Fire Dragon Elixir
Fire Dragon Elixir
Gehwa's Stone. An attribute stone containing powerful fire power. Its origins remained a mystery even in the future. But simply possessing it dramatically boosted one's fire affinity, commanding sky-high prices.
"Just carrying it around isn't the proper way to use it."
Kim Jehyun smirked as he gazed at the Gehwa's Stone.
The true method of using it—discovered later by the Adventure King, Vutalek—was to consume it outright.
How do you ingest a stone? There were ways. By turning it into Fire Dragon Elixir.
This recipe would eventually be revealed by Vutalek himself. Which meant, at this point in time, Kim Jehyun was the only one who knew it.
'I should stockpile attribute stones.' He'd do it when he had the spare cash and timing was right. After all, prices for stones like Gehwa's—not to mention others usable for elixirs—would skyrocket in the future.
Make and Absorb Fire Dragon Elixir from Gehwa's Stone
📍 Description: You've found the clue to your next breakthrough in the Gehwa's Stone. Successfully craft the Fire Dragon Elixir, absorb it, and prove your intuition correct.
🎁 Reward: 1,000 Points. ???? (Varies by achievement)
⏰ Time Limit: None
'A quest.'
Kim Jehyun's eyes gleamed. A quest popping up half-confirmed his gut feeling was spot on.
"Guess I need to gather the materials."
He pulled out a notepad and jotted them down: Gehwa's Stone, C-grade or higher mana stone, Yef's heart, Banjeo grass, Nol's fang, Deuser's horn.
All obtainable from material shops or black markets with enough cash.
"But that's not all."
One more crucial ingredient—one not yet properly revealed to the world. He wrote it in the largest letters beneath the rest.
Fire Essence.
The core components for the elixir were the Gehwa's Stone and Fire Essence. The stone was procurable with money alone, but...
Fire Essence couldn't be bought for any price right now.
"Time to visit the Phoenix Faction."
At this point in time, the only source was through the Phoenix Faction.
—Fire Essence, eh...? Something not yet revealed to the world?
"Yeah. It gets unveiled a few years from now. Similar to dan pills. It's ultra-condensed fire energy. Consuming it grants a temporary fire affinity buff."
The Magic Tower's Phoenix Faction had pioneered it. As far as Kim Jehyun knew, development was already complete by now. Which meant a visit to Phoenix was in order.
"First things first... I need cash."
Kim Jehyun grinned. Even the best-laid plans fell apart without funds. But conquering that Primitive Goblin Dungeon had padded his wallet nicely.
Ching!
He dumped the contents of the treasure chest from the Primitive Goblin Shaman onto the floor. Piles of gold coins and jewels in an instant. Literal treasure—actual gold and gems, plus a few valuable artifacts mixed in.
"Selling this should cover me for a while."
He had no family support or patrons, so finances were always a concern. But this haul solved that, at least short-term.
—Plenty of high-grade gems there.
Alkasha spoke up, eyeing the glittering mound. If even Alkasha approved, the quality was top-notch.
"Alright. Sell this off, then head to Phoenix."
* * *
Kim Jehyun headed straight out of the Magic Tower, toward a jewelry store on the grounds.
The Tower itself was packed with magic-related goods. Miscellaneous items were better sourced outside unless on floors 4+, where the external shops scaled larger anyway. Plenty of non-mages with Tower ties shopped there too.
[Stella's Jewelry Store]
Kim Jehyun entered one of the most renowned spots.
"Welcome."
A middle-aged woman greeted him, her deep wavy bob striking.
"Could you wait just a moment?"
The shop bustled; a handful of staff handled other customers. Kim Jehyun sat quietly in the waiting area.
After a bit, it was his turn.
"This way, sir?"
The same woman approached, her eyes flicking over his appearance dismissively.
"What can I do for you?"
Kim Jehyun caught her glancing at the flashy customers behind him. She wanted to rush him—a shabby kid—and move on.
"I want to sell gems. What's your rate?"
"Of course. One moment."
She fetched a small case. Click. It unfolded into tiers of assorted gems.
"The top row are what customers usually sell us. What do you have?"
"What's the bottom row?"
Kim Jehyun spotted the top as low-quality. The bottom looked premium, even to his untrained eye. He reached for a gleaming golden orb.
"Ah, don't touch, sir."
The woman snapped, voice sharp enough to draw stares. But she showed no remorse—Kim Jehyun was just a customer.
"Everything here is authentic. Any scratches, and it's on you."
Her glare challenged: Can you even afford it?
This was her stress relief. Broke folks ogled high-end gems; she'd bark at them. Dealing with high-rollers all day built tension—this vented it.
'Trainee uniform, top and bottom. Wearing that at his age means no mage potential.'
She'd sized him up: not even 1st Circle, total nobody.
Kim Jehyun glanced at her face, reading her thoughts.
'Same everywhere.'
He chuckled inwardly. Not amused. He reached into his pocket—pulling from Subspace—and poured out his gems.
Ching!
A mountain of jewels piled on the counter in seconds. The woman's pupils quaked.
"Holy crap, how much is that?"
"Subspace pouch? Where'd he get all that?"
Onlookers gasped softly. Only elite mages or nobles carried this much.
"Kyung-hee! Get out here!"
A stylish mustached middle-aged man rushed over—the owner.
"S-sir, our employee made a mistake. I'll handle you now."
Kim Jehyun eyed him leisurely. "Can you buy all this right now?"
"O-one moment."
The owner fumbled to inspect.
"Your staff said scratches mean I pay. You're checking since you can buy?"
"W-well..."
The volume was insane—all high-grade. Their cash reserves couldn't cover it.
"Fine then."
As Kim Jehyun reached to reclaim them, panic flashed on the owner's face. This sale would top monthly targets. No way he'd lose it.
"We'll cover shortages with a promissory note—payment in days. Sorry for the delay, and as apology for her rudeness, plus 5% over market rate."
He bowed obsequiously. The woman paled at the mention.
"And again, sorry for her discourtesy."
"I-I'm sorry too! Forgive me!"
She bowed at the owner's cue.
Kim Jehyun nodded inwardly. He'd planned to haggle higher, but her slip netted him 5% extra. He'd considered walking but time was short.
"Deal. And judging by looks? Train your staff."
"Yes, sorry. Come again."
Escorted out, Kim Jehyun felt capital's power firsthand. Treatment he'd never known before. Plus, appearances mattered—thanks to her.
* * *
"Got everything but the Fire Essence."
After the jeweler, material shops yielded the rest. Money smoothed everything—premium pay got it all in a day, no legwork needed.
"Now, straight to Phoenix Faction."
—No new clothes?
"Yeah, need some. After this, custom Tower uniform first."
That trainee outfit had caused hassle. Now a proper Magic Tower mage, the uniform commanded respect. He'd tailor post-Stage 2, en route to 2nd Circle anyway.
"Around here..."
On floor 1's central hub, Kim Jehyun scanned. He'd checked invites—Phoenix was among them, location memorized.
—There?
"Where? Oh, yeah. Nice eyes!"
He followed Alkasha's direction: a five-story building emblazoned with a phoenix emblem.
Major faction perks—even a floor 1 branch boasted this. And that wasn't all; a huge factory loomed nearby. Real wealth on display.
"How may I help?"
Kim Jehyun flashed his invite to the guard. Smooth sailing after.
Straight to the top floor.
[Branch Manager's Office]
A clean-cut man in his mid-30s greeted him—sharp features, short hair.
"Hello. I'm Kim Sinh o, Phoenix Faction branch manager."
"Nice to meet you. Kim Jehyun."
Brief greetings led to the sofa.
"Didn't expect such a prompt response—thank you for contacting us."
"No, thank you for the invite."
Over secretary-served tea, they exchanged pleasantries.
"You've been making waves. I watched your 1st floor Ascension Tower footage. Weaving Lightning Bolts into one? Chills just thinking about it. Incredible talent."
Kim Sinh o lavished praise. A 5th Circle prodigy at 30-something himself, but Kim Jehyun's 1st Circle feat was unimaginable.
"...So, if you haven't joined a faction, how about Phoenix? We can support your growth."
"Appreciate the offer. No plans yet—I'll prioritize you if I do."
"Shame. Let's stay friendly. Contact anytime if you reconsider—or need anything. Happy to help."
Kim Jehyun seized it.
"Actually, I need something."
"Oh? What?"
"Fire Essence."
"...!"
Kim Sinh o's eyes widened. Fire Essence—known only to a Phoenix few. How did he know? He stared in shock.