Chapter 234

『You have created an ‘X-Rank Item’ for the first time on Earth.』

『You have received 30,000 Achievement Points as a reward.』

A first-achievement reward popped up before his eyes.

A hefty reward of 30,000 points, but Shimun’s interest was more in the achievement itself than the reward.

‘X-Rank, huh…….’

X-Rank.

Though sometimes it may be inferior to an A-Rank, it can also equal or surpass the efficacy of an SSS-Rank.

The key distinction from the usual ranks is that it is ‘unique’. In other words, it is an item that exists only once in the world.

Even though he had created such a rank for the first time on Earth, Shimun wasn’t particularly surprised.

‘Though damaged, they were Constellations’ creations. Combining the two, it is naturally a unique rank.’

He actually felt a bit of disappointment.

‘Although they were old mythic-grade items… an X-Rank is a bit underwhelming.’

Despite the Constellations’ disappearance, they were once items of the mythological grade.

‘Even if they were imperfect, combining two of them….’

And yet, it’s only an X-Rank?

However, this feeling quickly dissipated.

『The Nameless Cauldron』 – Growth Type

Grade – X (20%)

Cauldron of the perished Constellations Paracelsus and Dagda.

With alchemy that reached the truth, the imperfections of the two cauldrons disappeared, but it hasn’t achieved a perfect form.

Increases the total output of produced items by 20%.

Increases the efficacy of produced items by 20%.

“Crazy! It’s a growth type?”

A spontaneous exclamation burst out. Shimun’s gaze swiftly scanned the information window of the Nameless Cauldron.

‘It seems the option values change based on the growth rate?’

The growth rate of 20% indicated next to the grade. And the two options below, increasing the total output and efficacy by 20%, matched this growth rate.

The options likely followed the growth rate of the cauldron itself.

‘Then the total output and efficacy can increase up to 100%, right?’

If it reaches 100% completeness, the total output and efficacy would each increase by 100%,

Effectively doubling the production and efficiency.

Moreover, ‘The growth conditions are likely tied to Dagda’s Cauldron.’

The damaged Paracelsus’s Cauldron couldn’t function properly, whereas Dagda’s Cauldron could function but had a time limit on alchemy maintenance like the sand of Chronos’s hourglass.

The fusion aimed to compensate for the shortcomings of each, and the information window indicated that the targeted aspects were successfully addressed.

Shimun’s brow furrowed slightly.

The reason was simple.

‘The alchemy cost for Dagda’s Cauldron was 50,000 points, right?’

50,000 Achievement Points.

The same cost required for alchemizing the 5th-level of Heavenly Demon Divine Art.

Of course.

‘Since the cauldron’s form and stability are now secured, perhaps the cost will be lower from here on.’

This was something that required separate experimentation to confirm. As Shimun organized his thoughts about the Nameless Cauldron,

– Oppa! Oppa! Shrink it! The building might collapse!

The urgent voice of the Philosopher’s Stone broke his reverie. Snapping back to reality, Shimun quickly dismissed the information window.

And he saw it.

Rumble.

The unusually high room in Shimun’s penthouse, designated as his laboratory, had its ceiling being reached by the expanding cauldron.

Of course,

Crack.

Clatter!

Even though the mithril golems and robotic arms were doing their utmost to support it, it was in vain.

They couldn’t withstand the ever-expanding cauldron, which grew like a balloon.

Eventually,

Crack!

The cauldron collided with the ceiling and walls.

– Oppa! The building will collapse at this rate!

The Philosopher’s Stone screamed, its eyes wide with panic. Shimun was equally flustered.

‘How do I shrink it?’

There was no information about adjusting the size of the cauldron in the window.

‘I wish it would return to the size it was before…’

The moment he thought that,

Crack.

The cauldron, which had been expanding incessantly, stopped growing.

Then,

Shh……

With the sound of air escaping, the cauldron began to shrink. Shimun’s eyes sparkled at the sight.

‘I see. It responds to my will.’

It made sense in a way. Though imperfect, these were once items of the old Constellations.

Shimun had re-created them based on that premise. Placing his hand on the shrinking cauldron, Shimun concentrated.

‘Shrink to about the size before. No, make it my height so it’s easier to work with.’

Following its creator’s will, the cauldron shrank rapidly to the size Shimun desired.

Rattle.

The area that had been filled to capacity was now surrounded by broken tools and items.

– Damn… when will we clean this mess up!

The Philosopher’s Stone’s exasperated cry echoed.

***

Grinding.

Clattering.

Silver-colored golems and mechanical arms moved busily. The research lab, which had been in shambles, was quickly being restored.

However, the area dedicated to potions and elixirs, the cause of this chaos, was the first to be tidied up.

The reason was simple.

– Oppa, while you’re at it, why don’t you repair the other areas too?

“No, I can’t. I need to test the cauldron. I have to revise all the recipes too.”

– Ugh! Oppa!!

Shimun merged two mythic-grade cauldrons to create the Nameless Cauldron. To verify its effects, he only repaired the area immediately surrounding the cauldron.

As a result,

– There’s a ton of stuff to clear up in other areas toooooo!

The Philosopher’s Stone, responsible for managing the lab, was left to suffer.

– But what could be done?

“Let’s see… the total capacity of the cauldron… whether the effects apply even when using only part of the materials…”

The master of the lab was already engrossed in experimenting with the Nameless Cauldron.

– To think you always said I was the one obsessed with alchemy.

– In reality, the alchemy fanatic is you!

Muttering under its breath, the Philosopher’s Stone chuckled and turned away.

Once the Philosopher’s Stone had left, “Let’s use the stat enhancement recipe as a baseline… Although, the arena disease cure potion in liquid form… No, that can wait.”

Shimun’s immersion grew deeper, and the surrounding area filled with numerous sheets of paper containing notes and drawings.

Eventually, “Alright. With this, I can use the cauldron for the stat enhancement recipe.”

Having completed the revised version of the stat enhancement recipe, Shimun thoroughly reviewed it a couple of times.

“I’ve memorized it.”

Snap.

With a light finger snap,

Shhh.

He burned the revised recipe he was holding. The scattered sheets of paper in the vicinity also caught fire.

Finally, as the other areas seemed to be tidied up too,

– What’s this? Didn’t you say you were revising all the recipes? Are you done already?

The flask containing the Philosopher’s Stone floated towards him in the air.

“Yeah. Now all that’s left is to test how much the effectiveness can be increased during the production stage.”

Shimun nodded. He placed his hand on the cauldron, which had shrunk to his height but was still quite expansive.

‘For a single stat enhancement potion… shrink to this size.’

Imagining the amount needed for one stat enhancement potion,

Whoosh.

With a sound like escaping air, the Nameless Cauldron shrank further until it was small enough to simmer a single serving of ramen.

“Just perfect.”

With a satisfied smile, Shimun immediately started preparing the ingredients. Of course, the main ingredient going into the cauldron was,

“Let’s start with the World Tree’s Spring Water.”

The hottest current alchemical elixir, the stat enhancement potion,

Its main ingredient was the ‘World Tree’s Spring Water.’

Drip.

A sound clearer and purer than regular water echoed.

Shimun, holding the World Tree’s Spring Water, snapped his fingers and carefully lit the fire beneath the cauldron.

– Are you going for the heating method?

“Yes. I was thinking of distillation, but I decided to mix it with other cold ingredients just below the boiling point.”

– Hmm~ That’s probably a good idea. Distilling would actually be a loss since you can use every part of it.

The Philosopher’s Stone nodded in agreement.

– So now we just need to see if the effect applies even with minimal use of the cauldron?

“Exactly. If not, I’ll have to extend the heating time or try an entirely different method.”

If the experiment gets prolonged, there’ll be a substantial loss of materials. I hope it works out on the first try.

“I’m hoping for that too.”

Even while answering, Shimun’s eyes remained fixed on the cauldron.

Then, “Add these two ingredients now… stir about ten times…”

He continued to mix a few more ingredients in the cauldron. When a faint steam began to rise, “Perfect. Now’s the time to extract it.”

Shimun quickly removed the contents and swiftly combined and processed the prepared ingredients.

And then,

Click.

The resulting product, contained in a specially made potion bottle, was placed on the table.

– How did it go? Was it a success?

The Philosopher’s Stone in the flask immediately leaned in with its large eye.

『You have created an ‘X+ Rank Item’ for the first time on Earth.』

『You have received 10,000 Achievement Points as a reward.』

Shimun checked the information window and answered with a smirk,

Grinning widely.

*

The Black Market.

A place that has everything; you can even sell yourself if you want. The largest black market on Earth.

The person managing this black market was as busy as the guildmaster of any large guild. Even notable VIPs rarely saw them in person.

Naturally, “It’s been a while~.”

The sudden appearance of the highly elusive owner of the black market, “Y-you’re!”

Even Park Jinwook, a renowned figure amongst the top ranks of Diamond, was surprised.

Whether this reaction was amusing to her, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost?”

Or if it genuinely hurt her feelings, “You’re hurting my feelings~.”

Rin, the owner of the black market, spoke, clutching her chest with a wounded expression.

Despite her sorrowful face, her movements exuded a seductive allure. Any ordinary man would gulp at her behavior.

“Yeah, sure you are.”

To Park Jinwook, a VVIP of the black market, she looked like nothing but a venomous snake.

Sensing this, Rin,

“Geez. You’re getting less fun to tease. I wonder whose influence that is~.”

She shook her head with a playful face. Knowing well that this was another one of her mind games,

“Please, go ahead. He is resting right now.”

Park Jinwook immediately led Rin to Shimun. Surprised by the news, “My, my! Someone who only works and arenas is actually resting?”

Rin rarely asked with genuine curiosity. This became evident once they arrived at Shimun’s penthouse.

“Welcome, Rin.”

A fragrant aroma wafted gently through the spacious living room. Shimun and his companions were leisurely sipping what seemed to be elven tea.

Rin’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“You knew I’d come… or did you predict it?”

“Well, roughly.”

Click.

Shimun placed the clearly expensive teacup down and shrugged his shoulders.

Why was it that though she usually abhorred the idea of being predictable to others, Rin didn’t seem displeased at all, despite her actions being read.

“I usually detest being read by others~.”

Then, without being invited to sit,

“It doesn’t feel too bad when experienced firsthand.”

She plopped down on an empty spot on the sofa as if it were her own home.

“Ah~ this sofa is excellent. It’s much more comfortable and superior to anything sold on the market.”

Rin sank deeply into the sofa. Shimun chuckled and replied, “I modified it myself.”

“Really? No wonder~ May I request one for myself later? I’ll pay you generously.”

“Haha. Since you’re a business partner, I’ll offer that as a service.”

“Business partner…”

Rin chewed over the words “business partner”. With an ambiguous expression that was neither affirming nor denying, she chuckled, “Alright. But since you’re going to bestow a service to a ‘business partner’, how about going a bit further?”

She pulled something out of the air and placed it on the table. A simple yet elegant potion bottle.

“This stat enhancement potion, for instance.”

It was one of the hottest items on Earth currently, a stat enhancement potion. More specifically,

『Stat Enhancement Potion』

Grade: X+

Permanently increases a primary stat by 12 upon consumption.

Permanently increases a primary stat by 6 upon first consumption.

Permanently increases all stats by 6 upon first consumption.

An enhancement potion made from unique ingredients, its efficacy significantly increased through high-level alchemy.

“I never imagined you’d release a more potent version.”

Where the first option, which was originally 10, had been increased to 12, and the second and third options, which were originally 5, had been increased to 6 each.

“And to think you increased the efficacy by 20%.”

It was a fresh new release.

“You sent exactly 31 bottles to us. However…”

Rin glanced around at Shimun’s companions sitting nearby.

“Seeing the bright expressions of your companions, it seems you’ve distributed a bottle each to them… and still have more left, don’t you?”

With her characteristic enigmatic smile, Rin pressed sharply.

“As expected, I can’t hide anything from you, Rin.”

Shimun chuckled and admitted.

“As Rin said, we currently have about 60 bottles left.”

“About 60 bottles… Considering the previous version, that’s roughly 100 bottles produced per month?”

“That’s correct.”

Rin’s tongue darted out to wet her bright red lips. Unlike usual, she seemed quite excited.

“Let me be straightforward. Would you consider entrusting the entire production to us?”

She did not hide her intent in the slightest.

“I promise to sell them under the best conditions compared to anywhere else.”

“Exclusive selling rights? That would require some pretty favorable terms.”

“Of course. First, we promise the lowest commission fee on Earth, indefinitely.”

Rin’s bold declaration made Shimun’s eyes shine, and the companions listening around them were equally surprised.

It was no wonder.

“The lowest commission fee?”

It was the mention of the lowest commission fee. Rin confidently nodded in response.

“Yes. I believe Shimun-nim, and everyone here understands the significance of this.”

At her words, Shimun and his companions slowly nodded their heads. The black market revolves around money, and the backbone of that is the transaction fees.

But lowering those fees indefinitely?

This meant, “No matter what others offer, the black market will always renew its fees to be lower?”

As offers come in from other places, the black market would always accept a lower fee, ensuring no losses.

“Exactly.”

Rin nodded.

“Then why don’t you just waive the fees entirely?”

A slightly rough voice interrupted. It was Go Malsuk, observing the situation from the side. Rin turned to her with a bright smile.

“As expected, you speak bluntly like a global hero. Fine, I won’t charge any fees at all.”

“Wh-what? Really?”

Had she accepted too easily?

Go Malsuk, flustered by her own words.

“Alright, alright. We understand Rin’s willingness. Let’s put that discussion on hold for now.”

Shimun raised both hands to calm the situation.

Rin blinked and asked again, “Does that mean you are insisting on paying a fee?”

“Yes. So let’s go with your initial offer about renewing the commission conditions.”

“Why is that?”

This time Rin tilted her head in genuine confusion. Shimun smiled warmly and answered, “It’s already a commission fee designed to consider deficits. Making it completely free could compromise the quality of service.”

When it comes to transactions, there’s usually a reason why something is cheap or free.

Isn’t it obvious?

It’s not charity, but a transaction—offering it for free?

“Oh my~ Are we being underestimated?”

However, Rin seemed to interpret it differently.

“Waiving the commission fee for the stat enhancement potion would indeed be an absolute loss for us, but we are the Black Market, after all. Our service quality won’t drop over such a matter.”

Rin responded with a sharp smile, uncharacteristic of her.

Shimun, understanding her sentiments, replied, “I know. But we’re partners, aren’t we?”

He answered with a gentle smile.

‘I’m not short on money, and their reputation matters more than this insignificant amount of money.’

When it comes to business relationships in the realms of his siblings or people like Go Malsuk and Park Jinwook, there’s no need to undermine their prestige over a small sum of money.

“……”

Was this response entirely unexpected?

Rin fell silent for a while, seemingly taken aback. Then, “Ha… I momentarily forgot what kind of person you are.”

She murmured, brushing her bangs aside with a wry smile.

“I originally intended to propose various transaction terms…”

After some of her initial shock had settled, “Alright. Since you’re treating me as a partner, I should reciprocate accordingly.”

She continued with a smile. And for some reason, “If you promise exclusive sales rights, I’ll offer information access rights to the Black Market along with the commission fee waiver.”

Her smile was not the usual enigmatic one but seemed genuinely clear. However, Shimun didn’t notice the change.

“And for a preview of that information…”

To be precise, he didn’t have the luxury of noticing. Because the information from Rin’s mouth was, “The Ukrainian government is currently covering up an outbreak.”

“… What?”

Something that shouldn’t be happening right now.

TL’s Corner:

X-rank, meaning rankless, not Ex-rank meaning higher than SSS-rank.