Danmachi: Strongest Familia

"Perhaps some rare potions exist, but these are the most common ones available on the market," Renata said.

"Good. I'll analyze these potions as soon as possible," Singed replied lightly.

"We're pressed for time. I expect to see some research results within a week," Renata continued.

"That's enough time." Singed gently shook the test tube containing a green potion, his eyes sharpening as he seemed to discern the potion's components just by looking.

"Then I'll leave you to it and look forward to good news," Renata said as she closed the door behind her, exiting Singed's studio.

Once alone, Singed opened the potion, taking a quick, unhesitating sip. Although his eyes alone could gauge the ingredients, tasting it himself would yield a more precise analysis. Every concoction that came from his hands—no matter if it was simply for profit—had to be flawless.

"Recovery potion… so it should be…." he murmured to himself, flipping through the encyclopedia Renata had provided. This tome documented information about most medicinal herbs and other ingredients found in this world.

Creating recovery potions was second nature to Singed. The week he'd arranged with Renata was mainly to acclimate himself to this unfamiliar realm. He wanted a solid understanding of the new materials and their effects, using ingredients from this world to ensure the potion was compatible.

During that week, Renata moved quickly to secure the funds needed. Using Janna's name, she brokered a substantial loan from the Morgana family with a promise of priority and discounted access to the potion once it was complete. After all, they already had outstanding obligations to each other due to shared family resources, so adding another debt felt manageable.

With these funds, Renata was able to set up a workshop for Jinx, who'd been restless at the family residence. Giving her a project prevented potential explosions in the house, an expense Renata didn't have the money to fix. 

Amid her exhaustion, Renata found herself unexpectedly grateful for someone as simple as Mundo. Though Mundo was chaotic in his own way, he didn't pose the same destructive risk as Jinx. A few monster-hunting "doctor" games kept him occupied.

Renata's most time-consuming task, however, was securing a storefront. Limited funds kept her from buying a space in the Babel Tower. Even renting a spot was beyond reach. On Janna's suggestion, she ultimately agreed to temporarily set up a pharmacy within their family residence. Initially, she'd hesitated—inviting strangers into their home to buy potions felt like a risk. But after exhausting all her loan options, she had little choice. 

At last, Singed arrived at Renata's office. "You have a talent for cutting deadlines close, I see. I was just about to head to your lab."

Singed scowled. "I don't want someone like you, reeking of money, setting foot in my workspace."

"Careful now—those same money paid for all of your equipment," she shot back.

Singed ignored her jab, placed several potion bottles on the table, and settled onto the nearby sofa. Renata didn't waste time in needless argument, focusing instead on the two bottles he'd delivered.

Without needing Singed's explanations, Renata could easily identify the potions' effects; though she wasn't as skilled as he was, she was still an excellent alchemist.

"Life potion and magic potion? Impressive as always, Singed, but the colors look odd," she commented.

In her experience, Valoran's life potions were typically red, while magic potions were a strong blue. Yet these—purple for life and a ghostly pale blue for magic—looked unsettling.

"I followed this world's pharmacy practices, using local ingredients. If you want something closer to Valoran's potions, I'll need at least ten more days," Singed replied.

"I didn't think you cared that much," Renata remarked, setting the potions down with a smirk. Unlike Singed, who sampled his creations without hesitation, Renata was cautious, unwilling to risk her safety on untested potions.

Especially when it came to anything Singed made—experimentation was his passion, and if side effects surfaced, she had no desire to be the test subject.

"How potent are these potions? And what about the cost? If they don't match the originals, we'll end up as a laughingstock."

"Do you doubt me?" Singed sneered. "My potions are 50% more effective than the samples you gave me. I've listed the ingredients and their ratios—figure out the costs yourself. I'm not interested in such trivialities."

Singed seemed to have anticipated her question, handing over the formula without hesitation. With this, Renata could handle the rest herself.

"You remember what I mentioned—we'll need a range of potions," she reminded him.

"I'll look into other types, no need to pester me."

"Then I'll see you next time," Renata replied, watching him slam the door on his way out with an amused smile.

Unfurling the formula list, she compared it against a price list she'd made during her search for an affordable shop. Her sharp, calculating mind quickly estimated the life and magic potion costs, factoring in the possibility that bulk production could reduce expenses further.

With the potential for buying raw materials in bulk at lower rates, the production cost could indeed decrease.

However, to create potions on a large scale, she would need reliable manpower—people she could trust.