The next day, I followed my usual morning routine and headed to the Adventurer's Guild to continue making my potions. However, I faced a challenge with my mana.
Thanks to my mana usage from the previous day, combined with the [Skill Stat Boost] I received, my mana had risen to nearly 550. This meant I could only produce 100 potions in one go. I wondered if there was a way to gain more mana. Was it possible to acquire a skill that would allow me to absorb mana from my surroundings?
Regardless, I decided to start making another batch of potions first.
After another 40 minutes, I completed my quota of 10 batches of healing potions. Although they were low-grade, their quality was comparable to that of a medium-grade potion. My mana level was around 200 now, and my mana regeneration rate was approximately 103 per hour. I thought it might be worth trying my earlier idea.
I sat down and focused on feeling the mana around me. While mana control is one thing, manipulating the mana in my surroundings is a different challenge. I relaxed and concentrated, imagining a cloth absorbing water flowing from a river. Soon, I felt a warm heat entering my body. I continued to concentrate, checking to see if I could handle more heat. Before I knew it, 30 minutes had passed. I checked my [Status] and saw that my mana had regenerated by 213 units. Given that it took 30 minutes, my natural mana regeneration was 52, which meant I had absorbed 160 mana in just half an hour. If I could maintain this focus while making potions, I might be able to produce even more in a day.
I prepared 3 batches of low-grade Strength potions while continuing to absorb mana. Thanks to the absorption, I only consumed around 140 mana instead of the usual 300. This was slightly lower than before, likely because my concentration was split between brewing and mana absorption. However, I couldn't complain about that. I then proceeded to brew 3 batches of Intelligence potions. I wasn't sure if it was due to improved mana efficiency, but the amount of mana required for brewing had decreased to around 92 per batch. This improvement might be attributed to my [Mana Efficiency] skill. I decided to try gathering mana again. After another 30 minutes, I gained around 234 mana this time, indicating about a 10% increase from the previous attempt. My initial experience had certainly helped. Feeling optimistic, I made another batch of potions while absorbing mana once more.
After an hour, I completed my quota: 200 low-grade health potions and 60 potions for each stat boost.
"Phew. That went well," I said, panting slightly, mentally fatigued from the intense concentration earlier.
"I guess it's time to report this to Sistina."
I approached the receptionist's desk, where Sistina greeted me.
"Sir Artorius? Is something the matter?"
"Ah, well... I finished my quota now."
"Eh? What?!"
Sistina gasped in disbelief, clearly shocked by the news. Making 320 potions in a day is indeed an impressive feat.
"Yes, you can appraise them to ensure they're not store-bought."
"I see. I'll call an appraiser just to be safe."
Her skepticism was understandable, as it was possible they could be store-bought. She called over an appraiser, and he began assessing the potions one by one. His expression reflected surprise at their quality, despite them being classified as low-grade. The appraiser was a quiet guy, but he certainly knew his craft. I used my [Appraisal] skill to check his status; he had a level 25 [Item Appraisal] skill, showing he was quite seasoned in his field, despite still being in his 20s. He nodded quietly to Sistina, confirming that the potions were legitimate and could sell for up to 15 copper coins.
Just as I was about to sigh in relief, I felt an arm on my shoulder. It was the Guild Master, Aizen.
"Hey Art, done already?" he asked.
"Yeah. The appraiser just verified the quality."
Aizen looked at the appraiser, who nodded in response.
"I see. That's very impressive. Not only did you meet your quota with a deadline tomorrow, but you also produced 300 potions in a single day. I'm curious how you accomplished this, but I understand you didn't buy them since that would have cost a fortune. It must be due to your skill set, huh?"
"Yes, but I'd like to keep my skill set a secret for now."
"Haha, I get it. Anyway, come to my office."
To his office? I wondered what that was about. I followed Guild Master Aizen, curious but uncertain.
"Anyways, I'd like to give you a bonus payment for my formal request."
"A bonus? I only did the labor, though."
"Well... that's true, but considering your expertise in making consistent high-quality potions, it feels like the price was a bit underwhelming compared to your expertise, so I will give you a bonus of at least 10 silver coins."
"Wait, what?"
My earnings for this commission were 17 silver coins and 60 copper coins. So if he adds another 10 silver there, it will be 27 silver?! Hey... Travy... How much would it be in my own world's money...?
Travy's emotionless voice echoes once more. "Around 276,000 rims."
**Note**: I'll use the Philippine Peso in this currency since I can grasp the prices with my country's currency; in this case, it will be around 4700 dollars at this time.
"Is it really okay for me to receive that much?"
"Haha. It's okay, it's okay. The quality is very good, so it's understandable. I'll let Sistina know about the bonus."
If he's that insistent, I guess I can't reject his kindness.
"Thank you, Guild Master."
"Haha. It's okay. No need to be so formal. You can go now."
I bowed politely before going outside of his office and headed to the receptionist's desk once more.
"Oh, Sir Artorius, welcome back. The Guild Master notified me about your bonus reward. Let me prepare it for a bit."
Sistina prepares the reward for the personal request. She stacked the coins on the table and stamped the request paper, showing that I completed it.
"Here you go, Sir Artorius. Since you got 480 copper coins yesterday, the remaining amount would be 1,280 copper coins, or 12 silver coins and 80 copper coins. With the Guild Master's bonus, the total amount will be 22 silver and 80 copper coins."
"Thank you."
"No worries about it. You did a good job today, Sir Artorius. That's to be expected. Oh! By the way, the goblin extermination will begin in 3 days. We will attack at night when the goblins need to rest."
"I see. Thank you for reminding me. I'll accept other quests tomorrow to gain more experience."
Three days from now, huh... I guess I can either increase my mana capacity and train or do some quests.
"I'll see you tomorrow then, Sir Artorius."
"Yeah. See you again soon, Sistina."
Hmm... Since it's around 5pm, an evening jog might be a good idea... Hmm... Hey, Travy, is it possible for me to gain stats even if I use [Body Strengthening] magic?
"Yes, not only will you be able to gain stats, but you'll also be able to train to strengthen your body from the recoil of it."
Hmm... If I run using [Body Strengthening] and absorb mana from my surroundings, not only can I gain the stats [Strength], [Agility], and [Vitality], I'll also be able to increase my mana capacity and [Intelligence] too. That might not be so bad after all. I'll stop if I feel fatigued.
I jogged for a bit, applying [Body Strengthening] magic. I tried to concentrate on the absorption of mana from my surroundings as well, making my mana regenerate. After two hours of jogging around and taking breaks every 30 minutes, it feels like I am able to concentrate more properly now. But I guess I need to stop for now.
I went back to the inn and ate my dinner, and before I rested, I checked which passive skills I leveled up.
Researching Level 6 (Level Up!)
Stamina Regeneration Level 1 (New!)
Concentration Level 3 (New!) (Level Up!)
Alchemy Level 6 (Level Up!)
Magic Level 7 (Level Up!)
Mana Control Level 6 (Level Up!)
Mana Efficiency Level 6 (Level Up!)
Mana Regeneration Level 5 (Level Up!)
Mana Absorption Level 2 (New!) (Level Up!)
Body Strengthening Level 3 (Level Up!)
So far, I've gained 3 new skills and leveled up a lot of magic- and mana-related skills. It's a good thing my [Body Strengthening] leveled up as well. Hah... I feel so sleepy now. I guess I'll rest for today.