Novel Bin Chapter 18: Hong Yuhwa (2)
Chapter 18: Hong Yuhwa (2)
TL/Editor: looloo
Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun
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Every Wednesday, we had classes focused on nurturing hobbies. Subjects included alchemy, reading, cooking, and history. Today, I found myself heading toward the alchemy lecture room, stifling yawns as I went.
'Are Hong Yuhwa and Seo Gayeon the only ones I know?'
Kim Seohyun chose to join the cooking club. This decision was due not just to his love for tasty food, but also due to an incident in a dungeon when he was young. He wanted to ensure he could still enjoy good meals, even in dire circumstances.
'However absurd that sounds.'
Each person chased their own interests. Kim Ara enrolled in the reading club, Ersil picked the tea ceremony, and while Hong Yuhwa would usually have accompanied Kim Seohyun to cooking, she was now joining me. Then there was Seo Gayeon.
Seo Gayeon chose to learn alchemy for its potential profit, given her less-than-affluent home life.
'There are others too.'
The Korea Hero Academy strongly encouraged such hobbies and even provided high-quality materials for them.
When I pushed open the door to the lecture room, I felt eyes from all around lock onto me. Particularly, I felt two intense gazes - those of Hong Yuhwa and Song Rahee, the Witch of Pama. The latter was currently focused in a discussion with the alchemy professor. She was known as a mage, but her prowess in alchemy had earned her the nickname of a witch.
"Apologies, I'm a bit late," I said.
"That's fine, we were just starting," the professor replied with a welcoming smile. In front of her lay a black plastic sheet, similar to a veil.
'I didn't expect she'd actually take it.'
I had given her some control over the Shadow Veil when I transferred the Shadow Snake, and it seemed she had claimed it. I made a mental note to never become a graduate student. Shaking off the thought, I looked for a seat. Many were free, but I deliberately chose to sit next to Seo Gayeon.
"Hello," I greeted her.
"Huh? Oh, hello," Seo Gayeon replied, a little startled.
"So, you've taken up alchemy too?"
"Yes. I've heard it can be... useful," she replied, casting a quick glance at the professors.
"Excellent! Let's all dive into alchemy," the professor began with a smile. "Does anyone know what potion we're making today?"
"A paralysis antidote," piped up Hong Yuhwa.
"That's right," the professor confirmed, matching Hong Yuhwa's enthusiasm. "There are many monsters out there that carry paralyzing poison. Each year, many aspiring heroes underestimate these creatures, like goblins or giant spiders, and lose their lives."
The mood in the room grew heavy at her words.
"Today, we'll focus on creating a paralysis antidote."
"Can we attempt something else once we finish the antidote?"
"Yes, but only if you can concoct a satisfactory antidote first. You're free to use as many materials as you need."
The professor's words made the students' eyes shine with anticipation. But I knew better. Making a potion that the alchemy professor found satisfactory was no easy task.
"May I ask a question?"
"Certainly, go ahead."
"What's the method for creating the antidote? Can you provide a recipe?"
"All you need to do is use ingredients that have antidotal properties," the professor replied cheerfully.
A few students who finally understood the challenge at hand went pale.
"Next, I'll have the alchemy kits distributed. They're all complimentary, so please make full use of them."
Teaching assistants stepped forward to distribute the kits following the professor's words.
"I'm set, I purchased a kit in advance."
Upon seeing my kit, the alchemy professor's eyes sparkled.
"My, where did you find that? They're available only from the Alchemy Guild, and only to those of gold rank or higher."
"I was fortunate to obtain one."
"In alchemy, fortune can be a skill in itself. You're Lee Seoha, right? I initially assumed you might struggle in this area since you're the top student, but it seems I may have misjudged."
The professor added that she would be keeping a close eye on me. That statement sent chills down my spine - it implied potential graduate student responsibilities.
"Hey, you."
The voice belonged to Hong Yuhwa. She had moved closer to me without my noticing.
"Do you have confidence in your alchemy skills?"
"Yes."
To be honest, I believe no one in this world knows tools better than I do, even if they're similar. Some craftsmen may claim they don't care about their tools, but I think that's a fallacy. If a craftsman uses high-quality tools, naturally, the results will be superior.
"Do you want to make a bet?"
"A bet?"
My eyes sparkled in response. Hong Yuhwa, granddaughter of the Red Tower's tower master, was rumored to be the next tower master due to her outstanding talent.
"What are the bet's terms?"
"Whichever antidote the professor prefers, wins."
"And the stakes?"nove(l)bi(n.)com
"Hmm..." Hong Yuhwa pondered.
"You decide. I don't know what you desire. As long as it's within my power to grant, I'll try to accommodate as much as possible," she finally said in a confident tone.
I flashed her a bright smile. "Great. Let's do it, let's bet."
"No backing out now."
"So, should I be the one to judge?"
The alchemy professor, who had somehow appeared beside us, asked with a broad smile.
"Certainly, we'd appreciate it."
---
Raei Translations
---
Hong Yuhwa was busy selecting her ingredients confidently.
'Not bad.'
If she just continued like this, her antidote could easily be awarded a C+.
That's pretty good for a student. If I weren't here, she would probably be considered the best.
I began to collect herbs, basket in hand.
Bloodfire Herb (E+)
A herb of a blood-red hue.
: Contains toxic components.
: Freshness is at its peak.
Dark Moon Herb (E+)
A herb of a dark hue.
: Overflowing with cold, negative energy.
: Freshness is at its peak.
Moonlight Herb (D+)
A herb that glows when bathed in moonlight.
: Contains both toxic components and negative energy.
: Freshness is at its peak.
Blood Berry (F+)
A berry of a blood-red hue.
: Overflowing with positive energy.
: Freshness is at its peak.
Thanks to my Talent Reading(-), I selected only the freshest ones.
All these herbs are typically used to make poisons. But when combined, they create a synergistic effect that results in an antidote. Of course, if they are mishandled, they can easily form a lethal poison capable of killing dozens with just a drop.
'She'd love that.'
I thought of the still unmet noblewoman who had a fondness for collecting the arms of the Mines.
"All of them are poisonous herbs?"
"But you've chosen only the freshest ones. You clearly aren't a novice at alchemy."
Both Professor Song Rahee and the alchemy professor observed me with intense interest.
I focused my mind.
The world beyond the screen and this world aren't the same. I understand how it works, but there could be discrepancies.
Still, the reason I agreed to this bet was my trust in one talent: Nimble Hands.
A talent that aids in all actions involving physical skills.
And I didn't merely throw myself into this challenge on that basis alone.
Alten's Vision Alchemy (B)
I had recently acquired this Alchemy skill from the skills section, using the points I'd collected.
'Hoo.'
With herbs in hand, I began to concentrate.
My mind was flooded with knowledge, ranging from the purification methods for all sorts of herbs to the recipes for items known as elixirs.
'That seems about right.'
The method for refining herbs was similar to what I had seen beyond the computer screen.
I started to create a refining solution as I ground the herbs in a mortar. A nauseating smell began to fill the air as I introduced the powdered herbs into the solution.
Four measures of Bloodfire Herb liquid, two of Dark Moon Herb, three of Moonlight Herb, and one of Blood Berry.
I added the potions in their specified quantities.
Smoke started to rise and the acrid smell slowly began to dissipate.
"He's neutralizing poison with poison. My goodness, and with just that basic kit?"
"Did you see his ratio though? That seemed more crucial..."
"The sequence and ratio. If even one of them is off, it's no wonder it would turn into lethal poison."
Ignoring the murmurs around me, I placed the antidote into the fermenter.
The fermenter is a tool that rapidly ages the herbs once they're put in. It had cost me a small fortune to acquire it.
So, I patiently waited for five minutes.
Once the potion transformed into a clear yellow color, I picked it up.
Appraisal.
Vision Antidote (A)
A yellow-hued antidote. Upon consumption, it neutralizes all poisons of a certain grade below and permanently enhances resistance to poison.
: Neutralizes all poisons of B grade or below.
: Blocks poisons of B grade or below for 1 hour and permanently increases resistance to poison.
[Professors Song Rahee and Han Yoonbi are flabbergasted by the antidote you've crafted!]
[You've produced the most superior antidote in the world! Unbelievable accomplishment! 3,000P has been rewarded!]
I was amazed as I looked at the pop-up window.
This was considered the best antidote in the world?
When I first joined the Alchemy Guild, I was given a diamond grade. Shouldn't I be awarded an executive grade for this level?
'Well, that's not the crucial part.'
If this is just the standard, I think I could easily amass points with lesser achievements than I had anticipated.
I sneaked a glance around me.
Both Professor Song Rahee and the Alchemy Professor were staring at me with wide-eyed shock.
'It's clear I've won.'
Now then, what should I choose as my betting reward?
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seoha always winning
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