Artifact.
A refined form of Mystic Trace, processed to make it easier for humans to handle mystical abilities.
Unlike Mystic Trace, processed Artifacts are easier to repair, and their performance is nothing short of excellent.
‘The only problem is that the number of Artifacts is extremely limited.’
But since I already know the locations of usable Artifacts, it doesn’t matter.
Even if most Artifacts are owned by powerful individuals, I’ve thought of several ways to deal with that.
As I pondered which Artifact might be useful now, I suddenly stretched out my arm and looked at my hand.
‘Sigh… I can’t believe my Creation Ability is still lacking.’
Even after consuming so much high-quality potion, I didn’t expect my mana to fall short.
Even if I consumed all the potions left in the room now… it probably wouldn’t be enough.
The efficiency of potions drastically decreases the more you consume them.
No matter how good the potion is, repeatedly consuming it won’t yield significant effects.
At this point, even if I devoured all the potions in the room, it’s highly likely they wouldn’t help at all.
‘After all, those potions were originally gathered for Gayeon to consume.’
For me now, potions have long since become useless baggage.
Even if they’re high-quality potions, relying on them for growth has reached its limit.
It’s better to distribute them to my subordinates.
‘Or should I give them to other members of Eclipse?’
I thought about it, but it doesn’t seem like a good choice.
“Maker-nim. It’s time for your medicine.”
“Is it already time?”
“Yes. It’s a potion good for recovery, so please endure and drink it.”
In Eclipse, lower-grade potions of B and C rank are casually distributed to members.
“As I’ve said before, I’ve already consumed so many potions that their effects…”
“That’s limited to mana enhancement. This potion only improves recovery and absorption, so it’s still effective.”
“……”
Sigh…
‘It’s no wonder this is a major villain organization, and no wonder the average ability level of its members is high.’
Given how much they’ve been consuming potions, even if I distributed high-grade potions, I doubt they’d have much effect.
‘And honestly, even if they were effective, I don’t feel the need to give potions to the members.’
That would just add more variables that deviate from the original story.
A massive variable that might or might not work in my favor.
To be blunt, I don’t think everyone in this massive organization is on my side.
As a certain ninja manga sage once said, when five people gather, there’s always one trash among them.
In such a large-scale villain organization, is it really possible that no one is harboring foolish thoughts or secretly acting as a spy?
‘In short, while I can trust a few individuals in Eclipse, trusting the entire organization is a bit of a stretch.’
In any case, distributing potions to the members is out of the question.
I also considered selling the potions to other organizations.
But upon reflection, if it’s a major villain organization, it’s likely that all the executives and above have already consumed high-quality potions.
And any organization in need of potions would mostly be the dregs.
‘Potions are indeed tricky to handle.’
Deciding to focus on finding Artifacts instead, I placed the empty container on the drawer beside me and lay back down on the bed.
‘If I find an Artifact, I might be able to successfully replicate Mystic Trace.’
Creation is a tricky ability.
But once you understand an object to some extent, you can do quite a lot of interesting and varied things with it.
‘Like this.’
Umm…
I gathered a handful of mana and created a cube that fit perfectly in my hand.
Crackle…
And as soon as it was completed, the cube turned to dust shortly after.
I watched the scene as if it were natural.
…Umm…
Creak. Creak.
Next, I created a cube using a handful of mana and a tiny bit more.
This time, the cube lasted much longer, turning to dust only after I mixed and reassembled it.
‘If you understand an object like this, adjusting its duration is a piece of cake.’
Of course, even adjusting the time took a bit of practice…
But in any case, it’s possible to control the duration of the ability like this.
Umm…
‘And if you utilize this kind of control…’
I looked at the cube in my hand.
A cube so perfect it could be mistaken for one bought from the market.
‘You could even make the real thing.’
Despite being made with mana, there was no trace of mana in any part of it.
It looked as if it were made from real plastic and materials.
Until now, I had only created weapons that disappeared after a delay, to reduce mana consumption, the risk of dangerous consumables like firearms being stolen, and to avoid mobility issues.
In truth, I could have created semi-permanent objects.
‘It would be harder than a cube, but if I had a minimal understanding of Mystic Trace and enough mana to support it, replicating Mystic Trace should theoretically be possible.’
In any case, the only thing I need to achieve my goal in the short term is an Artifact.
My abilities are sufficient, so I just need a supporting item.
“…Sigh.”
Perhaps because I used my already limited mana, a yawn escaped me as I felt tired.
‘I’ve already sorted out the Artifacts I need…’
I know who owns them…
And I’ve figured out how to take them…
Since I’ve been working hard for a while, I’ll take a few days off and then…
And then…
As drowsiness gradually overcame me, I naturally closed my eyes.
“……”
The next day, after being scolded by the Doctor for using my ability, I barely managed to escape the infirmary.
***
“I’m bored.”
“Yeah.”
“Coo… Phew…”
It’s already been two days since I stopped doing missions and started resting.
Perhaps because I’ve been busy juggling missions and café work, I’m having trouble adjusting to just sitting around.
‘Should I just go look for Artifacts now?’
I pondered for a moment but then shook my head.
‘It’s not the optimal timing yet.’
To meet and use the ‘guy’ who has the Artifact I want for a double gain, it’s still not the right time.
So what should I do?
Should I go somewhere to have fun…
As I thought for a while about how to spend my break and where to go if I were to go out…
‘I could go to the amusement park as I promised Gayeon a few days ago.’
An amusement park I’ve never been to, neither in my past life nor this one.
I’ve always wanted to go there at least once.
‘I’d be keeping my promise to Gayeon, and it might help shake off this dull feeling.’
So, should I go to the amusement park?
Having made my decision, I started looking for members to join me.
I’ve heard that going to such places with a group is more fun than going alone.
“Gayeon-ssi.”
“Yeah?”
“Want to go to the amusement park?”
“Sure.”
At my words, Gayeon’s eyes sparkled as she lifted her head.
As expected, she’d agree easily.
‘One person already. I might gather the members faster than I thought.’
A good start.
Feeling unusually excited, I left my room and started gathering people to relax with at the amusement park.
***
The next day, with high expectations.
So far, only one person has agreed.
“……”
Surprisingly, everyone except Gayeon refused to go to the amusement park.
‘Narin is fixing an error in the defense program I previously built, so she refused. The Training Room is currently on a mission…’
Astra always has a mountain of work, so she naturally refused, and Riru, given her appearance, tends to avoid crowded places, so she was out of the question.
42 and the Doctor are more business acquaintances than friends, so it’s not appropriate to ask them.
In the end, I only asked Gayeon and Narin.
…Hmm.
I guess there aren’t as many people to hang out with as I thought.
‘Wait, thinking about it, isn’t that normal?’
Who would look for people to hang out with at work?
It’s actually more unusual to have many people to hang out with in such a situation.
“Anyway, it seems like only Gayeon and I will go to the amusement park this time.”
As I cleaned the café and sat at the counter, I took a sip of coffee.
‘It’s a bit disappointing.’
According to my previous research, amusement parks are most fun when you go with a group of friends.
Going with too few people, unless it’s a date, isn’t very fun.
So, I’m going with friends, not because I can’t go with just two people.
A post I once read on the internet came to mind, where someone passionately argued that the real fun is going to the amusement park with friends.
‘It’s a bit of a mental victory, but whatever.’
Not being able to experience that genuine fun is a bit of a letdown.
Plus, both Gayeon and I have never been to an amusement park.
We don’t know what’s fun or what to enjoy.
‘Even if I research online, there’s a big difference between experiencing it based on someone else’s experience and just reading information online.’
Isn’t there someone who can guide us?
Someone with a lot of experience going to various places, and preferably someone with a high energy level to liven up the atmosphere.
“Sigh…”
Is there such a person around me?
As I sighed and pondered about the amusement park for a while.
Ding-dong!
“Welcome…”
At the sound of the door opening, I put down my coffee and stood up from the counter to greet the customer.
“Ah, um… Sajan-nim. Hello?”
Looking towards the door, I saw Chise greeting me.
She seemed slightly awkward talking to me, smiling faintly as she looked at me.
“……”
Someone with a lot of experience going to various places and a cheerful personality.
Here she is.
“Tsukino-san.”
“Um, I wasn’t trying to look at you last time! I mean…!!”
“Want to go to the amusement park with me?”
“…Huh?!”
Watching Chise jump like a cat splashed with water, I smiled brightly.
Okay, I found someone who can guide us.