Chapter 36

Chapter 36
Chapter 36: Never Mind The Heir, I’ll Focus On Healing

The light juices stimulated the taste buds intensely with their subtle saltiness.

There were no small bones to worry about. It was as convenient as eating processed mackerel.

The fishy smell was the same.

There was no gamey smell as though it had been artificially processed.

The umami surpassed that of mackerel, while the tenderness rivaled that of hairtail or salmon.

It was carp, yet it felt like partaking in an entirely brand-new species of fish!

‘Could I share this flavor with others?’

It remained a regrettable truth that such a meal could only be enjoyed deep within the labyrinth.

Lion tore into the giant grilled carp voraciously, completely entranced.

Shortly after…

“I am completely full.”

He had consumed the entire large carp by himself.

I am fit to burst.

I suppose the atmosphere led me to overindulge.

Even so, the meal brought complete satisfaction, leaving no room for regret. When would an opportunity like this ever present itself again?

Lion rubbed his protruding stomach and smiled contentedly.

Then…

『 Consuming Labyrinth Carp Grill increases maximum mana by a minuscule amount!』

“What?”

A rare probability trigger had activated.

Furthermore, his maximum mana capacity had expanded?

Lion closed his eyes immediately, turning his attention inward to examine the mana circle situated within his body.

Sure enough, his internal vessel for mana had grown slightly larger.

Though the increase was marginal enough to make one question whether it truly constituted a minuscule amount, the event itself was nothing short of astonishing.

The simple act of eating had caused his mana container to expand!

Had mages been aware of this phenomenon, they would have likely devoured not only the piranhas inhabiting the waters but even the local grass in its raw state.

A growth in one’s mana container achieved merely through dietary consumption was a development of monumental proportions.

“This is remarkable.”

I wonder if I might prepare grilled carp for Rikschel should I manage to enter the labyrinth alongside him a month from now.

“Ah, that reminds me…”

Lion thought back to the carp entrails he had previously tossed into the alchemy pot.

Since the vessel heated automatically, he had added the alchemy solution, though he had yet to check the results.

The bubbling sounds emanating from the pot had ceased, signaling that the heating process was complete.

Upon peering inside the pot, Lion discovered a pearl-like orb resting at the bottom.

『 Essence of Labyrinth Carp (★)』

* An essence concentrated through the simmering of entrails from a carp that fed on labyrinth mana.
* Consuming it permanently increases mana recovery by a small amount.
* Must always be swallowed whole as a pill. The pungent fishy smell is quite potent, potentially distressing those with delicate stomachs.

『 Use – Alchemy』

『☞ Reach Apprentice Lv.1 to view recipes.』

The essence of the carp.

It functioned much like a medicinal pill capable of granting mana.

“However…”

Lion fixed his gaze on the notification window that had unlocked at Apprentice Lv.1.

For the very first time, a recipe belonging to the Skilled rank rather than the Apprentice tier had materialized.

This implied that the resulting creation would possess immense efficacy.

‘Could it be?’

Various events had kept him from concentrating on alchemy for quite some time.

Naturally, he had continuously harvested herbs from all corners of the area during the interim.

Lion casually glanced over his inventory.

The herbs were meticulously sorted according to color and grade. With more than a bundle of each variety on hand, any shortage of ingredients was out of the question.

Besides, were there not abundant materials right here in his current surroundings?

If the carp were edible, surely the local vegetation could be consumed as well.

“There is far more content here than I initially anticipated.”

The end of this labyrinth offered a wealth of elements to “scavenge”—or rather, to cultivate independently.

“Let us put it to the test.”

With no one around to interrupt him and resources readily available, this environment served as an ideal leveling-up hunting ground.

Lion clenched his fist into a firm gesture and smiled.

“…Though, naturally, I must fashion a few daily necessities first.”

—

The days that followed kept Lion exceptionally busy.

He initiated each morning by inspecting the contents caught within the modest fish trap provided alongside his beginner fishing gear set.

『 Labyrinth Freshwater Crayfish (★)』

* Comparable in size to standard lobsters and possessing a rich umami flavor.
* The head and shell can be utilized to extract a specialized broth.

『 Use – Food』

『☞ Click to view recipes.』

“Ah.”

The trap had indeed ensnared crayfish.

Three of them, no less.

It marked a highly favorable beginning to the day.

“Broth, you say.”

Now that he thought about it, a quantity of leftover flour remained within his inventory, and preparing hand-pulled dough soup with it sounded exceptionally appetizing.

“I ought to secure these first.”

Lion retrieved the crayfish, deposited them safely at his campsite, and set off toward the forest flanking the lake, equipped with various tools.

While it certainly lacked the sheer expanse of Mimir Forest, it remained a legitimate woodland nonetheless.

“The resources remain plentiful today as well.”

Fresh foliage, sturdy trees, and countless materials dropping straight from them!

Furthermore, aided perhaps by the prevailing labyrinth buff, the crops flourished rapidly day after day.

Even the banana sweet potato vines that Lion had tossed haphazardly into the dirt grew with the speed of ordinary lettuce.

『 Labyrinth Spicy Fruit』

* Imparts a potent spiciness when consumed raw!
* Develops a sweet flavor profile when cooked.

『 Use – Food, Alchemy』

『☞ Click to view recipes.』

This particular item…

Lion inhaled deeply, testing the scent in the air.

Though designated as a fruit, the aroma and physical form unmistakably resembled something else entirely!

It was garlic.

‘Splendid.’

One essential ingredient had been successfully acquired.

『 Labyrinth Button Mushroom』

* Compact in size yet possesses excellent texture and flavor.
* Consumption yields a minuscule amount of mana.

『 Use – Food』

『☞ Click to view recipes.』

Garlic and button mushrooms designated for culinary use—or rather, Spicy Fruit and Button Mushrooms, alongside Dry Firewood, Labyrinth Dry Branches, Labyrinth Dry Leaves, and kindling materials!

Though previously unnecessary, these items had become Lion’s highest priority, prompting him to gather them aggressively every single morning.

“Once I finish eating today, I believe I shall venture slightly deeper into the interior.”

Deeper sections of the woodland appeared to hold a greater abundance of fallen timber and firewood.

Because the labyrinth forest was inherently safe—and equipped with a system capable of instantly returning him to camp in emergencies—Lion felt entirely confident.

“First, I must eat.”

Lion set to work, diligently digging up the surrounding vegetation using his hoe.

『 Labyrinth Garland Chrysanthemum』

* Unlike standard garland chrysanthemum, it develops a favorable flavor only once the blossoms open.
* The flowers possess aesthetic appeal, ensuring a steady market demand.

『 Use – Food』

『☞ Click to view recipes.』

“The blossoms are undeniably attractive.”

This appeared to be his first time laying eyes on actual garland chrysanthemum flowers.

While he had frequently consumed the leaves, the grassy undertones typically vanished by the time flowers emerged—leaving someone like Lion, accustomed to city life, with little opportunity to experience them firsthand.

‘I recall hearing that elders prepare flower tea from such things…’

Any prior sightings of the plant had strictly involved dried specimens.

Yet seeing the vibrant, living blossoms here, their appearance was strikingly vivid, resembling the rich yellow hue of a perfectly fried egg yolk.

Lion plucked a single garland chrysanthemum flower with practiced care.

『 Labyrinth Garland Chrysanthemum Flower (★)』

* Frequently utilized for landscaping purposes. Well-suited for cultivation in pots or garden beds!
* Sale price: 300 Shillings

“Having this near the campsite would be pleasant… wait.”

Lion re-read the item description.

* Sale price: 300 Shillings

“…It can be sold?”

This marked the first time such an explanation had accompanied an item.

‘Could this Shilling Shop double as a marketplace exchange?’

Lion held the garland chrysanthemum flower delicately and opened the Shilling Shop interface.

“Is it possible to sell this item?”

『 Would you like to proceed with the sale?』

The Shilling Shop evaluated the item’s worth without further preamble.

『 Target Item: Labyrinth Garland Chrysanthemum Flower (★)』

『 Offer Price: 250 Shillings (Commission separate)』

“…Oh?”

Lion reviewed the item details for the garland chrysanthemum flower once more.

The baseline sale price of 300 Shillings remained clearly indicated.

Despite the minimum stated value being 300 Shillings, the Shilling Shop had arbitrarily offered a reduced 250 Shillings, and that figure still excluded the separate commission fee.

“Re-evaluate this. This is a flower prized for landscaping purposes. Do you genuinely intend to dismiss it for a mere 250 Shillings?”

『 While recognized as a landscaping flower, it has been judged to possess limited alternative utility.』

『 Furthermore, its item rank remains at the lowest tier (★).』

『 Offer Price: 250 Shillings (Commission separate.)』

Is that truly your final stance?

‘It appears transactions are restricted to items rated at one star or higher.’

Additionally, a designated sale price must apparently be explicitly listed.

The mechanics were now entirely clear to him.

“So long as an item possesses demonstrable supplementary value, that should suffice, correct? This garland chrysanthemum flower yields beneficial health properties when brewed into a floral tea.”

Lion placed one hand upon his hip and pressed further.

“Describing it as an auxiliary alchemy ingredient is hardly an exaggeration. Moreover, given that anyone can brew and ingest it, shouldn’t its overall worth increase correspondingly?”

Claiming the flower served alchemy purposes was admittedly a stretch.

Even so, failing to establish boundaries now would leave him vulnerable to exploitation regarding countless other items down the line.

A drop from 300 Shillings to 250 Shillings was one matter.

Yet what if a future transaction involving 3 million Shillings was improperly slashed to 2.5 million Shillings?

『 Your reasoning is accepted.』

『 Adjusting valuation parameters…』

『 Offer Price: 300 Shillings (Commission separate)』

It appeared his argument had successfully influenced the system.

However, Lion had no intention of concluding the negotiation here.

“You accepted my new information, yet you still intend to deduct a commission? Isn’t that excessive?”

『 Commission deductions are mandatory pursuant to the operating principles of the Shilling Shop.』

Tsk, so the commission fee could not be entirely waived?

『 The Shilling Shop continually endeavors to accommodate the feedback of valued customers…』

『 Proposal: In light of newly provided item data, the commission will be reduced while the valuation measurement is increased.』

『 Would you like to accept these terms?』

『 YES / NO』

“…”

The negotiation tactics actually functioned?

Furthermore, presenting persuasive arguments evidently allowed him to secure a higher return.

Naturally, the reverse was equally true; a lack of knowledge would cause valuations to plummet, though he harbored no concerns on that front.

After all, he simply needed to continue acquiring knowledge.

“I accept the terms.”

Above all else, operating without the Shilling Shop at this juncture would prove immensely inconvenient.

『 The item has been successfully sold for 300 Shillings.』

『 Retrieving the item.』

The garland chrysanthemum flower vanished from Lion’s grasp in a flash of light.

『 300 Shillings acquired.』

The transaction was settled instantaneously.

‘…Instant settlement? That is exceptionally convenient.’

With this capability confirmed, any eligible goods could be liquidated through the Shilling Shop at will.

Before closing the shop window, Lion posed one final query.

“Can processed goods be sold as well?”

『 Affirmative.』

『 However, no such items currently meet the criteria for listing.』

『 Counterfeit goods, defective items, previously opened merchandise, second-hand products, and similar goods are strictly ineligible for sale.』

That implied he would need to manufacture superior, pristine items should he wish to commercialize them.

“Understood.”

Lion closed the interface and turned back with the remaining garland chrysanthemum and his accumulated materials.

The day’s harvest had proven remarkably fruitful.

“First, I must ignite the bonfire.”

*Whoosh!*

Lion layered additional dry firewood and leaves into the arrangement before positioning the pot squarely on top.

Equipped with a diverse array of ingredients, he decided to attempt preparing a soup today.

Even for Lion, subsisting exclusively on grilled fare was beginning to grow tiresome, making this the ideal moment for a change.

While the water came to a rolling boil, Lion neatly sliced the spicy fruit upon his cutting board.

Though its exterior mirrored that of ordinary garlic, verifying the internal structure for seeds remained necessary.

『 Labyrinth Spicy Seed』

* Exudes an exceptionally pungent and spicy fragrance.
* Exercise caution to avoid chewing them whole, as the intense aroma and flavor will induce tearing.

“They are peppercorns.”

In short, this spicy fruit functioned as a comprehensive spice set!

The pulp served as garlic, while the interior housed spherical seeds resembling whole peppercorns.

‘This is undeniably… a phenomenal discovery!’