MTLNOVEL Chapter 187
187. Growth Doesn’t Happen In A Day, Isn’t It?
When it came to handling the swamp alchemical poison, the responsibility fell to just me and Jabil-sensei.
This was partly because the project was still in its trial phase, and partly because I was often away from Golden Dawn.
Besides, as a member of the production guild, it was problematic without Jabil-sensei, who had become Kyle’s personal alchemist.
“Whew. That’s one thing off the list.”
I had finally finished writing all the documents related to the alchemical poison.
“Good work, Craft-kun!”
“Hand those documents over if you’re done, will you?”
My companions in this paperwork slog were, of course, Leafan and Jabil-sensei.
For security reasons, we had taken over one of the castle’s rooms for the task.
Leafan was compiling materials on tank design and operational methods, while Jabil-sensei was helping prepare the joint-management documents with me, the developer.
It had been a long time since the three of us spent a full day together like this.
I handed my documents to Jabil-sensei and brewed fresh tea for everyone.
“Thanks, Craft-kun.”
Having taken a breather, I stretched and sipped my tea.
“Van was saying it too, but the shortage of alchemists is pretty dire.”
“Can’t mages fill the gap?”
“Not with this recipe. There are some potions mages can produce using their crests, but they have nothing to do with this case.”
“Got it. I thought if mages could step in, we could at least fill the gap somewhat.”
“Even if they could, the process would get overly complex and inefficient, so it’s not worth it.”
If alchemists tried casting attack magic, the result would be higher mana consumption or reduced power—same idea.
Jabil-sensei raised his head from the documents, shrugging.
“Well, if the rumored alchemist village were found, the shortage could be alleviated.”
“An alchemist village?”
“Just an old legend, mind you. If it existed, it would’ve joined some country long ago, and humanity’s standard of living would’ve improved.”
He waved his hand dismissively.
“Relying on a nonexistent village is pointless. We should focus on what we can do steadily. Persistence is the essence of alchemy.”
Deep words.
Up until now, I had brute-forced solutions with my crest knowledge. But I was starting to see the importance of building on small steps. Perhaps even the development of the improved alchemical method was a step in that direction.
“What’s the ultimate goal of alchemy?”
“The primeval and original material. The First Matter, also called Prima Materia.”
“…That was fast.”
“Indeed. One is all, and all is one. The root of everything—that is the alchemist’s ultimate goal. Finding or understanding the Prima Materia, the essence of all matter, is the pinnacle of alchemy.”
“That’s a pretty lofty target.”
“…”
I jokingly raised my hands in surrender, but Jabil-sensei’s expression remained serious.
“Professor?”
“Hm? Oh, it’s nothing. If we’re talking about attainable goals, though, I’d say the elixir to revive the dead.”
“Reviving the dead?”
“Yes. Though it hasn’t been found yet, it is said to have existed in the age of great magical civilizations. To reach the Prima Materia, we’d need to achieve something like that eventually.”
I nodded in understanding, but something strange stirred within my crest.
It felt like a faint itch, so I channeled mana into it, hoping to extract some knowledge.
No immediate knowledge emerged, but I sensed a familiar barrier—“lack of prerequisite understanding.”
With certain foundational knowledge, I might unlock the alchemical method for the revival elixir. However, consulting Jabil-sensei without concrete evidence seemed premature.
As I resolved to grow and eventually gain the crest’s recognition, a knock came at the door.
“It’s Raydock. I hear Jabil-sensei is here—may I come in?”
Leafan and I exchanged glances before granting permission.
In walked Raydock, accompanied by Soral and Eva.
“Hey. Are you here for Jabil-sensei, not us?”
“Yeah. I’ve finally completed a task he assigned me.”
Raydock and his companions took seats, their gazes fixed on Jabil-sensei.
“Should we move to another room for this discussion?”
“No need. This room is safer. I assume it’s about that matter?”
“Yes. Sorry it took so long.”
“No problem. I was the one who asked you to work on it when you had free time.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
It seemed they had been tasked with finding something. And if it could be discussed openly, it likely related to our development work.
It surely wasn’t a personal quest like finding a spouse for Jabil-sensei. If it were, I’d test whether they were suitable myself.
“…Craft-kun, you’re thinking something weird again, aren’t you?”
“If it’s important, then yes.”
For some reason, everyone in the room chuckled. Unfair.
“Alright then. I agree this is something we should all be aware of.”
Raydock produced a heavily inscribed, ominous-looking treasure chest.
“What’s that? A cursed treasure box found in a dungeon?”
These chests often appeared in dungeons with bosses, filled with valuable items. However, the one before me seemed especially sinister.
“Not cursed. It’s fortified and sealed with every imaginable protection.”
Raydock clarified as I tilted my head.
“This chest itself was retrieved from a dungeon. Dungeon chests are known to be durable and valuable.”
…Yeah, yeah. I get it. No need to remind me how little I know.
“Craft, it’s written all over your face. No offense intended.”
“Hmph. One day, I’ll clear a dungeon with you guys just for fun.”
“If you ever get the time, Craft-kun.”
Leafan, don’t say scary things like that.
Now, back on topic.
“Anyway, this sturdy chest was reinforced with defenses by Jabil-sensei.”
The purpose was obvious—to contain something extremely dangerous.
So the question was:
“What’s inside?”
Raydock opened the chest cautiously. Eva cast protective spells on everyone, while Soral heightened his vigilance.
What on earth did they bring back?
Peering into the tense atmosphere, I saw…
“A black… plant?”
Inside was the mysterious plant that had appeared during every stampede incident.