Chapter 22

021. The First Stone of the Five-Star of Treason, Aila

Before entering this D/Z SAGA, Youngjin boasted that he had tried every energy drink.

Since he had consumed everything from Hot Seven, Blue Bull, to Creature, this taste was bound to be familiar to him.

It’s an excellently crafted energy drink.

"Compared to Hot Seven, it’s a bit stronger, and compared to Creature, it’s a bit milder."

This is an essential item for modern people who sell their future to live in the present.

"I didn’t expect to taste this again here."

It’s not good for the body.

But it’s the right drink to have right now.

I filled two cups and brought them to the counter, where Aila had finished preparing for her studies and was waiting for me, her magic book spread out.

"Is this today’s drink?"

"Yes. It’s still a prototype, so don’t pay for it."

"Oh, is that okay?"

After taking a sip, Aila widened her eyes and nodded.

"Hmm. It’s sweet and has a nice kick to it."

"Is that so? But don’t drink too much."

"Why not?"

"It has a stimulating effect. Drinking too much can cause a rebound."

"Can you also make magic potions? Do you have the aptitude for PHARMACY?"

Aila’s eyes widened.

PHARMACY.

It refers to a pharmacist or potion maker, a profession that alchemists, one of the auxiliary classes, often choose. It’s quite profitable and has a bright future.

But it’s also a tiring job. Rogue PHARMACIES without proper certification are cracked down on by the student council.

"No. I don’t have that ability."

"…Ah. I see. I understand."

It’s a relief that you understand.

"Do you really understand?"

Do you really?

***

The Department of Magic, where a handful of geniuses out of a hundred thousand gather. Even with overwhelming talent, the position of second-in-command in the third year is not one that can be achieved without effort.

Naturally, the study session proceeded with fierce intensity, and Aila, while studying herself, also took the time to help me with my studies.

When she finished my basic knowledge test, she widened her eyes.

"About 70 points. Your memory doesn’t seem too bad. Even if your magic power is low, you can’t do much in practice, but you can definitely make up for it with solid theoretical scores."

Even after showing such a monstrous performance, your praise doesn’t really resonate with me.

Aila smiled at me, like a teacher giving miscellaneous knowledge to a student after an exam, and asked a nonsensical quiz about magic.

"Oh, right. Wolfram. They say that the color of magic power indicates its attribute, right? Brown is earth magic, red is fire magic. But did you know that they don’t always match?"

Huh? That?

"Of course I know."

"Ah. Is that so? Then can you give me an example?"

"Your Black Crystal magic."

"……"

At my immediate answer, Aila widened her eyes and opened her mouth in surprise.

Oh, did you not think I would know?

Good. Here, I’ll spill all the game information I have so that Aila can’t mock my knowledge.

"The Black Crystal family, the color of the Tristar is so dark that it evokes black magic, but its essence is mineral magic, and it has nothing to do with black magic."

"You know it in such detail?"

"Black Crystal magic, when you look closely, is so charmingly dark purple. I would know everything about it except for the knots."

"……Ah, ah? Charming? R-Really?"

Aila was noticeably flustered, so I nodded, recalling the game’s graphics.

In Act 3, when I fought her, I thought the black magic power would be black magic, so I wrapped myself in black magic resistance items, only to be impaled by a black crystal spear and die.

It’s better to prepare earth attribute resistance and physical resistance. That’s the key to Aila’s strategy.

"The magic power of Black Crystal is deeper, more vivid, and more destructive."

"T-Thank you… No, study!"

"Hmm?"

"Yes, yes. Let’s study! Now is not the time for idle talk!"

"We are already studying, aren’t we?"

"No idle talk! Study. Yes, let’s study! Hurry up!"

"……"

Why is this happening?

***

The study session continued late into the night.

We had a makeshift meal of donuts and drinks, and Aila, who had been slightly off, focused on her studies and read the magic book with a calm gaze.

Her demeanor was cold and rational, reminiscent of the Lady of Treason from Act 3 who shattered everything.

"This is the second-in-command of the year."

She’s somewhat admirable.

Around a little past ten o’clock at night, after finishing our studies, we tidied up our stationery.

"Then I’ll go now. If you do the homework I gave you and review, you’ll be fine."

"It’s quite late. Be careful on your way back. I appreciate your help."

"Oh, Wolfram is thanking me. Hehe. Yes, don’t worry."

"Go back quickly. Isn’t it mandatory to sleep after ten o’clock?"

"That’s true. But the effect of the drink is really good. Hehe. As expected of Wolfram."

With that, Aila left after saying goodbye.

Over the next few days, our study sessions continued.

The meals were, of course, donuts and Wolfram’s special energy drink.

"By the way, about this drink. Do you plan to sell it at convenience stores?"

"I’m considering it. Why do you ask?"

"Until now, I’ve been very impressed by the items from Wolfram’s grocery store. You know that, right?"

"Of course. Except for the pasta made with red ginger."

"That’s not something for humans to eat. Only those with a taste for the bizarre would try it."

Why do you say that, Rudyka? It’s true, but still, she eats it every time she comes, paying 20,000 rin per bowl.

"Still, this drink is really dangerous."

"Dangerous?"

"If this drink falls into the hands of graduate students, there will be a battle over it. In serious cases, there might even be theft."

"……Is it that serious?"

"These are people who risk their lives to pass their graduation theses and obtain degrees. They are prepared to risk their lives. What do you think will happen if this drink is released among them?"

"Will graduate students die from overwork?"

"That’s not important."

What?

Really?

Then what is important?

"Professors who want to exploit graduate students more will be angry if it’s released fairly. If it’s released unfairly? One lab will outperform the others and crush their rivals."

"……"

"This drink can cause a seismic shift in the graduate school of Jefrin. It’s treasonous."

Is it that terrifying?

This?

"Now that all the pieces are in place. Let’s take off. You will hold graduate students in both hands and soar into the sky."

Isn’t that too trashy?

"I have no intention of doing that. It’s impossible from the start."

"Huh? Why not?"

"Due to the ingredient limitations, the daily limit is five cups."

"Ugh. The limitations of small-scale production…!"

"You know well."

"Then how about if I support the production line?"

No.

Don’t do that. If you do, your stomach will be torn open by Eve’s light spear. Karma will pile up, and Rudyka will come to cut your throat.

Let’s see. In this situation, to persuade her…

"Treason must be secretive. The grandeur is only for the final moment when the wings are spread."

Will this work?

"…Ah, ah, I see. I understand completely! As expected of Wolfram…!"

Aila smiled slyly, as if she had grasped my intentions.

"Small-scale production limited to five cups a day. A secret route. In other words, only the five people chosen by Wolfram can receive it, right?"

"Um, yeah."

"Hehe, as expected of the villain I’ve been keeping an eye on."

Well, whatever. Let’s just go with that.

"Alright. Then the first cup of Wolfram’s Five-Star will be given to this Aila Tristar. I’ll reserve one cup a day!"

What’s this Five-Star?

Just as I was about to stop Aila’s rampage, her next words made me freeze.

"Of course, I’m not asking for it for free. I’ll pay for it. But one cup a day is for me."

"Alright. What do you plan to pay with?"

"Hmm. Um. Well."

Saying that, Aila tapped her finger on the table, lost in thought, and then continued.

"If we trade with money, we have to submit records, there will be a lot of documentation, and taxes will be levied. Then the drink might be exposed. So, it’s better to give items as donations… Do you have anything you want?"

Items?

There is one item I need.

"I want a magic stone freezer. Do you have any spare ones?"

"A freezer… It would be very convenient to have in a grocery store."

"The Maestro side is asking for a minimum of 20 million. It’s an absurd price."

"It’s not easy to make, but it’s not a price that’s completely unreasonable."

I know. Since Tristar is a merchant family, the price Aila mentions is likely accurate.

"Is it possible?"

"Oh, you’re asking if it’s possible. Right now?"

Aila smiled brightly.

"Who do you think I am?"

Well.

Who else could it be?