A Beekeeper in a Magical World

Kaito shrugged off the beastman's hand and cast a sidelong glance at him. "This might be a good lesson for you. Reflect on your actions. The next time you act recklessly, it might cost you your life!"

The beastman mumbled in response, looking somewhat dejected.

But he didn't say anything more.

Kaito moved to an open space and addressed Hua Mi, who was clad in a black robe. "This is a very rare spatial magic item. Typically, spatial items can only store inanimate objects, but this magic box can accommodate living beings for an extended period. Allow me to demonstrate."

With that, he pressed a button on the box, and its surface lit up with intricate runic patterns.

Then he casually tossed the box onto the ground.

As the box landed, it immediately expanded into a two-meter square pit, creating a sudden "sinkhole" in the previously flat ground.

From the hole came a roar, and two dog heads emerged, eager to get out.

Woof!

Only when they jumped out did Hua Mi realize that these were not two separate dogs, but two heads growing on a single body.

The two-headed dog stood about as tall as a person and had a body over three meters long. It knocked down a patch of Moon Slumber Flowers and snarled menacingly at the only stranger in the vicinity, baring its fangs.

Hua Mi's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately directed his swarm to swarm towards the creature.

He didn't have time to think about tactics at this moment, but he felt confident in his ability to handle the situation.

Although the two-headed dog appeared intimidating, a few hundred agonizing bee stings would put it down for sure.

"Stay calm, stay calm," Kaito said as he hurried to stand in front of the two-headed dog, gently patting one of its heads and gesturing to Hua Mi to halt the attack.

The two-headed dog instantly became docile, lowering its heads to nuzzle Kaito's clothing.

The swarm of stinging bees also halted their assault.

Kaito breathed a sigh of relief, reflecting on why he hadn't explained the situation beforehand. Things had almost escalated due to a misunderstanding.

"As you can see, this magic box can house living creatures, whether they are human or other species, allowing them to survive inside. I believe the magic box, when combined with the ring, is equivalent to a semi-automatic alchemical cauldron, wouldn't you say?"

Indeed, the magic box was quite impressive. Hua Mi was quite taken with it and began to contemplate its potential uses.

With this magic box, he could transport his bee swarm and beehives on his adventures without continually expending mental energy to control them. It intrigued him even more than the ring had.

Hua Mi conveyed his decision through his swarm: "Deal."

Seeing this, Kaito and Hilya breathed a sigh of relief, their expressions relaxing. However, the beastman appeared to be wearing a mask of suffering.

Only the beastman's injured world had been reached.

Hua Mi gave them directions to the location of the underground chamber, where they were to retrieve the alchemical cauldron themselves.

After confirming that the goods were in good condition, Kaito clenched his fist, and a ring on his left index finger came into contact with the alchemical cauldron. The cauldron transformed into light and disappeared into his ring.

This was what he had referred to earlier as a standard spatial item that could only accommodate non-living objects.

"Great doing business with you," Kaito said with a relaxed tone. "It's clear you're a skilled alchemist. Maybe we can do more trades in the future."

"We mostly reside in Blackstone Town, not far from the Black Forest. You're welcome to visit," Hilya added, following Kaito. "We appreciate your suggestion of fair exchange. It's very reasonable. So, if we have items that satisfy you, would you be interested in exchanging some alchemical recipes with us?"

Hua Mi pondered for a moment. He wondered if it was necessary to clarify the misunderstanding, to explain that he wasn't the infamous alchemist they might have thought him to be.

After a moment's thought, he decided there was no need.

Maintaining an air of mystery in front of outsiders was essential, giving them the impression of a skilled master. He, Hua Mi, didn't need to explain himself to anyone.

Explaining would only dispel the mystique.

However, the woman's words sparked an idea in Hua Mi. Although he only wanted to live peacefully, farming and beekeeping in this foreign world, he realized he could expand his honey-selling business here.

Honey could be sold not only on Earth but also in this parallel world.

And he had the advantage here.

Earth had regulations to adhere to, preventing him from raising prices arbitrarily.

But this world had no such restrictions. He was the sole producer of honey, making it a rare commodity.

The sleep-inducing effects of Moon Slumber Flower honey might not be so impressive in this magical world, but he wouldn't limit himself to just one type of flower. He could find more unique and rare flower varieties to create even more magical honey.

In the future, he could set his own prices, and people would have no choice but to buy his honey.

Hua Mi didn't respond to the woman's question about alchemical recipes but had his swarm deliver a bottle of Moon Slumber Flower honey to her.

"Is this for me?" She took the honey with a hint of confusion, not sure what kind of potion it was, but she still said, "Thank you."

The two of them set up a campfire in an open space.

"I never expected to find such a formidable figure in a two-star adventure site. Have you ever heard of an alchemist who uses strange insects in combat?" Kaito asked.

Hua Mi shook his head. "No."

"Such a remarkable individual should have some reputation. But anyway, what did he give you? A magic potion?" Hilya inquired.

"It's something strange that I've never seen before."

Hilya took out the honey and opened the bottle.

A peculiar, sweet scent wafted from it.

"Want to taste it?"

"You go first."

"Ah... the moonlight is so beautiful tonight."

After a while, the beastman and the two-headed dog joined them.

Korl, the beastman, noticed a cup of water on the ground and felt thirsty, so he picked it up and drank it all in one gulp.

Neither of them had a chance to stop him.

"Hmm?"

After drinking, he furrowed his brow.

"What's wrong?" Kaito asked nervously.

"What did I just drink?"

"Recovery potion," Hilya replied, her expression odd.

It was not a potion, but honey mixed with water. They hadn't dared to drink it earlier, as it was a gift from an alchemist, and they hadn't verified its effects.

They had initially intended to test it on a small animal. But Korl, in his recklessness, had volunteered for a taste test.

"Are you sure it's a recovery potion?"

"Yes, is there a problem?"

"It's just too delicious!"

He had never tasted such sweet magical potions. Typically, they were bitter and required pinching one's nose to swallow.

Hilya commented, "The latest batch. How do you feel?"

"Very comfortable."

Korl was quite content, his mood greatly improved after drinking a cup of water.

"This potion is quite effective, it's delicious, but it does have one downside..."

"What's the downside?"

"I'm feeling... drowsy."

Plunk!

Korl leaned back, sprawled out on the ground, and began to snore like thunder.