As Eklavya completed the refinement and carefully took the ten pills into his palm, their faint glow reflected softly against his fingers. Magha finally began explaining their value in a calm yet confident voice.

  “This is a fast-healing pill known as the One-Lined Recovery Pill,” Magha said. “It isn’t an extremely high-level pill by classification—it is only a third-tier pill. However, if you were to sell it in the southern region, or more precisely within your empire, it would fetch you a fortune. Healing pills of this calibre are exceedingly rare in this part of the continent.”

  Eklavya frowned slightly, confusion flickering across his face as he examined the pills more closely.

  “But there are many third-tier pills in our empire,” he said after a moment. “If that’s the case, then why would this pill—”

  Magha cut him off before he could finish, clearly anticipating the question.

  “I know exactly what you’re thinking. You’re wondering why this recovery pill would sell for such a high price when there are already third-tier and even fourth-tier recovery pills circulating in your country.”

  Eklavya nodded silently.

  “The reason is simple,” Magha continued. “The recovery pills available in your empire are ordinary recovery pills. They restore injuries, yes, but their effects are limited and linear. What you refined just now is a One-Lined Recovery Pill. Though it is classified as a third-tier pill, its actual recovery efficiency is comparable to that of a fifth-tier ordinary recovery pill.”

  At those words, realisation dawned on Eklavya. He finally understood why Magha had insisted on using such an advanced refining method and over-aged herbs. This was not merely a pill of higher purity—it was a pill that surpassed its own tier through technique and refinement philosophy rather than raw material alone.

  Magha continued, his tone turning slightly instructive.

  “The ‘one-line’ refers to the way the medicinal essence flows through the body of the pill. More precisely, it is because only one type of flame is used to make the lining around the pill. The moment the pill dissolves, its energy spreads through the channels in a single, uninterrupted line, repairing flesh, organs, and internal injuries simultaneously rather than in stages. That is why its recovery speed far exceeds that of ordinary pills.”

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Eklavya looked at the pills again, his grip tightening ever so slightly.

  “Eat one,” Magha suggested. “Even though your injuries have already healed, you’ll still feel the difference. The residual fatigue, strain on your channels, and mental exhaustion accumulated from your recent battles and refinements will be completely washed away.”

  Without hesitation, Eklavya selected one pill and placed it into his mouth, swallowing it whole. The moment it dissolved, a gentle yet overwhelming warmth spread through his body, flowing smoothly through his ki channels like a clear river cleansing silt from its bed. His breathing steadied, his muscles relaxed, and the heaviness lingering deep within his bones vanished without a trace.

  Eklavya exhaled slowly, his eyes sharpening as renewed vitality surged through him.

  “Now I understand,” he murmured.

  After saying that, Eklavya swallowed one of the pills without hesitation. Almost instantly, a profound sensation washed over his entire body. The lingering fatigue that had settled deep into his muscles, bones, and channels vanished as if it had never existed, leaving behind a refreshing lightness that made him feel reborn.

  Even his core, which had lost a noticeable portion of its ki reserves during the earlier battles and prolonged refinement process, began to refill on its own. His body instinctively accelerated its absorption of spiritual ki from the surroundings. The flow of energy from nature surged toward him, entering his widened ki channels smoothly and without resistance, restoring his reserves at a visible pace.

  Eklavya let out a slow, satisfied breath, quietly acknowledging the pill’s terrifying effectiveness. Without wasting time, he carefully stored the remaining nine pills inside his storage ring, making sure to separate them properly. He then returned the cauldron as well, his movements calm and methodical now that his strength had fully recovered.

  After that, he stretched his arms wide and rolled his shoulders, feeling the renewed flexibility and strength in his body. Finally, he pulled his mask back over his face, concealing his expression once more.

  By then, it was already nearing early morning. The sky had not yet brightened, nor had the first rays of sunlight touched the valley, but the stars above had begun to fade ever so slightly. Their dimming glow silently announced that dawn would arrive within a few hours. The jungle remained quiet, wrapped in a calm that felt almost deceptive, as if the land itself was holding its breath.

  Just as Eklavya was about to extinguish the fire, a sudden, thunderous noise erupted from the eastern side of the valley—from the direction of the deeper forest. The sound carried the unmistakable clash of power, sharp and violent, echoing through the terrain and shattering the fragile silence of the night.

  Eklavya’s posture stiffened instantly.

  Without hesitation, his gaze turned toward the source of the disturbance. His instincts flared as he moved in that direction, disappearing into the shadows of the valley while the distant sounds of conflict continued to reverberate through the dark forest ahead.

  Everysekai

  by Bluesycobalt

  > Female Lead with cast of developed side-characters

  > A lot of poking at Isekai tropes

  > Rational and Underpowered Protagonist fighting for her life

  > 1500-2500 Word Chapters

  Updates MWF at 7:10pm EST