NOVEL NEXT Chapter 184
184. New Items Are Always Exciting, Isn’t It?
Collecting local materials was left to the Lizardmen.
For items unavailable in the area, shipments were requested from Leafan Village.
The Akindo Trading Company was enthusiastic about helping.
In addition, the Golden Dawn was also called for urgent support.
“Gathering these materials will let us create a poison to defeat the monsters, right?”
“That’s the plan. First, we’ll make it and test it.”
“Understood. Leave it to me. …Though some of these monster parts are tricky. I’ll need a little time.”
“Of course.”
The Lizardman warriors left just enough members to guard their settlement, scouring the forests and swamps for herbs, minerals, and monster parts.
Meanwhile, Raidoc and his group handled the defense of the now-vulnerable swamp development village.
I borrowed an empty house in the village and set up a makeshift alchemy room.
Bringing Ryuuko was the right decision.
She quickly unpacked the alchemy cauldron and materials from spatial storage, arranging them in the familiar layout.
Although we lacked tools for processing delicate materials—like a retort or an alcohol lamp—we’d manage somehow.
“Alright, let’s do this.”
Using the knowledge flowing from my crest,
I began experimenting with substitute alchemy to develop methods relying on local materials.
It wasn’t enough to use the Twilight Alchemist’s crest; I also needed to adapt the process for general alchemists.
Up until now, I’d mostly left this work to Professor Jabir, but it was time I learned to do it myself.
“Recipes and methods usable by Black Crest alchemists while keeping the magic power requirements reasonable…”
Gone were the days of brute-forcing with crest whispers and overwhelming magic power.
Now began the struggle:
Searching for alternatives to Intermediate Potion A,
I created Alchemy Reagents A, B, C, D, and E, only to discard them all.
I mixed failed reagents together, faced setbacks, and felt discouraged.
But thanks to my companions’ encouragement, I kept trying.
…This process repeated for three days.
“It feels like a years-long montage!”
Stop reading my mind, Jitaro.
Anyway, after all that effort, I finally completed a monster poison
that any alchemist with a crest could make.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone!”
Right on cue, a carriage rolled up—of course, it was Leafan.
“We’ve been waiting!”
“I brought the materials you requested in your message. So, what’s next, Craft-kun?”
“Just the usual alchemy.”
“In other words, more reckless experiments, right? …Sigh.”
Leafan sighed deeply.
How unfair.
“At least look at the final product before judging! For now, I need two test tanks…”
I handed her a sheet detailing the specifications for large barrels—tanks.
“One’s just a standard large barrel made of metal instead of wood, but…”
Leafan’s eyes flicked up from the page.
“The other one? Corrosion-resistant, airtight, and high-pressure tolerant? What’s this for?”
Her smile was cold and didn’t reach her eyes.
I had no idea what she was thinking.
“Well, uh… It’s supposed to be harmless to humans, but just in case…”
“Craft-kun! What exactly are you making? Tell me everything, right now!”
I instinctively sat upright and began explaining the alchemical project in detail.
◆
The next day, two metal tanks stood ready.
As expected from someone with Andvari Crest.
“…Alright. I made them extra durable, so even if something happens, they’ll hold.”
“Not much faith in me, huh?”
“Zero trust when you’re on one of your ‘projects’, Craft-kun.”
“Unfair.”
“I’ve designed it so all valves can be shut instantly in an emergency. Let’s test it safely, okay?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Strange. I had the poison analyzed and confirmed it was harmless to humans, so why the extreme precautions?
“Whatever. Let’s start the experiment. Jitaro, did you dig the big hole I asked for?”
“Of course. Reinforced it with hardened stone too!”
“Thanks.”
The hole was far enough from the development village to be out of sight—large enough to fit a two-story house, lined with hardened stone.
It resembled a massive bathtub.
Two thick pipes extended from the hole to a small tower.
“Alright, place both tanks on the tower and connect the pipes.”
“Got it.”
Leafan deftly set up the tanks.
It was always surreal watching her small frame handle objects many times her size.
“Craft, are you thinking something rude?”
“Absolutely not, ma’am!”
Why do I feel like I’ll be under Leafan’s thumb forever?
With the tanks slightly elevated, preparations were complete.
“First, we’ll release the poisonous gas into the hole.”
The gas was supposedly harmless to humans, but everyone was warned not to inhale it, just in case.
“This hole will store the gas, so we’ll call it the ‘pool.’”
To avoid confusion, I named the giant makeshift bathtub.
“Alright, Leafan, open the valve.”
“Here goes.”
As the valve opened, pale purple mist—gas—poured from the pipe outlets around the pool’s edge.
Eva tilted her head as she watched.
“…I thought poison was usually liquid?”
“It is. But this one turns gaseous upon exposure to air. The mechanism’s in the valve. If you’re curious, ask Leafan.”
“No, I’m more interested in the poison than the mechanics.”
“Fair. As a liquid, it’s easier to transport.”
“Fewer resupply trips, then?”
“Exactly.”
If this experiment succeeded, similar facilities would be installed around the swamps.
Reducing the number of refills was crucial.
“Normally, this gas is colorless and odorless. I added color and smell on purpose.”
“This unpleasant smell was intentional?”
“Harmless, but it helps us track the gas visually and avoid accidents.”
“Track its movement?”
“Yeah. Watch.”
I pointed to the pool.
The faint purple mist sank slowly, pooling like a heavy liquid.
“I always thought smoke rises.”
“Me too—until I became an alchemist and attended Professor Jabir’s lectures.”
I shrugged.
Once the pool was filled with the poison gas, Leafan closed the valve.
“Next, open the second tank. Everyone, take cover.”
As Leafan opened the second valve, we retreated to a nearby makeshift shelter.
“This gas attracts monsters, right?”
“Yeah. Most of the local monsters will find the scent irresistible. They should arrive soon—oh, there they are.”
Before I finished speaking, a group of Armored Bears appeared.
Later, I learned Raidoc, Solar, Jitaro, and Camille had noticed them approaching earlier.
Drawn by the scent, the monsters descended into the pool, enveloped by the faint purple mist.
“Now, let’s see what happens…”
“Knowing Craft, it’s bound to be overkill!”
Don’t jinx it, Jitaro!