Chapter 50

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This is a story about a skill.

Alchemy is so romantic, isn't it!

Especially, alchemy in games is full of dreams, isn't it!

"Is this the alchemy cauldron?"

"Yes, it is."

In front of Yūri, there was a cauldron made of metal. In terms of size, it was about the right size for Yūri to barely be able to carry alone. It was a simple cauldron with almost no intricate designs, apparently due to Ari's hobby. This object called an alchemy cauldron was undoubtedly a type of magical tool.

The alchemy cauldron is a magical tool that has the ability to create various things by putting materials inside. However, it's not something anyone can use. To activate it, one needs the alchemy skill. And to use it more effectively, special professions such as alchemist, alchemy blacksmith, authenticator, and explorer are required.

That's why Ari, who possesses the alchemy skill, can use the alchemy cauldron. Similarly, Yūri can also use the alchemy cauldron. It's not just because he has a high aptitude for the profession. Perhaps it was influenced by his recent trial use of blacksmithing and mixing skills, but Yūri had fortunately acquired the alchemy skill.

Ari had sent Yūri to Bright's workshop and Leopold's store, anticipating this.

"I'll try using it, so watch me."

"Okay."

After Yūri raised his hand in a salute-like gesture, Ari, as if to say "behave," rubbed his head roughly. Then, Ari took the materials from the table beside him. A glass of water, several types of leaves that seemed to be herbs, and some nuts and flowers. Ari threw all of them into the alchemy cauldron carelessly.

He threw everything in all at once, without any particular order or consideration. Yūri was so surprised that he thought, "Is it really okay to be so casual?"

"Once you put in the materials, all you have to do is close the lid and press the button."

"Is that all?"

"That's all."

"Even though you need the alchemy skill to use it?"

"You can't use it without the skill."

What is this, Yūri thought. He thought it but didn't say it out loud. However, his face clearly showed his thoughts, and Ari could see right through it.

When Ari pressed the button on the central part of the alchemy cauldron, it made a small sound. It seemed to be making a light clattering noise. It was impossible to see what was happening inside, so Yūri thought, "If someone made a transparent alchemy cauldron, we could see the contents, like a washing machine." ...Please don't point out that no one would make such a thing. It's a natural thought.

"The production time varies depending on what you're making, but for a recovery potion, it should be done quickly."

"Quickly?"

"Yeah, quickly. Look, the lamp next to the button is blinking."

"It is."

"It's done when the blinking stops."

While they were talking, the clattering sound stopped, and the red blinking light also stopped. There was a soft click, and the lid of the alchemy cauldron opened slightly. It was like the lid of a boiling kettle floating up. Of course, it had been properly closed before activation, but it floated up to indicate completion.

Yūri thought, "Why not make it so that a notification sound plays when it's done?" but he kept quiet. He didn't know how the alchemy cauldron was made or the structure of magical tools. He knew it was better not to say what he was thinking. ...Although he often spoke his mind, it was part of his charm.

Ari opened the lid of the alchemy cauldron and reached inside. Then, he took out the completed object.

For some reason, there was a beautifully bottled liquid inside.

"…Ari?"

"What?"

"Why is it bottled? You didn't put in the materials for the bottle, right?"

"I don't know either."

"You don't know!?"

"It's pointless to question the logic of a magical tool. The alchemy cauldron is just like that. Accept it."

"…Okay."

Yūri had heard that throwing in the materials for a recovery potion would create a recovery potion, so he didn't mind throwing in the materials and activating it. However, he was surprised to see it come out in a bottled state. He had expected the liquid to fill the cauldron like in a witch's cauldron.

The alchemy cauldron is a rather unconventional magical tool. However, there are no conventional magical tools. They are mysterious objects that defy the laws of physics. Yūri's school bag had transformed into an invincible magical bag, and other small items had the bizarre ability to supply infinitely.

Considering this, it's not surprising that the alchemy cauldron could produce a bottled recovery potion. ...No one has been able to explain it, so it's best not to question it. There are scholars who continue to analyze it, but Jake seems uninterested.

"Probably, but…"

"Yes?"

"The completed object is influenced by the user's image."

"Image?"

"Yes. The shape of the bottle can vary. It's the same with other alchemy. The only common factor is the recipe. …Although, there are multiple types of recipes, so they're not all the same…"

Yūri compared the completed recovery potion with the alchemy cauldron. The more he heard, the more bizarre the magical tool seemed.

However, the possibilities were exciting. Ari smiled wryly at Yūri's excited face and showed him the materials for the recovery potion. They had agreed that Yūri would practice after Ari demonstrated. Yūri, with the face of a child given a new toy, carefully placed the materials in the alchemy cauldron, one by one, enjoying the process.

He pressed the button, and the alchemy cauldron started. For some reason, it stopped in about half the time it took Ari. The lid popped open, but both of them were silent. They were silent, wondering why the activation time was half as long with the same materials.

"…Ari, it's not broken, right?"

"No, it's not. …I forgot to mention that the time required for refinement in the alchemy cauldron varies depending on the cauldron's performance and the user's skill."

"…Huh?"

"…Considering your skill, it makes sense that it would take less time than me…"

Yūri laughed dryly at Ari's distant gaze. He didn't want to say anything extra. In this case, it was probably the Explorer profession, rather than the "Eye of God," that was at work. Yūri's skill specs were overwhelmingly higher than Ari's, even as an authenticator.

Yūri took a deep breath and opened the lid to look inside the alchemy cauldron. When he looked, he saw a bottled recovery potion, which he took out. The liquid inside looked similar to the one Ari made. The bottle, however, seemed to reflect Yūri's image, as it was more like a jam jar, not sealed with glass like Ari's. The image was a bit scary.

"…Well, it's done."

"It is."

"Let's just appraise the performance…"

"It's a recovery potion, right?"

"Just to be safe."

When Ari said, "I don't know what will happen when you use your skill," Yūri pouted, saying it was unfair, but it had no persuasive power. He was poked in the head until he understood that he needed to be more aware of what he was doing. Being a parent is tough.

Together, they appraised the recovery potion Yūri made. The result was...

--- Recovery Potion (Superior Quality)

A superior quality recovery potion made from ordinary recovery potion materials.

Although the materials are ordinary, the skill of the maker has significantly improved its performance.

Specifically, it surpasses the standard quality of a mid-level recovery potion.

"Wh-What?!"

"I didn't do anything! I didn't do anything this time, Ari!"

While being rubbed on the head with a fist, Yūri desperately protested. He wasn't wrong. This time, he hadn't intended to do anything special; he had just activated the alchemy cauldron normally. He had put in the materials and pressed the button, nothing more. It was completely beyond his control.

Yūri was excited about using the alchemy cauldron. Although there was no magic in this world, the alchemy cauldron felt magical to him. It wasn't just the name "magical tool"; it could turn materials into a finished product and even produce it in a container. Hearing that the result could be influenced by the user's image only added to the excitement.

However, that was all. He hadn't done anything else. Yūri's claim of innocence was correct this time. Ari understood this, but he still had the parent's concern of "Why do you always do something?"

"…Well, since the materials and the final product aren't drastically different, it's still within acceptable limits…"

"Ari?"

"Yeah. It's better that you didn't create something completely different, like a high-level recovery potion from ordinary materials. An improvement in quality is still within acceptable limits."

"…Aren't you trying to convince yourself?"

"Shut up."

"…Okay."

Ari was trying hard to convince himself. Yūri heard him mutter, "I can't leave this kid alone," but he had no intention of leaving the hideout of the "Scarlet Lynx." Initially, it was supposed to be until he acquired general knowledge, but now it felt like a second home to him. He couldn't understand why leaving was even an option.

Moreover, if Yūri said he wanted to leave, the members would try to stop him, especially those who had their stomachs captured. So, Yūri had no intention of leaving, and Ari, fearing what might happen if he was left alone, decided to manage him. Thus, Yūri's place was with the "Scarlet Lynx."

After that day, Yūri often used the alchemy cauldron to satisfy his curiosity, sometimes causing various mishaps, but it was all part of his charm.

By the way, the concept of the alchemy cauldron's image comes from a certain popular RPG.

Because, in that game, when you put in the materials, the item icon appears.

And the liquid comes out in a container.

I look forward to your comments and feedback.