THE DAY

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

It had been a while since Ivan felt this nervous. If he had to describe his feelings right now then he'd say he felt as though he was on his way to school knowing he had a presentation that day.

The only difference this time being is that if this presentation does not go well then he'd possibly be endangering his own life along with those of his peers.

However even with the weight of those possibilities he knew the positives outweigh the negatives, or at least that was his personal belief. He'd create safety for those who didn't wish to risk their lives at the risk of getting on the bad side of the Kingdom and the Holy Church.

In any case his safety was assured if this was a success. Being at the beck and call of the Kingdom and Holy Church would be a separate matter he had already prepared for.

And once again if shit were to hit the fan he had a few contingency plans that were on standby in case they would be needed.

Adorning the satchel of potions and tools he had painstakingly manufactured, Ivan made sure he at least looked presentable. He buttoned up his coat and hid the amulet underneath, ready to be pulled out at any moment.

The only things he wouldn't be able to bring were his bow and arrow as they would surely stick out and raise suspicion.

Patting the amulet beneath his clothes, Ivan went and opened the door.

"Good morning to you, Meld-san." Nothing like seeing a familiar face to calm you down. He wasn't sure if Captain Meld saw him in a positive light, but as far as he saw captain Meld did care for his class.

As for whose side he'd take if a fight were to break out, well Ivan had no doubts Captain Meld would choose the Kingdom over him. It wasn't a matter of who was more correct, it was simply a matter of loyalty. Unless the Kingdom did something truly deplorable, Captain Meld seemed like the type of character to comply with their demands so long as it benefited the Kingdom and its people.

'The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few…' Is something that came to Ivan's mind as he nodded towards Captain Meld.

"Yo, it's good to see you up and early. Hahahaha! Now then shall we get on our way? His Majesty and Pope Ishtar are awaiting us in the Banquet Hall. We shouldn't waste their time, especially his Majesty's, he came out here despite being very busy to see what you have to say." In the face of Ivan's nonchalant greeting, Meld only laughed carefree. Rushing Ivan to hurry as he wasn't sure if the King had much time to be around.

Neglecting to mention that the King mostly made his way to the Holy Church to meet the mysterious otherworlder with an occupation never seen before. Other than that it should be at the behest of Pope Ishtar that he join them in their meeting.

Ivan had only met the King once, and that was on their first day arriving in Tortus. But that single meeting was not enough to define his character. He had no opportunities to speak with the King during that event as Pope Ishtar took over the role of welcoming them in place of him.

But as far as first impressions go it seemed as though the Pope in this nation held more power than the King. Seeing as Pope Ishtar led every conversation and the King acted very respectful towards him, going as far as to kiss his hand upon greeting.

Aside from all that, Ivan only showed a half smile at Captain Meld's words, prompting him to follow him as he needed to pick up Hajime and Aiko-sensei before they would make their way to the Holy Church.

Picking up Hajime was relatively simple, though it took a few knocks it wasn't long before you could hear someone within the room scurrying about to answer the door.

Suppressing a snicker, Ivan greeted Hajime who looked as though he hadn't gotten any rest. After further inquiring it became apparent that, similar to Ivan, Hajime was nervous about today's meeting, it seemed he also knew the implications should they fail.

That's when, to Hajime's surprise, they made their way to Aiko-sensei's room. He had no idea Aiko-sensei would join them in their expedition. Yet it provided him some comfort at having someone he knew genuinely care for them join along.

Aiko-sensei opened the door calmly whilst adorning a hardened expression on her face, as the only adult in their party there was no way she wouldn't know the risks of their actions.

Though she tried to convince Ivan that he shouldn't be risking himself for this cause, insisting that as his teacher it should be her going up to the King and Pope Ishtar to make their demands, Ivan only responded stating that if they were going to protect the students then they are going to have to use everything they had.

And as someone who proposed the idea he couldn't bear the thought of her getting harmed because of his negligence. Aiko-sensei was moved by his thoughts, being proud of how thoughtful her student had become… even though she wasn't able to teach him anything before they got spirited away.

Anyways, she was also quite surprised to see that Hajime would be joining them. She had always thought of him as a reserved boy who didn't seem like he wanted to be troubled by anything. So with her impression of him she couldn't believe that very same boy who always slept in class would put himself in the cross-eye of the Kingdom and Holy Church

Exchanging greetings once more, Ivan was slightly proud at seeing his merry band of resistors all gathered together. He hadn't told them of his plan if things got out of hand, but seeing their hardened expressions he was sure they were prepared for anything.

And so this group of three otherworlders who only possessed non-combat jobs marched with stern expressions behind Captain Meld as he led them to the Holy Church.

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If you asked Captain Meld who from the otherworlders he respected the most, then even he wouldn't believe it if he told you it would be the three who held non-combat jobs that stood before him.

While two of them displayed admirable courage, one in particular exceeded any of his expectations. Though he had no idea what to make of the 'Alchemist' occupation, the tact and strength Ivan displayed were enough to convince him that even with a non-combat based job Ivan was capable of turning a situation with just his resourcefulness.

Nevermind the potions he displayed both on the training ground and in the labyrinth, to Meld Ivan was deserving of his respect.

Looking over to his left to see the seated King: Eliheid S. B. Heiligh, and Pope Ishtar, Meld could only sigh as the rest of the room was affected by the strained atmosphere created.

The moment these three entered the hall it was as if the air itself froze. Both sides were disinclined to speak first as they only looked at each other. Only the audible noises of some guards breathing permeated the air.

It was only at that moment did someone step up, that person being Ivan.

"Greetings, your Majesty and Pope Ishtar. I'd like to express my gratitude to both of you for taking time out of your day to speak with me." Kneeling, Ivan bowed his head and spoke respectfully.

And without being told, both Hajime and Aiko-sensei followed his example. While they hadn't talked much about the plan before, it was silently agreed that they'd be following Ivan's example unless he needed them to do otherwise.

This seemed to carry the desired effect as both the King and Pope Ishtar eased their expressions, the hall becoming noticeably easier to breathe in. The guards who were on the verge of dropping to their knees finally relieved a sigh as they straightened their stances.

King Eliheid looked at Pope Ishtar for approval before speaking, "Welcome, heroes. We have heard your plea and have come to ease your concerns. Fetter not, we have come here because we care for your conditions, speak so we may solve whatever matter with utmost haste." The King spoke sovereignly.

Ivan only resigned from his bow before looking towards the King, Hajime and Aiko-sensei following with.

"Ah, yes. I come with a proposition to further improve the strength and prowess of your men who may lose their lives in the fight against the Demons."

Before making any demands, Ivan thought it'd be better to show off what he could provide. It'd be a shame if he started with demands and the King outright commanded his men to apprehend them.

"As you may have already noticed, my compatriots and I are the only ones in our class to possess non-combat jobs. But despite that I'd like to show you what we are capable of, which is why I've bought something here today that I believe is worth showing off."

From his satchel, Ivan slowly pulled out a vial full of a white glowing liquid. It was something he hastily created after picking up some resources both from his weekly deliveries and their recent expedition to the labyrinth.

The main components being the tails of Ratmen, Hazar herbs, and a few hairs from the Rockmount he assisted in slaying.

While not being the most visually impressive of his concoctions it was one of his most resourceful ones.

And so removing the cork, Ivan stood still as he allowed the smell to permeate the air. The King and Pope Ishtar were hit by the scent of blood and iron as they looked curiously at Ivan.

Then in one swift gulp, Ivan held the vial to his mouth and consumed it all. Seconds later he rested on one knee before resting his hands on his chest.

His body pulsating slightly as he tried his best to catch his breath. Ignoring the crystals protruding from his body. And under the worried eyes of his teacher and classmate, his height grew two sizes.

Finally, to finish off his transformation, a tail of rock and steel emerged from his back side as his face and chest hardened. And with his thick arms and legs, he spread his body to reveal the changes he had undergone.

"I present to you a valuable concoction of mine, not all too resource intensive for a nation as prominent as yours." His voice was three times deeper yet still understandable to those present. "With properties such as an exterior as tough as steel, and strength comparable to the savage forces of the Ratmen, and it all only costs me some speed."

Not minding the frightened stares of the guards that stood by, Ivan only stared into the intrigued eyes of the King and Pope Ishtar.

"Though these changes are only temporary, I can assure they come at no further costs. Do mind that there is however a decent amount of strain on the user should they choose to consume more of these potions consecutively."

"Hmmmm…" King Eliheid made eye contact with Pope Ishtar, who arose from his seat and made his way down to Ivan, a guard accounting him on each side.

Meld watched nervously knowing what the Pope had in mind.

"Excuse me, hero Ivan. But if I am to take seriously the validity of your claims, then surely you wouldn't mind a test of sorts." Ivan had expected such a result, so he nodded his head silently.

Ishtar who took his nod as affirmation only looked in the eyes of one of his men, understanding the message the guard approached Ivan and stanced himself up to punch Ivan.

And at a speed faster than Ivan could see, the guard struck him with enough force to crush a large boulder.

'GRAH' Ivan only grunted inwardly, knowing he couldn't expose the pain he felt. While not to a severe degree, the punch the guard had landed on his gut was only trumped by the pain he felt when absorbing the orb to create his amulet.

But that only made him more confident, while having exterior properties the main function of the potion was to bump the stats of the user.

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Ivan Korei Age: 17

Male Level: 5

Job: Alchemist

Strength: 30 (+300)

Vitality: 80 (+200)

Defense: 70 (+300)

Agility: 30 (-15)

Magic: 600 (+0)

Magic Defense: 150 (+300)

Skills: Language Comprehension - Mixing - Plant Appraisal - Elixir Appraisal - Quality Enhancer - Transmutation - Increased Mixing Speed - Increased Transmutation Speed - Forager - Cat's Eye - Encyclopedia - Auto Harvesting - Fast Learner - Fast Reader - Herbalist - Wakeful - Increased Mana Recovery

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These effects would only last thirty minutes.

While this was dangerous, to prove his loyalty Ivan presented to Pope Ishtar his status plate to show the validity of his product.

After the display just now and the plate that couldn't lie, Ishtar had no choice to express his approval. Inwardly he was impressed by the effects, with this it wouldn't be too difficult to provide a small army each with a potion.

Though of course the potion wouldn't be all too helpful in wars of attrition, their enemy would simply wait out the effects and kill those who remained while they were tired. Or even against large numbers and an onslaught of magic spells these potions would only help little.

Ivan promised that he'd be able to provide the kingdom's forces with products like this one so long as he was provided the necessary resources, but that was under one condition.

"Your Majesty, I ask of you only one favor in return. Please, if you may allow my fellow compatriots from another world the choice to disclude themself from this war." Ivan signaled Hajime and Aiko, the three together bowed before the King.

The King, this time without seeking the Pope for approval, inquired further. "Hmmm, so in return for your services you ask that the rest of the heroes be given the chance to live a normal life?"

"Yes!" Seeing his chance to move further, Ivan added on to the incentives. "Along with my services I offer you the handiwork of my Sensei, who could provide the Kingdom with enough crops that you'll never starve, and my friend Hajime who can forge weapons of another world."

Though not entirely sure about Hajime, Ivan had a conversation with him on the way here about how he got some inspiration to incorporate his imagination into the transmutation skill he got and his class as a 'Synergist'

The King pondered intently before coming to a verdict, "Very well, I hereby allow those not willing to partake in our affairs to disallow themselves from combat, though if they choose to do so take note that the kingdom shall provide them with other work. If they reject both then we shall refrain from providing them any financial assistance and shall revoke their lodging and equipment."

It was a compromise Ivan was willing to take.

And so in joyous celebration, Ivan hugged both Aiko-sensei and Hajime despite his form. They returned in full, glad things ended nicely.