Suddenly.
Sizzle.
I slowly poured the liquid from the flask in my hand into the potion bottle.
The place I'm currently in is Dianne's private research laboratory.
Since my last visit to Modras' Tower, her research had been relocated to this place.
As expected, beside me were Lucia and Dianne.
They were both watching me intently, holding their breaths, and their expressions were quite serious.
My own expression was no different from theirs.
What I was doing now wasn't experimentation or research, but the actual production of a healing potion.
'The ingredients should be enough for about two more batches.'
Contrary to my expectations, the materials I received at the gathering were more plentiful than I thought.
Enough for about three attempts, I'd say.
And now, I was on my first attempt.
"Dianne."
"Here."
I needed to continuously mix precise amounts of the mixture at the exact moments.
Luckily, I had a prodigious talent for potion-making, so I could make decisions with freedom akin to taking a breath.
Dianne handed me the mixture she prepared, and I poured it back into the potion bottle and mixed it again.
The mixing methods varied depending on the situation, and sometimes heating was required, making it quite a hectic process.
"Lucia, raise the temperature."
"Alright."
With the mechanics of my hands working in a well-oiled manner and the instructions given, Dianne and Lucia were busy moving about.
And finally, the time of waiting arrived.
"We've done all we can."
"Thank you, both of you."
"Yeah, well done."
Following my words, Lucia and Dianne spoke in turn.
I placed the potion bottle into a refrigeration unit installed on one side of the laboratory and took a deep breath.
In three days, it would be the two months Salem had mentioned.
'Maybe Salem has forgotten about the promise and is engrossed in the scriptures.'
He might still be searching for the scriptures even now.
Even if I revealed the location, the area was vast.
"You said we'd have to wait for a few hours, right?"
"Three hours?"
"In that case, let's step out and grab a bite to eat while we wait."
Dianne's words prompted Lucia to nod in agreement and she looked up at me.
"Go ahead, you two. I'll rest a bit."
Lucia sent me a disappointed gaze, but soon enough, perceptive Dianne held Lucia's hand and left. It seemed she sensed that Lucia wanted to be alone.
Once I confirmed that they were gone, I immediately retrieved Galakshur from my waist.
[Sealed Sword - Galakshur]
[Mana Conductivity 73%]
[Sealed.]
[Enhancement possible.]
A sentence I hadn't seen before was added.
I examined the sentence that said enhancement was possible.
[Enhancement possible.]
Requires 240g of gold.
I read the additional information and fell into thought for a moment.
This new unique ability I obtained as an achievement reward, "Enhancement," was something I hadn't encountered before. However, unlike evolution, it wasn't complicated.
Literally, it involved spending money to enhance.
From what I've checked so far, the phrase "possible for items and my undead" came up.
"But the gold is the issue."
Initially, I didn't know how much 1g of gold was worth.
It was due to my lack of common knowledge about gold.
However, trying enhancement by buying gold and attempting it gave me a rough idea of how much it was worth.
'Roughly 100,000 will per 1g of gold here.'
The cost of enhancing Galakshur once was around 24 million will.
24 million will was equivalent to my annual tuition.
'This is insane.'
Of course, the enhancement cost varied depending on the item.
Galakshur felt particularly expensive because it was a named item, and my undead companions' enhancements were a bit cheaper.
As an experiment, I tried enhancing Nickel once, and the description of Nickel displayed a "+1" phrase, indicating that its stats had increased. Along with that, I could see that the enhancement cost had slightly risen.
'The funny thing is that enhancement doesn't always succeed. There's a chance of failure, and the gold could simply evaporate.'
I don't know where I picked up this bad habit of doing things like this.
Wouldn't it be so nice if it always succeeded?
Anyway, thanks to this new ability, I now had a reason to earn more money.
It's not like I can just ignore it when it's about becoming stronger by spending money.
I'm already making a fair amount of money through the patent, and I can't give up potion making in the future.
At the moment, the only corner where I could earn money was the potion patent.
'It's fortunate. Since I evolved my talent to genius level while researching Lucia's antidote.'
In hindsight, deciding to make Lucia's antidote turned out to be beneficial for me. Without it, I wouldn't have even thought of making potions and would have lived like a beggar.
As I thought about Lucia's antidote, my gaze naturally drifted toward the refrigeration device.
'It would be great if I succeeded in one go with this.'
The probability I calculated was over 90%.
Initially, the odds were expected to be that high, which was one reason I decided to try.
Lucia might not show it, but I'm sure she's quite nervous inside.
'I haven't made any mistakes. Everything went in as I calculated, and the timing was within the margin of error.'
But for some reason…
As I thought about making the antidote, a sense of relief washed over me, and drowsiness began to creep in.
Even though I hadn't confirmed the results yet, my eyes were starting to close.
I've been running nonstop lately, and it was natural to feel exhausted.
Since before entering Modras's Tower until now, I haven't rested once.
'I'll just rest a bit.'
Before I knew it, I closed my eyes slowly in a corner of the research room.
.
.
.
.
"Lucia?"
On the street, leaving Adrias behind, it was just the two of us.
Suddenly, as Lucia was walking along, tears welled up in her eyes.
Dianne Alben looked bewildered and called Lucia's name.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Suddenly, without me even realizing..."
Lucia wiped her tears with her sleeve, trying to compose herself.
Given the emotional turmoil she had been through, her emotional state was quite unstable.
Having learned Lucia's story through this project, Dianne, her voice trembling, gently embraced the tearful Lucia.
"You've worked hard. It was tough, wasn't it?"
"No, it's okay."
Soon, Lucia managed to smile brightly and stepped out of Dianne's embrace.
"On our way back, let's buy something for Adrias too!"
"Sure, let's do that."
Although Lucia said it was fine, her unease was palpable throughout the journey to Alben Street. Because of this, they couldn't achieve their goal of filling their stomachs, and Dianne ended up buying some food and said to Lucia.
"It might be better if we all eat together in the lab."
"Yes! Let's do that."
Carrying some snacks and treats, they returned to the lab.
And when they returned to the lab, they spotted Adrias, who had dozed off while leaning against the wall.
Perhaps it was his unexpected appearance that caused this reaction.
Dianne and Lucia just stood quietly at the entrance, watching Adrias sleeping against the wall.
"Come to think of it, I've never seen Senior Adrias taking a break."
Lucia's soft voice made Dianne recall.
Since when was it?
Adrias seemed like he hadn't wasted any time, starting from early morning exercises to managing his time meticulously.
Thinking about how he would read books even during train rides, Dianne's emotions became complicated.
"Since when? How has he managed to live like this?"
Without realizing it, just by reconsidering his actions that had passed by without much thought, she felt a deep sense of frustration. What had just been a fleeting scene had now turned into an extraordinary march of willpower when she reflected on his actions.
That's when Lucia approached the sleeping Adrias with cautious steps, crouched down, and looked at him.
Watching her intently as if trying to carefully observe his sleeping form, Dianne let out a faint laugh.
"What are you doing?"
"It's a precious sight. If I don't look at him now, I might never get to see it again. Senior Dianne, if you don't look at him now, you might not get to see him like this again."
For some reason, Lucia's words carried a strange persuasiveness that resonated with Dianne.
In the end, Dianne unconsciously approached Lucia's side and crouched down, studying Adrias' sleeping face.
"He has a scar."
A faint trace of tenderness remained on his cheek.
When could he have gotten that scar? Could it have happened during the tournament?
As they created this peculiar scene, Adrias's eyes suddenly opened.
"Ah."
Lucia unconsciously opened her mouth, and Dianne was startled, quickly getting up.
"What are you doing?"
An awkward atmosphere filled the lab.
Dianne tried to act as if nothing had happened, taking out the food she brought, but Lucia remained crouched, observing Adrias' face.
"Even Senioe looks like an angel when he sleeps."
"Then, do you usually call me a demon?"
"That's not it, but honestly, your appearance is closer to a demon than an angel, isn't it?"
"Enough. What are you even talking about?"
Dianne interrupted their exchange with a dry cough.
"Just eat what you bought. I brought it for us to eat together."
"Yes, Senior!"
Lucia quickly got up from her spot and smiled.
Seeing her reaction, Adrias also chuckled and rose from his seat to start eating.
.
.
.
.
In the end, they managed to successfully create the treatment.
Lucia seemed oddly unaffected, even more composed than Dianne.
Lucia had postponed taking the treatment because some preparations were needed before consumption.
The treatment itself wasn't completed in an instant after taking it. It could take several days to even a few weeks, and during that time, intense pain could be present.
"That's why I asked the academy for permission to go back to my family home for a while."
The treatment would likely take place at her family home.
In a few days, she would probably return to the academy in perfect condition.
The news of the creation of the treatment spread to Lucia's family as well.
Thanks to that, Viscount Hollington even requested a meeting with me at the academy to express his gratitude. However, I politely declined for now, deciding to meet them after Lucia was fully recovered.
Now I could finally have some time to myself.
'You've waited a long time.'
The private research lab was filled with intricate magic circles covering the floor, walls, and even the ceiling. In the center of all these magic circles lay the body of Mirenea, the former Fairy Queen.
It's been over half a year since she obtained her, around the fall of last year.
During that time, my magical abilities, as well as all aspects of my skills, had grown.
["Codex Apocalypse: Chapter 0 - Original Sin" is wriggling.]
When I attempted to activate a magic circle, the Original Sin reacted.
The emotion seemed to be read, and it looked like my idea had piqued its interest.
'More importantly, when are you going to spit out the crown?'
I didn't expect much of a response, and indeed, there was none.
Anyway, I hoped that this undead summoning would work properly, as much effort was put into it.
'This might have been influenced by Charon.'
Charon had experimented a lot with unique undead like zombie skeletons and chimera zombies. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this current undead summoning was also inspired by those experiments.
I placed my hand on the magic circle and infused mana into it.
Simultaneously, I used the Banshee summoning spell I had learned from the Morne's Grimoire.
By the way, the magic circle was a representation of Kyle's Shadow Magic.
'Will it work?'
Mirenea's body seemed to tremble.
Then, the shadows that emerged from the magic circle began to engulf Mirenea.
'Now, I should start addressing the episodes related to Charon as well. Reinforcing my strength is essential.'
To be honest, I thought that Mirenea alone was insufficient, so I had planned during this vacation to solve the episodes related to Charon and strengthen myself further. Considering her as my foundation, I hoped that she would succeed.
Schwoosh!
A sound like fabric tearing emanated from the shadows covering Mirenea.
'Is it a failure?'
The sound that faintly reached my ears wasn't very pleasant.
However, an unexpected notification followed.
["Codex Apocalypse: Chapter 0 - Original Sin" is growing stronger.]
Dark energy started to emanate from my magic power, as if the aura of the Original Sin was manifesting.
Paruk.
Whoaah―!
With robes fluttering, the aura burst out, though dark, it was pure in nature, sweeping through the research lab.
'I didn't anticipate this.'
The surging energy of the Original Sin began to affect not only the Banshee summoning spell but also the magic circle.
Thunk. Thud.
Crackling.
[Intermediate Necromancer: Banshee Summoning (Shadow Magic) Successful]
[A Shadow Banshee (Legendary) has been summoned.]
[The summoned ghost's level is exceptional. Stat bonuses are applied.]
[The summoned ghost's level is significantly exceptional. It's ascending tiers. It becomes a Shadow Fairy Banshee.]
[The summoned ghost's level approaches transcendence. Regains a bit of its former self.]
From the disappearing magic circle, it was as if a new life were being born. The majestic figure of a Shadow Fairy Queen emerged. Her appearance was nothing like an undead.
"Mirenea."
As I called her name, the Shadow Banshee, Mirenea, radiating black light, opened her eyes and looked at me.
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As promised before, here are the stats and categorizations.
The categorization of Talents and Traits are as follows.
Talents: Average (D) < General (C) < Expert (B) < Prodigy (A) < Genius (S)
Traits: Normal < Rare < Epic < Unique
The rarity of the talents also depends on the number of words (Korean) or letters (for A and S class). The lower the better. So, if Dark Magic Commanding Series is a D class (Average) Talent then Dark Magic is a B class (Expert) Talent.
The stats of the MC are as follow.
[Adrias Cromwell]
-Species: Human
-Mana: 1620 (This is from the very beginning of the web novel. The current amount is unknown)
-Traits: Vessel (Unique), Evolution (Unique), Enlightenment (Epic), Enhancement (Unique), Original Sin (???)
-Talent: Dark Magic (Expert), Elemental Magic (Expert), Potion Brewing (Prodigy), Athletics (Prodigy), Combat (Prodigy), Mana (Prodigy)
-Skills:
Details of Dark Magic:
-Intermediate Necromancer>> Skeleton Summoning, Ghoul Summoning, Revenant Summoning, Banshee Summoning, Bone Armor, Corpse Explosion, Blood Curse, Death Fury;
-Shadow Magic
Details of Elemental Magic:
-Beginner Earth>> Grease, Rock Spear, Earth Shield
Traits:
[Codex Apocalypse: Chapter 0, Pure Original Sin
- Mana regeneration increased by 222%- Sloth, Greed
- Mana sensitivity increased by 77%- Sloth, Greed
- Special Technique usable once every 6 days (currently stored technique: Sloth, Greed)
- The quality of mana increases over time
- The nature of mana becomes darker over time]
[Dual Core (later evolved into Vessel):
- Epic
- There are two mana storages
- The potential of a magic swordsman opens]
[Evolution:
- Unique
- Transforms a subject from lower to higher level with sufficient experience
- Applicable to all non-hostile targets]
[Enlightenment:
- Epic
- The more deeply you contemplate and explore something, the higher the probability of understanding or discovering it]
[Vessel:
- Unique
- Turns the entire body into a vessel capable of containing mana
- No boundaries between the Dantian and the Heart (Swordsman's mana and Mage's Mana)
- The potential of a magic swordsman increases]
[Enhancement:
- Unique
- Spend money to enhance items and entities]
Special Abilities
[Sloth:
- Magic Power increased by 666%
- Magic Sensitivity increased by 666%
- Spell casting speed increased by 666%
- Magic Recovery rate increased by 666%
- Temporary Talent "Magic (Prodigy)" acquired
- Temporary immunity to all mental magic
- Entered a transcendent state of emotion called "Sloth"
- Lasts for 66 seconds]
[Greed (not yet demonstrated in the novel)]
Weapons
[Sealed Sword- Galakshur:
Mana conductivity rate: 73%]
Summons: Nickel, Timur, Ludo, Mirenea