most likely been crushed into a meat paste.”

“The same skill from our first mission?” Nick said.

“The same one,” Astrid admitted.

Nick, Gloria, Josh, and Froderick all looked at each other as they nodded.

“I feel bad for your opponent.” Nick took a swig of his ale. “Bet when he was running away with his tail tucked between his legs he felt mighty shameful that a sixteen-year-old girl beat him to a pulp.”

“Killed.” Astrid took a nervous sip.

“Killed?” Nick looked in shock.

Astrid could feel her heart race. There was no guilt at having taken a life. It was necessary; it was kill or be killed. Her father had taught her since young. It was in her blood to take life whenever she was forced to do so. No, it was the thought that her friends would abandon her. Would they view her as a monster? Just like the eyes she received back when she first killed that orc with her overload ability. It was a look of fear.

“Are you okay?” Mina placed her hand on Astrid’s arm. The warmth sent a jolt through her body. She gazed at Mina as tears threatened to escape her eyes.

“I am now,” Astrid flashed a sweet smile. It was like a stone was lodged in her throat. With a gulp, it was gone.