Chapter 32
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Secret and Dangerous Meeting (1)
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"This way, please."
The student council member leading the way stopped in front of the door labeled Student Council President's Office and lightly knocked.
Knock knock!
"President, I've brought Kang Hyun-sol."
"...Come in."
Hearing Yoo Ji-an's response, the member slowly opened the door and pushed me inside.
I was half-forced into the Student Council President's Office, where I looked around with a somewhat awkward expression.
"Oh..."
The interior of the Student Council President's Office was a bit different from the typical administrative room one might imagine for official duties.
Intricately arranged alchemy tools lined the walls, and glass vials neatly placed on the tables made it feel more like a laboratory than an office.
Above all, the air permeating the room carried a mix of metallic scents, chemicals, and faint mana, creating a subtle tension.
And at the center of it all...
"Nice to meet you, Kang Hyun-sol. I'm Yoo Ji-an, the current Student Council President."
Yoo Ji-an was seated there.
Her alchemist's coat draped over her dark navy uniform gleamed softly in the light, and her aqua blue ponytail tied back was striking.
Her olive eyes turned toward me.
They appeared gentle at first glance, but for some reason, they felt like they could see right through me.
I sat on the sofa opposite her and spoke.
"...Hello. I came because you called for me personally, President. May I ask what this is about?"
"..."
In response to my question, Yoo Ji-an flashed the world's most innocent, pure smile and said,
"As you heard on the way, I called you urgently because I have business with you... But before we get into it, would you like some tea first?"
"...Tea?"
"Yes~ Drinking tea. Being in my line of work, I have quite a lot of tea leaves I've personally synthesized from dungeon materials. You might not know, but I even have a pretty famous brand?"
With that, Yoo Ji-an took a few tea leaves from a glass vial that looked worth tens of millions and placed them in a teacup before pouring hot water.
She then slid the tea slightly toward me.
"......"
Whoa... What is this liquid that looks like it'd be a disaster if I drank it?
It was on another level from the mana latte I'd had at the archive.
That one was visually horrific too, but it at least sparked some curiosity about the taste. As for the tea Yoo Ji-an handed me... how should I put it?
Like an alchemist had created a completely new form of liquid unknown to Earth? That was the vibe.
"...I'll have some."
After staring at the teacup for a long while, debating whether to drink it, I finally decided to take a sip.
I couldn't risk offending Yoo Ji-an and messing up my academy life over something like this.
"..."
I lifted the teacup to my lips and cautiously took a sip of the mysterious liquid.
The moment the tea slid down my throat, a system alert chimed as if waiting, and a message appeared.
You have consumed Yoo Ji-an's Experimental (Prototype) Potion #82: Rasti Alkerne.
Effects: Physical senses become more sensitive than usual. (Short-term), Mana circulation speed increases. (Minimal), Heart rate increases.
"...?"
As described, I could feel my heart beating harder than usual.
Moreover, though very faintly, I sensed my mana flowing faster through my mana circuits throughout my body.
"How is it?"
Yoo Ji-an tilted her head slightly with a soft smile.
"It has a bit of awakener agent in it, so there might be some stimulation. But it'll be fine soon?"
"Is this... the stimulation you mentioned?"
When I held out my palm to show purer mana than usual, Yoo Ji-an nodded and replied.
"Yes, exactly. Doesn't it feel like the mana circuits in your body are awakening? It even includes Lumia leaves, which are used in top-grade mana recovery potions..."
"...Pardon? Lumia leaves are in this? No wonder my mana suddenly surged—I see you've used such premium ingredients. But... my heart feels like it's beating a bit fast too—"
"Ah, that's normal."
She placed a finger to her lips and smiled softly.
"One of the topics I'm researching lately is enhancing mana feedback through sensory responses. In other words, stimulating 'touch' and 'emotions' simultaneously to efficiently boost mana flow."
Her explanation sounded professional, but for some reason, it felt suspicious.
I had no expertise to confirm, but something seemed highly dubious.
Of course, lacking any specialist knowledge, all I could do was nod in agreement.
"Then, shall we start the real conversation?"
Yoo Ji-an leaned slowly toward me.
"I'll get straight to the point. That unique mana you used in the sparring evaluation, Kang Hyun-sol... Is it related to an immeasurable-grade unique trait? And could you give that trait to me as well?"
"...Pardon? Unique mana? What do you mean?"
As I played dumb, Yoo Ji-an closed the distance further, as if she already knew everything.
"It's natural to be wary of such a sudden personal question. And to be startled by the out-of-the-blue request for your trait. So, let me offer compensation first."
With that, she pulled out a potion from her subspace pouch that made the earlier tea vial look cheap by comparison and placed it on the desk.
"This is one of the four remaining S-grade skill potions in the world, made by my grandfather, the world's greatest alchemist, Yoo Tae-min.
More precisely, it's the main skill of S-grade hunter Lee Sung-ha, who single-handedly bought five minutes against the Apostle of Hypocrisy ten years ago."
"...... Are you really serious? You're offering Lee Sung-ha's S-grade skill just to get my unique mana?"
The third apostle descent, the Apostle of Hypocrisy De Nol, and hunter Lee Sung-ha who stood against him and hundreds of thousands of demons.
I already knew most of the details from classes and lectures on the topic.
But why was Lee Sung-ha's S-grade skill, from someone who died to De Nol ten years ago, popping out of Yoo Ji-an's subspace pouch?
Well, Yoo Tae-min is Korea's top alchemist and one of the only two people—along with fully matured Yoo Ji-an—who can create potions for S-grade traits and skills.
He was active ten years ago, so copying Lee Sung-ha's skill might have been possible.
Of course, most hunters with B-grade or higher skills prefer not to duplicate them into skill potions, let alone S-grade.
I still couldn't understand why Lee Sung-ha had one of his S-grade skills made into a potion...
But since she's saying it herself, what else can I do but believe her?
The problem is, nations would scramble to buy it, and high demons would drool over it.
Why offer an S-grade skill potion just for a mere student's trait?
"......"
As I eyed her with even greater wariness, Yoo Ji-an made an expression as if she understood completely.
"I understand all your reactions, Kang Hyun-sol.
Even though the Yoo family has amassed immense wealth and fame, we're not reckless enough to hand an S-grade skill potion worth billions to a student seeing one for the first time."
She rolled the potion on the desk with her fingertips and continued slowly.
"Think simply.
This isn't a mere transaction; it's an exchange where our interests align perfectly.
I get your trait to research that unique mana, and you get a legendary hunter's technique in return."
"...... Research?"
"Yes. I was certain the moment I saw it. Your unique mana will elevate my alchemy to another level."
Her voice lowered slightly.
"Wasn't it thanks to that unique mana that you blocked 5-circle spells from England's once-in-a-generation genius mage, Sophia Litwell, with just a 1-circle mana field and a 1-star protective barrier?"
"......"
"A fledgling mage with absolutely insufficient mana output—who hasn't even studied magic for a full month—blocks spells from a mage with over ten years of training? I desperately want the trait that makes such miracles possible."
Her eyes gleamed.
"So, decide here and now. Will you take the skill of one of history's strongest hunters through this simple duplication deal, or walk away?"
"......"
I swallowed hard, deep in thought.
This was clearly more than mere interest from Yoo Ji-an.
It was an obsession beyond an alchemist's curiosity for her subject of study.
But as she explained, there was no downside for me—only gain.
So, I decided to confirm just one last thing before deciding.
I do have a conscience, after all.
"First off, I have no reason to refuse. I'm not stupid enough to throw away a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this and get into the academy. However, there's one thing you should know before we proceed, President."
"...What is it?"
"I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and your interest, but the trait you're interested in is just C-grade.
It's called Empathic Constitution, and its effect simply allows slightly better resonance with elemental mana and foreign mana existing in the world."
I finished explaining the trait and scratched my cheek awkwardly.
It was so embarrassing.
Traits and skills have value regardless of grade, but there's an unbridgeable gap between C-grade and S-grade.
Even if it enables partial use of divine magic—a long-forgotten art—and sensing Star Mana.
But Yoo Ji-an, who listened silently, shrugged as if it were no big deal.
"So? I think you're misunderstanding something. The grade of the trait doesn't matter to me.
What I care about is solely whether that trait is necessary for me or not.
And your Empathic Constitution? It's absolutely necessary for me.
Valuable enough that an S-grade skill doesn't feel like a waste at all. Need more explanation?"
"...If you put it that way, I understand. I'll agree to the deal."
"Great. Grandpa said he needs a bit more preparation, so I'll contact you once it's ready. Here's the skill potion upfront."
"...Then, I'll gratefully accept it."
No need to decline.
If it were a C-grade... no, even D-grade skill, I'd snatch it up with thanks before she changes her mind and stuff it in my inventory.
And this is S-grade.
S-grade skills are rare enough that I might only glimpse one in the late main story. Pass on this? No way.
"Pfft!"
"...?"
Watching me carefully cradle the skill potion, Yoo Ji-an couldn't hold back her laughter and said,
"Ah, sorry. You looked so cute hugging the skill like a treasure... Anyway, since I've even paid upfront, can I ask one more personal question?"
"Ask anything! I'll answer with all sincerity!!"
I replied confidently, and in an instant, she came right next to me, lightly grabbed my left hand, and flashed a seductive smile reminiscent of Chae Yeon-hwa as she asked,
"Do you have a girlfriend by any chance?"
"...Huh?"
Caught off guard by the completely unexpected question, I froze, utterly speechless.