Bureau Director Kim Han-soo.
The head leading the Republic of Korea Awakened Management Bureau.
The reason such a big shot contacted me was more than possible to guess.
Must be because of the potion.
The reason he didn't take any particular measures even though my intended move worked properly in the first place was simple.
Because there is no way for me to contact first.
Well, it's not completely nonexistent.
I can just send a message through the community.
However, the current community is in a state where nicknames called D have sprouted like bamboo shoots.
To prove myself amidst that, I have to prove it by taking a photo of the potion box or something.
Is there a need to do that?
If thinking about it, it is a simple matter.
Even if I don't try to contact first, that side is already in a state of being anxious to contact me.
Why, isn't there a proverb saying the thirsty person digs the well?
If it was like this, I would have just written my phone number on the card and sent it.
The way to occupy superiority in a relationship is simple.
The side looking more desperate loses.
Furthermore, in a case like this time, the clear initiative was with me.
While I have Plan B called Tower climbing, the Management Bureau is in a situation where the next conquest itself could become difficult if they don't obtain the potion right away.
Therefore, I waited without taking any measures.
The judgment that then the thirsty Management Bureau side would find me somehow.
And that judgment fit exactly.
"Ah, yes. But for what matter to me?"
Because it was a situation expected too much, I answered with a calm voice, but an unexpected question came in.
> [...You aren't flustered.]
Hm, should I have acted a little surprised?
I thought for a moment, but as expected, no.
I don't want to engage in a useless battle of nerves.
Therefore, I answered honestly.
"Yes. Because I was expecting it."
> [...As expected, is that so.]
"Yes."
Then Director Kim Han-soo paused for a moment then spoke.
> [Then I will ask straightforwardly. By any chance, is Mr. Yoo Ji-soo yourself the creator of the potion sent to Hunter Lee Se-hwa not long ago?]
"Well, I want to know the intent of the question."
This is a matter that could become my only weakness in a way.
No matter how excellent the efficacy is, it is true that it is strictly a violation of the Special Medicine Law.
Therefore, from the Management Bureau's stance, the possibility existed that they could take this as a weakness and shake me.
Is he wearing the nameplate of Management Bureau Director for nothing?
Director Kim Han-soo grasped the intent of my question at once.
> [It is because you are a talent absolutely needed by our Management Bureau. No, beyond the Management Bureau, the Republic of Korea. Going further than that, a talent absolutely needed by the whole world.]
"..."
> [Absolutely needed even if there is an event of amending the law. Yes, well, I asked for such reasons.]
With this much, I heard enough of the words I wanted to hear.
Now it would be my turn to let him hear the answer he wanted.
"To say it to that extent, it is an honor."
> [...! That statement is...!!]
"Yes, I am the potion creator D."
> [First, I want to say I am truly sorry for contacting you rudely like this.]
"No problem. But I am curious how you knew."
> [It is IP. We tracked the IP by recovering the ID of the withdrawn member.]
"As expected, I see."
The Awakened Management Bureau is a public institution wielding the most powerful authority in the Republic of Korea at the current point.
Since they handle all work related to the Tower, naturally influence increased in various directions; for such a group, tracking the IP of one withdrawn member wouldn't have been a task.
However, perhaps my reaction was different from expectation, Director Kim Han-soo asked carefully.
> [...By any chance, did you expect this too?]
"Yes well... In the first place, I also thought there is no method to notice if not for that."
> [Hah... The more we talk, the more I want to meet you in person actually.]
It is obvious, I don't know why he is praising it to that extent.
"Haha, thank you."
> [Then since the words came out, I will speak straightforwardly. I want to meet you once within the closest possible date; would it be okay?]
What was bound to come has come.
This part was the part I was worrying about continuously.
Eventually, meeting in person is inevitable to conclude the deal.
However, the thought that it is good if few people know remained unchanged.
A state where trust in the potion I make is lacking at the same time as the Management Bureau needing me.
Classically, until everything becomes certain, it is good if as few people know as possible.
Especially since potion is a more sensitive issue.
Ability of the degree to fundamentally shake the potion industry of the whole world if done well.
Not only that.
Ability to fundamentally increase the climbing of the Tower or the life expectancy of Hunters.
I am certain the potions I make have value of that degree.
Therefore, as I have such ability, there is nothing bad about being careful.
With such thought, I opened my mouth.
"Good. Instead, there is one condition."
> [...You mean a condition?]
"Yes. In the meeting, I wish there was no one else except me, the Director, and Hunter Lee Se-hwa, the three of us. Naturally, I wish no one knew information about this meeting except the three either."
> [Ah, if it is that point, you do not have to worry. I will handle it as you said.]
"Thank you."
Brief silence flowed, and a voice was heard over the receiver.
> [Then if you tell us a good date and time zone, we will visit your home.]
"No. Home is a bit... I will just go to the Management Bureau."
> [Ah, if you do that, we will send a vehicle or-.]
Geez, I said it's fine, why does he keep doing this?
"It is fine. Three days later, 6 PM, is it okay?"
> [Yes, of course.]
"Then let's do it as meeting then."
> [Understood.]
I hung up the phone.
And collapsed onto the sofa with a thud.
"Whew..., thought I'd die of nervousness."
Do you know how many times I ran the simulation of this situation alone?
From waking up every morning, before sleeping, when washing, until Spiky eats snails after entering the Tower.
Literally, it was a situation where I kept repeating one line, one breath while running simulations in my head every spare moment.
"I was freaked out when he said he would come to our house."
Home is absolutely no.
The fellows might not welcome strangers entering.
After calming my mind on the sofa for a moment like that, I commenced work immediately.
There is no time to rest.
The given time is three days.
It is a situation where things to do are overflowing.
The theme of the 52nd floor is Shadow.
Listening to Hunter Lee Se-hwa's interview, it felt like fighting giving up vision almost completely in a very dark space.
Probably a theme with a similar feeling will continue until the 55th floor.
If so, the possibility that a potion made with Lantern will be helpful exists.
Among potions made with Lantern, if using the petal as the main ingredient, a potion granting Night Vision ability exists.
If it is that potion, it will be sufficient help for Hunter Lee Se-hwa in conquering the Tower.
Adding to that, new potion production utilizing Dreamy Powder.
Since I have to adjust delicately to maximize mental healing effects while controlling other confusion, considerable research will be needed.
Not only that, supply of potions through Dawn.
If I end up signing a supply contract with the Management Bureau, one Dawn Herb won't be able to keep up with that quantity.
I have to think of methods to cultivate the fellows soon.
"I'll work to death for the time being."
Unlike the words I spit out, motivation wells up.
Should I say it feels like I approached one step closer to the targeted potion sales finally?
Along with the thought that I want to earn money as soon as possible and raise my babies in a good environment, my parents' faces came to mind.
> [Son? What's up?]
"No, just. Wondering if you are doing well."
> [Doing well of course. You? No place hurting? You are eating rice well, right?]
"Of course. I eat so well."
At those words, Mom boasted sharp deduction skills.
> [You aren't eating only cup ramen again because of buying plant nutrients, right?]
It would be words that pricked me if it was in the past, but it doesn't apply to me right now.
"Hahaha, don't worry. I obtained some peculiar plants recently, I'll show you sooner or later."
> [Oh my. Plants are good too but take care of your body well!]
"Okay, okay. So Mom."
> [Yeah?]
I took a deep breath for a moment and continued speaking.
"If we move, where do you want to go?"
> [Move? What is he saying suddenly? Did you drink alcohol?]
"What alcohol. Why, Ji-an is also a university student now. She should have one room of her own."
> [Aigo, it's tight just handling the interest going out every month, what move. If only that could happen, I would have no wish, son.]
"I will grant that wish."
> [What? Didn't hear you. Mom has to go out again now. Talk next time son~.]
Afterward, noisy sounds were heard and the phone cut off.
I stared blankly at the mobile phone held in my hand then continued speaking.
"It's sooner or later."
One more reason I must accomplish it unconditionally was created.
Gathering Tools being made of solid silver was no different from a move of god.
Dark Lantern Flower.
Meaning, to bring out Lantern's optimal effect, I had to use tools made of solid silver and process without wounds.
"Thanks, Lantern."
The flower fully bloomed before I knew it.
I detached the inner leaf emitting faint blue light from between the dark indigo petals bowing down with tweezers.
Dry this for two days in a darkroom where all light sources are blocked.
Afterward, grind finely to make into the form of tea leaves, then put into purified water mixed with Magic Stone and brew.
Filter the indigo liquid coming out like that through a sieve and put the petals in again and brew.
At this time, mix the essence gathered from the light source organ located in the center part of the Dark Lantern Flower.
If cooling the finally completed liquid by stirring slowly in a cool place where light doesn't reach, complete.
[You have succeeded in new potion production.]
[You have acquired Lantern's Guidance.]
Afterward, I also produced potions utilizing Dawn Herb.
Before I knew it, Dawn's Essence piled up in the inventory was a whopping 5.
Since I already had 4 potions, I wasn't making more particularly.
But the situation changed.
Using all remaining Dawn's Essence to produce potions.
[You have acquired Healing Potion x5.]
Afterward, I also made a new potion using Dreamy Mushroom.
Gather the falling powder by brushing the lower part of the cap emitting five-colored brilliant radiance gently with a soft brush.
Afterward, grind dried Dawn Herb leaves into powder, then filter through a sieve leaving only fine particles.
Lastly, if mixing this with dried Dreamy Powder in a 1:2 ratio.
[You have succeeded in new potion production.]
[You have acquired Scent of Tranquility.]
"Done!"
A scent pouch mixing Dawn Herb leaves in an appropriate amount of Dreamy Powder.
This was for the purpose of giving one each to Hunter Lee Se-hwa and Director Kim Han-soo as a gift.
"Still, it's the first meeting, there should be at least one gift."
Of course, naturally, calculating thoughts were underlying.
Even if it is a scent pouch, that scent is not eternal.
Therefore, if the effect is too good, wouldn't it lead to additional purchase?
Is it a bit too much?
No, am I doing business by digging the ground?
If thinking of the effort going into me making potions, it is natural. Yup.
Anyway, finishing all preparations like that, finally.
The Saturday of promise dawned.
(End of Chapter)
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