Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]

Chapter 289

After returning home, Zeon didn’t step foot outside for three full days, spending all his time lounging around indoors.

Brielle and Levin also stayed home the entire time.

Brielle had always preferred staying in to focus on her research, and Levin, having completed his revenge, didn’t feel the need to go out either.

Thus, the three of them spent their time at home, each in their own way.

The only difference now was the addition of a baby whale.

With Gaia’s arrival, the person who brightened the most was Brielle.

Her face, which had always been shadowed by a lingering gloom, now carried a newfound light.

Gaia’s presence had banished the darkness that had clung to her expression.

“This here is something I made recently.”

―Beep?

Gaia tilted her large head quizzically, her curiosity making her even more adorable. Brielle couldn’t help but laugh.

“Ta-da! It’s a Mana Recovery Potion.”

―Beep?

“You’re asking how it’s different from the old ones? Obviously, it’s more efficient! I’ve concentrated so much mana into this. Honestly, making these potions is why I couldn’t go with Zeon. If I had, I could’ve met you sooner.”

The potion in her hand was vastly improved compared to her previous versions.

This new Mana Recovery Potion could restore 50% of a C-rank Awakened’s mana within two hours.

While 50% might not seem extraordinary, in a life-or-death situation where someone had completely depleted their mana, such recovery could mean the difference between survival and death.

Zeon’s Elura’s Tear was an overpowered item, but even so, a 50% recovery rate was remarkable.

For higher-ranked Awakened like A-rank or B-rank, the potion’s effects were less pronounced due to their vast mana reserves. However, for C-rank and below, it was essentially a second lifeline.

Naturally, D-rank and E-rank Awakened would recover even more mana.

Brielle had developed this potion while cooped up in her room during Zeon’s absence. Yet, she regretted not meeting Gaia sooner because of it.

Sensing her disappointment, Gaia gently patted Brielle with her pectoral fin as if to comfort her.

―Beep―Beep!

“You’re right, Gaia. Anyway, we’ve met now, so it’s fine. Oh, I got sidetracked again. The important thing is, this potion is highly efficient and easy to produce, making it cost-effective.”

―Beep―Beep?

“You’re asking why that’s a good thing? Well, it means we can make it cheaply and sell it for a high price. That way, we can make lots of money.”

―Beep?

Gaia tilted her head again, clearly confused.

As a spirit-born creature, Gaia had no concept of “money” and therefore didn’t understand its importance.

“Having lots of money makes life easier. You can do whatever you want, buy whatever you like, expand this house… And what else? Oh, there’s so much!”

Excitedly, Brielle rambled on while Gaia listened attentively.

It was then that Zeon spoke up.

“You’re planning to sell that recipe at the Goblin Market, right?”

“Yeah!”

“Then let’s go now. I have some business there too.”

“Got it!”

Brielle immediately stood up and threw on her robe.

Levin, putting on his jacket, chimed in.

“I’ll come too. I’ve been wanting some fresh air.”

And so, all three left the house together.

Gaia returned to Zeon’s subspace. A flying baby whale would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention from Awakeneds, and they couldn’t predict what might happen.

For Gaia’s safety, it was better to keep her hidden.

Fortunately, Gaia didn’t seem to mind. She enjoyed being outside with Brielle but found Zeon’s subspace to be an excellent sanctuary as well.

Walking side by side, the three made their way down the street.

It had been a while since Brielle and Levin had been outside, and their moods were noticeably uplifted.

Zeon, too, felt good. Staying home was nice, but a little outing wasn’t so bad either.

“How’s Dongdaemun these days?”

“Quiet.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’m not sure if it’s because City Hall issued a warning, but they haven’t come near Sinchon.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Well…”

“What is it?”

“They’ve become more closed off. It used to be easy to go in and out, but now they’re conducting strict inspections. Anyone deemed a threat isn’t allowed entry.”

“So, I’ll never be able to set foot in Dongdaemun?”

“Congrats, hyung! You’re probably at the top of their blacklist.”

“Thanks for that.”

Laughing at Levin’s joke, the three soon arrived at the Goblin Market.

All of them were VIPs at the market.

The guards recognized them immediately and let them through without issue.

The lively atmosphere of the market greeted them as soon as they entered.

Merchants and shoppers alike bustled about with energy.

Brielle tilted her head.

“Huh? There are more Awakeneds here than usual.”

“You’re right. Something going on?”

Levin added, also noticing the unusual buzz in the air.

The Goblin Market was always vibrant, but today it felt unusually intense.

Their questions were soon answered.

“Haven’t you heard, Zeon? A new Mana Stone Mine’s been discovered.”

“Huh?”

“A Mana Stone Mine?”

Turning around, Levin and Brielle saw Yoo Se-hee standing beside Black Lion.

Zeon greeted her.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, I thought you’d show up sooner… Didn’t expect you to disappear for three whole days.”

“I needed a break.”

“Fair enough. You must’ve been exhausted. Feeling better now?”

“Mostly.”

“Good to hear. And yes, the commotion is because of the new Mana Stone Mine.”

“Oh.”

Neo Seoul’s Pathfinder Teams had indeed discovered a potential Mana Stone Mine, something Zeon was already aware of. After all, he had helped Pathfinder Team 3 confirm its existence.

Still, he asked curiously.

“How is that related to this?”

“You really don’t pay attention, do you? A new Mana Stone Mine means huge stakes.”

“Ah, so everyone’s scrambling to secure their share.”

“Exactly. Those who contribute significantly to the effort will be handsomely rewarded.”

The Mana Stone Mines were Neo Seoul’s lifeline.

If the supply ever dried up, the city would regress to a medieval state.

Because of this, Neo Seoul was pouring everything into developing new mines.

Though no official announcement had been made yet, rumors were circulating about a recruitment drive for an assault team to secure the new mine.

As a result, various groups, including dungeon raid teams, were stockpiling supplies in hopes of joining the effort.

This frenzy had turned the Goblin Market into a booming hub of activity.

Merchants had nearly sold out of their inventories, and they were scrambling to replenish their stock.

Brielle, who had been listening quietly, asked.

“What’s selling the most right now?”

“There’s a rumor that the beasts guarding the mine might include an S-rank. So, potions and other emergency supplies are flying off the shelves.”

“Potions, huh?”

“Kid, did you cook something up again?”

Yoo Se-hee’s eyes sparkled.

Having worked with Brielle before, she could tell immediately when the Elf had created something new.

Brielle proudly declared.

“Mana Potions!”

“What’s the effect?”

“They restore 50% of a C-rank Awakened’s mana within two hours.”

“Really?”

“Try it if you don’t believe me. I’m confident in my calculations.”

“What about production costs?”

“They’re not too high.”

“Is that so?”

Yoo Se-hee’s business instincts kicked in. She could smell money.

“Kid, this is a golden opportunity.”

“I know.”

“Sell me the recipe. I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Not my first time negotiating. You make the first offer.”

“Cheeky little Elf. Weren’t your kind supposed to be modest?”

“I learned in this cursed city that money is everything.”

“You’ve been corrupted.”

“Don’t forget who helped corrupt me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Never mind.”

“Ugh.”

Yoo Se-hee’s face twisted in irritation. She rarely showed emotion, but Brielle always managed to get under her skin.

After regaining her composure, Yoo Se-hee said.

“Fine. I’ll add 5% to the usual terms.”

“Make it 10%.”

“Are you insane? That’d be a loss for us. How about 6%?”

“Let’s settle on 7%. If not, no recipe.”

“Ugh, you’re becoming more human by the day.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Fine, 7%. Now hand over the recipe. We need to start production as soon as possible.”

“Here you go.”

Brielle handed over a prepared recipe, which Yoo Se-hee immediately passed to the Black Lion.

“Get production started. We’ll need to work through the night.”

“Understood!”

The Black Lion took the recipe and hurried deeper into the market.

Brielle raised an eyebrow.

“You’re not even going to test it first?”

“I trust your work. Personality aside, your skills are solid.”

“Heh.”

Brielle crossed her arms smugly. Rather than annoying, her confidence came across as endearing, and Yoo Se-hee couldn’t help but laugh.

“Fine, you win.”

“Of course I do.”

“Can’t even compliment you without you getting cocky.”

“Oh, by the way, do you have any items with elemental attributes?”

“Elemental attributes?”

“Rare items that have elemental properties.”

“Ah.”

Yoo Se-hee frowned.

Most items at the Goblin Market were crafted in Neo Seoul’s workshops, where enchanting was rare. Elemental items were usually dungeon loot, making them exceedingly rare.

“You looking for something specific?”

“Yep.”

“Not going to tell me why?”

“Nope.”

“Stubborn Elf.”

“Do you have anything?”

“There’s a bracelet we got recently—called Kona’s Bracelet. It’s enchanted with fire resistance. In simple terms, it helps you endure fire-based attacks a bit longer.”

“How much?”

“It’s dungeon loot, so it’s pricey. You still want it?”

“Yes.”

“Fine. I’ll deduct it from the Mana Potion profits.”

“Deal.”

Brielle’s quick agreement surprised Yoo Se-hee, prompting her to ask.

“What do you need it for?”

“For a friend.”

“A friend?”

“Yes, a friend.”

Brielle replied with a cheerful smile.

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]