Filed to story: A Bullied Boy Died: A Mafia King Woke Up In His Body
“From my observations, you can’t create new potion recipes, as you don’t have formal alchemist training or connections. However, your competence with reverse-engineering and mass production gives me great insight into how to target a wider audience and potentially profit off the common people, not just the upper middle class or leaders of gangs. How about this-for every potion you reverse-engineer from me, you must give me half of the profits indefinitely.”
Kyle’s eyebrow twitched. Asking for half was daylight robbery. “A tenth. And you must tell me the recipes.”
Both of them smirked, knowing they had entered the negotiation phase.
“The recipes are strictly off-limits. I am bound by code through the Alchemists’ Guild never to reveal such information to non-members. It spoils the market for other alchemists, you see. Even mass production is a no-go. However, the reason I ask for half is that I am willing to shelter you from the guild as well, by claiming you are my ‘associate.’ The recipes will still be off-limits, but you will not suffer repercussions. In exchange, the mass-produced potions must be of a lower quality to truly evade a deep investigation from the guild.”
Quality? Is he referring to the “Basic” tag on the potions?
Even if he rejected Haui now and went to another alchemist’s shop to purchase potions, the Alchemists’ Guild would eventually catch onto him as well, seeing how good Haui’s informant network was.
“Fine. Two-tenths, but only for a year after for each potion type.”
“Ridiculous. Four-tenths, for three years,” Haui countered.
“Two-tenths, two years.”
“Three-tenths, four years.”
“Two-tenths, two years.” Kyle was not budging anymore.
“Fine. Deal.” Haui drafted a simple contract on parchment, passing it to Kyle to sign. A non-aggression clause was in there as well, to ensure neither party tried to backstab each other. They still could, but then it would be a breach of the contract.
Contracts between criminals were less of a legal requirement and more of a justification for retaliation. Kyle also didn’t want to earn a bad reputation for breaking a contract or pact he signed-Ulon had already done enough damage. Similarly, Haui also had a reputation to uphold.
There was another clause where Haui had the right to determine what potion recipes to give Kyle. “You must understand that the more exquisite potions are heavily guarded recipes of the guild. Under no circumstances can we mass-produce this without having a strong-enough power base.”
“You make it sound like we are already partners.”
“Of course. Your profit is mine as well.” Haui smiled. He had obtained Kyle as a future distribution network-a free money flow.
Kyle didn’t lose much either. In exchange for money, he had gained a direct source of essential potion recipes and protection from the Alchemists’ Guild.
“Well then, with the Red Lions now well aware of your mass production capabilities and you imprisoning their members, there’s no doubt a fight will come. May I suggest this potion? Again, I cannot provide you with the recipe.” Haui handed over two potions: the first being a glossy, indigo flask with a tinge of red swirling within the liquid.
Strength Potion (Basic)
Boost muscle strength for a short duration. Good for quick battles.
Recommended Usage:
Drink the entire flask in one go. Active for five minutes.
Consuming another within a day will result in diminishing effects. May experience side effects after the main effect wears off.
Ingredients:
Greis Powder, Water, two remaining ingredients unknown.
Cooldown:
30 seconds
The second potion was a green, infused with what seemed to be Poair Leaves that were not yet dissolved.
Health Potion (Basic)
Heals up to 50 HP.
Recommended Usage: Drink the entire flask in one go.
Consuming another within eight hours will result in diminishing effects.