The day of Master Eldon's visit dawned clear and warm. Neil woke before the morning bell, reviewing his prepared materials one last time. His small collection of remedies was arranged in glass vials, each labeled with its contents and purpose. His notebook documented months of careful experimentation and learning.
Brother Tomas had instructed Neil to tend the special section of the garden where the rarest herbs grew—the ones specifically cultivated for the Potion Guild. This was where Master Eldon would conduct his inspection, and where Neil would have his opportunity to make an impression.
After a breakfast he barely tasted, Neil made his way to the garden. Brother Tomas was already there, meticulously checking each plant.
"Ah, Neil. Good. Master Eldon will arrive within the hour. I want everything perfect for his inspection." The gardener gestured to a patch of delicate purple flowers. "The dreambloom is particularly fine this year. He'll be pleased."
Neil knelt beside the dreambloom, carefully removing a few stray weeds from around its base. "What exactly does the Potion Guild use dreambloom for?"
"Sleep potions, primarily," Brother Tomas replied. "But in the hands of a skilled potion-maker, it can also be used in remedies for mental clarity and memory enhancement. The Guild closely guards its more advanced recipes."
Neil nodded, filing away this information. The interface flickered briefly:
As they worked, Brother Tomas offered last-minute advice. "Master Eldon values precision and knowledge, but he has little patience for showing off. Answer his questions directly, demonstrate your skills if asked, but don't volunteer too much unless he shows interest."
"I understand," Neil said, trying to calm his nerves. This meeting could be pivotal for his future.
An hour later, they heard the orphanage bell ring, signaling a visitor's arrival. Brother Tomas straightened his soil-stained robes. "That will be him. Remember what I said—be respectful, be precise, be honest about what you know and don't know."
Neil nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He had faced board meetings and high-stakes negotiations in his previous life. He could handle one potion master.
They didn't have to wait long. Matron Helsa appeared at the garden gate, accompanied by a tall, thin man with a neatly trimmed white beard. He wore robes of deep green with subtle silver embroidery at the cuffs and collar—not ostentatious, but clearly of fine quality.
"Brother Tomas," Matron Helsa called. "Master Eldon has arrived for his biannual inspection."
Brother Tomas bowed slightly. "Master Eldon, welcome. We've been preparing for your visit."
The potion master's sharp eyes surveyed the garden, missing nothing. "The dreambloom looks exceptional this year, Brother. Your touch with rare herbs remains unmatched in Westhollow."
"You honor me with your praise," Brother Tomas replied. "May I present my assistant, Neil Chambers? He has shown remarkable aptitude for herbalism these past months."
Master Eldon's gaze shifted to Neil, assessing him with the same precision he'd applied to the plants. The interface flickered:
"A young assistant?" Master Eldon raised an eyebrow. "Unusual. Most boys your age have neither the patience nor the delicacy required for herb cultivation."
Neil bowed respectfully. "Brother Tomas is an excellent teacher, Master Eldon. I've learned much under his guidance."
"Hmm." The potion master's expression revealed nothing. "Well, let us proceed with the inspection. I'm particularly interested in the moonshade you mentioned in your letter, Brother Tomas."
Matron Helsa excused herself, leaving Neil and Brother Tomas to guide Master Eldon through the garden. The potion master examined each plant carefully, occasionally taking small samples and placing them in labeled pouches.
When they reached the moonshade—a pale, silvery plant that grew in the shadiest corner of the garden—Master Eldon's interest visibly increased.
"Excellent specimens," he murmured, gently touching one of the delicate leaves. "Cultivating moonshade outside its natural habitat is notoriously difficult. How did you manage it, Brother?"
Before Brother Tomas could answer, Neil spoke up. "If I may, Master Eldon—Brother Tomas created a special soil mixture with crushed limestone and ash from the kitchen fires. And we water it only with rainwater collected during the waning moon."
Both men turned to look at Neil, Brother Tomas with surprise, Master Eldon with sudden interest.
"You understand the lunar connection to the plant's growth cycle?" the potion master asked.
"Yes, Master," Neil replied. "Brother Tomas explained that moonshade absorbs and stores lunar energy, which affects its medicinal properties. Watering during the waning moon helps balance its potency."
Master Eldon stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Correct. And what are its primary uses in potion-making?"
Neil hesitated, glancing at Brother Tomas, who gave a slight nod of encouragement.
"Primarily for pain relief potions, Master. Its lunar properties make it effective for deep-seated pain that other remedies can't reach. But it must be handled carefully, as excessive use can cause dependency."
Master Eldon's eyebrows rose slightly. "Well informed for one so young." He turned to Brother Tomas. "You've taught him well."
"Neil has a natural affinity for herbalism," Brother Tomas replied. "And a thirst for knowledge that exceeds my ability to quench it."
The inspection continued, with Master Eldon occasionally directing questions to Neil. Each time, Neil answered as precisely as he could, neither embellishing his knowledge nor hiding the limits of his understanding.
When they had examined the last of the special plants, Master Eldon turned to Brother Tomas. "As always, your cultivation is exemplary. The Guild will take the usual quantities, plus additional dreambloom and moonshade if you can spare them."
"Of course, Master Eldon. I've prepared the harvested herbs in the drying shed. If you'll follow me?"
As they walked to the small shed where Brother Tomas processed and stored the herbs, Neil wondered if he would have another opportunity to speak with the potion master. Brother Tomas had mentioned recommending him as a potential apprentice, but so far, the conversation had focused entirely on the plants.
Inside the shed, Brother Tomas showed Master Eldon the carefully dried and packaged herbs prepared for the Guild. The potion master examined each bundle, nodding with approval.
"Excellent quality, as always," he said, placing the bundles in a leather satchel he carried. "The Guild's payment will be delivered to Matron Helsa as usual."
This seemed to be the conclusion of the visit. Neil felt a sinking disappointment. Had Brother Tomas changed his mind about recommending him?
But then the gardener cleared his throat. "Master Eldon, before you depart, I wished to discuss another matter with you. Regarding Neil."
The potion master turned his sharp gaze back to Neil. "Yes?"
"Neil has shown exceptional aptitude for herbalism and remedy preparation," Brother Tomas said. "He has a natural understanding of plant properties and interactions that I've rarely seen, especially in one so young."
Master Eldon's expression remained neutral. "Many children show early promise that fails to develop."
"True," Brother Tomas acknowledged. "But Neil has already developed several effective remedies of his own devising. Perhaps you might examine them?"
Neil's heart leaped. This was his opportunity. He stepped forward, offering the small wooden box containing his prepared samples. "If you would honor me with your assessment, Master Eldon."
The potion master hesitated, then accepted the box. He opened it, examining the neatly labeled vials inside. "What are these?"
"My own formulations, Master," Neil replied. "Based on Brother Tomas's teachings, but with some modifications."
Master Eldon selected a vial labeled "Enhanced Headache Remedy" and uncorked it, wafting the scent toward his nose. His eyebrows rose slightly.
"Feverfew and willowbark, yes, but there's something else… Lavender, certainly, but also… moonshade? A very small amount."
"Yes, Master," Neil confirmed, impressed by the potion master's ability to identify the components by scent alone. "Just a trace amount of moonshade to target deeper pain without risking dependency."
Master Eldon recorked the vial and selected another, labeled "Respiratory Tonic."
"And this?"
"For breathing difficulties, Master. It combines traditional remedies like silvermint with extracts of pine resin and honey."
The potion master examined each of Neil's preparations, asking detailed questions about his formulation process and reasoning. Neil answered as clearly as he could, explaining the careful experimentation that had led to each remedy.
Finally, Master Eldon closed the box and handed it back to Neil. His expression was thoughtful.
"You have an analytical mind, young Neil. Your formulations show a methodical approach unusual in one without formal training." He turned to Brother Tomas. "I assume you're suggesting him as a potential apprentice?"
"Yes, Master Eldon," Brother Tomas confirmed. "When he reaches the appropriate age, of course."
Master Eldon stroked his beard. "The Guild rarely takes apprentices so young. Typically, we prefer those who have already experienced their Awakening, so we can assess their magical affinity."
Neil's hopes began to sink again, but Master Eldon wasn't finished.
"However, there are precedents for exceptional cases. Preliminary apprenticeships, focusing on the non-magical aspects of potion-making, have occasionally been granted to promising individuals before their Awakening."
Brother Tomas nodded. "That is what I had in mind, Master Eldon. Neil still has nearly two years before his Awakening, but that time could be well spent in preliminary training."
"Indeed." Master Eldon studied Neil with renewed interest. "Tell me, boy, why do you wish to join the Potion Guild? Speak honestly."
Neil considered his answer carefully. This was no time for flattery or manufactured enthusiasm. Master Eldon would see through such tactics immediately.
"I find satisfaction in creating remedies that help others," Neil began. "There's a precision to it that appeals to me—the careful balance of ingredients, the attention to detail, the methodical testing. But more than that, I'm fascinated by the potential. If non-magical remedies can do so much good, how much more could be achieved with the addition of magical enhancement?"
Master Eldon nodded slowly. "A thoughtful answer. And what of the commercial aspects? Potion-making can be lucrative for those with talent."
"I won't pretend that doesn't matter," Neil replied honestly. "I'm an orphan with no family connections or resources. I understand that success in any field requires financial stability."
"Refreshingly pragmatic," Master Eldon commented, a hint of approval in his voice. "Most young applicants speak only of helping others or advancing magical knowledge, as if practical considerations were somehow beneath them."
He turned back to Brother Tomas. "Your recommendation carries weight, Brother. And the boy shows promise. But there remains the matter of the apprenticeship fee. The Guild cannot waive it, even for exceptional cases."
Brother Tomas nodded. "I understand, Master Eldon. Perhaps a partial scholarship might be considered? Or a deferred payment arrangement?"
Master Eldon shook his head. "Guild regulations are strict on this matter. However…" He paused, considering. "There might be another approach. The Guild occasionally provides advance contracts for rare herbs difficult to source on the open market. If St. Clement's could expand its cultivation of certain specimens—moonshade, dreambloom, frostleaf—the proceeds might cover an apprenticeship fee."
Neil's mind raced with possibilities. This was an opportunity not just for himself, but potentially for the orphanage as well.
"Brother Tomas has been teaching me the special requirements for those rare herbs," Neil said. "With his guidance, I believe we could expand the cultivation significantly."
Brother Tomas looked surprised but nodded. "It would require additional space and resources, but yes, it could be done."
"Then I propose this," Master Eldon said. "I will provide seeds and specific cultivation instructions for three rare herbs the Guild currently imports at great expense. If you can successfully grow and harvest them over the next year, the Guild will purchase the yield at premium prices. Those funds could then be applied toward an apprenticeship fee."
He turned to Neil. "This would not guarantee your acceptance, understand. You would still need to demonstrate continued aptitude and dedication. And your eventual Awakening would need to show at least moderate magical potential. But it would open the door."
Neil could hardly believe what he was hearing. This was more than he had hoped for—a clear path forward, dependent on his own efforts rather than charity or connections.
"Thank you, Master Eldon," he said, bowing deeply. "I would be honored to accept this challenge."
"Don't thank me yet, boy," the potion master warned. "Growing these particular herbs will be far more difficult than anything you've attempted. Many experienced herbalists have failed."
"I understand," Neil replied. "But I'm willing to try."
Master Eldon nodded. "Very well. I will send the seeds and instructions within the week. I will return in six months to assess your progress." He turned to Brother Tomas. "I trust you will supervise his efforts?"
"Of course, Master Eldon," the gardener agreed. "Though I suspect I will learn as much as I teach in this endeavor."
As they walked Master Eldon back to the orphanage gates, Neil's mind was already working, planning how to approach this new challenge. He would need to study everything he could find about these rare herbs, prepare special growing areas, develop careful cultivation protocols.
At the gate, Master Eldon paused and turned to Neil one last time. "One piece of advice, young Neil. The path of a potion-maker is not merely about following recipes or procedures. The truly great potion masters understand the fundamental principles behind the interactions—why certain ingredients combine as they do, how magical energy influences these combinations. Study not just what works, but why it works."
"I will, Master Eldon," Neil promised. "Thank you for this opportunity."
After the potion master had departed, Brother Tomas turned to Neil with a smile. "Well done. You impressed him, which is no small feat. Master Eldon rarely shows interest in potential apprentices, especially those not yet Awakened."
"Thank you for recommending me," Neil said sincerely. "I won't let you down."
"See that you don't," Brother Tomas replied, though his tone was kind. "This is a rare opportunity, not just for you but for St. Clement's as well. If we can establish ourselves as reliable suppliers of rare herbs to the Guild, it could provide income for years to come."
Neil nodded, understanding the implications. This arrangement could benefit many orphans beyond himself, creating a sustainable relationship between St. Clement's and the Potion Guild.
The interface flickered:
For once, the system's assessment seemed almost congratulatory.
That evening, Neil updated Thomas on the meeting with Master Eldon. His friend listened with growing excitement.
"Neil, do you realize how significant this is? Preliminary apprenticeships with the Guilds are incredibly rare. And to have it arranged before your Awakening…" Thomas shook his head in amazement. "You must have really impressed him."
"It's not guaranteed," Neil cautioned. "I still have to successfully grow these rare herbs, and my Awakening needs to show magical potential."
"Still, it's a foot in the door that most orphans never get." Thomas hesitated, then added, "I'm happy for you, Neil. Really."
Neil studied his friend's face, noting a hint of wistfulness. "What about you, Thomas? What are your plans after Awakening?"
Thomas shrugged. "If I show magical potential, my uncle might help with some basic training. Nothing like a Guild apprenticeship, though. More likely, I'll end up apprenticed to a scribe or bookkeeper—something that makes use of my reading and writing skills."
Neil made a mental note to find a way to help Thomas if he could. The bookish boy had been a good friend, sharing knowledge and books that had been invaluable to Neil's understanding of this world.
"Whatever happens," Neil said, "we'll stay in touch. I promise."
Thomas smiled. "I'll hold you to that. Especially when you're a famous potion master and I'm just a humble scribe."
Neil returned the smile, but his mind was already racing ahead, planning his next steps. The seeds and instructions from Master Eldon would arrive within the week. He needed to prepare, to study everything he could about advanced herb cultivation.
The memory integration continued its steady progress:
The process had passed the halfway point, giving Neil an increasingly complete picture of Neil Chambers' life and experiences. These memories now felt less like watching someone else's life and more like remembering his own past—a strange but not unpleasant sensation.
Over the next few days, Neil divided his time between his regular duties in the herb garden and preparations for the special cultivation project. He cleared a section of unused ground behind the garden shed, following Brother Tomas's advice about soil and drainage. He constructed simple cold frames using old window glass from the orphanage's storage shed, creating protected environments for delicate plants.
Marcus continued to sell Neil's regular herbal remedies at the market, returning with steadily increasing sums. Neil now directed most of these funds toward his cultivation project, purchasing specialized tools and materials he would need for the rare herbs.
A week after Master Eldon's visit, a Guild messenger arrived at St. Clement's with a sealed package for Brother Tomas. The gardener immediately summoned Neil to his workshop.
"The seeds and instructions have arrived," Brother Tomas said, carefully breaking the wax seal on the package. Inside were three small cloth pouches, each containing seeds, and a detailed scroll of instructions.
Brother Tomas unrolled the scroll, his eyes widening as he read. "By the stars," he murmured. "These are not just rare herbs—they're among the most difficult to cultivate outside their native environments."
Neil looked over the gardener's shoulder at the scroll. The first herb was Celestial Nightshade, a cousin to the moonshade they already grew, but far more potent and temperamental. It required soil mixed with powdered moonstone and watering only during specific phases of the moon.
The second was Azure Dreambloom, a more powerful variant of regular dreambloom. It needed to be planted at precise depths according to a complex mathematical formula and required a misting of dew collected at dawn from specific flowers.
The third was Frostfire Sage, a plant that somehow combined properties of extreme heat and cold. It needed alternating temperature cycles and a growing medium that included crushed crystals from mountain caves.
"These will be challenging indeed," Brother Tomas said, shaking his head. "Master Eldon wasn't exaggerating when he said many experienced herbalists have failed."
Neil studied the instructions carefully. "Challenging, yes, but not impossible. The instructions are precise. If we follow them exactly and monitor the plants carefully, we should succeed."
Brother Tomas gave him a measured look. "Your confidence is admirable, Neil. But don't underestimate the difficulty. These plants are notoriously sensitive to the slightest variations in their growing conditions."
"Then we'll be meticulous," Neil replied simply. "When can we begin?"
The next morning, they started preparations for the special herbs. The interface flickered occasionally as Neil worked with the exotic materials specified in Master Eldon's instructions:
These materials were clearly more than ordinary gardening supplies. They had magical properties that would influence the growth and potency of the herbs. Neil handled them with the care they deserved, following the instructions to the letter.
For the Celestial Nightshade, they prepared a special bed in the shadiest corner of the garden, mixing the soil with the powdered moonstone exactly as specified. The seeds were planted during the dark of the moon, as instructed, and covered with a special glass dome that Brother Tomas had commissioned from the local glassblower.
The Azure Dreambloom required even more precise preparation. Neil spent hours calculating the exact planting depths for each seed based on the mathematical formula provided. Brother Tomas watched with raised eyebrows as Neil worked through the complex equations.
"Where did you learn such mathematics?" the gardener asked. "That's beyond what's taught at St. Clement's."
Neil hesitated, then gave a version of the truth. "During my illness, I had dreams… visions of numbers and patterns. Since my recovery, I've found I understand mathematics more clearly than before."
Brother Tomas nodded slowly. "Sometimes severe fevers can change a person. I've heard of cases where new talents emerged after recovery."
"Yes," Neil agreed, relieved at the gardener's acceptance of this explanation. "That must be it."
The Frostfire Sage proved the most challenging to prepare for. The alternating temperature cycles required a special apparatus that Neil designed based on the instructions—a double-walled planter with separate chambers that could be filled with hot or cold water to regulate the soil temperature.
By the end of the week, all three rare herbs had been planted according to Master Eldon's exacting specifications. Now began the long process of monitoring and tending them through their growth cycles.
"Remember," Brother Tomas cautioned, "these plants will require daily attention. The slightest neglect could result in failure."
"I understand," Neil assured him. "I'll check them morning and evening, and keep detailed records of their progress."
And so began a new phase of Neil's life at St. Clement's. His days now followed a strict routine: early mornings and evenings with the special herbs, recording their progress and adjusting their care as needed; midday in the regular herb garden with Brother Tomas; afternoons in classes; and evenings studying whatever books he could find on advanced herbalism and magical theory.
The interface continued to track his progress:
The special herbs grew slowly, requiring constant attention. The Celestial Nightshade was particularly temperamental, its growth stunting if the moonstone concentration in the soil wasn't perfectly maintained. Neil found himself adjusting the mixture weekly, carefully monitoring the plant's response.
The Azure Dreambloom grew more steadily but required the dawn dew misting at precise intervals. Neil rose before sunrise every third day to collect the dew from specific flowers in the garden, as instructed.
The Frostfire Sage proved the most fascinating. As it grew, the leaves developed distinct patterns—one side showing frost-like crystalline structures, the other glowing with a faint inner heat. Neil had to adjust the temperature cycles constantly, finding the perfect balance between hot and cold.
Brother Tomas watched Neil's dedication with approval. "You have the patience required for this work," he commented one evening as they reviewed the plants' progress. "Many would have grown frustrated by now with the constant adjustments and slow results."
"I find it satisfying," Neil replied truthfully. "Seeing the plants respond to precise care, watching them develop according to plan… there's a certain logic to it that appeals to me."
The gardener nodded. "That's the mindset of a true herbalist—and potentially, a potion-maker. The best in the Guild have that same methodical patience, that same appreciation for precise processes."
Three months after planting, the special herbs had established themselves well enough that Neil could reduce his monitoring to once daily. This gave him more time for his other studies and projects.
His regular herb business with Marcus continued to thrive, providing a steady income that Neil now divided between his Academy fund and materials for the special herbs. He had also begun experimenting with more advanced remedies, incorporating some of the techniques mentioned in Master Eldon's instructions.
Thomas continued to provide books and information from his uncle's connection to the Guild. "The Potion Guild is particularly active right now," he told Neil one evening as they studied together in the library. "There's increased demand for their products due to tensions along the northern border."
"Tensions?" Neil asked, looking up from his notes. "What kind of tensions?"
Thomas lowered his voice, though no one else was in the library. "There are rumors of strange creatures appearing in the northern forests. The Combat Guild has been dispatched to investigate, and they're requisitioning healing and combat potions in large quantities."
Neil filed this information away. Political and security developments could affect Guild operations and priorities, which might in turn impact his own opportunities.
The interface flickered:
This was the first time the system had identified a current event rather than historical information or personal skills. Neil wondered if this meant the interface was expanding its functionality as his understanding of this world grew.
As autumn approached, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days, Neil had to adjust his care of the special herbs once again. The Celestial Nightshade entered a dormant phase, requiring less water but more protection from the cold. The Azure Dreambloom, surprisingly, began to flower despite the season, producing tiny blue blossoms that glowed faintly in darkness.
The Frostfire Sage thrived in the cooler weather, its dual-natured leaves growing larger and more distinct in their hot/cold properties. According to Master Eldon's instructions, this was the optimal time to harvest the first cutting—not the entire plant, but specific leaves selected according to their pattern development.
Neil performed the harvest with Brother Tomas supervising, using silver shears as specified and collecting the leaves in a crystal bowl rather than ordinary containers. The process was almost ritualistic in its precision.
"These will need to be dried using the special frame Master Eldon provided," Brother Tomas said, referring to a strange contraption of silver wire and crystal that had arrived with the seeds. "The drying process is as important as the growing for these magical herbs."
Neil nodded, carefully transferring the harvested leaves to the drying frame. "How long will it take?"
"Three days, according to the instructions. During that time, the frame should be kept in complete darkness except for one hour of direct moonlight each night."
This level of precision was far beyond ordinary herbalism, edging into what seemed like magical practice. Yet Neil found he enjoyed the exacting requirements, the careful timing, the attention to detail. There was a science to it, even if the underlying principles involved magic rather than the physics and chemistry he had known in his previous life.
The interface flickered:
As winter settled over Westhollow, bringing snow and bitter winds, Neil's special herbs continued to develop according to plan. The Celestial Nightshade remained dormant but healthy, the Azure Dreambloom continued its unexpected flowering cycle, and the Frostfire Sage had provided two more successful harvests.
Brother Tomas was clearly impressed. "You've exceeded my expectations, Neil. To maintain these temperamental plants through their first season, with multiple successful harvests of the Frostfire Sage… Master Eldon will be pleased when he returns for his inspection."
Neil allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction. "We still have three months before his return. I want to ensure all three plants are thriving by then."
"At this rate, they will be," Brother Tomas assured him. "The Guild will certainly honor their agreement regarding the apprenticeship fee if the quality of the harvested materials matches what we've seen so far."
This was the validation Neil had been working toward—confirmation that his path to the Potion Guild was becoming more certain. There were still hurdles ahead—his Awakening chief among them—but the first major step was nearly secured.
The memory integration continued its steady progress:
More than half of Neil Chambers' memories had now been integrated with Neil's consciousness. He found himself dreaming of the boy's early years at the orphanage, recalling faces and events with increasing clarity. These memories no longer felt foreign—they were simply part of his past now, alongside his memories of Earth and his former life.
This integration brought an unexpected benefit: Neil found himself more naturally attuned to this world, more instinctively aware of its social norms and cultural references. He made fewer mistakes in conversation, needed less explanation of common concepts, and generally felt more at home in his surroundings.
As the winter solstice approached—an important holiday in Eldoria called the Longest Night—Neil reflected on his progress since arriving in this world. In less than a year, he had gone from a confused transmigrant to a respected herbalist's assistant with a potential path to Guild apprenticeship. He had established a small but growing business, formed valuable relationships, and accumulated knowledge that would serve him well after his Awakening.
Most importantly, he had found purpose in this new life—not just survival or adaptation, but genuine direction and meaning. The path ahead was challenging but clear: continue his herb cultivation for the Guild, prepare for his Awakening, secure his apprenticeship, and eventually rise through the ranks of the Potion Guild through innovation and excellence.
The game was proceeding well, and Neil was playing with increasing skill and confidence. The next major milestone—Master Eldon's return inspection—was just months away, and Neil was determined to exceed all expectations.
The interface flickered one last time as he prepared for sleep on the eve of the Longest Night:
Neil smiled at the system's understated approval. Yes, things were proceeding favorably indeed. And this was just the beginning.