Chapter 51: Distribution of Benefits
Approximately an hour and a half later.
Five vials of Arc Flash Potion.
Five vials of Tranquil Spirit Potion.
All had been successfully crafted.
Through this crafting process, Gune gained a deeper, more intuitive understanding of the properties of these extraordinary herbs.
Within the alchemy laboratory, Gune gazed at the potions in his hand, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.
"I need more, a much larger quantity of extraordinary herbs to process and refine. This will allow me to delve even deeper into the understanding of their various properties."
"Only through long-term practice and study will it be possible to develop Rune Potions," Gune mused silently.
He arrived in the living room, where Old Cohen had already returned.
Viya was seated on the sofa closest to the fireplace, engrossed in a book.
Gune glanced at it briefly – a rather popular romantic, supernatural steam-powered knight novel.
The three knights stood rigidly to the side, like statues.
"Sir Knight-Commander Aide, here are the potions. They are ready, and you may inspect them."
Gune walked over and handed the black storage bracelet to Aide.
Knight-Commander Aide received the storage bracelet and, after a few seconds of inspection, carefully stowed it away.
"Thank you, Master Gune."
Without further delay, the three knights took their leave.
Before Gune could even sit down to rest, Viya spoke calmly, "The materials and seeds have arrived."
"Everything's here?" Gune's eyebrows rose slightly.
"Two high-grade, rare potion formulas were also delivered. Everything is here."
Viya handed Gune another black storage bracelet.
The style was identical to the one Knight-Commander Aide had been carrying.
"Standardized storage equipment, it seems. This suggests that the Yulan Extraordinary Association's alchemy prowess in crafting storage equipment is far greater than the rumors suggest."
As Gune's Source Power permeated the bracelet, he perceived seven boxes neatly sealed within exquisite Dragonblood Wood containers.
"The internal storage space is quite large."
Gune's perception swept over the small wooden box containing the extraordinary seeds, and after a moment, he retracted his Source Power.
"Those two high-grade, rare potion formulas."
"One is the Essence Dragonblood Potion. Its primary ingredient is Dragonblood, and it primarily enhances overall physical strength and other abilities."
"The other is the Essence Nightmare Potion. Its primary ingredient is Nightmare Fragments, and it enhances soul strength and capacity."
"There are one hundred standard portions of materials for each."
"These two high-grade, rare potion formulas are highly confidential. You are strictly forbidden from disclosing them. Furthermore, the catalyst materials will self-destruct after you use them once."
"Also, the primary ingredients for both potion formulas are controlled substances."
"The higher-ups have an extremely high demand for these two high-grade, rare potions. We hope you can craft them as soon as possible."
"Even if the need is urgent, I still need a crafting process, right?"
"Besides, I need to cultivate and study meditation," Gune said, spreading his hands.
"Twenty vials – that's the minimum daily standard."
"Twenty vials a day, that's reasonable."
"Then, how will the compensation be calculated?"
Gune finally broached the core issue.
In truth, Gune wasn't a pharmacist cultivated by the Pioneer Corps.
While it could be considered cultivation, it was Old Cohen who nurtured him.
Now that he had joined the Pioneer Corps, Gune didn't want to become a soulless potion production machine.
Secondly, Gune was essentially an expert-level pharmacist, and he was qualified to negotiate with the Pioneer Corps.
The distribution of benefits was of paramount importance and had to be clarified.
"For one hundred standard portions of materials, we expect at least ninety finished potions. That's the minimum standard. Any surplus can be purchased by us," Viya said calmly.
"Furthermore, this is the standard for all expert-level pharmacists."
For 100 standard portions of materials, 90 finished potions would go to the Pioneer Corps. After all, they provided the raw materials and formulas.
If these 100 standard portions yielded more, say 95 vials, the extra 5 vials would belong to Gune.
However, if the output was less than 90, say only 88 vials, Gune would have to make up the difference with his own resources.
Since it was a matter of benefit distribution, assuming some risk was inevitable.
In fact, those who reached the expert-level pharmacist level naturally had a success rate exceeding 90%. For them, it was simply a matter of earning more or less.
If there were no risks associated with shortages, Gune could receive 100 portions of materials, craft 95 vials, and only report 50, keeping 45 for himself – a huge profit.
He could even be more ruthless and keep 90 vials while reporting only 5. Of course, that would be excessive.
Without risk, such unscrupulous actions might be tempting to some.
Clearly, the Pioneer Corps wouldn't leave such loopholes for pharmacists to exploit.
The 90-vial risk threshold ensured that expert pharmacists would craft potions diligently rather than embezzle materials.
Moreover, the Pioneer Corps provided protection, a full supply of materials, and fulfilled any request a pharmacist might have.
Even some pharmacists with peculiar tastes, for example, those who preferred exotic styles, or those who desired relationships with other races like Elves, Fox Spirits, even Snake-women, or even Mermaid-women, the Pioneer Corps could find them for the pharmacists.
Some expert pharmacists preferred land grants and noble titles. As long as their contributions were sufficient, the Pioneer Corps would grant their wishes.
Furthermore, expert pharmacists could purchase materials and craft potions for extra income. As long as it wasn't excessive and didn't interfere with their agreed-upon potion crafting, the Pioneer Corps wouldn't interfere.
These privileges were exclusive to expert pharmacists and potion masters.
The only requirement was to craft high-grade, rare potions for the Pioneer Corps and to research "Rune Potions."
Status, identity, and high income – these were things many people could only dream of achieving in a lifetime.
For Gune, at this moment, the ten extra vials from crafting 100 were already a considerable gain.
If Gune could maximize the standard materials and produce 110 vials, he would earn even more.
Theoretically, 100 portions of materials could yield 120 vials, but that was just theory.
Producing 110 vials, and beyond, would lead to diminishing returns and wouldn't be worthwhile.
"A 90% success rate is the foundation, and this ratio is impeccable."
Gune nodded.
"But I have some additional requests."
"What requests?"
"I request a redesign of the underground alchemy laboratory," Gune stated.
"No need for renovations or redesign," Old Cohen interjected abruptly.
"Father?" Gune looked at Old Cohen in confusion.
"I've already discussed this with Viya. Let my little alchemy laboratory be as it is."
"The Pioneer Corps will purchase a separate noble manor for you, equip it with a new, large-scale alchemy laboratory, and provide you with dedicated apprentice pharmacists to assist you."
"You don't even need to ask. The Pioneer Corps will dispatch powerful extraordinary individuals to ensure your safety."
Old Cohen's words stunned Gune.
"You don't understand the terrifying value of a potion expert, especially one with the potential to become a potion master."
"They will grant your every request, even if it's a bit excessive."
Gune's heart stirred as he looked at Viya, who was smiling faintly.
"I... am still too naive," Gune sighed inwardly.
"But none of that matters. What's important is developing Rune Potions."
"At that time, even if I demand a higher price, they will have to accept it."
Gune rubbed his temples and muttered to himself.
"Originally, after you graduated, you would have left my place. After all, you couldn't stay here forever."
"Having your own alchemy workshop will greatly benefit your crafting and research. After all, this place is crowded and noisy, and there are certain dangers."
"If you can carve out a successful career, that's the most gratifying thing for me," Old Cohen said with a hint of emotion.
Feeling Old Cohen's words, Gune felt a slight pang of reluctance.
Gune understood that he truly needed his own alchemy laboratory.
"I won't let you down, Father Cohen," Gune silently vowed.
Then, Gune turned to Viya.
"This is my alchemy laboratory's configuration list."
Gune presented the alchemy laboratory configuration list he had prepared earlier.
Since his father had spoken, he wouldn't be polite.
He was backed by the Pioneer Corps, a massive force. It would be a waste not to leverage it.
After all, he was still weak.
It was better to use his identity as a pharmacist to conceal his identity as a spellcaster.
After glancing over the list, Viya nodded slightly.
"I'll report it upwards," Viya said with her usual calm and natural tone.
Then, Viya lowered her voice slightly.
"Also..."
"Could you craft a batch of potions for me? The three potions I gave you before."
Gune smiled in understanding.
"Miss Viya, your help and protection are not something I can repay with a few potions."
"Besides, I haven't had the chance to thank you for what happened last time!"
"Actually, I craft potions very quickly. In the future, if you need potions in small quantities, I can craft them for you for free."
"If the quantity is large, I can offer a 90% discount."
"Whew..." Viya breathed a sigh of relief, her face breaking into a happy smile.
"Actually, my family also needs these high-grade, rare potions. I can provide the formulas and materials myself. So, I'll rely on you, Master Gune, from now on."
This time, her family had put a lot of pressure on Viya. Her father had personally written to her, urging her to establish a good cooperative relationship with this talented expert pharmacist, a future potion master.
Establishing a good cooperative relationship with a future potion master was invaluable.
Gune, far from being hesitant, laughed.
The more potions he crafted, the better.
The greater the quantity, the faster the money would come in. Why would Gune refuse?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 52: Traces
Night fell.
After crafting a batch of potions, Gune wrapped himself in a thick blanket and lay down on the bed in the corner of the laboratory.
As he manipulated the accelerated flow of blood, the bedcovers soon became warm.
His mind was occupied with thoughts about his potion-related matters.
"The cooperation with the Pioneer Corps on high-grade, rare potions has been finalized. Maintaining a crafting speed of twenty vials per day is sufficient."
"At the same time, Baron Dylan's order should be substantial as well. The price will be 90%, and he should contact me tomorrow."
"Viya's family will also require a significant quantity."
"The crucial part is here," Gune pondered silently.
"If I can only craft ninety-plus vials, the rewards for my hard work will be good, but not exceptionally high."
"In reality, my current potion crafting level for high-grade, rare potions is stable at over 100 vials."
"Once I become more familiar with the process, I can quickly increase the output to 105 vials with 100 portions of materials."
"Even within a month or two, I can reach an extremely high level of 110 vials."
"At that point, my daily potion crafting income will be quite substantial."
"After half a year of idling, the Bone Essence Potion Secret Spell has reached level seven. Now, it's finally time to use my pharmacist abilities to make money," Gune sighed inwardly.
"Once I have gold pounds, I can purchase suitable extraordinary equipment, magical items, and even more powerful spells at Extraordinary Trader Gatherings or in black markets."
"Even within the Pioneer Corps, I can use gold pounds to purchase many good things."
From Old Cohen and Viya, Gune knew that the Pioneer Corps had a wealth of good things within its ranks.
A powerful spellcaster not only needs to be strong but also needs powerful extraordinary equipment and magical items.
"Even in the extraordinary world, money can make the world go round."
Gune muttered to himself.
After sorting out his potion-related matters, Gune calmed his mind and opened the system.
Besides the "Idle," "Encounter," and "Reincarnation" functions, a new function, "Plant," had appeared.
As Gune had anticipated, the "Plant" function emerged naturally when he obtained the extraordinary herb seeds.
The "Plant" interface.
Currently, there was only one "Planting Slot."
Subsequent "Planting Slots" were in the process of accumulating energy for unlocking.
Gune experimented with the Planting Slot.
He could plant living extraordinary plants and seeds within it.
He even plucked a common plant, "Glow Mosquito Grass," from a small pot belonging to Belly and tried it.
Common plants could also be planted in the Planting Slot.
Gune initially wanted to try planting larger plants, those that were three or four meters tall and as thick as an arm.
However, the thought of going out in the middle of the night to uproot trees, and potentially being mistaken for a lunatic, made him abandon the idea of damaging public property.
However, Gune estimated that based on the system's powerful nature, if something was "plantable," it would most likely be able to be planted in the Planting Slot.
This made the "Planting Slot" quite interesting.
First, the growth rate within the Planting Slot was incredibly fast.
Gune couldn't estimate the exact speed.
However, two hours ago, the Dragonblood Wood seed he planted had already sprouted and grown into a sapling. Dragonblood Wood was known for its extremely slow growth rate.
Gune roughly estimated that the growth rate was several hundred times faster, perhaps even over a thousand.
Secondly, the plants in the Planting Slot grew perfectly.
There was no need to manage them. The seeds would automatically develop to their fullest potential.
Many extraordinary plants needed to absorb the extraordinary energy of the world to grow.
Within the Planting Slot, they were in a state of perfect growth.
In summary:
Several hundred or even a thousand times faster growth.
A perfect growth environment.
And seemingly no size limitations.
Gune easily thought of a plant from historical myths and legends – Yggdrasil, also known as the "World Tree."
Theoretically, Gune could plant the "World Tree" in his "Planting Slot."
Unfortunately, the World Tree, a being from myths and legends, was only recorded in ancient texts. Gune naturally couldn't plant it.
Gune couldn't plant the World Tree, a mythical species.
But couldn't he plant other powerful extraordinary plants?
For example, the "Elf Life Tree" deep within the Otto Mountains in the north.
Or the "Twisted Crown Tree" of the Southern Barbarian tribes.
Or the "Cursed Tree" in the depths of the ocean mist in the extraordinary seas.
These powerful extraordinary plants that protected entire regions – as long as he obtained their seeds, Gune could plant them.
Right now, Gune could plant some plants for his own use, such as Dragonblood Wood.
Mature Dragonblood Wood was ideal for crafting various storage boxes and sealing devices.
Alternatively, if Gune obtained seeds of extraordinary plants with spell-related properties, he could cultivate them and use them to craft powerful spell staves in the future.
In short, the potential of the "Plant" function was immense and needed to be explored.
…
The next morning, at dawn.
Baron Dylan arrived at Old Cohen's house.
This was no surprise to Gune.
After all, high-grade, rare potions had no side effects.
Moreover, long-term consumption could enhance certain aspects of one's abilities.
Take the "Arc Flash Potion," for example. After a Shadowwalker consumed it for a month or two, their physical and neural reaction speeds would improve significantly.
When fighting other Shadowwalkers of the same level, they would have a certain advantage.
If they continued to consume it for four or five months, the advantage would be substantial, enough to easily determine the victor between two Shadowwalkers who were initially close in strength.
No strong individual would refuse to enhance their attributes through potions.
Furthermore, these attributes often related to crucial aspects, and there were few other ways to enhance them besides potions.
This was precisely why Gune was confident that Baron Dylan would come.
After a discussion with Gune, they successfully finalized a potion cooperation agreement.
Over the next few days, Gune focused on studying and crafting potions.
With the "Pious Knight Breathing Method," "Blood Pool Codex," and "Soul Mark Codex" idling, Gune's progress was remarkably fast.
On the third day, Gune felt the extraordinary characteristics of the Blood Spellcaster merge with his being.
At this point, if Gune wished to break through, he could easily become a Blood Spellcaster.
However, Gune didn't do that.
Instead, he continued to rely on idling to enhance his soul, blood, and body.
When he was ready to break through, he wanted to accumulate more time and make his foundation even stronger.
This would allow for a higher error margin during the breakthrough and the subsequent transformation of extraordinary power.
Even with the idling function, Gune treated each breakthrough with caution.
After all, resurrection wasn't something to be wasted carelessly.
…
On this day, the weather remained cold.
Around 3:30 in the afternoon, Gune finished his classes early.
As he reached the entrance of No. 155 and reached for his key, he inadvertently noticed a young girl in tattered clothes and a dirty face watching him from the corner of the alleyway to his left.
Upon seeing this, Gune's hand clenched tightly.
"Have they finally found their target?"
When he released his grip, the key in his hand was slightly deformed.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 53: Ascension!
When Gune learned that a member of his team had been assassinated and that he was also being targeted by the Blood Ear Elves, his vigilance skyrocketed.
If it weren't for Viya's protection, he would have suffered the same fate as the others.
Given the circumstances, why wouldn't Gune retaliate against the Blood Ear Elves who were secretly eyeing him?
Back in his room, Gune quickly changed his attire. A low hood, an old, high-necked black robe, faded, low-quality linen pants, and a pair of worker's shoes.
Once dressed, Gune entered the underground alchemy laboratory, opened the hidden passage, and slipped inside.
A few minutes later, Gune opened the hidden door at the end of the passage and emerged into a dark alleyway.
Exiting the alley, he was still in Old Stone Street, but over two hundred meters away from No. 155.
Gune circled around, silently approaching the seemingly begging, but actually watching his house, young girl from behind.
Gune gently patted the girl on the shoulder.
"Ah!"
The young girl cried out in surprise.
She quickly turned around, her face filled with panic.
"Shh!" Gune hushed her.
"I'm the one you're waiting for. Take me to 'Rook'," Gune whispered.
The young girl looked at Gune warily.
"You won't be shortchanged," Gune said calmly.
Only then did the girl smile.
"This way, follow me," she said, turning into the alleyway and quickly leading Gune.
The Black Chart District was a chaotic mix of people and activities.
Several factions intertwined here.
Most of the begging children were informants.
Some thieves and pickpockets were even trained by them.
The young man named "Rook" that Gune was looking for, Gune knew.
The reason Gune knew him was because Old Cohen and Rook's boss, "Old Crow," were acquainted.
Old Cohen often outsourced his shady dealings to Old Crow.
Even... in Gune's memory, the original owner of this body had spent some time under Old Crow's care when he was younger.
Later, Old Cohen took notice of him and adopted him.
The young girl was extremely familiar with the complex network of alleys and streets in the Black Chart District, and she moved incredibly fast.
However, Gune's speed was even faster.
No matter how the girl ran, turned corners, or jumped, Gune remained three meters behind her.
After seven or eight minutes, the girl finally stopped, panting, in front of a low wooden door.
"We're here," the girl said to Gune.
Gune flipped his hand.
Two silver dragons flew out of his hand.
The girl quickly caught them.
After examining the silver dragons, she quickly knocked on the low wooden door and then ran off.
The door opened, revealing a scene of boisterous activity. A fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy in overalls and a torn black shirt stood in the doorway.
"I'm looking for Rook," Gune said in a hoarse voice.
The boy looked at Gune before turning his head.
"Boss, someone's looking for you."
Amidst the commotion, a voice said, "Let him in."
"Come in!" The boy fully opened the door.
Upon entering, Gune saw a stone staircase.
At the bottom of the stairs was a large underground hall.
It was filled with noise and smoke.
A large group of boys and girls were gambling, drinking, smoking, and even cuddling, carelessly squandering their youth.
These young people ranged in age from twelve or thirteen to seventeen or eighteen.
Most of them were orphans and street children.
The city of Sugg Ruins had orphanages for street children, but there were too many children, and the orphanages couldn't accommodate them all.
Furthermore, some factions needed these young children as informants. The scene before Gune was not unusual.
In places where sunlight couldn't reach, darkness and shadows always accompanied it.
In a separate room in the basement, Gune found Rook.
He was a young man in his early twenties
He was a young man in his early twenties, with a thin face and a sharp, alert look.
Beside him stood a pretty, well-dressed girl of seventeen or eighteen with a good figure.
Two other young men, seventeen or eighteen, with strong builds, were also present.
"All of you, get out," Rook said, his voice slightly heavy.
Rook's words held authority, and the three individuals immediately rose without hesitation.
They closed the door behind them, and the noise from outside continued unabated.
After sitting down, Rook began to speak.
"Here's all their information, including details about the house they're staying in."
Rook placed a paper bag in front of Gune.
Gune didn't speak but took the paper bag, opened it, and began to browse the information inside.
Gune read quickly, and within two or three minutes, he had a general understanding of the information.
"Good."
With a thought, Gune stored the paper bag and its contents in his storage.
Then, a pouch of gold coins appeared in his hand.
It contained a full sixty gold pounds.
Upon seeing the pouch, Rook managed to suppress his greed.
The moment he took the pouch, Rook's eyebrows twitched slightly.
"There's more than fifty gold pounds in here," he said, looking at Gune.
"Sixty in total," Gune said, his voice devoid of emotion.
"The agreed-upon price was fifty," Rook said, looking at Gune with a hint of amusement.
"The extra ten are to ensure you keep your mouth shut."
Gune stood up and walked towards the exit.
"If you leak a single piece of information, even Old Crow won't be able to protect you."
"Is this Old Cohen's instruction?" Rook asked, looking at Gune's back.
"No, it's mine."
Gune strode away.
Rook watched Gune leave before stroking his chin.
"Boss, that kid is pretty arrogant," one of the burly young men guarding the entrance said with a hint of rebellious aggression.
"Should we teach him a lesson?"
Rook waved his hand.
"Old Crow specifically instructed us to handle this matter properly and not leak any information."
"If I leak information, Old Crow himself might not let me off easy. Besides, I have no intention of leaking anything," Rook shrugged.
"Secondly, if you dare to go after him, you might end up on the losing end. Old Cohen's people are never easy to deal with."
At this point, the pretty girl leaned in and giggled.
"What kind of information is it that makes Old Crow so cautious?"
"Want to know?" Rook smirked, closing the door behind him.
…
In the laboratory, flames rose, and the various documents, including the paper bag, quickly turned to ash.
Gune had already firmly imprinted the information in his mind.
"Six people, possibly eight, all extraordinary individuals, and not weak."
"With my current strength, I might not be able to kill them all."
"But I might also get injured or killed myself. After all, those Blood Ear Elves are incredibly fast."
"To ensure I can kill all those Blood Ear Elves, I need to break through and become a first-order Blood Spellcaster."
"I've prepared everything I need."
"It's time to break through," Gune clenched his fists, thinking to himself.
…
Night had fallen deep.
Within the laboratory, blood mist swirled, and blood energy filled the air.
The thick, bloody smell was nauseating.
But to Gune's senses, it was like the most exquisite delicacy in the world, captivating him.
"Inhale... exhale..."
Gune, deeply inhaling the blood mist, was on the verge of breakthrough.
Extraordinary power had perfectly merged with Gune's body, soul, Source Power, and willpower.
All that remained was the final leap of transformation.
"Ark... Las... Ark... Las..."
A low, murmuring whisper, like a demonic chant, echoed in Gune's ears and resonated in the depths of his soul.
It was impossible to dispel or ignore.
Even Gune, during his breakthrough and ascension, found it difficult to suppress the negative influence of the extraordinary power itself.
Fortunately, Gune's soul was strong enough, his resilience tenacious enough that despite the whispering chant swirling around him, he steadily began the transformation of his body, Source Power, and soul.
(End of Chapter)