Evolution:The Bloodthirsty Saga of the Magic Engineer-Chapter 56 - 65 magic profit crystal

Sitting on the edge of my bed, the mechanical mortar was precisely positioned by my side. Carefully, I opened the glass container holding the cocaine crystals.

With firm but controlled movements, I poured a moderate amount of the crystals into the mortar. The sound of the hard pieces hitting the metallic container lightly echoed through the room. I gripped the lever with determination and began to turn it. The gear squeaked softly as the crystals started to shatter. The refining process was almost hypnotic, the rhythmic application of force transforming the crystals into a fine, homogeneous powder.

After a few minutes of consistent work, the powder was ready. I opened the mortar and observed the interior carefully. There it was: a vibrant, brilliant white powder, with a purity I hadn’t expected. "This is… surprising," I murmured to myself, holding some of the powder between my fingers. The texture was perfect, and the shimmer reflected exceptional quality.

For a moment, I pondered the origin of the raw material. "The ingredients in this world really possess greater potential than those in my previous one. It makes sense, considering this place is saturated with elemental particles. Perhaps this purity is a direct result of that."

Carefully, I transferred the refined powder into a clean glass container. I repeated this process until all 1.5 kilograms of cocaine were transformed into the highest quality powder. Sitting down again, I began to calculate.

"If I divide this into 15 portions of 100 grams each and sell each portion for 5 magic crystals… that totals 75 magic crystals. Subtracting the 10 magic crystals I spent on production, the profit would be 65 magic crystals."

The calculation is simple:

1.5 kg of cocaine = 1,500 grams.

1,500 grams / 15 portions = 1 portion of 100 grams.

1 portion of 100 grams = 5 magic crystals.

5 magic crystals × 15 portions = 75 magic crystals.

75 - 10 (production cost) = 65 magic crystals of profit.

"Of course, all of this depends on finding willing buyers. But, considering what I know about the circles Charlotte frequents, I believe my hypothesis is correct. Many acolytes would probably fall into this trap without realizing the true value of what they’re exchanging."

The thought of a potential profit of 65 magic crystals was already exciting. But my mind went further. "If I can reinvest the 75 magic crystals to produce more cocaine, in no time I could amass 500 magic crystals. With that amount, it would be possible to build a fully equipped engineering lab. Of course, that would allow me to increase my production capacity exponentially and open up new research possibilities, but… the market would get saturated with my drug, causing prices to drop drastically, so it’s better to keep a steady profit—selling 15 portions each week."

This would result in 300 magic crystals per month.

I sighed deeply, trying to calm the excitement growing inside me. "I can’t be careless. This plan is risky, and if word spreads about the profit margin I’m achieving, I’ll attract unwanted attention. Dangerous eyes might turn on me, especially if someone wants the recipe or exclusivity of this market."

I looked at the shiny powder in the container and thought: "Still, this drug is something new here. Something no one has ever seen. If I move carefully, I can control the market before anyone realizes what’s happening."

With the container securely tucked under my arm, I left my room determined. "Alright! Now it’s time to sell it!" I thought, my determination guiding me through the tower’s corridors. The journey wasn’t exactly short, but I knew exactly where to find Charlotte. She always went to the same place after working in the mines for Miguel, an area less frequented by the Acolytes—better known as a gathering spot for those who preferred to "deviate" from their studies.

Finally, I arrived at the location. The place still looked like an old bathroom, its original function long abandoned. The walls, as before, were covered in graffiti of deformed magical runes and random symbols that seemed to have been made by trembling hands. I used to be unable to understand this graffiti, but now I could read most of the symbols and drawings in the tower.

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The strong smell of alcohol and chemicals filled the air, nearly making me step back.

Near the entrance, a group of individuals was in various states of consciousness. Some danced clumsily, others jumped as if the ground was on fire, while some were simply sprawled on the floor, their eyes lost in some illusory void. I couldn’t help but frown in disgust.

"What a deplorable scene," I thought as I passed them. These people, all Acolytes, should have been pursuing knowledge—the real power. Instead, they were here, desperately trying to escape the brutal reality that surrounds us.

I reached the bathroom door, preparing to knock, but before I could, I felt a sticky hand on my shoulder. Instinctively, I turned to face whoever dared to touch me. It was a boy... No, a frog-headed aberration. He was clearly out of his mind, his bloodshot eyes and trembling posture giving him away. The smell emanating from him was unbearable, as if he had been living in a sewer for weeks.

"Are you new here? What’s that white powder in the container?" he asked, pointing with a shaky finger at the glass jar I was carrying. Before I could respond, he bent over and vomited right in front of me, a sight that almost made me do the same.

"Disgusting," I muttered, and without thinking twice, I flexed my arm and pushed him back with force. "Don’t touch me, freak!" I said coldly, watching him fall to the ground with a thud. He stayed there, laughing like a lunatic, completely oblivious to the humiliation he had just suffered. "This guy has probably lost what’s left of his mind. That’s what happens when you consume this junk regularly."

I quickly observed the group around him. They seemed to be in the same state as he was. All addicts, likely Level 1 Acolytes or even novices who had given up too early on the path of knowledge after realizing that, with their poor talents, they were destined for the bottom of the magical world.

However, there were exceptions, like Charlotte, a 4-star Acolyte. I thought, recalling how she spoke enthusiastically about "unwinding" with people like this.

I turned my attention back to the door. "Knock, knock," I tapped lightly, trying to avoid drawing too much attention.

After a few moments of waiting, the door opened. What I saw surprised me. The interior was even more crowded than the outside. The people inside were in a state of frenzied agitation. Some were talking in small groups, others danced in a corner where a magical crystal was projecting loud music, and others simply leaned against the walls, their eyes unfocused and sporting idiotic smiles.

"Is there some kind of party? A celebration?" I wondered silently, frowning. When Charlotte brought me here last time, the place was busy but never like this. "Something is different. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to introduce my product."

I entered the space, keeping a confident yet alert expression. My eyes searched for Charlotte as I mentally prepared to take the next step of my plan. "If this crowd is willing to pay the price, I could make far more profit than I expected. Though obviously, I wouldn’t be foolish enough to sell cocaine without the permission of this place’s owner. I didn’t want to stir up trouble on my first day."

Walking among the youths, I gave a mental command to my Virtual Lab. "Search! Charlotte."

[Beep!]

The cold, mechanical response sounded in my mind, followed by a thin blue ray scanning my field of vision, analyzing the features of the faces around me. The system was efficient, cross-referencing Charlotte’s facial parameters with the data stored in my memory. Even in this chaotic environment, where flickering lights and loud music distorted the senses, I trusted it to do its job.

While waiting for the result, I gave another mental command. "What’s the air quality here?"

[The air is full of toxic particles... I recommend not staying in this environment for too long.]

I sighed lightly. I had expected that response. This place was a disaster for anyone with even a shred of common sense or concern for their health. It was like breathing a chemical cocktail. "One more reason to get out of here quickly," I thought.

A few seconds later, the lab finally located Charlotte. A virtual overlay highlighted her position on the second floor. She was sitting in a circle of girls around a table cluttered with bottles of drinks. "Teenagers…" I muttered to myself.

Wasting no time, I crossed the dance floor, dodging agitated bodies and a bartender tossing bottles into the air in an improvised show. When I reached the staircase along the wall, I began to climb the steps, ignoring the curious glances from a few people.

On the second floor, I quickly located Charlotte’s group. She was laughing with the other girls, holding a glass that glowed with a colorful liquid. Around her, four other girls were seated, all appearing slightly altered by alcohol.

The girl to Charlotte’s left was thin and tall, with lilac hair tied in a messy bun. She gestured exaggeratedly as she spoke, spilling some of her drink without noticing. "You should’ve seen his face! Completely lost!" she said, laughing uncontrollably.

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1587 Words