kscans

Chapter 346 - The Philosopher's Stone

Three days after hearing Hypnos’s cryptic words, Hayato was in his room at the headquarters, leveling his skills as usual.

Even though Hypnos was on his mind, there was nothing he could do about it for now. He had relayed the conversation to Diite, but Diite herself did not understand what it was about and could only tilt her head in confusion.

"In any case, Hayato-kun, you and everyone else have become irreplaceable to me," Diite had told Hayato with a smile.

Hearing that face-to-face was embarrassing. Though it was virtual reality, it showed on Hayato’s face, and Diite teased him for it. To make matters worse, Esha, who was also present, joined in on the teasing, and the uncomfortable days continued.

Despite the situation, he pulled himself together and carried on leveling his Alchemy skill just as he always did.

And then, just as he had crafted his fiftieth Elixir, it happened.

"It’s here…!"

The moment Hayato created a highest quality Elixir, his Alchemy skill reached 200.

Would something happen, or would nothing happen at all?

Nothing special had occurred when it hit 100, but he waited nervously to see what would happen this time. Then, the same voice used for world announcements echoed inside his head.

"By reaching level 200 in the Alchemy skill, new alchemy recipes have been unlocked."

"Ooh!"

Hayato was about to check what he could now make, but the announcement was not finished. There was more.

"As a level 200 bonus, the cool down time for crafted potions will be halved."

"Oh…?"

"The effectiveness of crafted potions will be increased by 25%."

"Ooh…?"

"You can now combine two different potions. Please check the help menu for details."

"Combining…?"

He had expected some kind of bonus, but the content was so far beyond his expectations that Hayato forgot his situation and rejoiced. The effect increase alone was amazing, but a new system called combining had also been added.

(No, calm down. There’s a lot I want to do, but first, the new alchemy recipes.)

Hayato took a deep breath, then opened the alchemy menu and checked the recipes one by one.

There were indeed more potions he could make, but a few of them stood out.

Among them were Soma, for instant MP recovery, and Amrita, which neutralized all status effects. There were also new types of potions with coexisting merits and demerits, such as one that doubled attack power but reduced defense to zero.

Each one seemed capable of changing the current game environment, but there was one recipe that captured Hayato’s attention most of all.

Its name was the Philosopher’s Stone.

It was the ultimate alchemical item, a staple in all sorts of creative works. An item said to be able to turn lead into gold or grant immortality. But in this virtual reality, the item description read as follows.

"When used in the creation of replica-type equipment, its true performance can be unlocked."

Hayato threw his hands up and made a triumphant pose.

The cheat-level equipment used only by certain NPCs. Hayato could make replica-type equipment with reduced performance, but he could not create the real thing. If he could make the genuine articles using the Philosopher’s Stone, it would be a significant boost to their strength.

However, there were also problems.

The genuine equipment would be user-registered, meaning it could not be passed around. Only the player who equipped it first could use it.

Another issue was that many of the materials for the Philosopher’s Stone were beyond super rare. He had never even seen some of them before. Furthermore, the creation success rate was a mere 10%. It seemed that if he succeeded, highest quality was guaranteed, but the probability of success was low to begin with.

(Some of the materials are rare, but I know or have them. Like Hihiirokane. But Zaratan’s Core, Talos’s Gear, and Phoenix’s Blood… I don’t know anything about those three. Wait, Zaratan, is that the Zaratan? I’ve never heard of anyone defeating it…)

The giant, island-like turtle, the sea beast Zaratan. Hayato knew it had been implemented since the early days of the game, but it was a sea monster he had never once heard a report of being defeated.

In Hayato’s knowledge, Talos was a giant bronze man. But he did not know of any such monster in the game.

And while he knew Phoenixes existed, he did not know their habitat.

The probability of making a Philosopher’s Stone was low, so he would need to make a considerable amount. Furthermore, he did not know when the event would start. He probably did not have much time.

Even if he could make the genuine items before the event began, it would only be one or two.

It was likely their chances of winning would be higher if he focused on increasing their strength in other ways rather than betting on that.

Deciding to consult with everyone later, Hayato opted to investigate the other unlocked system, combining.

He read the newly added help information from the beginning.

This was interesting in its own way. That was Hayato’s impression.

The system involved combining two crafted potions to create a new one with two different effects.

If that were all, one could just drink two separate potions, but the beneficial part of this system was that the combined potion was treated as a separate item from its original components. With clever use, it would be possible to ignore cool down times or even stack effects.

However, there was a restriction. He could not combine potions unless their quality and effect duration were the same. Also, the specification was for different potions, so he could not just make a potion with double the performance using two of the same kind.

(So I can’t combine an instant-effect Potion with a Power Drink that has a five-minute duration. But if I can figure out the right combinations, I should be able to deal many times more damage. There’s probably an upper limit, but the possibilities are exciting…!)

A Power Drink increased attack power by 25% for five minutes. Drinking it twice would not make it 50%, but if it was a different potion created by combining, stacking would be possible. If he had Cecil drink it, she could probably unleash a strike with an unbelievable damage multiplier, just like she did when they defeated the Fire Dragon during the Stampede.

Then a thought occurred to Hayato.

If reaching level 200 in Alchemy unlocked various systems, wouldn't the same thing happen with other production skills?

The skills Hayato had pushed past the cap were Cooking, Blacksmithing, Sewing, Alchemy, and Crafting.

He had to do it. Hayato decided to level his Blacksmithing skill next and began mass-producing Excalibur Replicas.

"Is breakfast ready yet?"

"Huh? Ah!"

He thought he heard Lunaria’s voice from outside his room, and he realized a significant amount of time had passed without him noticing.

Hayato always prepared breakfast, but today, he had gotten so excited about his Alchemy skill reaching 200 that he had also started leveling his Blacksmithing skill, losing all track of time.

Hayato hurriedly opened his door and stepped outside.

"Sorry, sorry, I’ll make it right away. What would you like?"

"Then I’ll have Demon Lord Hotcakes. With as much honey as you can possibly pour on them."

"Hotcakes it is. Um, are Rosalie-san and the others here today too?"

"Yep. Xenobia-chan is also in the dining hall with them, so hurry. Gil-chan and the others already left for the hunting grounds."

"That was my fault. I’ll have to apologize to them later."

"It’s probably fine. Your weapon and armor maintenance is always perfect, so they’re really grateful just for that."

It was not completely merged yet, but Hayato’s headquarters and Lunaria’s headquarters had become one and expanded.

Additionally, an alliance system had been unlocked, allowing them to share items just like with a clan storage. Hayato was in charge of maintaining all of the Demon Lord’s Army’s equipment, and it had become something of a daily routine.

Previously, he had to hand over equipment one by one, but now he just had to do the weapon and armor maintenance on items left in the storage, which increased efficiency. It was also easier since they could freely take out potions and other items from the storage.

Everyone was well aware of Hayato’s abnormal dedication to production, but as an ally, there was no one more reliable.

In the morning, they would go to the storage and find their weapons and armor perfectly repaired, along with a massive supply of potions and food that they could not possibly use up in a day, plus any items they had requested. For that alone, everyone was grateful.

That said, it was a relationship of give and take.

"I’m grateful too. It’s thanks to you and your people, Lunaria-san, that I can use rare items as materials without hesitation."

Hayato could make anything, but he needed materials to do so. Lunaria and her followers would leave those materials in the storage. He would use them to craft items and sell them in shops or at auction. Thanks to that, he could perform maintenance, craft potions, and level his skills.

It was thanks to them that Hayato could create potions and other items almost without limit.

"I see. Then you can make my hotcakes a three-layer stack. And put some whipped cream on top, too."

"You sure eat a lot in the morning. But I’m in a bit of a celebratory mood myself today, so maybe I’ll go all out."

With that, Hayato headed to the dining hall with Lunaria.

In the dining hall, as usual, the members were waiting, each wearing a black gothic lolita dress of a different design. And for some reason, Xenobia was also waiting, looking uncomfortable in the seat next to Lunaria.

(Every time I see this, it looks like a witches’ gathering or a sabbath… Xenobia-san seems overwhelmed too.)

It looked like a dangerous ritual was about to begin, but Hayato asked for their breakfast orders as usual.

However, it was the same menu as Lunaria’s. Some members looked a little downcast at the mention of three hotcakes.

Only Xenobia said she was fine with just bread and salad, so Hayato immediately started cooking.

He quickly prepared the food and placed the hotcakes in front of the members. He also prepared drinks. This would normally be a troublesome task, but Hayato enjoyed hospitality, so he prepared everything without any trouble.

It was not that Lunaria and her group took it for granted. They sat quietly at the table and thanked Hayato for his service. Although, they had once asked him to wear a butler’s uniform, which he had rejected.

When the preparations were complete, Lunaria gave a single, firm nod.

"Well then, let’s eat."

As Lunaria spoke, the members of the Black Rose and Xenobia chorused, "Let’s eat."

And so, an elegant breakfast began.

(All that’s left is the usual post-meal fruit platter. I’ll go get some from the indoor garden.)

Along with the expansion of the headquarters, the indoor garden had also been expanded, allowing him to grow many types of fruit.

He wanted to eventually push his production skill, Cultivation, past its limit as well, but he was holding back, thinking that taking on any more demerits might be a bad idea.

However, if reaching level 200 unlocked some new system, he had no choice but to level it. Hayato pondered which skill he would have to lower this time as he headed to the room.

Previously, he had been growing melons for Esha, but now he was also growing oranges, apples, strawberries, and bananas. Recently, since they were consuming a lot of chocolate, he had started growing cacao as well.

It would be faster to buy them from a shop, but he resigned himself to watering them every day, telling himself it was necessary to produce high-quality fruit.

Hayato put today’s harvest into his item bag and returned to the dining hall.

When he returned to the dining hall, for some reason, everyone was staring at him.

"Huh? What is it?"

He had gotten a little used to it recently, but the dining hall was filled with only beautiful women. The thought of all of them staring at him was unsettling, even in virtual reality.

"I heard from Lunaria-sama. You have something you wish to celebrate?" Rosalie asked, elegantly wiping her mouth with a table napkin.

"Ah, that. Actually, my Alchemy skill just reached 200. So I’m in a mood to celebrate."

Light gasps of surprise rose at Hayato’s words.

"Congratulations… But for a production skill to reach 200 before our combat skills, isn’t that a bit strange?"

Rosalie and her group were also leveling their skills. Mainly their combat skills. They fought monsters, but they also did various things in player-versus-player combat, where skills were easier to level up.

They were surprised that Hayato’s production skills were reaching 200 faster than their own skill leveling.

"It’s because I can use materials freely, thanks to all of you. Oh, by the way, when my Alchemy skill hit 200, a system called combining was unlocked. I can now combine two potions. If used well, it seems like the effect could be doubled…"

Hayato stopped his words there.

The entire Black Rose group was now staring at Hayato with an intensity that was incomparable to before.

"I-is something wrong…?"

"D-does that mean the effect can be d-doubled?" Rosalie asked Hayato, trying to maintain her composure but failing.

"I haven’t tried it, but it seems to be treated as a different potion, so the effects might stack. You can’t use the same potion twice because of the cool down time, after all."

"Skincare! Make us skincare products!"

"Whoa, what?!"

Hayato was surrounded by the members of the Black Rose. And they were holding their weapons.

Then Rosalie, holding her giant scythe, Scream, looked at Hayato with a sorrowful expression.

"Lately, it has been nothing but fighting, and our femininity is being worn down to a nub! If this continues, we will end up like Gil and his men, so we were planning to take a day off today and relax! Hearing such a thing, we have no choice but to ask this of you!"

"Seriously…?"

It was true that there were potions for things like skincare and making one’s skin smooth. He had heard that female players often used them because they were reflected in their appearance even in virtual reality.

Hayato thought for a moment before agreeing.

However, it was on the condition that he was only trying it, and they would not get angry if the effect was not doubled.

He wanted to spend as much time as possible leveling his other production skills, but it was also a fact that he was grateful to everyone. If this would boost their morale, he was not against it. Hayato prepared dessert and then began making skincare potions.

Several minutes later, unfortunately, combining and using the skincare potions did not double their effect.

However, thanks to his level 200 Alchemy skill, their performance was increased by 25%. This seemed to be reflected, as everyone happily said their skin felt better than usual.

Hayato could not tell the difference at all, but if they said so, it must be true. For some reason, they asked him to make it for them every day, so it was added to his list of daily crafting items.

System-wise, it did not increase their attack power, but if it improved their mood, then their combat strength would undoubtedly increase.

He thought this was a very feminine trait, but Lunaria and Xenobia did not seem to get it, complaining that "it just feels slimy."

Despite the situation, Hayato brought up a topic of his own.

Naturally, it was about the Philosopher’s Stone.

They were quite surprised to hear it could turn replica-type equipment into the real thing, but Lunaria alone was dejected.

"I haven’t been unfaithful, but Arondight is going to cheat on me?"

"I don’t think that’s what it means."

Since he could make an Arondight Replica, he would also be able to make the real Arondight. The Arondight Lunaria possessed was her exclusive equipment, but if Hayato made one, it would become someone else’s exclusive equipment.

"For the sake of me and Arondight, I’m starting to think I should defeat Hayato-san."

"It’s just your imagination, so please don’t. Besides, I think that Arondight is mutually in love with you, Lunaria-san. A crafted Arondight would just be a different thing with the same name."

"Hayato-san has said something good. I shall give you a Demon Lord’s Cookie. Rosalie-chan, present it to him."

"…Thank you."

Hayato received a four-star cookie from Rosalie.

But the conversation did not end there.

"Lunaria-sama, I have had a thought. What if Hayato were to create a genuine Excalibur, and you, Lunaria-sama, were to dual wield it? I believe you would be able to use Ivan’s ‘White Lightning’ as well, Lunaria-sama."

Arondight’s "Black Swan" and Excalibur’s "White Lightning" were both exclusive weapon skills that, when activated, granted body enhancements and damage boosts that allowed the user to move beyond the laws of physics.

Ney and Cecil dual wielded replicas, but they did not have the weapon skills. Those were skills exclusive to the genuine articles. Hayato was also curious what would happen if both were activated at the same time.

At Rosalie’s suggestion, Lunaria closed her eyes and thought, then her eyes snapped open.

"Does dual wielding not count as cheating?"

"Of course not."

"Adopted. Hayato-san, make me an Excalibur. A Demon Lord-exclusive Excalibur. I will cherish that child too."

"I can make it, but as I said before, making the Philosopher’s Stone itself is difficult. I don’t even know where some of the materials are."

"That is what the Maid Guild is for, is it not? If you make a request there, they will find out immediately."

At Rosalie’s words, Hayato nodded in understanding. "Ah."

"You’re right, there was that option… I see, I might be able to have them look up how to defeat Zaratan too."

The Maid Guild’s information gathering capabilities were high. The price would likely be considerable, but if that solved the problem, it should be considered a small price to pay.

"Alright, I’ll ask them. When they find out, I’ll need your help collecting the items."

"That is fine. As long as I am with everyone, I will not lose to anyone."

As Lunaria said this, Rosalie and the other members of the Black Rose had tears of emotion welling up in their eyes.

He wondered if it was really that big of a deal, but to the Black Rose, Lunaria was like a faith. It was probably just how things were, Hayato decided to stop thinking about it.

Just then, his gaze happened to fall on Xenobia. She did not seem to have been listening to the conversation, as her eyes were darting around nervously.

"Xenobia-san, is something wrong?"

"Hyaa!"

Xenobia had a fear of men. He thought she had gotten used to him recently, so he had casually spoken to her, but her shriek was louder than usual, which surprised Hayato more.

"Sorry. Was that too sudden?"

Xenobia shook her head frantically from side to side, then pulled the collar of her clothes up to hide her face deeply. Her upper face was visible, but her mouth was completely hidden.

Then, with an upward glance, she bowed her head.

"N-no, I’m the one who’s sorry. Y-you just surprised me by calling out so suddenly…"

Lunaria, watching the exchange, crossed her arms and nodded.

"Just when I thought Xenobia-chan was getting used to Hayato-san, it seems she still has a way to go. Perhaps some drastic treatment is necessary."

"I don’t think you need to force a cure. In fact, doing something unnecessary might make it worse, so I think you should stop."

"It is true that forcing it is not good. I was thinking of a treatment where I lock her in the same room as Hayato-san for a day—"

"No way."

Xenobia cut Lunaria off. Despite her usual timid demeanor, she said it with considerable determination.

He did not think there was any deep meaning to it, but Hayato felt a little shocked. He would be troubled if that happened, but he thought she did not have to reject it so strongly.

"Indeed, Lunaria-sama. If you were to do such a thing, there is no telling what Esha Crown might do."

"Why are you bringing up Esha’s name there?"

Lunaria and Xenobia also tilted their heads at Rosalie’s words, but Rosalie herself was looking at Hayato with a grin.

"Explaining that would be uncouth."

The members of the Black Rose also grinned and nodded in agreement.

(It really is a witches’ coven. It looks like the uncomfortable days will continue for a while…)

Leaving the dining hall now would be like admitting it was true, so Hayato made up various reasons to cook or explain the benefits of reaching skill level 200.