Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 138: Human Transmutation - The Esoteric Facet of Alchemy

[Name: Haxks

Species: Human

Level: 43 | EXP: 124,877/288,906 (43.22%)

Daisuke moved toward the apothecary, his thoughts drifting back to the recent battle. I raked in a lot of EXP fighting those guys earlier, he mused, a trace of fatigue still tingling in his bones. Seems like humanoid monsters and players are more likely to drop gold—and they yield more EXP, too. The thought reminded him of the Mhaledictus, where he'd first noticed the pattern.

"Ohya? Welcome back," the elderly woman greeted from behind the counter, her gentle voice warm and familiar. "It's a relief to see you in good health. Now, how may I assist you today?"

"Miss Verna," Daisuke began, his voice low and serious as he summoned a vial onto the counter. "If it's not too much trouble... there's something I'd like you to examine."

[Homunculus Serum (Residue)]

[Category: Alchemy Material

Quantity: 1

Rarity: Unique

A curious fluid that seeped from the homunculus's corpse after its demise as a result of its highly immiscible properties. Now exhibiting a slightly coagulated consistency, this serum possesses mysterious qualities that make it a valuable component for skilled alchemists. However, its unsettling origins provoke ethical questions and caution in its use.]

The woman's once gentle expression turned sharp, her eyes narrowing as they flicked over the vial's contents. "This is..." she murmured, her voice laced with caution.

She cast a wary glance around, then met Daisuke's gaze, gesturing for him to follow. They moved to the back of the store, slipping into a dimly lit workspace where she drew the curtains tight. Stepping around the table where Daisuke had set down the mysterious fluid, she fixed him with a look of intense curiosity and urgency. "Explain everything," she demanded quietly.

***

In the secluded nook of the apothecary store, Daisuke watched as the elder, a bent woman with silver hair twisted into a loose bun, turned the vial of coagulated fluid between her weathered fingers. Her sharp eyes, gleaming with years of medicinal wisdom, studied the residue with a mix of fascination and unease, her lips moving in inaudible murmurs.

"Curious, isn't it?" Verna muttered, more to herself than to Daisuke, her voice like the soft rustle of leaves.

On the cluttered workbench, she gently poured the fluid onto a parchment inscribed with a detailed magic circle. With a steady hand, she channeled her mana into the circle, and instantly, the symmetrical lines and arches began to glow with a deep purple light.

The intricate formula pulsed, slowly analyzing the substance at its center. Gradually, symbols appeared around the circle's edge, shifting and rearranging until they coalesced into clear, readable words, each one revealing more about the mysterious fluid.

"What's happening?" Daisuke asked in a hushed tone, as if the sound of his voice might somehow jeopardize the intricate process.

Verna's eyes narrowed, the glow of the magic circle casting sharp shadows across her face. "This circle is designed to analyze whatever is placed inside of it," she explained, her voice steady, "and produce a complete breakdown of all its possible ingredients."

After memorizing the list, Verna carefully poured the extract back into the vial, ensuring she didn't make direct contact with it. She then gestured for Daisuke to step closer, her gaze intense. "Are you sure this... residue is all that leaked from the creature after it perished?"