"You brat, how dare you call someone's name so casually."
Since I couldn't imagine meeting him, I unintentionally blurted out the name.
The current Tower Lord of Rodren Martop and the owner of Alven Duchy.
One of the strongest individuals in the current world, holding two tremendous titles.
Of course, in the end of the game, his daughter Dienne Alven becomes stronger, but that's only when controlled by the player.
"I apologize, Lord Tower."
"Hmph. Like father, like son. Pathetic, just the same."
Though his eyes were covered, his smirk was clearly felt.
But what should I do? I am not affected by such provocation anymore.
Ugh.
Huh? Did that sound come from me just now?
Ignoring my reaction, Bahat turned his head towards Lucia.
"Is she Hollington's daughter?"
"I am Lucia Everlast."
"Hmph. If you want me to remember your name, you'll need to build a reputation worthy of it."
He's like a cranky old man, asking questions and all.
Anyway, it worked out well.
I was already lost, wondering what to do, and then the Tower's owner appeared.
"Lord Tower, do you happen to be the one judging?"
"Hmm? Judging? What judgment?"
"Today, we decided to have the evaluation of our newly made potions at Rodren Martop."
"Potion?"
What? You don't know?
Even I, to some extent, found it surprising.
Then why did you appear here?
"You guys made a new potion?"
"Yes."
"Heh, hehehe!"
A wild and fitting laughter burst out.
He suddenly burst into laughter, and as he did, an excited Stormbringer started unleashing lightning bolts in the air.
"Mad!"
I quickly deployed an Earth Shield, and Lucia, who was beside me, used an unknown magic.
Crack! Bang!
My Earth Shield was shattered by a single lightning strike, and I immediately deployed another Earth Shield as lightning continued to pour down.
"Senpai, it's alright. I've already cast a Protect Shield covering both of us."
"Thank you."
Lucia's words brought me relief.
Using a high-level magic like Protect Shield so effortlessly... She truly is a genius.
Compared to that, I'm merely capable of casting basic-level Earth Shields...
In this way, if I were to die, it would be an achievement in its own right.
"Achievements, my ass."
I thought to myself, but I'm a complete idiot.
Fortunately, Bahat, who had stopped laughing, immediately whistled, and Stormbringer regained its composure.
He still had a lingering smile on his lips as he spoke.
"Heh heh. It seems your magical accomplishments remain intact."
"I believe it will improve soon."
"Hahat! Even passing dogs will mock."
I could clearly see the laughter in his eyes, even though they were covered.
But what can I do? The current me is not swayed by such provocations.
Hmm?
Wait, did that sound come out of my mouth just now?
With that reaction, Bahat turned his head and looked at Lucia.
"Are you Hollington's daughter?"
"I am Lucia Everlast."
"Hmph. If you want me to remember your name, you better establish a reputation."
He's like a weird old man. He asked and now complains.
Anyway, it worked out well.
I was already lost, wondering what to do, and then the owner of the Tower appeared.
"Lord Tower, are you going to judge?"
"Hmm? Judge? What judgment?"
"Today, we decided to have the evaluation of our newly made potions at Rodren Martop."
"Potion?"
What's this, you don't know?
Even I, to some extent, feel slightly confused.
Then why did you appear here?
"You claim to have made a new potion?"
"Yes."
"Haha, hahaha!"
Even if he's eccentric, the burst of laughter suited him.
Suddenly bursting into laughter, he became excited and Stormbringer began to emit lightning bolts in the air.
"Crazy!"
I immediately deployed an Earth Shield, and Lucia, who was next to me, used an unknown magic.
Crack! Thud!
My Earth Shield was shattered by a single lightning strike, and I quickly deployed another Earth Shield as the lightning continued to pour down.
"Senpai, it's okay. I've already cast a Protect Shield covering both of us."
"Thank you."
Lucia's words brought me relief.
To think she could cast an intermediate-level magic like Protect Shield so effortlessly.
Compared to that, I'm only capable of casting beginner-level Earth Shields...
In this manner, if I were to die like this, it would be a somewhat noteworthy death.
"But achievements mean nothing."
That's what I thought, but it's such a stupid thing to say.
Fortunately, after Bahat stopped laughing, he immediately whistled, and Stormbringer regained its composure.
He still had a lingering smile on his lips as he spoke.
"Heh heh. It seems your skepticism about me remains."
"It will improve soon, I believe."
"Haha! Even passing dogs will mock."
Now that you're mocking me, it seems you're the one being mocked.
Of course, I kept that thought to myself and didn't say it out loud.
"Fine. So you claim that you created the potion together with that guy?"
"If it's about the collaboration, then it's true."
"Then it's fine to ask questions."
"Sure, we came here for that purpose."
"Good. Then ask away."
Bahat nodded his head and once again waved his hand.
As the magic circle appeared once again, Lucia and I were teleported.
"Understood."
"What?"
"This magic can only be used within the tower."
At Lucia's sudden words, I simply nodded.
Even analyzing it in this situation? Lucia must have had some unusual aspects to her.
Bahat, who came with us, smiled at her words.
"What's so impressive about finding out something obvious? Rather, come along quickly."
Please speak and write a bit. You're making her startled.
We arrived at a huge laboratory this time.
There were also magicians here, most of them sleeping at their research desks or wandering around with dark circles under their eyes like zombies.
The sight of it sent chills down my spine as if I was glimpsing my future self.
"First, can you use the ingredients here to make the potion you just mentioned?"
"Understood."
I had become so familiar with these materials over the past few days that I could practically make the potion with my eyes closed.
Ironically, Lucia, who had only been watching from the sidelines, would have had a higher chance of failing the production.
I went to a separate warehouse in the corner of the laboratory and brought out the exact amount of ingredients needed for a single batch. Immediately, I began the process of concocting the potion.
Certainly, the laboratory in Martop was more sophisticated and challenging to navigate compared to the apparatuses we used at the academy, but I quickly became adept at using them.
Ding!
"You have successfully crafted a potion of Stamina Enhancement (Intermediate)."
As soon as the extraction, fusion, and reaction processes were complete and the ingredients were properly mixed, an alert appeared.
In just five minutes, I had successfully brewed the potion, and Bahart was looking at me with an impressed expression, as if to say, "Look at this guy."
But can it really be seen even with eyes closed?
Bahart took the potion I had made, took a sip, and swallowed it in one go, just like before.
"Good. Now, I have a question for you."
"Please go ahead."
"Why did you choose to use the essence of Hompisie? I understand the general intent, but there were many other options available. For example, the seed of Holman or the powder of Poponung Surgery."
"Those are in liquid form. While it may seem trivial, liquid and solid mediums exhibit different reactions in chemical processes and extractions. We needed a liquid neutralizer, which is why we used the essential ingredient, Toadstool Sap, as it fuses without any adverse effects. Even if the examples you mentioned were in liquid form, it would still be impossible."
"Why is that?"
"Hompisie essence is of animal origin, whereas those ingredients are of plant origin. They are incompatible. Even if they perform a similar neutralizing role, they would yield completely different results during the fusion reaction. For example, if we used the mentioned ingredients as substitutes, the plant-based neutralizer would break down the traits of Peernor Mushroom, which is sensitive to plant-based neutralizers. This wouldn't just end with a simple breakdown; it would trigger a chain reaction, intensifying the hallucinogenic properties of the Mohaim Fruit."
Everything I just mentioned was not something I had discovered on my own; it was a hint provided within the game. But in the end, it was all thanks to my efforts.
Perhaps no one else who played this game put as much effort into finding the right combinations as I did.
"Have you tried it yourself?"
"Yes. I have used both of the mentioned ingredients before."
Of course, only within the game.
It was not a lie, so I confidently stated it.
Bahart suddenly covered his eyes with a cloth and then removed it, revealing eyes filled with excitement as he scrutinized me.
"Are you really the Adrias Cromwell I know? I have my doubts. Who are you?"
"I am the Adrias Cromwell you mentioned earlier."
"As I said, it is important to establish that you are the person I know. Are you truly the same?"
"Yes, I am. Your Excellency Alven."
"Heh, this is quite... interesting."
My heart skipped a beat at his sudden question.
Could it be that he has figured out I am Kim Jinhwan?
But thanks to my habit of hiding my emotions when I'm taken aback, I was able to calmly respond.
"It has been several years since you last saw me."
Come on, memory! Work!
At that moment, Adrias' memories flashed in my mind.
"I believe we first met at the entrance ceremony. It has been approximately two and a half years."
"Is that so? I don't know what has happened in the meantime, but..."
He trailed off with uncertainty.
I don't know what has happened.
"It seems to have gotten quite interesting."
"Thank you."
Although I thanked him verbally, my mind was in turmoil.
This is bad. Bahart Alven said it was interesting.
Considering everything that has happened, it wasn't a good sign.
"Are you particularly interested in potion making?"
"Yes? Yes. Although I don't possess any extraordinary magical talent like you mentioned..."
Of course, I had plans to upgrade my talent through evolution, but...
"Then, how about we make a wager?"
"A wager..."
I couldn't bring myself to refuse, and my words trailed off.
Am I really agreeing to make a wager with someone like him, who seems crazy?
"If you win the wager, the Cromwell family will clear all the debts we owe, and I will give you one of my cherished possessions."
"Let's do it right away."
Ah, without realizing it, the response came out instantly.
But it was an irresistible temptation.
Although I didn't know the exact amount of debt, it was a substantial sum, enough to bankrupt a high-ranking noble like the Count.
My guess was that most of it was due to me, probably because of magic. It weighed heavily on my mind, but now I had the opportunity to resolve it. Naturally, the answer came out without hesitation.
Moreover, the possession Bahart cherished... it's painful to even mention it.
It could be an item of immense value, surpassing the debt I owe.
"Without even hearing the details?"
"I'm ready."
Bahart let out a smirking laugh and declared.
"If you manage to create another potion before the end of this year, it will be your victory. But if you fail, I will do whatever it takes to have you expelled. What do you say?"
Of course.
The answer had already been decided.