Chapter 7

It has been a week since the incident at "The Dancing Duck Inn."

Mr. Edgar, the owner, has fully recovered and the inn has been open again since yesterday.

"The Dancing Duck Inn" is a combined inn and restaurant run by Mr. Edgar and Fio, but it is primarily a restaurant, and the inn only has four rooms.

One of these rooms, the largest and sunniest, has been lent to me for an indefinite period free of charge.

Of course, I offered to pay for the accommodation, but neither Mr. Edgar nor Fio would accept it, so I decided to repay them with a few light tasks, such as replenishing cooking oil, fetching water, and helping with cleaning.

The cooking oil can be refined to high quality, and the water can be filled into the water barrel using a magic tool.

In fact, I could just create a magic water bottle that produces a certain amount of water.

So, while living like this, I was also gathering information using artificial fairies.

I learned several things through this process.

First, alchemy in this era has completely declined.

The poor-quality magic potions I saw at the market stall... these are the standard quality in this era.

I thought they could only heal minor scratches, but this is literally the evaluation of alchemy and the position of alchemists in this era.

Instead, a technique called magic has developed and has taken the place of alchemy.

Those called "mages" or "priests" perform reality-altering phenomena using magic-driven techniques they call "magic" or "miracles."

I had the opportunity to observe some of these techniques up close... and I was impressed by their advanced technology.

However, there are a few differences from alchemy.

The lack of versatility and storability.

Magic and miracles are immediate types of techniques that rewrite environmental magic or affect the principles of the target to cause changes.

In other words, the principle is that technicians solve problems on the spot, live.

Unlike magic potions, they cannot be stored for a long time or passed on to someone else.

Therefore, adventurers form groups with people who have the skills of mages or priests to take on requests.

And the products of alchemy are used for minor follow-ups.

Magic potions that can heal minor scratches.

Low-level fire-producing magic scrolls.

Glowing stones placed as markers in caves.

All of these can be replaced by magic or miracles, but it is considered wasteful to use magic, so they are resolved through alchemy.

I was disappointed, thinking that the future would be more convenient and glorious with advanced alchemy.

"Ken, why do you have such a serious look on your face?"

"I was thinking about the future of alchemy."

"Master has been acting strange since this morning, don't worry about it."

I might need to reprogram Zosimos' personality soon.

To do that, I need a laboratory first.

Without a well-equipped laboratory, the re-evaluation and revival of alchemy are just dreams within dreams.

And for that, I need money.

Really, the human world hasn't changed in five hundred years.

Nothing can be done without the necessary resources to start.

"I'm going to the Adventurer's Guild soon. I need to work."

"Okay. Sorry about that."

"Don't worry. Thanks to you, I don't have to worry about food or a place to sleep."

I smile lightly at Fio's apology.

This is how I show my gratitude to Mr. Edgar and Fio.

I may have helped them, but as I learned about the reputation of modern alchemists, I realized how fortunate I am.

To be treated so kindly by them, when alchemists are becoming synonymous with fraudsters and I am an unknown person.

"When I get back, I'll start designing the 'Automatic Water Bottle Device Overflowing-Kun.' Look forward to it."

"Can't the name be a bit better?"

"I will adjust it, so don't worry."

"Okay. Thanks, Zosimos!"

By the way, over the past week, Fio and Zosimos have become comfortable enough to have normal conversations.

Normally, artificial fairies don't converse with anyone other than their registered user... but I'll just think that I created an excellent one.

"Well, I'm off. Say hello to Mr. Edgar for me."

"See you."

As I was sent off, I felt a slight itch in my heart.

How long has it been?

It's been hundreds of years, but not in that sense... it's been a long time since I've been in a place where someone says "see you" to me.

In my previous life, after becoming a national alchemist, I might not have had such a place.

Yes, the last time was probably when I was running a laboratory with my colleagues in this very town of Salvon.

"Ken?"

"Yeah, no. I'm off."

I return a smile to Fio and stand up.

As I step out of "The Dancing Duck Inn," the sky outside is clear and bright.

"Master, you seem to be in a good mood."

"Not really."

"You can't lie to me, who constantly checks your vital signs."

Zosimos, whose virtual body has disappeared, whispers in my ear.

...What a not-cute guy.

"I just felt a bit nostalgic. Maybe it's the effect of being younger."

"No, it's because you're middle-aged inside. Try to act more like a young person, Master."

I sigh at the sharp retort and sigh again, acknowledging that he's right.

My body may be that of a teenager, but my heart is still that of a tired old man.

"Alright, let's get back to work and tackle the adventurer's job with youthful vigor."

"I have a suggestion regarding that."

"Go ahead."

It's unusual for an artificial fairy to make a suggestion.

...Perhaps during the five hundred years I was asleep, Zosimos evolved.

As the control system of the "Reincarnation Cradle," he was in a semi-active state all that time.

It's not impossible that he underwent some form of self-evolution during that period.

After all, this artificial fairy is one of my best works, which I put my all into.

"If possible, accept a request to go to the forest in the western outskirts."

"What's the idea behind that?"

"I sense the presence of a defunct sage tower. If we can use it, it might serve as a reference point for 'teleportation' and be convenient for gathering materials."

"I see."

For an alchemist, fieldwork for gathering materials is a fundamental part of the job.

Where there is rich nature, there are rich materials.

Of course, there are materials that can only be found in deserts, but herbs and herbs are easier to gather in forests.

"Alright, let's... give it a try."

With a bit more youthful determination, I step through the door of the Adventurer's Guild.

Fantasy Day 6th Place!

Thank you so much ('ω')!

I'm really happy!

[Term Explanations]

- Magic and Miracles... Essentially the same technique. It involves mixing one's own magic with environmental magic to create magical phenomena or reality-altering phenomena. Priests call this the miracle of the gods. While talent is a factor, there are more qualified users of magic compared to alchemy.

- Magic Scrolls... One-time-use magic tools that trigger magical phenomena. They are like instructions for environmental magic, written with magic-infused ink. The strength of the magical phenomena depends on the quality of the paper, the quality of the magic ink, and, of course, the skill of the creator.

- [Automatic Water Bottle Device Overflowing-Kun]... A magic water bottle that constantly stores a certain amount of water. Note: It contains soft water.

If you found it even a little interesting, I would appreciate your ratings, bookmarks, and likes!

The 5-star rating is below the ad ('ω')b

If you give it 5 stars, it will encourage the author to work harder!!