novelraw Chapter 59: Then Allow Me, Lin Wei the Assistant, to Show You What True Technique Looks Like!
Chapter 59: Then Allow Me, Lin Wei the Assistant, to Show You What True Technique Looks Like!
Chapter 59: Then Allow Me, Lin Wei the Assistant, to Show You What True Technique Looks Like!
“At present, our Alchemy Department has just over a hundred students across all three years.”
“These two are our official instructors—counting myself, that makes us barely three and a half. The rest are all assistants.”
Nerinette led Lin Wei by the hand, weaving him through the various rooms.
With her energetic commentary, Lin Wei quickly grasped the department’s inner workings.
“Apart from our routine weekly classes, the department also manages international technical exchanges, potion crafting, commissioned work, and several other projects. Assistants can choose to take part in any of these areas.”
“The most frequent and in-demand task is potion making. Typically, we supply potions to major official organizations. For example, The Holy Church recently requested a large shipment of high-quality elixirs.”
“Other duties include sourcing rare ingredients, helping students with field collection assignments, covering classes for instructors, and so on. If you’re interested in any particular task, just let me know and I’ll arrange it for you.”
The treatment of alchemists truly does depend on their abilities, Lin Wei thought.
He recalled how, just earlier, Director Nerinette had been the very image of a short-tempered tyrant—barking orders and berating her subordinates.But now, after he’d demonstrated his skills, her entire demeanor had shifted in an instant.
“So, aside from teaching, the Imperial Capital Magic Academy’s Alchemy Department also takes on potion-making commissions, almost like adventurers?”
“That’s right. Honestly, every academy that offers alchemy courses operates the same way.”
Nerinette nodded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“And we don’t just take odd jobs—most of our commissions are large-scale orders from official organizations. The profits are split, with a portion going toward departmental bonuses.”
“Of course, if you prefer, you can accept private commissions. If, say, a noble contracts an illness that purification magic can’t cure, they’ll come to us alchemists or healers for a custom remedy. You keep whatever you earn from those.”
“Also, if you’re handling internal department work, all expenses are covered by the Academy. You won’t need to spend a single coin of your own. That’s the official rule, anyway. I’m sure you know what I mean, right, Mr. Lin Wei?”
Nope, not a clue. I have no idea what you’re talking about.
How could a righteous knight like me possibly understand the subtext in your words, Director?
Still, looking at things now… it really does seem like coming to work here was the right call!
To be honest, when I first decided to come to the Imperial Capital, one of the main reasons was the quicker earning potential. I figured I could save up for my own fief much faster here.
But Lin Wei never imagined things would progress so quickly!
Just working as an assistant at a magic academy comes with benefits this good?
Thank goodness I took the written exam seriously instead of just coasting by. I nearly missed out on a legitimate, high-paying opportunity like this.
“So, the Academy even supplies all the alchemical ingredients?”
“Of course! And if you mess up and waste a batch or two in the process, it’s not a big deal. Talented people get special treatment from me, after all! Hahaha, Mr. Lin Wei, you know what I mean, right?”
Nope, not a clue. I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.
This woman’s words are getting more and more incriminating!
Even if you’re the department head, shouldn’t you be a little more discreet? Otherwise, we’ll both end up in trouble for no reason.
Wait a second… is she trying to rope me into something shady on purpose?
“Ahem… So, about that job you mentioned earlier, Director—what did you mean by that?”
“Since I’ve just arrived, I’d prefer something a bit more… official, if possible.”
At the crucial moment, Lin Wei decisively changed the subject.
This is blatant corruption—these people are the real parasites of the Empire!
Such behavior absolutely deserves to be condemned!
But then again… I’m technically not even a citizen of the Empire—I’m the Demon Lord, after all.
Damn it, why am I suddenly a little tempted by all this?
“Relax~ Whatever side jobs you take on in private are your own business. I won’t interfere. Even if an assassination commission comes in, I’ll always check your schedule first,” Nerinette waved her hand, completely unconcerned.
“In any case, since you’ve handled urgent potion-making requests from the Adventurers’ Guild before, you must be familiar with the situation on the frontlines, right?”
The Northern Fortress was under siege, and soon, the lands that had fallen would be reclaimed by humanity.
“Yeah.” Lin Wei nodded. He’d already heard about this a dozen times lately.
Then, for the first time, he noticed a rare flicker of helplessness cross the department head’s usually cheerful face.
“The full-scale offensive is about to begin, but we’ve run into a major problem with logistics.”
“The last shipment of supplies to the front was intercepted by demon forces, leaving the troops dangerously undersupplied.”
“To keep the campaign moving forward, The Holy Church issued an order: all major organizations are to help gather and deliver potions to the frontlines.”
“And as a semi-official institution, the Imperial Capital Magic Academy was, of course, assigned its own quota… We’re absolutely swamped right now.”
Raiding supply lines… that was always my specialty back in the day.
And if I had to bet, I’d say there are definitely members of the Coalition Army hiding succubi back at home! Otherwise, there’s no way the enemy should know the supply routes so precisely.
“I see… So, what you’re saying is, our current task is to rush out a batch of potions for The Holy Church?”
Of course, at this point, none of this really has anything to do with me—Lin Wei the human.
Lin Wei nodded thoughtfully, watching as the look of helplessness on Nerinette’s face only deepened.
“That’s right… And there’s a batch of top-grade potions that need to be delivered urgently.”
“It was already a struggle for us to keep up, but now, with most of our professors drafted into the army for the war effort, we’re severely understaffed.”
At this, Nerinette let out a heavy sigh.
“I’d handle it myself if I could, but aside from these urgent potions, there are still other high-quality brews that need making.”
“I was honestly about to offer a fortune to hire outside alchemists to help, but then—Mr. Lin Wei, you just happened to join us… What luck!”
So that’s why she’s being so nice—she wants to use me as the department’s emergency problem-solver.
Lin Wei couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, though he had no intention of refusing. After all, for him, making potions was hardly even a challenge.
“Understood. What exactly are the requirements and the deadline?”
“I knew you’d agree to help, Lin Wei!”
“Here, here—this is the list. We need two hundred bottles of top-grade healing potions, each with additional effects: strength, agility, and pain suppression. The deadline is ten days. But there’s one more requirement from The Holy Church.”
Nerinette, positively elated, produced a special stone and set it on the table before him.
It was smooth and cool to the touch, white as polished jade, and Lin Wei could sense a faint trace of holiness radiating from it.
“To prevent these potions from being stolen by the demon army—and to ensure that, even if they are, their effects are diminished for demons—the potions must be infused with holy light from a Holy Light Stone during crafting.”
“This thing is actually pretty easy to use. Just channel any kind of energy through it to generate the holy light. Don’t worry about the purity—higher affinity does make the light purer, but any will do for this job.”
“But tonight, The Holy Church will need to see five sample bottles... That won’t be a problem, will it, Mr. Lin Wei?”