System Change

Finally, Derek reached forward and grasped the vial in his hand. Then, he popped the cork and brought it up to his nose and wafted the scent toward himself. Unsurprisingly, like with most other potions, the vial he held had next to no smell. It was like taking a breath of regular air.

He shrugged and let out his breath. “Well… here goes nothing.” Derek brought the vial to his lips and tilted it back, causing the liquid to rush into his mouth.

Just like with the scent, the liquid had no taste. Well… if he had to describe it, it was cold. No taste, but the liquid made his entire mouth cool. Like how chewing certain mint flavored gum would leave one’s mouth, but without the taste of mint.

As the liquid traveled down his throat, coolness spread throughout his body. Finally, it reached his stomach, and his whole body soon went cold. It had sort of the same feeling as when he upgraded his Wisdom stat. The coolness in his head created a kind of acute sharpness to his thoughts. It was rather relaxing.

Just like with other unknown potions, it would take a short time for any type of prompt to appear. Derek didn’t mind, as he just sat back and enjoyed the feeling as a small smile grew on his face.

“Well?” Freia leaned forward with a gleam in her eyes and her notebook in her hands. “What’s happening? Is it good?”

Finally, the potion’s effect kicked in and a notification appeared in front of Derek’s eyes. Before he could even read it, he knew it was good based on the reaction of the little halfling next to him. Roman nearly jumped out of his shoes in excitement when Derek received his notification. Clearly, the alchemist had also received some kind of notification for successfully making a new concoction.

Derek viewed the notification.

+5 Points to Intelligence

+3 Points to Wisdom

He nearly laughed when he saw the notification. Roman had done it. He managed to create potions that increased every stat type. Though, it was a smaller increase in Wisdom than in the other stats. It was still the only thing Derek had seen that could actually increase Wisdom.

“What is it called?” Derek asked the halfling.

“Of course, it’s called the Potion of Mental Permanence,” the alchemist replied.

“Of course it is,” Derek said. If the other one was known as a Potion of Physical Permanence, then why not have this new one follow suit?

Anyway, it was a good thing. Wisdom was a stat that was nearly as important as Vitality, as it increased a person’s magical skill usage. It also increased a person’s thinking speed. It wasn’t an extreme increase, but it was definitely something Derek could feel.

“So… how much did it increase your stats? Did it increase Wisdom and Intelligence?” Roman finally asked.

“Three in Wisdom, five in Intelligence.” Derek answered. There was no reason to keep anything from the halfling.

Freia quickly scribbled some notes down as she listened.

“That’s pretty good,” Roman said. “I made sure to start my experimenting on the weaker Void Beast materials, so I think we will be able to increase the effectiveness of the potion by quite a bit with the stronger beasts.”

Derek nodded. “That’s good.”

“What’s good is the fact that I didn’t have to use any of the Void Beast materials for the Potion of Physical Permanence in the creation of this new potion. That means that with each Void Beast, I can create both potions.” Roman spoke with excitement.

“Well, did you get anything good for creating another new potion?” Derek asked.

Roman’s eyes stared into space for a moment before he gave Derek a huge grin. “I obtained another instant level up, and the Award I received last time increased in its tier. My potion stability is now increased by eight percent instead of five. It’s not a huge increase, but every increase is helpful.”

Derek was surprised. “So, your Award leveled up with just the creation of one extra potion with materials outside of the system?”

“The Great System.” Roman corrected. “But yes. And I would expect it to increase with each one I make. Making these types of new potions isn’t something just anyone does. The fact that I’ve created two like this is already a miracle.”

“I guess…”

“Of course, I have many more ideas for these materials, so hopefully, I can make something else.” The halfling said.

Derek nodded. “Oh, by the way…” he started. “Before I forget, for this potion, set up some kind of deal with Natalie. I promised her that I would think about her with anything new I get. This counts. You don’t have to worry about Alanah, she will understand. Just make sure that the contract we get isn’t anything less than the one we have with the Crown.”

Roman frowned. “Can’t you do it?”

“Do you have any more of these potions?” Derek asked.

Roman shook his head. “I don’t. Not yet. Didn’t want to make more until I knew for a fact that it was worth making.”

“Well…” Derek began. “When you make your next one, go to Malorie. She’s in charge of all that, anyway. I’ll let her know about it before I leave. It will be good for her to rub elbows with Natalie, anyway.”

Roman nodded. “Very well…” he agreed.

Freia stood. “If that’s all for today, I have important documents to get to.” She made her excuse and left the room.

Roman’s eyes gleamed as well. “Thank you for your testing. And for the Void Beasts… especially for the Void Beasts. I have so many other ideas to try out.” Roman turned and ran into his crafting room without even saying goodbye.

Derek shook his head and stood. I guess I’ll just let myself out. He thought. But before he left the room, the door swung open again, and Roman came running back.

“I almost forgot,” the halfling said, and he waved his hand in the air. Instantly, multiple barrels appeared on the floor in between the two of them.

“What is this?” Derek asked.

“It is Roman’s Potions and Brews… did you forget about my brews?” The man gave a cheeky grin. “Since you’re going to be away for some time, take these. I’m sure your party will appreciate it. They’re all of different strength, but not everyone is a monster like you.”

“Oh?”

The halfling walked over to one of the barrels. “This one is good for those with Endurance at 999 or less, though I wouldn’t recommend anyone with less than 700 trying it. The threshold at 1000 is hard to make alcohol for, but I doubt too many people, even at level 250, will have that high of Endurance.” He then moved to the next barrel. “This one is for those from 750 to 500. And this one is for those with under 500. Though, at around 400, it may be best to add a drop or two of the previous one in. Though, I doubt you have to worry about anyone with less than 500 Endurance in such an elite party.”

It was a surprising gift. Derek hadn’t expected the halfling to do anything like this for him.

“Thanks!” Derek said, as he stored the barrels of alcohol. “I’m sure this will be quite the boon for us.”

Roman nodded, then took out a small jug. He leaned in conspiratorially. “This is my new brew. It’s the first one that I know for sure will work with those past the 1000-point threshold. I made it especially for you.”

Derek smiled regrettably. Unfortunately, he had passed the 1500-point threshold since the last time he tried any of Roman’s brews. He doubted it would be able to do anything for him, but he graciously thanked the alchemist and took it anyway. It would be worth a shot. If nothing else, maybe Avery would like it if he chose to accompany them on the raid. From what Derek had seen, that man had to have a decent amount of Endurance.

“I look forward to seeing how far you can progress in the time I’m away,” Derek said.

“Oh… in three years… I’ll be the King of Alchemy.” Roman laughed.

Derek reached out with his hand, and the two of them shook. “Just try not to blow yourself up,” Derek said.

“No promises.” The alchemist answered.

“And look after Brandi. She’s really taken to alchemy.”

“Of course.”

After that, Derek raided a few of the alchemist’s potion supply, making sure to grab a few Potions of Resurrections while at it. Of course, he used his Savannah Bank card and paid for them; he wasn’t going to steal from a business partner… especially after the halfling gave him all that free booze. Then, he said his goodbyes.

Next, he went back to his shop and explained everything about the new potion to Malorie. She was hesitant to make such a business decision with the City Lord of the richest city in the Kingdom, but after some prodding, she was up for the challenge. She would also try to use Rudy, as well. Surely, such a business contract would be good for both him and his business.

Derek then relaxed for the rest of the day while hanging out with everyone. It would only be a few months until he saw them again, but for them, it would be years.

The next day, Derek woke up and made sure he had everything he needed. After a gourmet breakfast prepared by Silvi, and after receiving a storage ring full of dishes the bunny had prepared him, he set off to the Teleportation Building.

Just like Edgar had said, when he flashed the token the man had given him to the clerk, he was immediately led to the same teleporter they had taken before when they went to save the Crown Prince.

Before long, he was standing in the middle of the circle. The next thing he knew, his vision went white. When the world came back into focus, he was back in the Teleportation Building at the capital. For the second time, he would be in the capital of the Kingdom, and not be able to enjoy it.

Both times he had come here, he was on a mission. The first was to save Edward and capture Gerald, and now it was to meet the raid team and set off toward the dungeon. He made a mental note to set aside some time to explore the capital once he got back. Out of everything, he really wanted to see the Academy and the Crown Restaurant in the capital.

But alas, it was not the time. Derek made his way to the palace. At least this time, he wasn’t in such a rush that he had to use his skills to get there in time. He was able to leisurely take in the sights while heading there.

Soon though, he was back at the entrance to the palace. In the huge courtyard, the one where the fight had taken place, dozens of people were standing around. Surprisingly, even with all the destruction that had previously taken place not long ago, the courtyard was perfectly fine. There weren’t any signs of battle left.

Derek took another look at the crowd, then let out a breath. I’m already here… there’s no backing out now…

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