Chapter 36

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Translator: MadScientist

Chapter: 36

Chapter Title: Self-Esteem Boosting Elixir

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Falling asleep early while thinking of the Professor's scent, I woke the next day.

The morning sun was just beginning to rise.

"I wasted half a day straight..."

After a good night's sleep, my head cleared, and yesterday's actions suddenly came to mind.

I resolved to reflect on the fact that I'd squandered time pointlessly.

"I should at least make some Self-Esteem Boosting Elixir."

I'll probably encounter situations like yesterday often while living with the Professor from now on.

I couldn't keep reacting like that and letting myself get swept away every time.

So, creating and consuming an elixir to improve this was top priority.

No, I had to make and take it!

"Come on, live up to your looks, Benefactor...!"

I'd endured tremendous pain to become an alpha male.

What good was that if a single woman's hug knocked me flat?

And to lose a full half-day to it... There was no greater shame for an alpha male.

So, to fix this as soon as possible.

First, I'd diligently handle today's tasks.

Then use the remaining time to brew the elixir.

And so, my routine began a bit earlier than usual...

"Lulu's gotten to where she enjoys cooked food now too."

...I'd made a variety of dishes before my two daughters woke and stocked them in the Emerald Cauldron.

Arin eats anything without complaint as usual, so no worries there.

But Lulu, who'd only eaten raw meat before, started getting bored of tartare around then—and after turning human.

Now she eats anything without fuss, so I could make all sorts of food. Cooking became fun.

Anyway, with enough food stocked for the next three days, no concerns.

I headed to the yard next, toward the persimmon tree the herbalist senior cherished.

Trickle, trickle...

"Grow healthy and give me tasty persimmons."

Since I was tending it anyway, I looked forward to the fruit later.

For that, every morning I watered it with water Arin made—to make it tastier.

Soon, I'd replace the soil around the tree with dirt infused with Lulu's mana too.

With this much care, delicious persimmons were guaranteed.

After sprinkling water for another 10 minutes or so.

Breakfast time neared, so I headed to the mansion to bring the Professor his meal.

The Professor's lab upon arrival was...

[Ah... Benefactor's here...?]

"Eat first."

[It's fine. Can't waste time on meals... ...That foil-wrapped stuff—is it kimbap?]

"Yes. Easy to eat on the go."

[You, with this kind of sense...? Anyway, thanks. Suddenly craving something. I'll dig in.]

...He looked a bit haggard from pulling an all-nighter, tinkering with various magic circles.

I gave him the portable foil-wrapped kimbap, then returned home without disturbing him.

"Should make a few more Vitality Tonics."

He'd probably keep pulling all-nighters for a while.

If possible, I'd upgrade to higher-performance versions and stock up.

Anyway.

That wrapped up the morning chores nicely.

Now, for the remaining time...

"...Come to think of it, I didn't drink yesterday's elixir, did I?"

I'd made but forgotten the Amplified Stat Increase Elixir (Body).

Reason: the elixir I'd given the Professor was so impactful.

And all day, the Professor's scent...

"Ahem."

...Anyway.

Before that cozy floral scent tempted me again, I took the prepared elixir first.

Quickly made Stomachache Medicine in preparation for penalties.

Ingredients: Previously registered 'Mana-Infused Seaweed' sufficed.

With the Stomachache Medicine in one hand.

And the amplified Stat Increase Elixir (Body) in the other, I popped it in my mouth and chewed.

"Urk-!"

A horrific stench and bitterness surged up; I nearly spat it out but clamped my mouth shut and forced it down.

Moments later.

"...It resisted?"

The status alert popped up, and I'd been about to take the Stomachache Medicine.

But my Marrow Cleansing rejected the ailment and canceled it outright.

As expected of an S-rank trait—probably handles other ailments similarly.

In the end, the Stomachache Medicine I made (not that it took much effort).

I figured it'd come in handy someday, so into the Emerald Cauldron it went.

Afterward, light jumping in place confirmed improved physical abilities—I jumped higher than before.

"But 'Despise the Weak'? What's that trait?"

I wanted to ask the Professor directly, but.

She was so immersed she skipped meals, so disturbing her felt wrong.

Searched the gallery for the trait name and tapped the most eye-catching post.

"Hm, got it."

Main stats boost by the stat difference against weaker foes?

For me, that means Intuition and Dexterity rise in combat...

Honestly, not super useful right now.

Might change if I fight directly later.

But Lulu or Arin handle combats now.

"Can I synthesize or decompose useless skills?"

Last time, Lulu and mantle resonated same-type skills for a new one.

Maybe I can acquire same-type skills/traits for something new.

Either way, conclusion's the same.

Consume elixirs from good ingredients to gain new stuff.

So for now.

"[Synthesis]"

Time to quickly make the Self-Esteem Elixir as planned.

"Ingredients look solid..."

After a few brews, I got how [Synthesis (EX)] generates recipes.

It prioritizes registered ingredients—confirmed.

Depending on search phrasing, either fluid recipes like yesterday's (effect varies by quality).

Or fixed like this (effect set, but bonuses from materials).

So, this one's magic stone choice might add extras like Orc materials did for Marrow Cleansing (S).

Should shop accordingly.

Searched gallery for [Mental-Type Monsters].

Browsed for anything immediately useful.

Soon found a post brimming with rage.

"Aah... so scary..."

A lich specializing in NTR traps.

Like the diversion mage the Professor mentioned who innovated diversion spells.

Some mages pursue truth so oddly they've gone half-mad.

Anyway.

"Liches have Mental Barrier skill, huh?"

[Lich's Magic Stone] - 950,000,000 won

Intact stone, not fragment—pricey, but essential spending.

Having learned illusion magic's terror, countermeasures were mandatory.

With the Professor's black card, bought the Lich's Magic Stone and missing River Essence.

Then began synthesis.

Bubble bubble bubble!