Once upon a time, there existed a video game series called “Demon Hunter.”
In this game, each act featured a gambling non-playable character (NPC). When you purchased an item from them, it would be classified as either magical, rare, unique, or part of a set. Naturally, the higher the quality, the lower the odds.
I’m sharing this narrative to draw a parallel to the operations of the black market.
Much like in the game, you remain uncertain about the item’s quality until you unveil it and use an identification spell.
“Welcome. What can I assist you with?”
“Do you have any stats-effect fruits, such as explosive or paralytic fruits?”
“Of course, please make your selection.”
“Hmm.”
The merchant nods confidently and smiles, while I carefully inspect the fruits.
[Item Inspection]
[Explosive Fruit. Paralytic Fruit. Illusionary Fruit. Former Explosive Fruit. Non-paralytic Fruit]
…Hah, take a look at this.
The ones labeled ‘Former’ or ‘Non’ are considered ‘unusable items.’ They may look the same but are essentially worthless, not even worth a single coin. They are either flawed or of inferior quality.
Indeed, this mirrors the nature of the black market.
“Then I’ll take these, these, and that one.”
“…Not interested in the rest?”
“I exclusively deal in high-quality items.”
The merchant’s smile fades, and he glares at me with annoyance. I respond with a smile and glance at Nephti, who promptly positions herself between me and the merchant.
“You’re quick.”
“She’s a capable escort. What’s your decision?”
“Tsk. Very well, please wait a moment.”
The merchant adeptly places the fruits into a bag, and I ensure he doesn’t swap them. He doesn’t stoop so low; he seems to have some ethics.
As we stroll down the street after the transaction, Nephti raises a question.
“Why didn’t you purchase the rest?”
“…Why waste my money on garbage?”
“You mean they’re counterfeit?”
“Yes.”
“Shouldn’t we report it? How is this allowed in Jephryn…?”
“This is Jephryn, but not really Jephryn. That’s the mindset of people who peddle goods in the black market.”
“What do you mean?”
“The black market is a world where both parties take risks. If you buy a subpar item unknowingly, it’s your problem. That’s the saying.”
“…What a cynical mindset. So that’s why it’s the black market.”
“Exactly, it’s truly a seedy place. But they also deal in items you can’t find anywhere else. What’s even seedier is…”
“Is?”
“Never mind, it’s not important.”
I glance back at the black market.
This “Market Street” entrance looks more innocent than I expected.
Just a place where merchants deceive you.
But deep within the black market lurks unimaginable filth.
“Nephti, if you ever need to come back here, never venture deeper in.”
“Yes. Ye-what?”
“Never go in.”
“Understood.”
I touch my face and my throat.
[Fake Face] [Fake Voice]
Low-tier, but these two dreadful 8-tier magics have brought darkness to the heart of the black market.
In my mind, the darkness of the ‘Kelters Fallen Route’ seems to automatically play.
Countless ‘dropouts,’ ‘failures,’ dream of living as an ‘Academy Celebrity.’
Their salvation comes in the form of ‘Fake Face’ and ‘Fake Voice.’
Inside that black market, there are countless people with famous faces.
Role-playing as Kelters, Aila, Eve, and so on.
They take it seriously.
It’s no joke, really.
Magic can’t change the entire body, so when a 198 cm tall man with Rudika’s face declares, ‘I am Rudika, the assassin of the abyss. You too, rest in the shadows,’ it’s truly…
I feel sick.
“….Anyway, don’t approach that darkness.”
“Ye-yes. I have no reason to go there anyway.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, I’d rather earn my money honestly!”
Nephti’s words are filled with determination.
Well, that’s reassuring.
***
I returned to the convenience store and began preparing for work. I was physically drained from going out for the first time in a while, but Nephti quickly arranged everything for me.
“Everything is ready.”
“…Hmm.”
Various beans for Mix Beans, flasks and basic reagents for potion making, ores, fruits, and even a crafting kit for the Handy Work; everything was neatly set up. I naturally nodded my head.
“Your work is very organized.”
“Thank you.”
“So, this is why you never run out of work. Truly fitting for the top student of the sophomore class in the Knight Department.”
“Wow…it’s been a long time since I’ve heard that.”
“A long time?”
“Yes. These days, people rarely call me by that name. I’m more often just called ‘Nephti.'”
Nephti brought her index finger to her chin and contemplated for a moment before smiling and laughing.
This girl is plain.
“Then, I’ll get going now so I don’t disturb your work!”
“Aren’t you curious about what I’m making?”
“I am, but I have a night shift starting now!”
“You’re diligent.”
“I really need the money!”
Nephti, getting ready to leave the convenience store, put on her gloves and work attire that read ‘Safety First.’ As I looked at her retreating figure, a person who genuinely enjoys her work, I couldn’t help but be curious.
The original Nephti character wasn’t one to risk her life for money.
“Nephti, why are you so fixated on money? Are you that desperate?”
“Huh? Ah. Um.”
Nephti contemplated my question for a moment before smiling casually.
“Actually… it’s like this.”
“Go ahead and tell me. I’m the one who asked.”
“Okay, okay. I think I can manage by sending this amount of money back home. My mom even started a small business. I have three younger siblings, and they are all adorable!”
“And?”
“My siblings want to come to Jephryn. Entrance exams are expensive, so I need to work hard.”
“……”
She’s earning money for her siblings? That’s not her usual tone. So she becomes a different sister when she’s around her siblings?
“Personally, I would like my siblings to come to Jephryn.”
“Won’t it be exhausting to pay for their tuition as well?”
“It might be, but Jephryn is truly a great place. There are people like you, Senior Wolfram. If they get in, they’ll find a way, right?”
“I see.”
Wow. She’s telling an old man like me this, knowing I get easily emotional.
“…Nephti. Take this.”
“What is it? … A potion?”
“It’s a Stamina Recovery Potion with a [Vitality Boost] enhancement. It probably has a strawberry flavor.”
It’s a three-stage crafted potion, combining Handy Work and Mix Sweets.
“…An enchanted potion?! Isn’t this worth at least 40,000 Rin?! And it even has a flavor?”
“Probably.”
“If I sell this, I can get meal tickets…”
“It’s a gift. Use it when you’re tired.”
“……”
Wow. Young Lady, Listen to the old man.
“If you run out of stamina like me when your siblings arrive, they won’t be happy.”
“……You’re right.”
Nephti chuckled and placed the potion in her bag. Just before leaving, she tilted her head and asked me innocently,
“By the way, senior.”
“What is it?”
“How can I deplete my stamina as much as you?”
“……”
Hey.
Give me that potion back.
I’ll just drink it and collapse.
***
And the next day.
I took the items I had crafted and headed to the student council room.
“Ah, Mr. Wolfram. It’s been a while.”
“It certainly has.”
“Your assistance on the last expedition was invaluable. Thank you.”
“Hmm. Make sure to continue supporting that one well.”
“Yes, yes!”
“Ah, Mr. Wolfram, hello!”
“You’ve been working hard.”
The greetings I received were mostly filled with goodwill.
Most of them were officers who had joined me on expeditions, and I acknowledged their greetings as I headed towards the student council room where Eve was.
Seems like doing good deeds earns you recognition; the support in the last expedition must have made a significant impact.
“···Ugh. Why are you here?”
“······.”
“Answer me! Wolfram von Roengreen!”
“······.”
The silver-haired elf.
No, if only it wasn’t Sylphia Evergreen Grove, the [Spirit Knight].
“Ah, I see.”
What else is there to say?
“At that time, I said this: I’d rather die than accept help from you! Yet here I am, receiving it. So, have you come to claim my life?”
“······.”
“Fine. If you’re going to take it, then cleanly cut my throat right here. Give me a death without shame!”
Former student council president in front of the current student council office threatening to behead the current vice president?
Is she losing her mind? What kind of thought is that?
Does she have a delusional organ instead of a brain? Has her brain soaked in something?
“Move. I have something to discuss with Eve.”
“You’re not going to cut off my neck?”
“No. I have no intention to do so. I came here today to review matters related to the sports festival.”
“······Ah, I see. Fine. Finish the paperwork here and… follow me.”
Guided by the Spirit Knight, or rather, the delusional knight, I was able to have a one-on-one conversation with Eve.
Now then.
This is the real turning point.
***
As expected, Eve let out a deep sigh after reviewing the documents I handed over.
“Wolfram. Wolfram von Roengreen.”
“What is it, Eve von Roengreen?”
“It says here in the document you submitted that you’ve prepared a package of support potions and snacks for the underclassmen.”
“Hmm. Yes. Considering the underclassmen might inhale a lot of sand or suffer from heatstroke.”
“There’s no hidden agenda behind this, right?”
Oh my, what harsh words.
What are kids learning these days?
“···Hidden agenda, huh. What do you mean by that?”
“That is, are you not selling some peculiar stuff! You have a reputation for creating unusual items, so I find these ‘potions’ suspicious!”
“Hmm.”
Oh my, look at this one. With wide-open eyes, you’re going to send me to the student council?
And when I’m being so resourceful, why are you staring so wide-eyed? Really, it’s unbelievable.
Just a little. Very little.
“It’s a mood-enhancing potion.”
“Are you serious?!”
“Hmm. Calm down, holster your weapon, stand tall, and control your breathing. Eve von Roengreen, listen carefully.”
“······Phew. Phew. Alright. Go ahead. So I don’t have to stick this weapon between your eyes.”
“Good. You know how potions work, right? Simply put, there are two main types of potions. One is an [Enchant Potion], which can instantly heal even those without magical power. The other is a [Normal Potion], which rapidly enhances the body’s functions.”
“Right.”
“However, [Enchant Potions] carry a risk of magical contamination, so they are primarily meant for individuals with magical aptitude. But undergraduates are ordinary people. Enchant potions are hazardous.”
“······So?”
“But this normal potion, despite enhancing various bodily functions, causes a very minor rebound effect. If it heals wounds quickly, you may feel a bit lightheaded; if it boosts resistance, the body may warm up slightly. But if you follow the instructions, it’s safe for regular people to consume. Understand?”
“That’s…?”
“So, if we dilute it to prevent magical contamination, boost resistance, and remove impurities, resulting in a very slight rebound, isn’t that inevitable?”
“······Isn’t that akin to intoxication?”
“You need alcohol to classify it as intoxication. Does this potion contain alcohol? Check the ingredient analysis.”
“······No…it doesn’t?”
“Then what is it? Is this a potion or alcohol?”
“Uh, huh?”
“Is it alcohol or not?”
“···It’s not?”
“Exactly.”
“···So, um, it’s okay to approve it?”
“Correct. What does it say here? ‘Intended for undergraduate sales.’ Would consuming this potion according to the instructions be considered alcohol consumption by an adult?”
“No, it wouldn’t?”
“Exactly.”
“···There are no adverse effects either. Mild shaking due to the recovery side effect. But in the long term, it certainly enhances one’s status.”
“Once more, think about it. Is this alcohol?”
“It’s not alcohol. It doesn’t seem to be.”
“[It is not.]”
“It isn’t.”
“Hmm.”
“Alright. I’ll grant a sales permit.”
“Hmm.”
Eve, whose eyes were spinning, eventually stamped my application firmly with the student council seal.
See?
Even the student council president confirms it’s not alcohol.
Once upon a time, there existed a video game series called “Demon Hunter.”
In this game, each act featured a gambling non-playable character (NPC). When you purchased an item from them, it would be classified as either magical, rare, unique, or part of a set. Naturally, the higher the quality, the lower the odds.
I’m sharing this narrative to draw a parallel to the operations of the black market.
Much like in the game, you remain uncertain about the item’s quality until you unveil it and use an identification spell.
“Welcome. What can I assist you with?”
“Do you have any stats-effect fruits, such as explosive or paralytic fruits?”
“Of course, please make your selection.”
“Hmm.”
The merchant nods confidently and smiles, while I carefully inspect the fruits.
[Item Inspection]
[Explosive Fruit. Paralytic Fruit. Illusionary Fruit. Former Explosive Fruit. Non-paralytic Fruit]
…Hah, take a look at this.
The ones labeled ‘Former’ or ‘Non’ are considered ‘unusable items.’ They may look the same but are essentially worthless, not even worth a single coin. They are either flawed or of inferior quality.
Indeed, this mirrors the nature of the black market.
“Then I’ll take these, these, and that one.”
“…Not interested in the rest?”
“I exclusively deal in high-quality items.”
The merchant’s smile fades, and he glares at me with annoyance. I respond with a smile and glance at Nephti, who promptly positions herself between me and the merchant.
“You’re quick.”
“She’s a capable escort. What’s your decision?”
“Tsk. Very well, please wait a moment.”
The merchant adeptly places the fruits into a bag, and I ensure he doesn’t swap them. He doesn’t stoop so low; he seems to have some ethics.
As we stroll down the street after the transaction, Nephti raises a question.
“Why didn’t you purchase the rest?”
“…Why waste my money on garbage?”
“You mean they’re counterfeit?”
“Yes.”
“Shouldn’t we report it? How is this allowed in Jephryn…?”
“This is Jephryn, but not really Jephryn. That’s the mindset of people who peddle goods in the black market.”
“What do you mean?”
“The black market is a world where both parties take risks. If you buy a subpar item unknowingly, it’s your problem. That’s the saying.”
“…What a cynical mindset. So that’s why it’s the black market.”
“Exactly, it’s truly a seedy place. But they also deal in items you can’t find anywhere else. What’s even seedier is…”
“Is?”
“Never mind, it’s not important.”
I glance back at the black market.
This “Market Street” entrance looks more innocent than I expected.
Just a place where merchants deceive you.
But deep within the black market lurks unimaginable filth.
“Nephti, if you ever need to come back here, never venture deeper in.”
“Yes. Ye-what?”
“Never go in.”
“Understood.”
I touch my face and my throat.
[Fake Face] [Fake Voice]
Low-tier, but these two dreadful 8-tier magics have brought darkness to the heart of the black market.
In my mind, the darkness of the ‘Kelters Fallen Route’ seems to automatically play.
Countless ‘dropouts,’ ‘failures,’ dream of living as an ‘Academy Celebrity.’
Their salvation comes in the form of ‘Fake Face’ and ‘Fake Voice.’
Inside that black market, there are countless people with famous faces.
Role-playing as Kelters, Aila, Eve, and so on.
They take it seriously.
It’s no joke, really.
Magic can’t change the entire body, so when a 198 cm tall man with Rudika’s face declares, ‘I am Rudika, the assassin of the abyss. You too, rest in the shadows,’ it’s truly…
I feel sick.
“….Anyway, don’t approach that darkness.”
“Ye-yes. I have no reason to go there anyway.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, I’d rather earn my money honestly!”
Nephti’s words are filled with determination.
Well, that’s reassuring.
***
I returned to the convenience store and began preparing for work. I was physically drained from going out for the first time in a while, but Nephti quickly arranged everything for me.
“Everything is ready.”
“…Hmm.”
Various beans for Mix Beans, flasks and basic reagents for potion making, ores, fruits, and even a crafting kit for the Handy Work; everything was neatly set up. I naturally nodded my head.
“Your work is very organized.”
“Thank you.”
“So, this is why you never run out of work. Truly fitting for the top student of the sophomore class in the Knight Department.”
“Wow…it’s been a long time since I’ve heard that.”
“A long time?”
“Yes. These days, people rarely call me by that name. I’m more often just called ‘Nephti.'”
Nephti brought her index finger to her chin and contemplated for a moment before smiling and laughing.
This girl is plain.
“Then, I’ll get going now so I don’t disturb your work!”
“Aren’t you curious about what I’m making?”
“I am, but I have a night shift starting now!”
“You’re diligent.”
“I really need the money!”
Nephti, getting ready to leave the convenience store, put on her gloves and work attire that read ‘Safety First.’ As I looked at her retreating figure, a person who genuinely enjoys her work, I couldn’t help but be curious.
The original Nephti character wasn’t one to risk her life for money.
“Nephti, why are you so fixated on money? Are you that desperate?”
“Huh? Ah. Um.”
Nephti contemplated my question for a moment before smiling casually.
“Actually… it’s like this.”
“Go ahead and tell me. I’m the one who asked.”
“Okay, okay. I think I can manage by sending this amount of money back home. My mom even started a small business. I have three younger siblings, and they are all adorable!”
“And?”
“My siblings want to come to Jephryn. Entrance exams are expensive, so I need to work hard.”
“……”
She’s earning money for her siblings? That’s not her usual tone. So she becomes a different sister when she’s around her siblings?
“Personally, I would like my siblings to come to Jephryn.”
“Won’t it be exhausting to pay for their tuition as well?”
“It might be, but Jephryn is truly a great place. There are people like you, Senior Wolfram. If they get in, they’ll find a way, right?”
“I see.”
Wow. She’s telling an old man like me this, knowing I get easily emotional.
“…Nephti. Take this.”
“What is it? … A potion?”
“It’s a Stamina Recovery Potion with a [Vitality Boost] enhancement. It probably has a strawberry flavor.”
It’s a three-stage crafted potion, combining Handy Work and Mix Sweets.
“…An enchanted potion?! Isn’t this worth at least 40,000 Rin?! And it even has a flavor?”
“Probably.”
“If I sell this, I can get meal tickets…”
“It’s a gift. Use it when you’re tired.”
“……”
Wow. Young Lady, Listen to the old man.
“If you run out of stamina like me when your siblings arrive, they won’t be happy.”
“……You’re right.”
Nephti chuckled and placed the potion in her bag. Just before leaving, she tilted her head and asked me innocently,
“By the way, senior.”
“What is it?”
“How can I deplete my stamina as much as you?”
“……”
Hey.
Give me that potion back.
I’ll just drink it and collapse.
***
And the next day.
I took the items I had crafted and headed to the student council room.
“Ah, Mr. Wolfram. It’s been a while.”
“It certainly has.”
“Your assistance on the last expedition was invaluable. Thank you.”
“Hmm. Make sure to continue supporting that one well.”
“Yes, yes!”
“Ah, Mr. Wolfram, hello!”
“You’ve been working hard.”
The greetings I received were mostly filled with goodwill.
Most of them were officers who had joined me on expeditions, and I acknowledged their greetings as I headed towards the student council room where Eve was.
Seems like doing good deeds earns you recognition; the support in the last expedition must have made a significant impact.
“···Ugh. Why are you here?”
“······.”
“Answer me! Wolfram von Roengreen!”
“······.”
The silver-haired elf.
No, if only it wasn’t Sylphia Evergreen Grove, the [Spirit Knight].
“Ah, I see.”
What else is there to say?
“At that time, I said this: I’d rather die than accept help from you! Yet here I am, receiving it. So, have you come to claim my life?”
“······.”
“Fine. If you’re going to take it, then cleanly cut my throat right here. Give me a death without shame!”
Former student council president in front of the current student council office threatening to behead the current vice president?
Is she losing her mind? What kind of thought is that?
Does she have a delusional organ instead of a brain? Has her brain soaked in something?
“Move. I have something to discuss with Eve.”
“You’re not going to cut off my neck?”
“No. I have no intention to do so. I came here today to review matters related to the sports festival.”
“······Ah, I see. Fine. Finish the paperwork here and… follow me.”
Guided by the Spirit Knight, or rather, the delusional knight, I was able to have a one-on-one conversation with Eve.
Now then.
This is the real turning point.
***
As expected, Eve let out a deep sigh after reviewing the documents I handed over.
“Wolfram. Wolfram von Roengreen.”
“What is it, Eve von Roengreen?”
“It says here in the document you submitted that you’ve prepared a package of support potions and snacks for the underclassmen.”
“Hmm. Yes. Considering the underclassmen might inhale a lot of sand or suffer from heatstroke.”
“There’s no hidden agenda behind this, right?”
Oh my, what harsh words.
What are kids learning these days?
“···Hidden agenda, huh. What do you mean by that?”
“That is, are you not selling some peculiar stuff! You have a reputation for creating unusual items, so I find these ‘potions’ suspicious!”
“Hmm.”
Oh my, look at this one. With wide-open eyes, you’re going to send me to the student council?
And when I’m being so resourceful, why are you staring so wide-eyed? Really, it’s unbelievable.
Just a little. Very little.
“It’s a mood-enhancing potion.”
“Are you serious?!”
“Hmm. Calm down, holster your weapon, stand tall, and control your breathing. Eve von Roengreen, listen carefully.”
“······Phew. Phew. Alright. Go ahead. So I don’t have to stick this weapon between your eyes.”
“Good. You know how potions work, right? Simply put, there are two main types of potions. One is an [Enchant Potion], which can instantly heal even those without magical power. The other is a [Normal Potion], which rapidly enhances the body’s functions.”
“Right.”
“However, [Enchant Potions] carry a risk of magical contamination, so they are primarily meant for individuals with magical aptitude. But undergraduates are ordinary people. Enchant potions are hazardous.”
“······So?”
“But this normal potion, despite enhancing various bodily functions, causes a very minor rebound effect. If it heals wounds quickly, you may feel a bit lightheaded; if it boosts resistance, the body may warm up slightly. But if you follow the instructions, it’s safe for regular people to consume. Understand?”
“That’s…?”
“So, if we dilute it to prevent magical contamination, boost resistance, and remove impurities, resulting in a very slight rebound, isn’t that inevitable?”
“······Isn’t that akin to intoxication?”
“You need alcohol to classify it as intoxication. Does this potion contain alcohol? Check the ingredient analysis.”
“······No…it doesn’t?”
“Then what is it? Is this a potion or alcohol?”
“Uh, huh?”
“Is it alcohol or not?”
“···It’s not?”
“Exactly.”
“···So, um, it’s okay to approve it?”
“Correct. What does it say here? ‘Intended for undergraduate sales.’ Would consuming this potion according to the instructions be considered alcohol consumption by an adult?”
“No, it wouldn’t?”
“Exactly.”
“···There are no adverse effects either. Mild shaking due to the recovery side effect. But in the long term, it certainly enhances one’s status.”
“Once more, think about it. Is this alcohol?”
“It’s not alcohol. It doesn’t seem to be.”
“[It is not.]”
“It isn’t.”
“Hmm.”
“Alright. I’ll grant a sales permit.”
“Hmm.”
Eve, whose eyes were spinning, eventually stamped my application firmly with the student council seal.
See?
Even the student council president confirms it’s not alcohol.
