Project: Creating a Pet
As we re-entered through the northern gate we had left from, the kids’ faces noticeably brightened. Though they didn’t say anything, their eager expressions made it clear that if I suggested training right then, they’d drop everything and start. I chuckled softly and pulled a small pouch from my pocket, tossing it to Ahn Hyun. He looked startled, still carrying a user on his back, but thankfully Yoo Jung intercepted and caught the pouch.
“Good job.”
“Don’t just praise me, give me a reward.”
“Here you go.”
I gently lowered the user I was carrying and handed them over to Yoo Jung. She grumbled a bit but accepted the user without complaint. Watching her struggle slightly under the weight, I spoke up.
“You know where the Gentle Lady Inn is, right? We’ve got enough money, so rent two rooms for a week. Have dinner first, eat whatever you want. Once you’re done, go ahead and rest.”
“What about you, oppa?”
“I have some business with Vivian. Plus, I need to file the exploration report.”
“Can’t we come with you…?”
“It’s easier if I go alone. You guys go ahead and rest.”
Yoo Jung’s face fell slightly, but she nodded in understanding. It seemed the desire to rest and the hunger were winning out. Honestly, it was a bit of a hassle, but it was something that needed to be done.
Once the kids were on their way, I was finally alone with Vivian. She pouted at me and let out a big sigh.
“I just don’t get it.”
“What don’t you get?”
“You and the kids.”
Vivian gave me a sidelong glance, and I silently mouthed, “Why?” She pointed accusingly, her voice rising.
“The kids are like little chicks, chirping and looking only at you. It’s sickening. And you’re no better. You can’t say no to them, always coddling them. Why don’t you just pat their butts while you’re at it?”
“That’s just how I am.”
“Really? Then can I start whining and acting like that too?”
Instead of answering, I raised my hand. Vivian rolled her eyes and sighed again. Just as she was about to launch into another complaint, I moved my hand to her head.
“How’s your body?”
“Huh, what?”
“Is your body okay?”
Vivian was caught off guard by my sudden question. She stammered, her eyes darting around, before cautiously looking up at me.
“It’s… okay for now. Bearable. But could you move your hand…?”
After gently brushing her hair, I turned away. She hesitated for a moment but soon followed closely behind. Since we had decided to work together, it was important to build trust and occasionally show kindness.
The streets of Mule were definitely busier than when we left in the morning. Most users seemed to be heading to the temple to report their explorations, just like me. But there were still a few groups setting out on new adventures. Watching them head out into the night, I silently wished them luck.
Before heading to the temple, I stopped by the user storage. Thankfully, the temple and storage were in roughly the same direction, so it wasn’t too inconvenient. As we got closer to the temple, the number of users bustling about increased, though not as much as in Barbara.
Vivian was drawing a lot of attention. She kept her head down, embarrassed, and pressed closer to me. I enjoyed the soft sensation against my back, but it also drew envious stares.
In the strict and orderly North Continent, we could walk like this without much trouble. But in the West Continent, dressing like this would be like openly advertising, “I’m here for you to take.” Not that I was worried. Once her strength was restored, Vivian would be a formidable ally. Most users wouldn’t stand a chance against her.
At the user storage, I retrieved a bottle of elixir and all my gold coins. My total gold now exceeded 1,200. If I sold my jewels and other items, it would be a fortune, especially for a new user. The more money I had, the easier my plans would be. I already had a good idea of where to spend it, so I tucked the heavy pouch into my pocket.
“What’s that?”
Vivian’s curiosity was piqued as I twirled the bright yellow bottle. She leaned in close, and I answered simply.
“Elixir.”
The word “elixir” had a profound effect. Vivian’s expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief, then she snorted and gestured for me to hand it over. Where did she learn that?
“Do you know what an elixir is?”
“Of course. Alchemists make potions, and elixirs are the pinnacle. I’ll humor you. Hand it over.”
“Why don’t you come and see for yourself?”
Vivian grumbled but peeked over. As she examined the elixir, her expression grew more serious. Just as she reached out, I pulled the elixir back. Her experience as an alchemist was evident in her now grave demeanor.
“This is strange. Wait, don’t pull it away… let me see.”
“Why bother? Just taste it.”
I had made up my mind. Once I decided, I didn’t hesitate. I opened the sealed bottle, poured a small amount into the cap, and handed it to Vivian. She sniffed it cautiously before swallowing it.
“Hmm…”
“How is it?”
“Just a moment… huh? What…?”
Vivian’s eyes widened as she realized what was happening inside her body. I activated my third eye, determined to gather as much information as possible.
< Resident Information (Native Status) > * Converting resident information to user information.
Name: Vivian La Clasidus
Class: Chimera Alchemist Master (Rare)
Nation: Espinion (Currently a fallen city-state)
Clan: -
True Name · Nationality: Ancient Alchemist · Black Hunting Spider · Hall Plain
Gender: Female (24 · 128[?])
Height · Weight: 165.5cm · 48.8kg
Alignment: Chaos · Neutral
< Stats >
[Strength 48] [Endurance 50] [Agility 56] [Health 45] [Magic 92] [Luck 74]
< Achievements (3) >
< Special Abilities (1/1) >
< Potential Abilities (4/4) >
Alchemy Magic (Rank: A0)
Traditional Magic (Rank: C+)
Magic Fortress Construction (Rank: A++)
Potion Making (Rank: B+)
< Stat Comparison >
(12 stat points remaining)
[Strength 94] [Endurance 92] [Agility 98] [Health 72] [Magic 96] [Luck 88]
(No stat points remaining)
[Strength 48] [Endurance 50] [Agility 56] [Health 45] [Magic 92] [Luck 74]
So this is Vivian’s full strength? I marveled at her newfound power. For mages and priests, magic stat points are crucial. Even if other stats average 30, a magic stat over 90 makes a user highly sought after by any clan. In Hall Plain, mages were such valuable assets.
I was particularly curious about the ability ranked A+++, “Ruler of the 66 Beast Legion.” Rare classes, while not as secretive as secret classes, offered unique abilities that set them apart from common classes. While common classes could be powerful if developed well, rare classes excelled in combat efficiency, and secret classes wielded formidable “powers.” Users dreamed of acquiring these two classes.
After organizing my thoughts, I turned my attention forward. Vivian, who had been examining her body with a startled expression, now looked at me with a wild, almost crazed look in her eyes.
A tense silence hung between us, but it was fleeting. Vivian clenched her teeth and lunged at me.
“Give it to me!”
“Well, well.”
I quickly reached out and placed a hand on her face. She flailed her arms wildly, trying to get closer to me, but it was no use. Despite her efforts, she became even more frantic, desperately trying to grab the elixir from my hand.
“Give it to me! Give it to me!”
“I can’t just hand it over like that. What if you take it and run?”
“I won’t! I promise! Just give it to me!”
I pushed her away firmly, but Vivian immediately lunged at me again. With a sigh, I extended my hand once more, this time aiming for her chest instead of her head. As she rushed into my arms, I felt a soft, yielding sensation fill my right hand. Oh. That feels nice.
“Ahhh!”
“Mmm. Feels good.”
“What? Ah! No!”
I couldn’t help but nod in satisfaction as I continued to squeeze the breast in my grasp. It had been a long time since I’d touched a woman’s chest, and an inexplicable thrill washed over me. Vivian, startled, tried to pull away, but I held on, refusing to let go. Only when her chest was nearly pulled from her body did she relent, withdrawing her hands.
“What are you doing? Let go, you idiot!”
“Fool. Who told you to charge at me?”
She pried my hand away with the same hands that had been reaching for the elixir. Though a bit disappointed, I let go without resistance. Perhaps I had held on too tightly, as Vivian was now gently rubbing her chest, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Sniff… What am I going to do… I’m tainted now.”
“All this fuss over a little groping. Anyway, now you know I have a way to cure you, right?”
I smirked, exuding confidence, and Vivian nodded frantically, her eyes pleading for the elixir. I chuckled and continued.
“I was planning to give it to you anyway, so just wait a bit. I’ll hand it over once you make me a promise.”
“If it’s what you mentioned in the dungeon, I remember.”
“You don’t even know what you’re agreeing to.”
My words left Vivian speechless. She hadn’t yet regained the sharp intellect she had as an alchemist, and her desperation for the elixir was palpable. This was precisely the opportunity I had been waiting for. If she took the elixir and ran or refused to cooperate, it would be like throwing away a precious resource. I needed to ensure some level of security.
“So, what do I have to do?”
“Heh. Let’s make a contract.”
“A contract?”
Watching her tilt her head in confusion, I replied with a sly smile.
“Yes, a contract. First, let’s head to the temple. We need to report our findings and draft the contract.”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Here’s another chapter for you all. I’m glad I could keep my promise of consecutive updates. Haha.
Writing chapter 73 was quite a struggle, and I faced a lot of criticism. It was tough.
I’m not sure if I’ll be able to post by midnight tomorrow. Regardless, I’ll try to maintain the daily updates. (If it’s not up by midnight, just go to bed. ㅜ.ㅠ)
Once the next chapter is up, I’ll go back and fix typos and make content revisions from chapter 70 onward.
I’ll also catch up on replying to comments.
I feel so self-conscious writing and posting this. Haha.
Now, I’m off to make some beef pancakes. Sigh… ㅜ.ㅠ