Evolution:The Bloodthirsty Saga of the Magic Engineer-Chapter 51: Setting up the little machinery in my room

It wasn’t hard to imagine that, to get the ingredients I needed, I would have to visit someone specialized in chemical substances, even if they weren’t strictly magical. I asked a few people passing through the market, and soon I was directed to a small, clean shop that emanated a strong smell of chemical mixtures in the air.

The interior was a feast for the eyes. Tall shelves covered the walls, filled with colorful bottles labeled with detailed calligraphy. Each bottle seemed to contain a different world: bubbling liquids in vivid colors, shimmering powders that sparkled like stars, dried herbs hanging in bunches, some still releasing a fresh aroma. In the center, a cauldron was bubbling, releasing a greenish smoke that gently rose into a vent in the ceiling.

The space was lit by a soft magical glow, cast by crystals fixed to wall mounts. These crystals shifted colors, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. On the counter, alchemical instruments were scattered: mortars, test tubes, delicate scales, and a collection of finely sharpened knives.

Behind the counter stood the shopkeeper: a boy, perhaps a few years older than me, with a serious expression. He had dark, messy hair and wore an apron stained with reagent marks.

As I entered with the machinery strapped to my back, he lifted his eyes from the book he was reading and, in a sharp voice, said:

"Hey, hey, hey! If you break anything, you’re paying for it."

"No problem," I replied calmly, walking up to the counter. My gaze swept over the bottles and ingredients. It was clear that this place was a paradise for any aspiring alchemist. Something like what my garage was to me in my past world.

The boy let out a heavy sigh, closed his book, and crossed his arms.

"What do you want? A recovery potion? Fire resistance? Something to deal with poison?"

I stopped in front of him, observing his face. He seemed competent but impatient with curious customers. Perfect for someone like me, who knew exactly what I wanted.

"No, I’m looking for specific products. And not magical ones," I replied, keeping my voice firm and direct.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, and uncrossed his arms.

"Specific products, huh? And what exactly do you have in mind?"

"I need large quantities of coca leaves, kerosene, sulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid," I explained, watching his reaction.

The boy tilted his head, now more interested.

"You’re putting something together. It’s not common for someone to walk in here asking for such technical things. Usually, people pay for my products, not the reagents. But, as with every rule, there are exceptions. What quantities do you need?"

"I want small portions of each, at least enough to run a few initial tests. And, of course, nothing extravagant. I’m on a tight budget."

He nodded, grabbed a small notebook, and began jotting down notes quickly.

"Coca leaves, kerosene, sulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid. It’ll cost you three magic crystals for all of this. But if you want a larger batch, the price will go up."

"Three crystals is fine," I confirmed, placing the amount on the counter.

"But I want to make sure the quality is good. I can’t afford any failures in the process."

He let out a light chuckle, dry and short.

"If you’re buying here, you can trust my products are top quality. Now wait a moment while I get what you asked for."

The boy disappeared behind a curtain at the back of the shop. I heard the sound of bottles clinking, liquids being poured, and something that sounded like the hiss of a small burner. While I waited, I glanced around the shop again, impressed by the organization and sheer quantity of materials available.

After a few minutes, he returned with a small wooden box containing bottles of liquid, packets of coca leaves, and neatly organized labels. He also had a barrel of kerosene.

"Here it is. Everything you asked for. Each item is labeled. If you need instructions, they’re on the back of the labels. If you have any questions, come back and look for me."

"Thanks," I replied, carefully picking up the box and securing it. "I’m sure I’ll be back. It seems like you have more to offer than I initially thought."

He smiled but said nothing. He simply reopened his book, ignoring my exit as if I were just another customer.

After leaving the alchemist’s shop with all my purchases in hand, I made my way back to the dormitory. The corridors of the tower were a bit emptier now, though the hustle and bustle of the commercial post could still be heard in the distance. I walked quickly, trying not to draw much attention, even with the machinery and ingredients I was carrying on my back. When I finally reached my room, I pushed the door open and stepped inside, letting out a sigh of relief.

I placed the bags and equipment on the floor, stretching my back as I looked at everything I had acquired. A small, involuntary smile crept across my face. "Finally," I thought. I was one step closer to turning my plan into reality. Now, I just needed to set up all the machinery and get to work.

I crouched down and began unpacking the items carefully. I untied the ropes that kept the bags sealed and removed the leather coverings that protected the equipment. One by one, the devices began to appear before me: the grinder, the tanks, the filter, the distiller... all perfectly organized on the floor of my small room.

"Virtual lab, extract a 3D hologram of each item."

["Beep!"]

["Analyzing..."]

The light from the virtual lab, projecting from my eyes onto the devices, was scanning smoothly, and as each item reached 100% analysis, a hologram of it became available in the air before me.

["Analysis successfully completed!"]

"Now, assemble the machinery in the most efficient way possible."

["Processing..."]

The holograms of the components began to reshape in the air, and without difficulty, the virtual lab devised an ideal configuration.

["Leaf grinder → 2. Mixing tank (kerosene or gasoline) → 3. Filter or sieve (separate leaves) → 4. Alembic or distiller (solvent recovery) → 5. Neutralization tank (acid neutralization) → 6. Press or pressure system (alkaloid extraction) → 7. Crystallization tank (crystal formation) → 8. Pressure filter (final purification) → 9. Furnace or heat source (drying) → 10. Secure storage."]

["Assembly complete."]

I took a deep breath, calming myself. "Time to get started."

I picked up the grinder first, examining its simple but effective mechanisms. It was a mechanical device with a crank that turned sharp blades inside. I placed it in a corner of the room and secured its base to the floor with the supports that came with the equipment. I tested the crank a few times, listening to the satisfying sound of the blades cutting through the air. "This will work perfectly to reduce the leaves to the right size."

Next, I positioned the mixing tank near the grinder. This was a cylindrical container with an opening at the top and a small valve at the base. I installed the internal paddle that would be used to mix the ground leaves with the kerosene. I secured the valve connections and ensured the base was stable. I tested the crank that activated the mixing mechanism and smiled when everything worked as expected.

I grabbed the metal filter, which resembled a sturdy sieve, and connected it to the output of the mixing tank. It was designed to separate the ground leaves from the liquid after the initial mixing. I adjusted its position to ensure there were no leaks, fastening it firmly with screws.

I placed the distiller next, right after the filter. It was a more complex structure, with glass tubes winding through a metal reservoir. This device would be essential for recovering the solvent used in the process. I spent extra time connecting the tubes properly and adjusting the supports. I tested the system by blowing air through the tubes to ensure there were no obstructions.

The neutralization tank came next. This was another cylindrical container, but it had a built-in pH meter to monitor the acid-neutralization process. I positioned it right after the distiller and connected the outlets. I double-checked the valves to make sure everything was properly sealed.

I installed the press immediately after. This was one of the heaviest devices, designed to extract alkaloids from the leaves. I placed it on a reinforced base and adjusted the levers that controlled the pressure. "This will take some effort, but it’ll be worth it," I thought, running my hand over the mechanism.

I grabbed the crystallization tank, made of thick glass with a metal frame. It would be used for forming crystals after the alkaloids were extracted. I placed it in a more protected corner of the room, away from any potential vibrations that could interfere with the process.

The pressure filter came after the crystallization tank. This device was compact but efficient, designed to remove impurities from the formed crystals. I adjusted its connections and tested the output valve.

I installed the small furnace on the side, near the pressure filter. It was a simple but effective model, capable of generating enough heat to dry the crystals quickly. I placed it on a heat-resistant surface and tested its energy source.

Finally, I organized the storage container in the corner of the room. It was a reinforced metal box designed to keep the crystals secure. I placed it in a discreet location, ensuring it was out of sight to avoid curious eyes.

Once I finished setting everything up, I took a few steps back and admired the result of my work. The room now looked more like a small, improvised lab. Despite being cramped, the space was functional and well-organized.

"Everything’s ready. Now, it’s just a matter of producing the cocaine..."

...

1660 Words

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