It was already dark, but Baek Yu-Seol went out of Arcanium.

It was because he received a notification that the prototype of the item was completed, which he had contacted about a while after adjusting the mana lines last time.

Moreover, he had some business with Beaurock Stonforge, so he headed straight to Alchemy City.

Arcanium and Alchemy City were located in the central part of the continent, so the distance between them was not far. Taking the Warp Hole a few times would quickly get him there.

Of course, the price of the Warp Hole was burdensome, so trains were more popular. However, Stella's students could show their academy identification, and they would get it almost for free or at a significant discount, so there was no burden.

Upon arriving at the Alchemy City, he quickly made his way to the research institute of Alterisha. The research institute of the Alterisha, which had grown with various sponsorships and support, was originally attached to the basement of another building, but after swallowing a whole building sneakily for a few weeks, it now occupied a ten-story building entirely.

Since the introduction of the essence of Alchemy Engineering, the Items had grown explosively like this.

It was too early to be surprised by just a ten-story building. Anyway, the Alterisha would eventually devour this Alchemy City itself within a few months.

Clever.

When he knocked on the door of the 10th-floor office, a voice came from inside.

"Come in!"

He opened the door and entered, and Alterisha, wearing her distinctive horn-rimmed glasses, was organizing a pile of documents on her desk.

"Wow... what is all this?"

"Being the president of the society, I have more things to worry about. Hehe..."

Even she laughed awkwardly after saying that. "I'm the president of the society..."

It was a smile tinged with a redness, as if she still couldn't believe the reality.

"Yeah. It's amazing."

As Baek Yu-Seol carefully examined the stacks of documents, there were contents such as someone from the Mystic Tower wanting to collaborate in research, someone who wanted to work as a magic engineer despite being a mage, and someone who wanted to engage in technology joint development through sponsorship from a certain company, and so on.

Countless love calls for Alterisha.

"Now, sit here."

"Do you have to read all of this?"

"Hehe, it doesn't matter. I hired administrative staff. They've already gone home for today."

It was a little past 6 p.m.

‘I don't know who it is, but someone must really leave work on time…’

As he was thinking such thoughts, Alterisha rummaged through the warehouse attached to the office and brought back a box, grumbling.

Baek Yu-Seol quickly rushed over and helped her place the large box on a nearby table.

"Ah, this is..."

"Yes. I tried implementing the things Yu-Seol mentioned. These are the three 'equipment items' that can be immediately deployed in actual combat."

Baek Yu-Seol quickly took out the equipment from the box, one by one.

Dull-patterned bracelet, necklace, and ring. Although they didn't look like they could function as accessories, the built-in abilities were remarkable.

[Shield Bracelet]

[Grade: Low to Medium]

[Description: Transforms into a forearm protector when activated.]

[Effects:]

[Strength +7%]

[Defense +9%]

[Mana +2%]

[Special Function: Shield (Level 1, 1,000BP)]

This was the primary function of the 'Item.' In addition to the ability to unfold a shield, it also significantly increased the stats.

Considering how challenging it was to raise stats, this was truly a significant effect.

Although the increase in stats was still modest, as the grade of the item increases, the effects would also increase dramatically. For now, this was already satisfying enough.

"Wow, the defense is a whopping 1,000. To improve efficiency to this level in just a few weeks... I can easily block a couple of spells with this, right?"

This shield was an emergency defense measure. While it couldn't deflect every magic attack, there were occasional attacks that couldn't be countered with a sword. Also, when he couldn't wield a sword at all, using this... might confuse his opponent by targeting their weak points.

"As expected, you can see it at a glance. Yes, I modified your mana circuit a bit according to my own method, and the efficiency has greatly amplified."

Listening to her words, he examined the next item.

[Barrier Coating Necklace]

[Grade: Low to Medium]

[Description: Activates a protective barrier coating that protects the entire body when worn.]

[Effects:]

[Agility +11%]

[Defense +14%]

[Mana +1%]

[Special Function: Body Barrier (Level 1, 125BP)]

[Damage absorption rate +3%]

"This... is really good."

As soon as he saw the options on the necklace, praise escaped from his lips. To already implement a body barrier as a necklace...

Despite being a low to medium-grade item, it was only a Class 1 shield because implementing a barrier that encompassed the entire body was extremely difficult and raising the defense was also challenging.

It required high-level magic.

Having a shield with a defense of 125 that enveloped the entire body was incredibly remarkable. While it might not be able to block significant attacks, it could reduce the damage from small scratches or grazing attacks.

Of course, one wrong Flash or misstep, and the barrier and everything else would be useless.

However, to reach a level where it could cover for a Flash mistake, one would need at least a Class 7 shield magic, which was currently impossible with the available technology.

Lastly, Baek Yu-Seol picked up the ring.

[Unknown Dagger Ring]

[Grade: Intermediate]

[Description: When used, the ring transforms into a handle, creating a mana dagger.]

[Effects:]

[Agility +14%]

[Perception +9%]

[Special Function:]

[Level 3 Magic Dagger]

[Duration: 5 minutes]

An intermediate-grade item.

It was probably the highest-quality item that could be created by Alterisha so far.

To implement a magic dagger with significant output into a ring...

"This is... truly..."

"How is it? I failed to implement the 'magic sword' you mentioned, but as a temporary measure, I was able to create something like this. The duration is still short, and the output is weaker than expected, but..."

"No, it's amazing. It's insane."

This magic dagger would remain dormant in his ring and could be used as a secret weapon when necessary. Unlike the Argento Sword, which depended on his 'breath' for its output, the magic dagger was activated by a fixed power embedded in the ring itself.

So, this magic dagger might be much more powerful than his Argento Sword in terms of pure destructive force.

"It's really impressive."

One might suggest that having items enchanted with offensive magic would be better, but that was impossible.

Unlike shields that simply stack defense, offensive magic required modifying the magic circle based on various factors such as trajectory and power. It was not something that could be expected from an item.

In conclusion, it was safe to say that artifacts commonly seen in stories, such as flames erupting from swords or fireballs being launched from rings, were practically impossible to create.

Of course, they didn’t completely not exist, but...

Anyway.

"I'm satisfied. Extremely satisfied."

If one were to measure his satisfaction, it would be 1,000%.

Alterisha raised her thumb and spoke, while smiling mischievously as she tapped the box.

"Besides that, I also made 'consumable items.' They are still in the experimental stage, so there might be some defects..."

It indicated that proper experimentation and verification had not been completed.

"There are so many."

"The sponsors requested samples. I set aside a few from there."

"Oh..."

The box was filled with items that were fundamentally different from the cheap alchemy potions, such as fire potions, slippery potions, and cola potions, which were used as temporary measures.

"But the problem is, we don't have a way to explain how to use these in practical combat situations or any examples of their application..."

It seemed that there was concern about how to promote those consumable items to the sponsors.

"Well... in that case, I'll take a few and record videos. Since there are plenty of practical experiments to be done at Stella anyway."

"Ah, that's a good idea. Even though I'm not a certified magic warrior, if it's said that Stella's students used them, it would be quite plausible."

Baek Yu-Seol picked up the entire box. It contained a wide variety of items, including the ones he personally designed and the ones Alterisha invented herself.

"Oh, by the way, I heard there's something you need to discuss with Dr. Beaurock."

"Yes."

"He's been really busy lately. There seems to be some problem related to item trading, but I have no idea what it's about..."

Alterisha had a puzzled expression, as if her mind couldn't grasp anything beyond alchemy, but he immediately understood what the issue was.

That was all there was to it.

Baek Yu-Seol had already finished planning how to confront Duke Atalek, using this matter to his advantage.