kscans

Chapter 35 - Interlude: The Alchemy Enthusiasts Club and the New Guild

Interlude: The Alchemy Enthusiasts Club and the New Guild

Side: None

The time is rewound slightly.

Somewhere in Chiba Prefecture, in a rented conference room. Yamashita Hiroshi and his childhood friend, Shougo, were walking through the building toward the designated room.

"I'm getting nervous..."

"Man, it's been forever since I wore a suit."

Yamashita repeatedly adjusted his tie, while Shougo stood next to him, looking relaxed.

His cat ears twitching, Yamashita glared at his childhood friend.

"Hey, you. Try to look a little sharper, will you?"

"Even so, you're the one who'll be doing most of the talking, right? I mean, is there even a point to me being here?"

"There is. They said they're sending two representatives. It'd be awkward if I showed up alone."

"Yeah, yeah. Besides, these aren't the kind of people we can bring the girls to meet."

"...Just don't say that in front of them."

"I know. I've got at least that much sense, so don't worry."

The two's expressions turned serious.

After all, the group they were meeting today was the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club. For better or worse, they were a famous group, at least online.

Alchemy.

If one were to describe this skill in a single phrase, it would be 'a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.'

Among the skills possessed by Awakened Persons, some granted special powers by imbuing creations with mana.

One person forged a spirit blade that could enhance its wielder's physical abilities without any risk.

Another mixed several types of herbs to create an ointment that could instantly heal any burn.

Another used store-bought thread to sew a cloak that wouldn't burn even if thrown into a bonfire.

Another created a docile yet powerful golem from common dirt and plants.

These were just a few of the confirmed examples. Each one had an effect that could significantly impact existing society and economies.

To put it bluntly, they were like the crafting classes from an RPG. For that reason, they were called 'Production-type skills.'

Among these production-type skills, Alchemy was a bit of an outlier.

It could change the shape of iron, but both the precision and the power it could grant were weak. It could only create a few types of potions. The cloth it wove possessed no extraordinary abilities. And its golems were relatively low-performance.

Hence, a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

And yet, it was also versatile and capable.

When it came down to it, it could do a lot of things. Furthermore, while it couldn't take first place in any single category, it could aim to create synergistic effects by combining different fields. A single person could handle most things, and it could also be combined with other production skills.

Above all, Alchemy was fast.

Other production-type skills generally required a dedicated workspace and various tools.

In contrast, an alchemist only needed a transmutation circle and materials. Of course, more advanced transmutations required specialized cauldrons or furnaces. Even so, the difference in time from preparation to creation, and in the required environment, was significant.

It wasn't that Alchemy was superior to other production skills. In fact, one could say it was inferior in many ways. But it was, quite simply, convenient.

Convenience, in and of itself, is a great power.

For these reasons, Alchemy had been attracting attention from all quarters. The Alchemy Enthusiasts Club was a gathering of its users, a place where they honed their techniques together.

In a way, they were even rumored to be 'the civilian group with the highest understanding and practical application of skills.' They were a gathering of specialists... no, generalists.

Incidentally, their driving force was lewdness. They had other motivations, to be sure, but about eighty percent of it was lewdness.

A bunch of perverts who shouldn't be left to their own devices, but couldn't be restrained by law. That was the general public's assessment of the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club.

They were an eccentric bunch, but their skills and knowledge were formidable. They must have received countless offers.

And yet, the partner they chose to shake hands with was...

"We still don't know why they agreed to meet with us. Don't let your guard down."

"I'm here as your bodyguard. You can count on me for that, at least."

The two childhood friends lightly bumped their fists together.

Finally arriving at their destination, Yamashita knocked on the door of the room.

"Excuse me, this is Yamashita. I scheduled a meeting. May I come in?"

'Please, come in.'

"Pardon us."

Yamashita opened the door with a click and directed his best corporate営業スマイル, honed during his time as a salaryman, at the people inside.

Then, he immediately froze.

"We've been expecting you, Yamashita-san. Kawashima-san."

The soft voice was directed at Yamashita and his childhood friend, Kawashima Shougo. Though it was muffled, it was the calm voice of a man.

However, the voice was the only clue to his gender.

A black hood completely covered his head. Only holes for the eyes were cut out, revealing no skin at all.

Furthermore, his body from the neck down was concealed by a robe. When he spread his arms to welcome them, the brief glimpse of his arm showed it was covered by a suit sleeve and a white glove.

It was a bizarre outfit. Like a cultist from a fantasy story.

"My apologies for our appearance. This is the official uniform of the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club, so I ask for your understanding."

The two figures in black robes bowed their heads.

From the sound of their voices, their apology seemed genuine. However, it was clear they had no intention of changing their attire.

After freezing for a few seconds, Yamashita recovered and put his smile back on.

"I see, I understand. If that's the case, it can't be helped."

Shougo shot him a look that said, 'Are you sure about this?' but the cat beastman gave a small nod in return.

The Alchemy Enthusiasts Club was a group of self-proclaimed perverts. Their strange attire was likely because, while they could speak freely online, they wanted to hide their faces in the real world. That was what Yamashita concluded.

But he had overlooked something.

He had overlooked the possibility that these people were dressed like suspicious individuals simply because they thought, 'Doesn't this look more like a cool secret society?'...!

"Thank you for your understanding. Now then, let us begin with introductions."

With that, the man who had greeted them gave a perfect bow.

"I am the chairman of the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club. You may call me 'S'."

"And I am the vice-chairman, 'K'. A pleasure to meet you."

They were obvious pseudonyms. Yet 'S' offered a business card with that fake name written on it. With a wry smile, Yamashita also bowed and exchanged cards.

"I am the guild master of the guild, 'Walkers.' Yamashita Hiroshi."

"Kawashima Shougo."

Walkers.

That was the name of the guild Yamashita and his friends had established.

About ten adventurers had answered their call so far. However, none of them were particularly strong as Awakened Persons. By Aira's standards, they were likely all 'C (Common)' or 'R (Rare)' rank.

But they were people who continued to walk through dungeons without giving up. That was the meaning imbued in their guild name.

And so, the discussion between the suspicious men in black and the cat-eared man in a suit began.

Of the two parties facing each other across the table, 'S' was the first to speak.

"Now then, we are here today to discuss an alliance between your guild and our club... is that correct?"

"Yes. Thank you very much for responding to the call of a new, small guild like ours."

Groups of adventurers called guilds or clans had existed even before Yamashita formed the Walkers, though he hadn't known it.

Some were guilds in name only, just a few to a dozen people banded together like themselves, while others were large-scale operations of several dozen members, effectively under the umbrella of famous corporations.

"Not at all. If you speak of being new, then we are the same. In fact, the very existence of Awakened Persons is only about two years old."

'S' replied cheerfully, leaning forward slightly to stare at Yamashita... or more accurately, at his ears.

"By the way... please excuse my forwardness, but are those ears real?"

"...Yes, they are."

"I see."

He nodded as if he understood something, then glanced at 'K' beside him.

Wondering what was going on, Yamashita looked over as well.

"Ugh... hic... sob...!"

"Huh?"

For some reason, 'K' was crying under his hood.

"This is... this is just too much...!"

"Um, is he...?"

"My apologies. The vice-chairman is a hardcore beastman fanatic. He is lamenting the lack of 'kemono-ness' in beast people."

"Those just look like tacked-on cat ears...! You probably don't even have multiple sets of nipples, do you...!?"

"Please, pay no mind to his words. It's just the ramblings of a pervert."

"Ah, right."

They're about twice as intense as I expected, Yamashita thought, his gaze drifting into the distance. He had heard the rumors about the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club and had left his sister and the others behind, wary that they might fall victim to perverts.

Yamashita had been prepared to respond to the remarks of eccentrics with a smile. But he never imagined he would be driven to tears by someone fantasizing about the number of nipples he had.

If their life-saver had heard this, he'd probably say, 'Of course you couldn't have predicted that. In fact, we should probably send them to a hospital. For their head or their heart.'

"Let's get back to the main topic. Shall we confirm what each of us seeks from the other in this alliance?"

"Yes, let's."

If they asked him to 'let them experiment on him and his sister to increase their beastliness,' Yamashita swore to himself he would leave immediately.

As it was, he'd recently started finding himself instinctively tracking catnip and cat toys with his eyes. He had no desire to drift any further from humanity.

"First, what we can offer are 'the latest combat-type golems and operators to control them,' as well as various 'magical tools.' The catalog is here."

Yamashita took the paper offered to him and quickly scanned its contents.

There was nothing strange about it... in fact, the terms were so favorable they were suspicious.

His wariness heightened, his cat ears flattened against his head, which caused 'K's breathing to grow a little heavier.

"...And from us, the Walkers, you're looking for 'provision of materials' and assistance with 'leveling up,' correct?"

"Yes. As you know, we are alchemists. At least one of our skill slots is taken up by a non-combat, frail production class. To benefit from the 'unrestricted sale of drop items' that will soon be permitted, we need someone's help."

"I understand that, but we will be adhering strictly to the designated dungeon difficulty levels, and I trust you will refrain from any reckless actions?"

"Of course. As they say, leave it to the professionals. You are far more knowledgeable about the dangers of dungeons. And we absolutely cannot die until we meet our 'ideal.' In a dungeon, we will generally follow your instructions. We have also prepared a contract to that effect."

"...Understood. I apologize for sounding so suspicious."

"Not at all. You are also the head of an organization. It is necessary to worry about your members and to clarify the terms of a contract."

"Thank you."

Although it was Yamashita's group that had requested the alliance, the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club, despite their bizarre appearance, had not shown any signs of a high-handed attitude so far.

They were just staring at Yamashita's ears with lustful, devouring eyes.

That was why there was something Yamashita and his friend didn't understand. And the unknown is terrifying. To confirm it, he sharpened his gaze.

"...This is just out of curiosity, but..."

"What is it?"

"Why did you agree to partner with us? I'm sure there were many others who offered better terms for an alliance."

The 'partial liberalization of drop item sales' and 'permission for partial sale of items created with production-type skills' were being discussed by the government.

Sensing that this would be enacted soon, corporations in various countries were moving to secure greater profits.

Yamashita and his companions had no money, no people, and no track record to speak of. Although they had added ten more members to their original four... they had nothing that could possibly surpass the guilds backed by major corporations.

It would be a different story if they had the combat power of a group like the Invisible Ninjas or the 'three girls who saved us in Chiba,' though they weren't a guild. But even if the Walkers banded together, they couldn't hope to match them.

'S' let out a small sigh at his direct question. Then, as if in surrender, he raised both hands.

"Yes, that is a very reasonable question. If we were to form a partnership with that doubt lingering, it might lead to a major incident someday."

"You'll answer me?"

Yamashita was surprised; he had thought the alliance might be called off at worst.

'S' gave a small laugh from under his hood at the reaction.

"Trust is paramount, after all. Especially when we're dressed like this."

The chairman of the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club straightened his posture and gave a 'salute.'

"Actually, I'm a rather high-ranking police officer."

Tragic news. The man in charge of cracking down on perverts was the leader of a group of perverts.

"It may sound rude to say it this way, but we chose you because you're not a major player. If we partnered with a large company, there's a chance someone I know might show up. I've kept the club a secret from my wife and children, and it would tarnish my career. I want to avoid revealing my real name and public identity as much as possible."

"Oh, and by the way, I work at the courthouse. The details are, likewise, a secret."

'K', the vice-chairman, added his piece as if it were an afterthought.

Given the flow of the conversation, he likely held a respectable position in the court system as well.

Yamashita couldn't help but gaze into the distance, pondering the future of Japan. Meanwhile, his childhood friend, who had volunteered to be his bodyguard, feigned sleep with a silent vow of 'I don't want to get dragged into their pervert talk.'

"There are quite a few members in the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club who don't want their public identities known. Well, given what we do. For that reason, our options for partners are limited."

'S' explained candidly, scratching his head as if to say, well, what can you do?

Yamashita's cheeks twitched at their frank discussion.

"I... I see..."

"Since we're all here, let's deepen our friendship by sharing our fetishes!"

'S' clapped his hands as if he'd had a brilliant idea. 'K', beside him, nodded deeply.

Yamashita's face went blank at their words, which was hardly surprising.

"My ideal homunculus wife would be three meters tall, super muscular, and able to shatter bedrock with a single blow. A movie I saw a long time ago, about a guy named Bro▢y, kind of broke my brain... Oh, but I also like short, muscular types who have the pride of royalty!"

"And my fetish is a kemono-ness level of two or higher. Preferably around 'three' would be best. At first, you know, I was satisfied with just cat ears and a cat tail. But before I knew it, I'd come so far..."

Their tension rising, the two top members of the club began to joyfully recount their fetishes.

Yamashita considered calling the police, but then remembered there was a police officer right in front of him and let his tail droop limply.

"...Wait, does this mean I have to say something too...?"

"Zzzzz."

Ignoring his best friend's words, Shougo continued to feign sleep.



After all was said and done, the meeting between the Alchemy Enthusiasts Club and the Walkers concluded safely.

Left alone in the rented conference room, 'S' and 'K' spoke quietly.

"The first stage seems to be going well."

"Yes. But their strength is still an unknown. We chose the most serious-looking guild we could find, but it will be a problem if their combat power is insufficient."

"That's a problem we can solve by helping them level up."

The vice-chairman responded calmly to the chairman's words. It was hard to believe this was the same person who, just moments before, had been shouting, 'Multiple nipples are not a game!'

"A hardworking commoner will surpass a lazy genius. That doesn't change for Awakened Persons. And since their progress is easily quantifiable with [Appraisal], it's easier to maintain motivation."

"No doubt. If you work hard, you get results. Just knowing that is enough to make people strive."

'S', the club chairman, rested his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers.

"We shall offer our combat golems in support without reservation. For the sake of 'the Plan,' I want to build a mutually beneficial relationship with them where we can grow together."

"Indeed. All to achieve our 'dearest wish.'"

These two were what you would call the elite.

They had trained their minds and interpersonal skills since childhood, a 'winning class' that combined talent, effort, and lineage.

And yet, under their hoods, they wore smirks that were self-deprecating, or perhaps bestial. For now, there was no need to compose their expressions.

"...In later ages, we may be called 'the great sinners who destroyed humanity.'"

"Who knows. Perhaps we'll be called 'the saviors who led humanity to its next stage'?"

"Hmph... No doubt."

The Alchemy Enthusiasts Club. They were pushing forward a certain plan.

They freely distributed knowledge of alchemy that should have been kept secret on the internet, and were even trying to create an app to make the creation of a 'Homunculus' even easier.

Yes, their objective was...

"The 'If Every Human Had a Homunculus Boyfriend or Girlfriend, We'd All Be in the Same Boat, Right?' Plan... also known as the 'ZZ Plan,' will be seen through to the end...!!"

...simply to avoid being called 'lewd perverts' by everyone around them.

They were perverts with a half-baked sense of social decency.