Ch.76Episode 15. Building Trust (End)

After the sparring session ended, the Chancellor’s secretary came to fetch Bang Shil, using the pretext that she hadn’t greeted the Chancellor despite her visit.

Meanwhile, I dismissed the students and was walking alongside Bin Yoon down the corridor of the annex building.

“How are you feeling?”

Even though she had drunk a potion and been examined by the medical staff, I couldn’t help but worry.

“Oh, I’m fine, of course. My potion’s performance is just that good!”

Though she was putting on a brave face, she must be quite distressed whenever the recovery potion is mentioned.

“Besides, Master Heelak went easy on me. Ah, please keep it a secret that I drank the recovery potion I made. I don’t want to give anyone a reason to find fault with me.”

“Even though it’s similar… it’s clearly a different potion.”

By the time the medical staff examined their injuries, they had already healed completely. They checked for any aftereffects but assured us there was nothing to worry about.

“To others, they’ll look similar.”

“But your potion’s performance is incomparable to what’s being sold on the market. Have you thought about filing a new copyright?”

If it’s significantly more enhanced than the recovery potions currently on the market, it would be worth registering a new copyright. Even if they’re both recovery potions, the ‘efficiency’ is different.

“No. At the very least, I don’t want to release the same recovery potion.”

“…I see.”

Though it was regrettable, I decided to respect her wishes for now. Someday, she would include the recovery potion in her copyright as well.

“By the way, how’s the development of that potion you showed me before coming along?”

“I’ve been working on it since the instructor told me to focus on it. So far… the balance and efficiency aspects seem perfect, but unexpectedly, there’s an issue with immunity.”

“With immunity?”

“Yes. The mice injected with this potion died from viruses transmitted when they came into contact with other mice. I think this potion might be destroying the existing immune system because it’s so powerful at eradicating harmful viruses and diseases.”

“The immune system…”

How was it described in the novel?

I clearly remember that in the novel, when someone drank the status ailment recovery potion, their immune system remained intact.

As I walked and recalled the information, I unconsciously said, “Ah. That’s it.”

“What is?”

“If it’s too powerful, you need to slow down the ‘acceleration.'”

“The acceleration?”

“The principle behind regular recovery potions is that they accelerate cellular activity, right?”

“That’s right.”

“You need to slow that down. If you slow it down, the existing immune system will have time to adapt to the potion.”

Considering that the potion’s effect is temporary, slowing down the acceleration could prevent the collapse of the immune system.

“So try removing the accelerating effect of the recovery potion from this one.”

“But then it would lose even its minimal healing ability, and it would take longer to eliminate diseases in the body.”

“This potion is different from regular recovery potions. It’s okay if it’s slower.”

Generally, people die instantly when they suffer major trauma. There aren’t many status ailments that cause immediate death.

Bin Yoon’s expression grew increasingly troubled as I spoke with confidence.

“…Hmm. So in other words, completely remove the recovery effect and ‘focus’ on eliminating diseases?”

“That’s right.”

“But then wouldn’t this potion and the recovery potion be incompatible if used together?”

“Not at all. Potions are ‘independent.'”

This was the author’s logic.

In fact, the author had once answered a reader’s question: “Wouldn’t it be disastrous if someone drank both a recovery potion that accelerates cellular activity and a status ailment recovery potion together?”

The author replied: “Since potions are absorbed from the moment they’re consumed, they don’t affect each other’s effects unless they’re poured into the mouth simultaneously.”

…That’s what they said.

Simply put, it’s a matter of fantasy plausibility.

At this point in time, status ailment recovery potions don’t exist yet, so many people aren’t familiar with the independence of potions.

The current recovery potions and enhancement potions can be consumed together without issues.

“Well… I know that, but I’m not sure if it’s really okay. If someone drinks them together and their immune system gets damaged…”

“That won’t happen as long as they’re not consumed simultaneously.”

I spoke with conviction. While her sense of responsibility was admirable, hesitation at this stage would be problematic.

“Even if something goes wrong, it will go through clinical trials. There’s no need to worry.”

“…You know, Instructor, you seem to understand alchemy better than I do.”

“I studied to earn your trust.”

“You can’t learn all this just by studying.”

As we talked, we arrived at the Special Class research lab.

Bin Yoon opened the door with familiarity.

Even before entering, a sour smell greeted me. Bin Yoon didn’t seem to mind and naturally opened the windows after going in.

The table was still piled high with various research materials.

“How do you always have an answer whenever I ask something?”

“I don’t know if I’m right or wrong either. I’m just going with my intuition.”

“But you gave an answer after just hearing my explanation. And with such confidence. It felt like you had absolute certainty that you weren’t wrong.”

“…I’m merely offering advice, believing it to be correct.”

This part was unavoidable.

If I didn’t speak with confidence, even if I was wrong, it would be difficult to gain the other person’s trust.

“Well… I’ll take your word for it. Shall we try it right now?”

She says this while taking out a box containing mice. The mice start going wild as if they’ve realized their fate. The sound of their scurrying fills the lab without pause.

“When do you think you can complete it?”

“Hmm. If there are no trial and errors, I think it could be done by today or tomorrow.”

“Good. Once it’s complete, let’s go meet the Association President.”

“…The Association President? Why?”

She asked casually while checking the compounds she had prepared.

“I’ve already asked the Association President to look into a spot at the potion clinical trial research institute. I told him it’s almost complete, so he’ll schedule an appointment for today or tomorrow.”

“W-what?! So suddenly?”

Bin Yoon was startled. She was so surprised that she almost dropped the box of mice she was holding. She hurriedly placed the box on the table and turned to look at me.

“It’s not sudden. I mentioned it before, and you responded enthusiastically.”

“Y-yes, but… it’s too abrupt!”

“Anyway, they’ve given their approval, so there’s no need to feel pressured.”

“But…”

“Strike while the iron is hot.”

Her expression as she listened to me wasn’t particularly good.

Perhaps Bin Yoon was nervous about it becoming a reality.

…No, this is fear of her past.

She’s hesitating to take a step forward, worried that the vicious cycle will repeat itself.

Although she has trusted and followed me so far, it’s only natural for her to be cautious when it comes to presenting her results.

She was even exploited by her own family member, Kim So-yang. It’s not easy for her to trust me, a stranger.

I approached her and firmly gripped her shoulder.

“Bin Yoon.”

“Yes?”

“I won’t touch any of your efforts, time, passion, will, talent, or results. If you want, I can step back right now. If you don’t want to go together, you can go to the Association President alone.”

“N-no! That’s not it…!”

Bin Yoon frantically waved her hands, trying to say something but stopping. She bit her lower lip and slightly lowered her head.

“…You’re right. I’m anxious. I’m scared of being used again.”

I couldn’t say I understood.

Understanding and empathy are distinctly different.

Even if I’ve read about her in the novel multiple times and felt sorry for her, even if I’m facing her now and trying to help, I couldn’t confidently say I understood.

It would be deceptive for someone who hasn’t experienced it to claim they understand someone carrying a painful trauma.

“But I think I can trust you, Instructor, since you’ve always been sincere with us.”

Even if I’m betrayed again.

She added, forcing an awkward smile. She’s lying.

Betrayal doesn’t become easier to bear with repetition. It becomes more painful each time.

Because you’re being betrayed by someone you’ve opened your heart to after countless doubts.

“Don’t worry. I will never betray you.”

I patted her shoulder as if to dispel her anxiety. I could see a little of the unease disappearing from her gaze.

“Now, let’s make it with a clear mind.”

“Are you going to watch?”

“Does that make you uncomfortable?”

“No, I’d like that.”

She brings over pristine white tools and smiles.

While the lab itself was disorganized and messy, the tools she used were as clean as new.

I quietly watched her from behind as she combined ingredients that I only knew by name.

“Instructor Yujin.”

“Yes?”

“Do you like me?”

The sudden question caught me off guard.

“…What are you saying out of the blue?”

“Oh, was I wrong?”

She stumbled over her words, seemingly surprised by my reaction.

“Why would you think I like you?”

“Well… there’s no reason for you to take care of me this much.”

I take care of all the Special Class students just as well, not just you. You might not know since you’re always cooped up in the lab.

“You asked that during the parent-teacher conference, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“I just… want to see you succeed. I want you to succeed and shake off all the hardships you’ve been through.”

“Why?”

Because that’s the future I want to see for you.

“I wonder. Why indeed.”

“What’s that? A riddle?”

“You can think of it that way if you want.”

“…I hope I can find the answer to that riddle someday. By the way, I like you, Instructor. …As a person.”

I chuckled at the belated clarification.

“Here I go~!”

From Bin Yoon’s hand, as she channeled energy into the potion, a cherry blossom-like pink light burst forth intensely.

* * *

“As you know, the process will proceed after conducting non-clinical trials. Even though you’ve experimented on mice, we need to determine if there are any toxic components or anything harmful to humans.”

“I understand.”

I listened to the research institute director’s explanation, which was the same as what the Association President had told me.

“And… let me ask once more. What kind of potion is this?”

The sample potion the director was holding emitted a distinct pink glow, similar to her hair.

“It’s a ‘Status Ailment Recovery Potion’!”

Bin Yoon exclaimed enthusiastically.