As a common human sorcerer of humble origin from the black iron race, Aphra could only marvel at the scrolls of elements, magical potions, and alchemical secrets while reluctantly parting with her magical potions at an ordinary alchemy shop. She then proceeded to procure the necessary scroll materials.

As for the acquisition of materials for Daphne's curative potions, that was merely a side task.

While awaiting the dwarf proprietor to fetch the goods, Aphra's gaze fixated on the centerpiece of the shop—the heart of a dragon.

"How much for the dragon's heart?" Aphra inquired.

The dwarf proprietor, emerging with a mithril box, snorted, remarking, "Forget about that thing; don't blame me for being straightforward. Ordinary bronze races can only offer such treasures. As a sorcerer born of the black iron lineage like you, saving up a lifetime wouldn't be enough to buy it... But, for you, a special offer: 1650 gold coins."

The mithril box opened, and several translucent crimson runes soared, twisting and dissipating in mid-air.

After inspecting the quality of the contents, Aphra stated, "Many years ago, someone told me similar words. That person said, as a slave-born insignificant waste, my fate was predetermined, and I shouldn't harbor endless fantasies of breaking free."

The dwarf proprietor wore a listening expression.

Later, after she broke the limbs of that slave overseer and tossed him into the lair of inferior demons, she found herself in the mage tower of the Thunder Caves, clad in the black robes symbolizing an apprentice.

Aphra stashed these materials into her spatial ring before remarking, "Now, I stand here as a sorceress, trading magical potion materials with you. It goes to show that class and destiny are not irreversible."

The dwarf proprietor lowered his head, grumbling a few arrogant remarks.

Aphra, driven by a sudden realization, chose not to dwell on her statement and, with the materials in tow, returned to the tower, embarking on the urgent task of concocting magical potions.

Being a sorceress was a costly profession.

Crystal gems, blank scrolls, magical potions—each required substantial financial support. Unless one had a mine at home or was an unparalleled genius sorcerer, engaging in a money-making side business to supplement one's livelihood became a necessity.

Aphra's chosen sideline was potion crafting, occasionally transcribing scrolls, effectively alleviating her economic pressure.

While immersed in crafting the fourth restorative potion in a sealed quiet chamber, the candlelight on the ceiling flickered, shifting from brightness to darkness—a sign that the warning spell had been triggered.

Aphra's hand, in the midst of cutting moonlight vines with a small knife, paused.

Initially, she thought it was Daphne barging in, but with the looming shadow behind her, she realized it was someone else.

Nidhogg placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Why are you still concocting potions at midnight? Is Daphne troubling you again?" Nidhogg said with a smile.

Aphra lowered her head, continuing to cut the moonlight vines steadily while adding a few drops of unicorn blood.

"It's not trouble. As the latest apprentice to enter the mage tower, I am more than willing to assist Daphne," Aphra said respectfully.

Behind her, Nidhogg, her mentor, chuckled softly. His other hand remained close, gently moving down, bringing a sensation that was both warm and uncomfortable.

If she were sensible, she should immediately show submission now. If not, the contract she signed was still in Nidhogg's hands.

Aphra was not inclined to be sensible, to follow in Daphne's footsteps, using her own body as a means to climb upwards.

She had always been unable to comprehend Daphne's mindset.

By being Nidhogg's lover, Daphne had always been the most favored among all apprentices in the Thunder Caves. She could squander precious and rare magical materials at will, enjoy exclusive guidance from the mentor, not to mention, in various dangers in the Kingdom of Hell, she remained the best-protected apprentice.

As for the authority to command and delegate tasks to her and other apprentices, it was just a minor privilege among Daphne's numerous perks.