[Q1] The Mystery in the Sleeping Forest

In the capital of the Puff Kingdom, Poki sat staring anxiously at the empty shelves of her shop.

Poki was referring to Sugar, a Puff alchemist who lived alone deep within the mysterious Sleeping Forest.
Sugar brewed all kinds of potions for the Seekers, from healing remedies to Trait Potions.

Just then, Momo arrived carrying a letter in her mouth.

Inside was a short message from Sugar.

She claimed to be dealing with a “major emergency,” insisted that it was top secret,
and asked Poki to send only two or three trustworthy Seekers to help her.

Seeing how serious the letter sounded, Poki immediately called for volunteers.

However, news of a secret mission in the Sleeping Forest quickly spread throughout the city. Before long, countless Seekers and Puffs had gathered, eager to help out of concern for Sugar.

Poki rubbed her chin thoughtfully

Poki turned to look at the crowd packed tightly in front of her, then nodded with confidence.

And so,

what should have been a small and secretive party of only a few people became an enormous procession marching toward Sugar’s home.

Everyone prepared themselves for whatever danger might be lurking within the forest.

The once-quiet Sleeping Forest was now filled with thunderous footsteps and lively conversation.
Its complicated maze-like paths proved almost useless against the dozens—if not hundreds—of Seekers and Puffs pouring into the woods.

When they finally reached Sugar’s seashell-shaped house, Poki called out to her several times.

But there was no reply.

Feeling that something was terribly wrong, Poki made a decision.

CRASH!!!

When everyone rushed inside.

they found nothing more than potion bottles piled throughout the house, ingredients scattered everywhere, and stacks of potion orders towering like mountains.

In one corner of the room, a small cauldron lay overturned.

Inside it—

A blue bottom and a fish-like tail were sticking out, trembling pitifully.

Amid the panic, Poki immediately rushed over and pulled Sugar out of the cauldron.

Before anyone could ask what had happened, they heard her speak in a small, defeated voice.

As everyone stared at her in disbelief, the truth was finally revealed

Sugar had fallen behind on her potion orders. Her house was overflowing with unfinished work, and she simply needed someone to help her.

She had originally planned to handle everything quietly so that no one would find out she was behind schedule.

But now, the entire Kingdom knew.

Sugar lowered her head in embarrassment.

After a brief moment of silence, the Seekers and Puffs burst into laughter.

Everyone took turns teasing Sugar until her blue body looked as though it might turn completely pink.

Then they began gathering the scattered ingredients, organizing the potion orders, experimenting with recipes, and brewing all kinds of potions together.

Sugar spoke with a shy smile.

Sugar gazed at her with heartfelt gratitude.

Poki grinned widely before continuing.

And so
 

The supposedly serious secret mission turned into....
 

A chaotic potion-brewing festival in the Sleeping Forest.

And it seemed that this forest... 
wouldn’t be returning to sleep anytime soon.