"You say some funny things, mister. But I'd suggest you leave. What makes you think I'd spend that much time to create a homunculus? And for a person I've never met, at that."
Dignitas smiled. Kiara's cautiousness was almost on par with Alter's, perhaps even more. She wasn't the type to enter engagements without considering the benefits and losses.
"Well, I just happened to have some information on this thing called a Reversal Po–"
Before Dignitas even finished his sentence, something rushed past his face for a split second.
It was fast, even faster than Dignitas' most swift attack.
Turning around, he chuckled. What stood there was an absolute behemoth of a homunculus.
Its body was grey, and completely devoid of color. Standing at over thrice Dignitas' height, the homunculus waved its large, bulky arms.
Thinking about it, Dignitas gasped at the odd similarity with a certain green superhero in his old world. That guy got stronger the more angry he was.
"I sure hope you didn't come here to dangle a piece of bait in front of my eyes, mister. Is what you're saying true? You know where the Reversal Potion is?"
The Reversal Potion was one of the hardest items to create. It was essentially a potion that would revert anyone who took it into their best form, whether that be ten or twenty years ago.
And along with this, it could also completely cure any illnesses and dispel curses.
"Well, not exactly "where", but I do have the recipe." Dignitas replied. "But first, could you get your homunculus away? It's been staring at me with those weird lifeless eyes."
"Hmph. Alright, you can go now, Lobos. I'll be fine." Kiara smiled to the homunculus, who seemed to have understood her attentions and left, disappearing into a tiny puddle of greyish liquid.
"Sheesh. Didn't think you even managed to outfit your guys with instant dispersal. That'll be useful in a pinch."
"Enough of that. Tell me, mister. Do you have it?"
"I sure do. But for that, I'll need a homunculus in exchange." Dignitas replied.
Kiara pondered his original offer for a bit. Sure, she could create a homunculus anytime she wanted, given the materials. But Dignitas was asking for something much more troublesome.
Homunculi that were lifelike and could act like humans were otherwise known as Proto-Humans. They were capable of doing anything normal humans could and did not require any type of food as sustenance.
After thinking for a few minutes, Kiara finally replied. "I'm in. In exchange for the recipe, I'll make you a Proto-Human."
Dignitas' face lightened up. "That's a relief. Do you need anything to create it?"
"...perhaps some hair, if you have some."
"Hair? Why?"
"If you don't want the Proto-Human to look like a humanoid mass of grey fluid, I'd suggest you use a person's hair. It helps the mixture recognize the person it's modeled after and change itself to look accordingly."
"So… like a younger version of someone?"
"Exactly. So, do you have any? If not, I don't mind using mine. I don't mean to brag, but a Proto-Human created from my DNA is bound to possess at least half of the intelligence I have." Kiara suggested with a smug expression.
"Sure, why not?" Dignitas agreed.
"Perfect. I'll get started on it immediately, so give me the recipe and get out of here."
Without another word, Dignitas pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Kiara, who began scanning it.
Up, down, up, down. Her eyes were changing directions so quickly, it was as if she had become a robot.
"I see, I see. A phoenix feather? Makes sense… hmm, a troll's finger, a goblin's blood…"
Leaving Kiara to her own devices, Dignitas pushed the door open and quietly left Class 1-AL.
***
"What's next… right, the faculty room. Time to set things in motion."
After exiting the alchemy classroom, Dignitas made his way to the third floor of the Academy. The trip took a bit longer than it should've. There seemed to be more students outside today.
But eventually, Dignitas was able to reach the faculty room. His teammates were already waiting there, along with one other individual.
"Nice. I'm glad he came."
That signature wild west look could be spotted from a mile away. His hat, pistols, and shotgun was also there, wrapped around his back.
And most of all, his face was obviously very similar looking to the cowboys of the 18th century.
After greeting his teammates, Dignitas approached the person.
Offering a handshake, he introduced himself. "Elliott Serrano. Glad you could come. I'm Dignitas Qwerdan."
"Heh. Everybody here knows you already, mister honor student. What's the occasion, anyway? We've never talked before."
Dignitas smiled. "You'll see."
"Hmm. Looks like we're all here. No one else is coming. Well, then should we head inside?"
Everyone agreed. "Well then, let's go." Leading the group, he knocked on the faculty room door twice before entering.
After urging the others to enter, they did too.
The teacher they were looking for was, thankfully, seated right next to the door.
Noticing the group of students that had arrived, Professor Shib took his eyes off the monitor and moved his chair to face them.
"Well. If it isn't Dignitas. You seem to have quite a bit of an entourage with you today. What is it?"
"I'd like to receive your permission in creating a club." He replied firmly.
"You seem pretty set on that. Tell me, what's your reason for wanting to create a club?"
In the Hero Academy, clubs referred to the groups of students who would often out extracurricular tasks. They often practiced their skills during these tasks.
There were many different clubs in the Academy, each with their own "twist" that Dignitas added to them.
For example, the Cooking club wasn't only about cooking delicious dishes, but also about killing monsters and using them as the main ingredient in their foods.
"My reason? Let's see… would "a thirst for knowledge" suffice?"
"It could. It depends on your next answer. Now then, tell me. What is your club called?"
"The Global Studies Club. Or TGS, for short. It allows students to exit the Academy premises and learn about the outside world."
"And you don't think the Academy does that well enough?" Professor Shib inquired.
"They do a pretty good job at it. But that's why I said "a thirst for knowledge." I want to know more. And there's a big chance the things I want to know can't be find in the Academy's walls."
"I see. Then, I'll allow it."
"Really?"
"Yeah. But on one condition. If all of you can defeat two professors, or at least exceed their expectations in battle, then I'll allow it. Heck, I'll even be the representing professor for your club. That's how much I'm interested in it."
"But as much as I do like it," Professor Shib continued, "I can't send you all out yet without first confirming whether the TGS' members can handle the outside world."