[Lynn]
[Age: 17]
[Level: 2]
[Race: Human]
[Strength: 3]
[Dexterity: 4]
[Intelligence: 7]
[Constitution: 3]
[Basic Skills]
[Intermediate Housework Proficiency: 901/1000]
[Elementary Potion-Making: 90/100]
[Elementary Surgery: 20/100]
[Skull Coins: 100]
[Fame: None]
[Description: An unknown apprentice at the Bloodsaw Apothecary. A frail yet shrewd human boy who has survived in this world for two years—though his days may be numbered...]
Lynn calmly scanned the suddenly appearing panel. The ability to keep a straight face, honed over two years, let him remain composed in almost any situation. He studied it repeatedly for a moment, roughly grasping some of the system's functions.
"So, as long as I keep completing quests from the creatures in this world, I'll get rewards and improve my abilities?" Lynn mused. If that was the case, his chances of surviving here just increased a little.
Just then, his master's hoarse voice and footsteps echoed from inside the shop. "Lynn, I'm going out. I'll be back in two days. Watch the shop carefully, lock the door at night, and don't let those annoying thieves take anything."
Screech—
Dragging sounds came from the corridor.
[Ding! Your master, the Bloodsaw Maniac, has issued a quest: Guard the shop. Reward: 50 Skull Coins, 100 Basic XP, 1 Special Reward.]
[Failure Penalty: The apothecary may need more "collections."]
...
Lynn hurried back inside. There, by the front hall door, his master was dragging a blood-drenched sack—something inside was rustling and struggling. The master's towering, two-meter frame, covered in dark red cysts, came into view. Instantly, a panel appeared before Lynn.
[Bloodsaw Maniac]
[Race: Patchwork Abomination]
[Level: ???]
[Alignment: Lawful Evil]
[Combat Ability: Do not attempt to provoke him.]
[Description: Owner of the Bloodsaw Apothecary on Wraith Alley. Skilled in various surgical procedures, but also dabbles in "interesting" side businesses outside the operating room...]
Lynn's heart jolted, but his expression remained unchanged. "Master, is there anything I need to watch out for while you're gone?" he asked. He knew this question was mandatory—otherwise, he might not live to see his master return.
The Bloodsaw Maniac slung the sack over his shoulder and rasped, "Take money from those who have it; barter with those who don't. For those who have neither and refuse to trade—cut them yourself."
Slap—
A blood-stained boning knife clattered down in front of Lynn.
[Ding! You have obtained a special item: Bloodsaw's Boning Knife ×1.]
[Bloodsaw's Boning Knife]
[Fine Grade]
[Level: ???]
[Exclusive: Bloodsaw Maniac (Authorized)]
[Description: A scalpel frequently used by the Bloodsaw Apothecary's owner. Extremely sharp, with powerful cutting power against flesh and spirits. Rumor has it that using it for too long will make you unable to resist the urge to cut something...]
"Remember," the Bloodsaw Maniac said, hoisting the blood-drenched sack and striding toward the door. "No matter what noises you hear outside, never step beyond the Soul Lamp's range. Ignore anyone who asks you to make house calls. Lock the door and windows at night—kill anyone who breaks in, and don't answer any calls."
Lynn nodded, committing the words to memory. "Yes, Master. I understand."
He watched as the towering Bloodsaw Maniac quickly vanished into the thick darkness.
Time passed swiftly. Lynn went about his daily routine: mopping up the blood on the floor, preparing ordinary potions for various ailments, then sitting behind the counter with the boning knife in hand, eyes closed, waiting for time to pass.
Then—
Knock, knock, knock—
Three knocks echoed at the door. Lynn looked up. A dirty little girl stood at the entrance, hugging a doll and gently tapping the door with her small hand. Her face wore a pitiful expression as she said, "Is the owner here? My doll's arm is broken—can you save her?"
[Ding! The Blood Puppet has issued a quest: Heal the injured doll. Reward: 50 Skull Coins, 50 Surgery XP, 1 Special Reward.]
Lynn glanced at the Soul Lamp outside the door—its flame flickered erratically. Chaotic flickers indicated the visitor's strength, and under the lamp's protection, no one could enter unless invited. Except, of course, for extremely powerful creatures.
Instantly, the girl's information appeared before him.
[Blood Doll]
[Level: 5]
[Race: Flesh Wraith]
[Alignment: Chaotic Neutral]
[Combat Ability: You may provoke it slightly.]
[Description: A doll holding a doll, searching for her mother on Wraith Alley. Anyone who steals her beloved doll will be eaten by the doll...]
A chill ran down Lynn's spine, but he stayed calm. "Come in." As an apprentice at an apothecary on Wraith Alley, he knew the rules here. These spirits and ghosts weren't inherently bloodthirsty—business could still be done, as long as their taboos weren't crossed.
The girl sat down by the counter, hugging her doll pitifully. Lynn glanced at it: one of the doll's arms was completely torn off, oozing scarlet blood and grime, as if bitten off violently.
"Doctor, please save my doll!" the girl pleaded. "Her arm is gone—she's my favorite. She'll die if this goes on." Suddenly, her lips stretched wildly, almost reaching her ears, revealing a bloodied grin. "You can save her, right? Big brother?"
[Lynn's Sanity: -5]
Lynn remained composed, reaching out to examine the doll's broken arm. Just then, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! The wound shows tooth marks, matching the target's (the girl's) dental structure. The blood in her mouth matches the doll's blood composition. Preliminary diagnosis: The target's family member ate the doll's arm.]
Lynn: "???"
This system was truly impressive—it could automatically help him diagnose. If that was the case, things would be much simpler.
He glanced at the girl, ignoring her bloodied smile, and asked, "Have you eaten anything lately?"
The girl instantly wiped the grin off her face, returning to her harmless, pitiful look. Clasping her hands together, she said, "I haven't eaten in days—I'm so hungry. But last night, in my dream, I had a big feast." She licked her lips, suddenly letting out a tinkling laugh. "It was delicious."
Squeak—squeak—
The doll on the counter suddenly wore the same eerie smile as the girl, repeating over and over: "Delicious! Delicious! Hehehehe!"
[Lynn's Sanity: -10]