The following week, the academy announced a new elective course for first-year students.
Introduction to Herbology and Potion Crafting.
Most students ignored it.
Among young cultivators, combat classes were considered prestigious, while support professions were often treated as secondary paths.
Krishak, however, enrolled immediately.
He understood that a cultivator who relied entirely on others for medicine and healing would always be limited.
And he wanted to know the level earth's portions have reached.
Lunafang accompanied him to the herbology building, drawing curious glances from the other students.
The classroom was circular, with rows of
worktables arranged around a central demonstration station.
Shelves along the walls contained jars of roots, leaves, powders, and preserved beast parts.
The scent of herbs filled the air.
At the front stood an elderly woman with silver hair and sharp eyes.
She wore a dark green robe embroidered with medicinal plants.
"I am Professor Devika," she said.
"Today, we begin with the most overlooked truth in cultivation."
She held up a small green leaf.
"Knowledge saves more lives than strength."
Krishak nodded inwardly.
The statement was simple, but profound.
Professor Devika explained that Earth's alchemical knowledge remained rudimentary.
Most practitioners could only brew:
Healing tonics
Recovery potions
Basic poison antidotes
Stamina restoratives
True pills, refined through advanced alchemical techniques, were still largely unknown.
Even so, the profession remained critically important.
A skilled potion master could support entire teams of cultivators.
Each student received a tray containing five common herbs.
Professor Devika asked them to identify the ingredients and describe their properties.
Krishak recognized all of them instantly.
• Silverleaf: promotes healing.
Sungrass: restores vitality.
Stone Moss: reduces inflammation.
Bitterroot: detoxifying.
Blue Mint: calms the mind.
He completed the assignment in minutes.
When Professor Devika reviewed his work, she raised an eyebrow.
"Excellent."
Several students stared in disbelief.
Krishak merely bowed politely.
The class then learned how to prepare a basic healing tonic.
The process involved:
1. Washing the herbs.
2. Crushing them in a mortar.
3. Simmering them at a controlled temperature.
4. Filtering impurities.
Professor Devika emphasized precision.
"A medicine is only as effective as the care invested in its preparation."
Krishak followed the process flawlessly.
His potion emerged unusually clear.
Professor Devika examined it and nodded with visible approval.
"This quality is exceptional."
Although the class focused on potion craft, Krishak viewed it as another avenue for understanding energy and material transformation.
The same principles applied to forging, formations, and even cultivation.
Purification.
Control.
Balance.
Harmony.
The laws of the universe often manifested through recurring patterns.
During a short break, Lunafang sniffed the herb trays curiously.
Professor Devika chuckled.
"Your companion seems interested."
Krishak smiled.
"He has good instincts."
The professor nodded.
"Many spirit beasts naturally recognize medicinal plants."
Krishak made a mental note to include herb identification in Lunafang's future training.
At the end of class, Professor Devika stopped Krishak.
"You possess unusual familiarity with herbs."
Krishak replied modestly.
"I've spent considerable time studying."
She regarded him thoughtfully.
"If you continue developing this skill, you may have talent for true alchemy."
Krishak bowed.
"Thank you, Professor."
On the way back to his dormitory, Krishak considered the significance of the lesson.
Earth lacked advanced pill refinement.
That would eventually change.
When the time was right, he intended to introduce genuine alchemical methods through his future academy.
For now, however, he would continue studying Earth's current techniques and identifying their limitations.
Lunafang trotted at his side, occasionally glancing up as if sensing his thoughts.
Krishak smiled faintly.
"There is still much to learn."
The silver wolf barked in agreement.
And under the afternoon sun, master and companion continued walking forward together.