Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any other references mentioned in this fanfic.
Hello everyone, I'd first like to apologies for it taking me so long to write again.
Truth is that a few weeks ago my dog, Mimi, got an infection. Unfortunately, she didn't make it and I've been in a mood ever since. I've had her since I was kid, and she was already fairly old, but it was still heartbreaking.
Still I'm back now, hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 11
From the second-floor office I watched the various thugs at work, unloading and unpacking various instruments from vans; working alongside them were mannequins disguised as mercenaries carrying firearms.
The equipment was different than what a normal drug lab would have, which was to be expected since this wasn't a normal drug lab but rather a potions lab.
It was after doing some extensive research into the subject of potion's making that I was able to learn a few interesting facts.
The most important being that there was no such thing as a potion's factory or even an attempt to industrialize potion making.
The reason for this was two-fold. First was that potions needed constant supervision and precision meaning that wizards had to make each potion one at a time, cutting down on the amount that someone could make in any given day. Second, potion making was a commonly regarded skill that almost anyone could do, so there really wasn't a market for ready-made potions when most could just buy the ingredients at a cheaper cost and make it themselves. Another key point to why this would work was that potions typically tended to have a short shelf lives with most expiring 3-12 months after they were created.
Of course, that wasn't to say that there weren't businesses that specialized in making potions. Those however usually only dealt with hard to make potions or custom orders.
Luckily, I had both the means and knowledge to succeed where others had failed.
Ever since I had managed to take control of the local library, I had devoted a majority of my time studying anything that could prove even remotely useful.
Math, science, literature, German, Russian, architecture, woodwork, etc.
I read everything I could get my hands on and as a result my WIS and INT were both steadily rising.
I even managed to raise my INT passed 50 and pick up a new skill because of it.
[Mana Affinity] (Passive) LV: MAX
Technique that allows the user to become more sensitive to mana and handle it better.
10% Increase in MP recovery rate.
5% increase in total MP amount.
5% increase in magic attack.
5% increase in magic defense.
30% increase in MP related skill effects.
That being said, even with my newly gained knowledge it would have taken years of careful designing and experimenting to get a working prototype. But as luck would have it, I received the solution to my problem while I was looking through an automobile book that depicted the first conveyor-belt assembly line. It was then that I had immediately remembered the Enchanted Artifact Facility blueprints sitting in my inventory.
Using them as a template I was able to design what I called a Potion Factory.
And the more I worked on it, the more I began to see how my various skills could work together to make it happen.
"We're almost done unpacking Doctor," a rough nasally voice said behind me. I didn't have to turn around to know who it was, as only one man was brave enough to approach me.
As for the reason why he called me doctor, it was because of my disguise. I was dressed as a plague doctor complete with leather bird mask and a black coat to hide my figure. The last thing I wanted was someone to recognize me after all.
"Good. Good. Now for my part," I said turning around, my voice being distorted by the vents in the mask.
Gerald Stone, the local crime boss in this area cut a rather unimpressive figure. He was a slim man in his early 30s with jet black hair greased back. He wore a grey pinstripe suit probably worth more than most people's salary and a number of gold rings. He had a pencil thin mustache and large widows peak making him appear rat-like.
For all his bravado he had fallen under my complete control just like all the others.
With a wave of my hand the mannequin guards that had previously gone unnoticed sprung to life and filed out of the room without a word. Sometimes it was easy to forget that they were there when they stood completely motionless, some might even go so far as to say it was unnerving.
I saw him try to hide a shudder but paid it no mind as I took out a black briefcase from my coat and placed it on a nearby table.
Opening the case, the man let out a toothy smile as he looked through the pile of files, each filled with perfectly detailed information on his rivals curtesy of my [Observe] skill.
The crime boss gave a satisfied nod as he inspected the merchandise, no doubt already planning what places he would attack first.
Reaching into my pocket I pulled out clear plastic bottle that contain what looked like child vitamins.
"What's this, Doc?" Gerald asked suddenly curious as he took the bottle and held it close to his eye, "The new drug you were talking about?"
Despite never having touched the stuff before, with my new knowledge in chemistry, making something as simple as drugs was child's play. "Yes. I'm calling it 'Alice'," I answered simply.
"Hmm? So what's it do?" the man said in a thoughtful tone, taking out one of the colorful looking tablets that was shaped like a rabbit.
"It is a hallucinogen that works by stimulating the brain's REM cycle, placing the user in a deep sleep."
"Wait, so its just a sleeping pills?" he said incredulous. Of course, most would think that.
"Nothing that simple I assure you. The drug triggers the parts of the brain connected with memory. The result will be a dream so vivid that it will be indistinguishable from reality."
"How is that useful?" the man said doubtfully.
"Once they waken they will continue to have full recollection of their dream," I said turning my back to him in favor of peering down at the workers below us, "It's a funny thing the human mind. Despite how desperately people try to hide their faults, they can never hide it from themselves…"
My mind immediately going to the Mirror of Erised.
'Alice' was more than a simple drug, it was my first attempt to combine muggle technology and magic. By combining different mind potions and an assortment of drugs I was able to produce an effect similar to that of a pensieve, allowing one not only to relive past memories but also interact with them. It was still far from perfect, but with more test subjects I was sure I could work out the kinks.
Turning to my head to look at him over my shoulder, I continued, "There are a number of reasons why people turn to drugs. Escape, acceptance, curiosity, or just plain boredom. But whatever the reason it can all be traced back to their desire to change their lives. So why not let them. In their dreams they can experience a world without consequence. Indulge in their deepest darkest most depraved fantasies to their hearts content," I announced with my voice taking a darker edge.
"I-I suppose-"
"With my new drug we can grant them this sense of freedom that wouldn't be possible in real life.
"I s-see..."
I could almost taste the man's fear, so I toned it back a bit, "Though of course it can also be used for more innocent purposes. The old can experience what it's like to be young again. The terminally ill can live without regrets. Imagine a world where you can relive your fondest memories in perfect clarity, in a time when everything was right with the world. The possibilities are endless."
"That's unexpectantly kind of you."
"Oh you give me too much credit. For you see, the most insidious addictions are those you don't consider addictions," I told him soberly. "I'd appreciate it if you could get this out on the market as soon as possible."
"I suppose I could, I know a couple geezers who'd be willing to pay through the nose to feel young again."
"Good. In return, I'll make sure the police will continue to stay out of your way."
Seeing that I was done talking, the crime boss bid his farewell.
The workers were also free to leave once they had their memories altered to make them think they had delivered everything at a different address.
Once I was finally alone, I took out my wand and began to set everything up.
There was no need to worry about the Trace as the wards from the spirit stone imbedded in the building shielded me from all detection spells, meaning I could now use magic without tipping off the Ministry. I had thought of installing one back at the orphanage but thought better of it once I realized that it would be rather suspicious if the place I lived at didn't show up on their scans.
Setting everything up only took a few minutes with the help of magic.
With one last wave of my wand I attached the different mechanical arms, some looking completely humanoid, while others had mallets or knives where the hands should be. The end result was one giant machine in the shape of an oval, resembling something could only be found in a Dr. Suess book if I was being honest.
Finally, I loaded 100 empty glass vials and allocated the different potion ingredients in their corresponding slots.
Now to test it.
I went to the control panel that contained only a simple button and a lever. Pulling the lever, a hidden hatch opened up in the side. I took out 200 soul stones from my inventory and dumped them inside the drawer.
Next I took out 2 magic stones, my prize for defeating the giant golem in the mirror dungeon, using them to supply the necessary mana..
Low Grade Magic Stone-Rank: Magical
Description: Magic stones, also known as magic gems, are crystalized magical energy that can be used to fuel spells, craft magical items, etc. Once the energy stored inside is used up it will disappear. 200/200 MP
Finally, I placed a hand on it and activated the skill that would make it work.
"Doll Creation."
The effect was immediate as the machine roared to life; various parts began to move around independently.
Yes, I had successfully turned this machine into a doll.
The main concern for my potion's factory was the labor that it would need. Wizards couldn't be trusted and ordinary people couldn't make potions because they lacked magic so that got me thinking. The wizarding world already had self-stirring cauldrons so why not take things further and create something that could not only stir but also measure, chop, crush, and bottle it.
For this reason, I spent several days leveling up my [Doll Creation] until I could program a basic mind, making the magical equivalent to an A.I., and while it couldn't think on its own just yet, it could still follow the basic instructions needed to make potions.
The soul stones would function as a power source that would hopefully last until I got back from school.
"Now then let's begin," I declared as I pressed the button which started the machine.
Mechanical hands on the ceiling moved toward the crates and placed handfuls of raw ingredients on the moving conveyer belt. From there they moved onto the chopping board where dozens of hands began to either cut, dice, chop, smash, or squeeze them. They were then split off into smaller lines where they were measured and then sent to different stations.
Next step was the furnace where nozzles fed water into 50 small cauldrons, controlled flames under each one bringing them to a simmer. Once it reached the specified temperature a hand began to drop the first of the ingredients in. After the last of the ingredients was mixed in it was left to cook, hands stirring it constantly.
After 45 minutes the potion was finished but not before receiving a drop of 'Essence of Frost Bell,' which would extend the potion's expiration date for a few years. Next came the cooling stage where the cauldrons were led through a freezer room cooling them before the potions were finally dumped into a large vat.
Empty glass bottles were lined up on a moving track, nozzles connected to the vat filled them to the brim. The corking station was next where each received a wooden stopper. Automatic hands then packaged and boxed the potion bottles into groups of 12.
After an hour of waiting the first batch was finally complete.
Opening one of the boxes I took one out for inspection.
Lowest Grade Recovery Potion-Rank: Magical
A recovery potion created by Charles Bell. A lower-middle grade potion that instantly recovers 250 HP. Tastes like strawberry.
Perfect.
With [Observe] and [Potion's Making] being so high I had finally been able to reverse engineer the recovery potion that I got from the Zombie Dungeon, meaning I now had access to a steady supply.
Better yet, I could now level [Puppetry] and [Potion's Making] automatically, without actually being present.
Placing the potion back in its package, I carried the finished boxes of potions toward a metal chest located in a corner. Lifting the lid up, all that could be seen inside was a swirling black hole that sucked up any nearby light. This was the factories storage chest, which worked similar to my inventory ability, allowing me to store an infinite amount of items inside for safe keeping. They had appeared in every territory I owned allowing me to collect taxes whenever I wanted, and as I a bonus I could even trade items between my inventory and the storage chest using the menu.
Oh, what a certain blonde-haired heiress wouldn't give to have this ability.
(Daphne)
With a frustrated huff, the young heiress placed the puzzle box on the top of her desk.
She scratched her head in annoyance, not caring that she had just messed up her perfectly styled hair.
Forcing herself to calm down, she closed her eyes and looked up at the ceiling of her room.
She had been trying to solve Charles' puzzle the second she had gotten home. It would seem that she had underestimated the young Ravenclaw's sheer craftiness yet again as despite working on it for 12 straight days now, she was no closer to solving it. She hadn't even been able to get another animal mouth to open and the lack of progress was starting to grate on her pride.
If it wasn't for her noble upbringing, she would be in the middle of cursing up a storm, but as it were, she settled for glaring icily at the box.
"Alright, one more try, then sleep," she said trying to motivate herself despite it already being fairly late.
Touching the top left corner of the side with the eagle she gave it a twist, and on the opposite side she saw the monkey face opened its eyes. Turning it around she used a fingernail to pull a small hidden notch located in the background coconut tree, which caused one of the hands covering its mouth to lift up.
She would give him this, he was a skilled craftsman as the level of detail was simply amazing.
This was as far as she had gotten. Last time she had used a cleverly hidden pin to pierce the monkey's left eye but that hadn't done anything. This time however she decided on a simpler approach as she tried to gently lift the monkey's other hand.
She was surprised when it actually seemed to give way, seeing a keyhole inside its open mouth.
The blonde was so happy that she could jump for joy if it wasn't for the fact that everyone else was currently sleeping.
Taking one of the keys, she inserted it finding that it fit on the first try and gave it a twist.
There was a distinct clicking sound as she turning it, certain that she was finally making some progress.
Unfortunately, it was at this moment that the eagle head spit out its key across the room, closed its mouth and rotating its head in a full circle going back to its starting position.
Daphne continued to smile even as she blinked dumbly at the puzzle box and then at the key that lay on the carpet a few feet away. Several seconds passed without a change in her expression almost as if her mind refused to believe what had just transpired.
An icy feeling spread throughout her body as her magic responded to her emotions, extinguishing the fireplace and darkening the room.
"Heh-"
Her smiling face quickly morphed into a snarl as she took the puzzle box and hurled it against the wall.
Overcome with rage and sleeplessness she took the metal fire poker next to the fireplace and swung it down on the innocent box.
"Arggggg! Argh! Ha!-" she continued raining blow after blow determined to turn it into splinters, no longer carrying if she woke anyone else up, only that the source of her anger was destroyed.
Huffing in exertion she let the iron fall from her fingers.
Several seconds passed in silence, she half expected for someone to barge into her room wondering what all the racket was about, but no one did.
After she finally calmed enough, she crouched next to the now destroyed box, shifting through all the mechanical pieces that made up its clever locking mechanism. She received a splinter more than once for her troubles but at long last she found her 'prize'.
It was a pebble-sized glass crystal with a small, 8-peddled, white flower encased inside of it.
It was beautiful.
She couldn't explain why but she felt all of her previous anger leave her.
A smile had wormed its way to her face without her realizing as she held it up to the moonlight.
However, it was then that she remembered what Charles little comment, that it was something she needed. 'What did he mean by that I wonder?'
(Potion Factory)
There was something calming about seeing the large machine work. The precision, the efficiency, the sheer lack of human error spoke to appealed to me on a fundamental level.
I was in the second-floor office waiting, my bird mask off.
What was I waiting for?
The answer laid in the bird cage sitting in front of me. A dozen featherless raven chicks noisily demanding for food.
In the center of the cage was a previously white spirit stone that had turned a pale-green color with brown spots matching those on the raven eggs.
Time to Hatch: 2 minutes.
I had initially placed the spirit stone inside the cage to see what effect it had on other living beings, but somehow it had turned out this way.
Unlike my initial test subject, the black spirit stone, which was still months away from hatching this one only needed 48 hours.
It was interesting to note that I had refrained from feeding this stone unlike all the others. Perhaps that also played a part in why it's hatching time was so much shorter. The spirits inside the stones probably needs to first digest everything it fed on in order to hatch.
I had a blank journal in front of me, to record my findings. Spirit-ology is what I would name it.
On the dot, cracks began to appear on the surface of the stone, white light peeking out from the inside.
Next, tendrils of wispy white smoke seeped out looking around like a curious animal. The noise from the chicks attracting its attention as more tendrils escaped the inside of the stone.
Tentatively it touched one of the chicks, the small bird miraculously quieting down.
Soon it was joined by more tendrils that also began to caress the chick and in seconds it was completely hidden. I noted how similar it looked like a corperal patronous in my journal.
Crack!
The sound of something breaking from the mound of living light caught my attention. It was followed by even more cracking sounds and it didn't take me long to figure what had just happened. The spirit had killed the raven chick. It pulsed, expanding before shrinking again almost as it was breathing.
I noted that down.
After about a minute it stopped, and it unfurled the web of tendrils only to reveal that nothing of the chick had remained. The light appendages were quicker to locate its next victim apparently having gained experience.
It was simply fascinating seeing it devour all 12 chicks one by one, getting better with each attempt until it took only seconds to completely consume them.
Once it was finished, it retreated back to the stone.
The stone then gave off a blinding light that washed over the entire room leaving me temporarily stunned. No wait, I think I actually was blind as I felt a burning sensation over my eyes as if they had been scorched with fire. Despite this setback I didn't panic as I could feel as [Gamer's Body] regenerated my eyes, although perhaps a fraction slower than it should have
Chirp! Chirp!
Slowly my vision returned and the first thing I saw was a blue window.
[You have born witnessed to a rarely seen event. You gain a random special ability.]
You gain the skill [Spirit Tongue].
Look!
Not letting myself get distracted I closed the windows and looked at the cage on my desk.
The stone was gone, and in its place was a black raven chick with red eyes. It looked around the room curiously, its head rotating at angles that should have been physically impossible.
"Observe."
[?] LV 3
Class: Lowest-Level Spirit
Title: Messenger Spirit
HP: 10/10
MP: 12/12
Description: [?] is the first spirit to ever be born on Earth, marking it the first of its kind. Feasting on the bodies of its nest mates has given [?] the appearance and knowledge of a magical raven. It feels hungry…
The full text was longer than I expected, but it provided the insight on spirits I was hoping for.
Look at me!
I looked at the raven chick that was pecking at my fingers, trying to get my attention. It spoke to me in a surprisingly childlike voice, however I noticed that it didn't open its mouth to talk, yet the words were clear. Telepathy?
Hungry! Feed me!
I pulled up the window that I had dismissed before.
[Spirit Tongue] (Passive) LV MAX
Description: Allows you to understand and speak the language of spirits. Your words now carry a magical undertone capable of charming others.
'How useful,' I thought, imagining all the applications this skill could be used for.
Giant! Hurry up and feed me! Hungry!
The chick once again demanded arrogantly as it tried to scratch my hand.
From what I had just read,a spirit is a collection of ideas and believes given form by the world, and just like ideas, each spirit was unique with no two ever being the same. Normally invisible and ethereal in nature, spirits do occasionally allow those they like to see them. Spirits could also use a unique branch of magic that make use of the collective believe of people to fuel their spells. Spirits typically feed on the ambient magic in the atmosphere but could eat just about anything so long as it was magical in nature.
Reaching into my inventory, I took out a knife and slit my palm open, deep enough to allow the blood to pool before it closed up again.
It looked cautious as I brought my bleeding hand close to it.
Words emerge in the front of my mind that only minutes ago would have seemed completely alien in nature. Even as I spoke them out loud, I knew I wasn't speaking a language that I was familiar with.
The words I said didn't have a direct English translation but the closest it came to was, "I offer you my blood as proof of our pact."
Once I was finished talking the chick, looked at me for a couple seconds before hopping to my hand and drinking my blood.
[Do you wish to form a pact with this spirit? Yes/No]
"Yes."
[This spirit has no name. Please name it now.]
Seeing as its main ability had to do with sending messages, I typed in the name that seemed to be most appropriate.
['Hermes' has been accepted.]
The small spirit gave a shudder as white magical circle appeared under its feet.
[Bonding is a success. 'Hermes' is now your familiar.]
[You can now use the 'Pet System' in your Menu.]
Opening the menu, I noticed that a new Tab was available.
Clicking it, a new window popped up?
[The Pet System: A system specifically designed to allows the user to share the powers of the Gamer among his various beast companions. Additionally, pets will have their intelligence increased depending on the knowledge, ideas, and common sense of the owner.
Pets gain a lesser version of the Gamer ability allowing them to level up faster. Any EXP gained will be shared between the Gamer and his pets. The amount is divided equally but can be adjusted accordingly. Once pets reach their maximum level, they can undergo Evolution to transform into a stronger version of themselves.
While not in combat, Pets are allowed to roam free in the outside world or in a specially crafted instant dungeon tailored to their needs. Pets can be summoned to the Gamer's side at any time.
Different types of pets have different abilities, so be sure to get to know your companions.
TIP: A closer connection, grants certain skills like [Sense Sharing].
TIP: Different pets require different materials to evolve so be sure to keep an eye open while exploring.]
Interesting.
There were rows of boxes on one side of the window, with one appearing to be occupied. It showed a 3D model of Hermes with some text next to him.
Hermes
Class: Lowest-Level Spirit
Title: Messenger Spirit
Level: 3/20 Next Level: 0.12%
Summary: Hermes is the first spirit to ever be born on Earth, marking it the first of its kind. Feasting on the bodies of its nest mates has given Hermes the appearance and knowledge of a magical raven.
A messenger spirit, capable of long distance travel. Named after the Greek God of Travel it feels pride in itself and hopes to prove itself in time. Just like the rest of its kind it feeds of magical sources.
Skills:
Spirit Body: This allows spirits the ability to affect the real world by granting them a temporary vessel. Killing the body does not kill the spirit, only returns it back to the ethereal plane where it will rest until called again. Costs: 10 MP per minute.
Hmm. That could certainly be useful.
Charles! Feed me!
Oh, it looks like it gained some of my knowledge-
Stop talking to yourself. Feed me!
And it could hear what I was thinking. Great.
Hungry! Hungry! Hungry!
"Fine," I said offering some of my mana.
The small chick greedily opened its beak and I felt a magical wind over my skin.
Slurp!
I could feel a small drain on my reserves, but the amount was neglectable with my natural mana recovery rate.
While it was busy feeding, I began to record everything I had just learned in my journal
All things considering this turned out to be a very profitable night.
Still it never hurt to experiment some more.
I took out a spare spirit stone and looked to the pile of broken electronic equipment in the corner.
Eh, why not?
(Hogwarts Express)
"Charles!" a bushy haired witch called out to me, dragging a suitcase behind her just as I prepared to board the train. Once she was close enough, she hurriedly took out something from her pocket, a square box.
With a panicked face she held it out for me to take, "I'm so sorry- I completely forgot to ask for your address- and I couldn't mail you your gift- and-and-"
"Relax Granger, it's fine," I said giving her a forgiving smile as I took the present.
"But-but you even went through the trouble of sending me my present," she said timidly holding up her wrist to show an owl bracelet.
"Don't worry about it," I told her as I opened the small box and saw what was inside, a simple stainless-steel pocket watch.
Putting it in my 'top-hat' for the moment I walked behind her, "Here let me help you with your bags."
"Huh, oh no you don't really hav-" she began trying to take her suitcase back but I pulled away.
"It's fine, now let's hurry and find a seat, you can tell me what you did for the holidays."
"…so are you really not mad."
"No, now come one before the train leaves without us."
"Okay then…" she said hesitantly as she began to board the train.
Walking behind her I began to talk, "By the way did you know that your house is only a few streets away from where I live? We could have visited each other anytime we wanted."
"What?!"
A/N: Done. How was that?
Hermes is going to be Charles constant companion, occasionally being his voice of compassion. He won't be the only one either, as more spirits will soon join the party.
Also what did you think of 'Alice', I got the idea from the refrain drug used in Code Geass. I found it worked well with the mirror and the pensieve so I had to put it in.
I'll expand more on the town during the summer break.
The storage chests are invisible to others but they hold all of his earnings just like in idle games.
Well that's it for now, until next time.