There was once a legend that said alchemy can bring about the hidden truth of everything in the realm of the living. Theories were written, and studies have been made from a wide variety of subjects. Whether they may fall into the living, inanimate objects, rare minerals, or monster drops. As much as they praise this incredible class, it was said that only a select few have succeeded.
[System: 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 26 seconds before the presence warding potion will reach its expiration]
"I still have a lot of time before I take another gulp. It's truly an amazing skill that I was able to regain. This skill is the only thing that ties everything I've learned from alchemy altogether. A skill that has everything and yet it can still grow as time started to pass," he says, opening his status as his little leeches dissect the corpses of the imps. He may have gathered a ton of items, however, Neon was far too greedy to let a single item go to waste.
[Unparalleled alchemical knowledge: A skill that contains a variety of different types of knowledge concerning the world of alchemy. Mixture technique, refinement process, recipes, information, and lastly increase or boost anything alchemy related. A skill that grows even though it reaches a point where it's seen as an incredible skill, overall: SSS+]
"It looks like all of them are finished with their assignment... The devouring leech—I remember that it was a monster that could spawn tiny versions of itself. When I thought of using its large and small intestines as a way to process nutrition, I never thought I'd gain the ability to not only summon forth a leech but command them at will."
Once the leeches were finished with their meal, they entered his body without any difficulties.
[System: The devouring leeches' hunger has been satisfied, and the guardian has gained 7 stat points both on mana and intelligence]
[Neon LVL 23
Title: Defier of Fate, First Blood, Super Rookie
Class: None
Race: Homunculus
Special Ability: Golden Abyssal Eye, Behemoth Scales, Devouring Leech, Thornerus Bone Structure
(Other abilities to be unlocked)
Health: 73 | Attack: 46 | Int: 79 | Luck: 35 → 65 | Dex: 42 | Speed: 50 | Defense: 53 | Stamina: 45 | Mana: 58
Status Points: 0
Skills: Unparalleled Alchemical Knowledge (SSS+), Empower (F+), Crafting (F-), Herb Gathering (F-), Brewery (D+), Sword Proficiency (E+), Ailment Boost (D-), Physical Resistance (F+), Mental Resistance (E+), Green Thumb (F-), Vine Manifestation (F-)]
"Finally, I obtained Green Thumb after adding some of the rotting flesh of those monsters as fertilizer. With the help of some stimulants I concocted, all I need is a herb, and I can increase its growth rate. This is something I've wanted for so long. Now I don't have to risk my life gathering a few herbs when I'm missing some from my inventory. I should make a pot and find a water source once I'm finished with this crisis."
There wasn't much he could use to make such a grand and powerful weapon by hand. He calls upon the system, aware of the risk.
[System: You've entered the crafting function. A guardian is allowed to create what they desire. However, the higher and more valuable the item, the less the system will compensate for any loss. The function may spark a major impact, possibly leading to mass production. The system has nerfed this function—there's a chance the result will be downgraded. This led to the rise of personal workshops for both blacksmithing and alchemical companies.]
[System: You've appointed 30 unused stats to [Luck]. The probability rate has drastically increased in your favor. Your stat has now changed from 35 → 65. This may affect your life naturally, though when or where remains unknown.]
"This is one of the side experiments I've been working on, apart from the homunculus I call Second Chance—the process of creating weapons, items, and possibly armor through alchemy. This came to be known as alchemical crafts, a study I postponed after my first homunculus success. I wonder how much I've regained now that I have my most prized skill again."
Upon opening the function, a bunch of tools and equipment appeared in front of him.
A forge capable of melting any kind of metal or monster materials. But Neon didn't rely on blacksmithing. Instead, he approached the massive cauldron meant only for an alchemist. With just a hint of mana, it lit aflame, its color changing according to his desire. Just as he prepared to begin, a scream pierced the air—but he ignored it and pressed forward.
"The cauldron should be applied with a special kind of liquid meant for combining. A large amount of adhesive I processed from rare herbs. Next, the temperature—keep it just below burning. Add in the items I want to craft. Choose between weapon, item, or armor. For now… a weapon. Finally, stir."
After applying every step with the help of his skill, Neon began brewing.
The imp's heart—its magical core—was the perfect catalyst. Its eyes possessed magical properties. Their hands functioned as magical conduits. Normally, they would chant spells, but these ones simply waved their fingers, meaning their hands acted like wands.
"I would've eaten their cores to increase my stats... but I desire a weapon. Power can come later. No amount of strength matters if I have no weapon."
He cracked the core and poured its fluid into the cauldron. It was said that the core housed a soul—or perhaps just regrets, anger, and hatred. As the fluid mixed in, a brilliant light burst forth.
"Holy, mother of monsters!! This is incredible—"
The sheer force of the monster cores pushed Neon back. The brilliant light turned dark and dreadful. The curses of the slain monsters spilled out, and he heard their screams again.
'Graaaahh!!! Die!!!! Die!!! Die!!!'
'You'll regret making a fool out of me!!!'
'I'll curse you until the day you die!!!'
'May your kind perish by your cruelty!!!'
Despite the assault of bloodlust, Neon never let go of the ladle. He continued to stir the cauldron, enduring despair, anxiety, and hatred.
Compared to the void serpent's core, this was nothing.
"The time has come!!!"
He let go of the ladle and plunged both arms into the cauldron, commanding it to increase its flames. The heat was intense—his skin would've burned if not for his scales. Mana surged into the materials. The adhesive reacted, shaping itself under his will.
[System: Due to wisdom originating from Unparalleled Alchemical Knowledge, the guardian was able to control the adhesive. The adhesive fluid can provide better and more precise control of your reshaping process. The last procedure of the alchemical craft is near its end.]
Neon's mana reached the mix, and with absolute concentration, he reshaped it. From a lump of raw parts, a glowing item emerged. Then—a massive explosion.
"Graaaahh!!!"
Monsters rushed toward the source, only to find a burning wasteland. No trace of life. No magic circle. Nothing.
At the center of it all, Neon relaxed atop an overgrown vine—grown from his Green Thumb-enhanced skill.
"Haaa… Haaa… Haaa… Brilliant!!!" he gasped.
[Wand of a Little Devil: An item born from a cauldron instead of a forge. Due to a stroke of luck, it embodies the grudges of its materials, making it more powerful and aggressive.
Rarity: Rare
Weapon: Wand
Item Requirement: Must have Mana
Magic Damage: 35
Durability: 30
Spells:
— 1st Spell: Full Mental – An attack that targets the mind.
Aoe: 5 meters | Cost: 30
— 2nd Spell: Elemental Shots – Fires elemental projectiles that pierce.
DPS: 3/sec for 10 seconds if hit by same element | Cost: 10
— 3rd Spell: Little Helper – Summons an imp to assist in combat.
Cost: 70]