Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 165: Chaos Among the Remedies

As the looming shadow of war solidified its grip on the kingdom, the capital's atmosphere became tense, its heartbeat quickening with every passing day. The once lively streets now hummed with an underlying fear, and the common folk began reacting in ways that spoke to their growing unease.

Those who could afford to leave sought refuge in safer regions, while others, gripped by the uncertainty of the future, began fortifying their homes, stockpiling food, and preparing for the worst.

For the wealthier citizens, the need for caution was no less pressing; in addition to food, they turned to securing vital supplies—potions, medicines, and other healing elixirs—that could sustain them through an unforeseen crisis. This surge in demand sent the apothecary into a state of near-constant busyness, with Lefahne and Zurrel working tirelessly to meet the needs of a city on the brink.

But not everyone had the means to horde resources, fortify themselves, or escape. As desperation seeped into the streets, the less fortunate found themselves unable to escape their growing fears. Without a sense of direction, they began craving a psychological and emotional means of escape and soon found solace in dangerous pastimes—some drowned their worries in alcohol, others turned to gambling, women, or violence, while a small yet increasing number turned to the psychedelic escapism of drugs.

DING~

The bell above the apothecary's door chimed faintly as a man shuffled inside, his movements jittery and unsteady. His hollow eyes darted around the shop, his lips twisted into a grimace as beads of sweat dotted his furrowed brow.

The faint aroma of herbs and elixirs filled the air, but his focus was on something far more valuable than potions. The addict scratched at his arms absently, his withdrawal-induced irritation bubbling just below the surface.

The apothecary was quiet, its only occupants being the two shop owners and the occasional customer who wandered in. The man made an effort to appear inconspicuous, pretending to browse the shelves as his erratic gaze swept the room. He muttered to himself under his breath, pretending to be interested in the colorful vials and jars on display, but his true intentions lay in scouting the premises for the location of the coin vault.

Zurrel stood behind the counter, his calm demeanor giving the appearance of a casual observer. But his sharp, perceptive eyes had been tracking the man's every move since he entered the shop. The addict's fidgeting and nervous glances were red flags that Zurrel recognized immediately.

The vagabond's gaze finally landed on what appeared to be a small, secure cabinet in the corner behind the counter. His body tensed as his mind raced, weighing his chances. The shop was momentarily devoid of customers, and Lefahne had stepped into the back to retrieve an order for another client.

He decided to act.

In a sudden burst of movement, the man lunged for the cabinet, his hand outstretched. But Zurrel was faster. He vaulted over the counter, intercepting the man mid-lunge, his boot slamming into the bastard's stomach, sending him crashing into a nearby shelf.

Glass vials and jars toppled from the impact, shattering against the ground. Bright, iridescent liquids spilled across the floor, releasing bursts of colorful smoke and sparks as they reacted with the air. The pungent smell filled the room, mingling with the addict's frantic grunts and Zurrel's focused breathing.

The man twisted and lashed out wildly, managing to shove the store owner back a few steps. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed a heavy ceramic jar and swung it toward the man's head. Zurrel ducked, the jar smashing against another shelf, turning the once-organized apothecary into a war zone.

Zurrel remained calm despite the chaos. He moved with precision, sidestepping the assailant's frantic swings and using his own weight to throw him off balance. The addict snarled in frustration, his desperation driving him to fight harder. His bloodshot eyes darted around the room before settling on a knife concealed in his boot.