" A Wish Of Lazy Otaku"

16. "The Alchemy Which Can Have Feelings"

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" " Conversion or speech,

' ' thoughts,

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The misty haze enveloped Blurr Island, veiling it from view in one moment and then swiftly dissipating the next, earning it the affectionate moniker bestowed upon it by the locals. 

As fishermen made their way to the seaside, they often remarked upon the island's perpetually blurred appearance, a mysterious phenomenon that lent an air of intrigue to its existence.

Within the ethereal confines of Blurr Island, an abundance of energy flowed, imbuing the land with an almost sacred aura. 

What was once a small patch of land spanning a mere few kilometers had expanded exponentially, transformed by the newfound infusion of natural power. The island was meticulously maintained, showcasing a harmonious blend of features. 

On one side, a modest forest stood, adorned with gentle slopes and hills, now accompanied by a scattering of buildings nestled at the foot of the verdant mounds.

On the opposing side, a magnificent garden flourished. The once barren expanse had blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of herbs and fruits, their fragrances intertwining to create an intoxicating bouquet that invigorated even the weariest souls. 

With a mere sniff of the air, any ordinary human would feel a surge of vitality coursing through their veins, an undeniable revitalization that stirred their senses.

Adjacent to the herb garden, a small wooden building stood proudly, its construction evoking a sense of timeless elegance. 

The structure seamlessly merged elements of antiquity and modernity, emanating an ineffable allure that captured the imagination of all who beheld it. It was a sight that defied simple description, captivating onlookers with its enigmatic charm.

As one approached this quaint abode, the sound of trickling water grew louder. 

A small pond, nestled snugly beside the wooden structure, mirrored the surrounding beauty with its crystal-clear depths. The ripples danced playfully upon its surface, reflecting the dappled sunlight that filtered through the lush canopy overhead. 

It was a place of serenity, where the whispers of nature harmonized with the tranquil ambiance, beckoning visitors to linger and immerse themselves in the enchantment of Blurr Island.

Within the confines of the wooden building, two rooms and a spacious hall stood in quiet anticipation. 

A young man sat cross-legged in the hall, his eyes closed in deep concentration. Bundles of herbs lay beside him, a testament to his craft and dedication.

Abruptly, his eyes snapped open, their once serene depths now razor-sharp. 

He had entered a state of unwavering focus, impervious to the distractions that swirled around him. Clad in a loose brown shirt and black pants adorned with red trims, he exuded an air of effortless confidence. 

His eyes, a mesmerizing fusion of dark blue pupils and shimmering ocean hues, seemed to hold the weight of boundless wisdom.

As a gentle breeze caressed the island, his silver hair danced and intertwined with golden rays of sunlight, radiating a resplendent glow. 

The strands cascaded gracefully, framing his face with an otherworldly allure.

"Master, how much time do you require? Should you need any assistance, I will be tending to the blossoms in the garden," a melodic voice floated into the hall, reaching the ears of the young man.

He smiled, his expression carrying a quiet reassurance. "Hmm, worry not, for I shall not tarry long."

"Very well," the voice responded, gradually fading away as its owner moved further into the garden.

The young man remained immersed in his task, his concentration unbroken. 

As the echoes of the voice dissipated, a profound serenity settled upon the hall, interrupted only by the whispers of the wind and the faint rustle of leaves. 

It was a sanctuary, where time seemed to stand still, allowing Erick Dahl, the young man with eyes of endless depth, to embark upon his path of mastery.

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Erick's mind wandered, reminiscent of the moments he had shared with his beloved goddess. 

Those times were filled with both joy and torment, for every action he took had to be performed repeatedly under her watchful gaze. Learning the practicalities of alchemy, he had painstakingly crafted medicines a hundred times over until they met her exacting standards. 

The same rigorous training extended to his culinary skills, the number of times he had to prepare meals a mystery, and even to the execution of eccentric tasks that had to satisfy her inscrutable desires.

Doubts had plagued him during those arduous days, questioning the purpose of his endeavors. 

Yet, the sight of a smile gracing the goddess's countenance had validated every ounce of his sweat and toil.

"But now, I harbor no regrets," Erick murmured softly, a profound gratitude welling within him. It was her unwavering insistence that had forged him into the master he was becoming. 

With a serene smile etched upon his face, he dipped his fingers into the crimson essence of chicken blood, drawing intricate Arch runes in the empty space before him.

His Origin Consciousness remained locked, rendering him unable to materialize the symbols through thought alone. 

Thus, he resorted to this method, knowing it lacked the efficacy of drawing with his unencumbered consciousness. 

Nevertheless, it would suffice for the realm of low-level alchemy, still harnessing a measure of its intended power.

As the runes took shape, an ethereal glow emanated from their delicate lines, suffusing the air with a faint luminescence. 

Erick's focus remained unwavering, his resolve unyielding. Though his current path diverged from the direct influence of his goddess, her teachings and unwavering guidance remained etched upon his soul.

With each stroke of his fingers, a sense of purpose washed over him, a testament to the profound connection he shared with his Goddess. 

The legacy of their time together continued to shape his destiny, fueling his pursuit of excellence and unlocking the boundless potential that lay within.

"Eureka! It's finally done!" Erick exclaimed, relief washing over him as he surveyed his handiwork. 

The Archrunes he had been laboring over had now taken shape, forming an illusory cauldron with magnificent dragons and majestic phoenixes swirling around it. 

Although the cauldron was currently small in size, a simple infusion of energy would cause it to expand automatically.

Without wasting a moment, Erick began channeling his Pure Origin Energy into the cauldron. 

As the energy flowed, the cauldron glimmered like a radiant star, gradually expanding until it matched the full size of his body. Satisfied with its growth, Erick ceased the supply of energy.

"Now, let's get to work on the next phase. I need a minimum of 100 pieces of each of the three potions," Erick mused, organizing the ingredients required for the Constitution pill. 

He had gathered ten packs of ingredients, knowing that each pack would yield several pills.

The scarcity of these particular ingredients in society and the current state of Earth meant that Erick had taken matters into his own hands. 

He had purchased the necessary herbs from the system shop and planted them in his herb garden on the island. It was a temporary solution, meant to provide initial support for his arduous journey.

"Seems like I'll have to devise a method to automate this process in the future. It's just too much work for a lazy person like me to prepare such low-level products manually," Erick pondered aloud. "After all, what's the use of my vast knowledge if I can't find ways to streamline tasks like this?"

Lost in his thoughts, Erick tossed the herbs into the hovering cauldron before him. 

This particular alchemy technique he was employing, a part of the Myriad Creations Origin Arts, was a truly unique method, harnessing the forces of creation and transformation.

With determination in his eyes, Erick focused on perfecting his craft, seeking to streamline and enhance his alchemical endeavors, all while the cauldron buzzed with an otherworldly energy, ready to bring forth the desired potions.

"Hmmm! Still getting the hang of it, but it'll improve after a couple more tries," Erick muttered to himself as he deftly handled the refining process. 

Thanks to the energy manipulation and the specific technique he employed, there was no need for traditional fire-based heating.

The refinement of the Archrunes had also been expedited, shortening the time required to form each pill. 

Gone were the days of sitting idly for hours just to produce a single batch of pills.

After a while, the herbs underwent a thorough refining process, transforming into essence and then purifying further into a translucent crystal dew-like liquid. Erick skillfully controlled his energy, pouring it into the waiting cauldron. 

With precision, he divided the essence into a hundred parts, ensuring their purity through his energy manipulation. 

Once purified, he condensed the essence into individual pills. The entire process took no more than a few minutes, a testament to the power of the Archrunes and his mastery of the Origin Arts.

"Well, these look promising. No impurities means no unwanted side effects, and they're incredibly easy to refine," Erick sighed in relief, recalling an important detail. 

He had opted not to use his original energy to coat the pills, relying instead on the ambient energy present in the atmosphere. He thanked the goddess for this decision, knowing full well the consequences of mishandling the potent original energy. 

If a normal person were to come into contact with it, they would experience a rebirth-like sensation, followed by an unsettling swelling of the body. 

Eventually, their bodies would succumb to the overwhelming energy, resulting in a catastrophic explosion akin to an overcharged battery.

With a sense of accomplishment, Erick retrieved a specially crafted large box, designed to store these precious creations. 

Within it, numerous small boxes awaited, each meant to hold an individual pill, ensuring their preservation and integrity.

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"Alright, now that this is done, I still have two more products to prepare. Ugh, I really should have planned ahead. This repetitive process is getting boring," Erick grumbled to himself, realizing the monotony of his task. In his distracted state, he accidentally overlooked the final words on the list, which were placed next to the files beside him. While lost in his musings, his gaze had inadvertently skimmed over the crucial information. It was only now that he realized his mistake.

"Damn it! I was supposed to make a paste, not pills. Well, since they're already made, why not put them up for the next auction? It's not a bad idea," Erick thought, swiftly shifting his mood from frustration to enthusiasm. With a renewed sense of purpose, he retrieved the correct ingredients, double-checking them this time to avoid any further mishaps.

Within moments, he carefully placed the paste into hundreds of small glass bottles, each weighing 100 grams. The remaining quantity was poured into a large jar that he had prepared.

"Now, what should I do with this energy drink? I can't decide between apple and mango flavor," Erick pondered, glancing at the next item on the list—the Energy Boost Drink. After some contemplation, he settled on mango flavor but soon found himself faced with another dilemma.

"I want the consumers to experience the comforting warmth of their hometown. How could I forget about that? Ah, I've got it! I can infuse my genuine feelings into the drink. It's a fantastic idea, and I should put it into action right away," Erick exclaimed, recalling a trick he had stumbled upon by accident.

His Myriad Creation, for some mysterious reason, possessed various unknown effects that he could employ in specific situations. Now, in this instance, he realized he could imbue the drink with his heartfelt emotions. When consumed, the drink would evoke the precise sensations he intended the consumers to feel—a brilliant and delightful trick that would surely leave a lasting impression.

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After a couple of hours, Erick successfully completed the production of all three products: the Energy Burst Drink, the Herbal Black Bull Tea, and the Constitution Maintenance Paste. Additionally, he had prepared a few hundred extras to keep in stock for future demand.

The Constitution Pills, though low-grade in nature, possessed remarkable potency. Erick ensured that each box containing the pills or paste was adorned with Archrunes that held prohibitions. Any attempts to violate the rules inscribed on them would result in dire consequences. Prior to distribution, detailed information about the products and their associated regulations had been provided to everyone.

While the Constitution Maintenance Paste catered to general health concerns, the Constitution Pill had the potential to transform an ordinary person into a top athlete. However, these powerful pills were reserved for individuals who displayed good behavior and a positive attitude toward others. Those who possessed them would receive special recognition from the company.

Having meticulously packed all the products, Erick stretched his body, the joints making satisfying cracking sounds. After loosening his muscles, he left the hall and made his way toward where Aashi awaited him.

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