Chapter 32: Mana Recovery Potion Creation Plan

“First of all, we extract mana from plants that have a high mana content. However, it’s poisonous, so eating it is a big no-no.”

“What do we do then?”

“We create a special concoction? A vaccine? Once we make that, we mix it all together to create the potion.”

“A vaccine? I remember Rudy saying that he got vaccinated before and said he wouldn’t die from mana.”

Naomi’s words made Rudy nod.

“You remembered it well. The vaccine I received is potent. So, even if I absorb mana, it just kills everything. But with this special vaccine I plan to create, mana remains in the body, making it safe.”

“Hmm, I’m struggling to understand. Could you explain in more detail?”

Naomi wore a perplexed expression as she asked for a more detailed explanation from Rudy.

“Yes, sure. When I examined mana, it resembled a virus before I descended. It’s a simple microorganism with a protein shell and genetic material inside. It exists throughout this entire world, even in the air. It’s highly unusual for a virus to survive on its own.”

“I see, I don’t fully grasp it, but please continue.”

“Alright. The current vaccine destroys the shell of mana and kills its genetic material. But the vaccine I plan to make will penetrate the shell without destroying it and cause genetic mutation inside. In other words, it’s a special vaccine that transforms mana into a safe form within the human body.”

Naomi furrowed her brow and spoke.

“…So, the mana virus will improve with that special vaccine and will continue to live inside the body, restoring human mana while eliminating symptoms like headaches?”

“That’s correct. As expected of master, you have a genius-level understanding.”

Rudy applauded and praised Naomi for quickly grasping the concept.

“But can such a medicine be made quickly?”

“Of course, it can’t be done instantly. It will take about two months to complete.”

“Judging from what needs to be created, that’s relatively quick.”

“Well, this vaccine was planned from the beginning.”

“Is that so?”

“I told you before. I intended to drink this medicine and become capable of using magic once I descended to the surface. I conducted various research, thanks to master. But your body is a prime sample, perfectly compatible with mana.”

Rudy explained, but most of it was based on Hal’s research, and Rudy was merely a spokesperson.

“I see, well, that’s impressive.”

Naomi replied curtly, unable to keep up with the magnitude of Rudy’s plan in reality.

“Hehehe.”

Unaware of her reaction, Rudy hummed a tune while preparing for the afternoon’s work.

The two of them continued to fell trees in the afternoon and returned to the amphibious craft around three o’clock.

They had gathered sixty logs over the past two days. However, they still needed over eight hundred logs, so they were far from having enough.

In front of them, drones had transported the skinned logs, which were now lined up on the ground.

“Master, use magic to dry them, please.”

“Sure. Let’s start with this number for now.”

Naomi chanted a spell in front of the logs, and a green mist emanated from her staff, enveloping the lined-up logs on the ground.

“I’ve never dried logs with magic before, but I think it worked well. We won’t know for sure until we see how they are after overnight, but they should dry in two to three days.”

“As expected, master. It’s much quicker than the nearly year-long drying process.”

Rudy raised both hands in praise upon receiving the report, but Naomi chuckled wryly.

“From my perspective, it’s more impressive that you’re attempting to create a mana recovery potion that no one has been able to make for over a thousand years, all in just two months.”

“That’s right, that’s exactly it! Starting tomorrow, we’ll clean up with the spacecraft, and the drones will come too, so we can gather more logs.”

“That’s good, but what about the basement?”

As Naomi spoke, she looked towards the under-construction house, where a truck’s arm was unloading bags of cement.

“It will be completed by tonight over there. After that, we’ll gather stones, not sins… sins? No, wait, I meant stacking.”

“Something’s strange. Everything is so strange. Was building a house always this easy? What about all the hardships I’ve gone through until now?”

“If you worry about it, you’ll lose.”

“I already feel like I’ve lost.”

“In times like these, drink to your heart’s content.”

“…You’re right. Let’s drink and forget.”

Naomi smiled and nodded at Rudy’s suggestion.

“In that case, let’s make some Arabian cuisine today.”

“Oh… What kind?”

“Spiced lamb with plenty of beer. It’s delicious.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Thus, having finished their work, the two of them cheerfully boarded the amphibious craft and returned to their base camp.

Three days later.

“You’re Naomi-sama, right? I’m Solaris. Nice to meet you,” a unfamiliar woman said as Naomi entered the living room, where she saw Rudy in the presence of the unknown woman, who then noticed Naomi and respectfully bowed.

“Rudy, who is she?”

“She was the AI of the spaceship. Her name is Solaris Haruko-san. You can rely on her for anything,” Rudy explained when asked about the woman’s identity.

Solaris stood at a height of 169 centimeters, with a neither slim nor chubby build. She had a typical physique. She was wearing the black maid outfit that came with the package, neatly arranged in a product box.

While her hair was the same silver color as Rudy’s, if Rudy’s hair was shiny and pure silver, Solaris’ hair had a tinge of blue in its silver hue.

She had well-defined double eyelids and a high nose bridge that gave her face a sharp and sleek appearance. Her sharp chin added to the overall crispness of her features. Along with her blue-tinged silver hair, she exuded a certain cleanliness and freshness.

Naomi found Solaris attractive, but at the same time, she felt that something was missing from her.