How To Suck Honey With Extras [EN]: Chapter 245

273. The Spirit Master’s Leader (1)

However, retreating willingly is different from giving up.

Reports came in that even after that day, Spirit Masters were still loitering around my shop.

“We’ve already identified their movements. It’s true that they keep circling the shop.”

“Indeed… those guys are quite persistent.”

“Should we take care of them?”

Dires asks coldly.

“No… what do you mean, ‘take care of them’? Let’s not talk so brutally. We’re not villains.”

It’s almost laughable that they’re capable of it.

They’re just a bunch of low-level Spirit Masters, so even sending Dires or a few of the other races could wipe out an entire branch without anyone noticing.

They could even start a war.

But it would be pointless.

It might even give them an excuse.

“Unless they attack first, don’t even acknowledge them.”

If they attack, there will be no mercy.

But the chances of that happening are low for now.

“Leaving them alone isn’t ideal, though…”

There haven’t been any problems yet, but if they keep hanging around the shop, it will attract the attention of customers.

That’s not a good thing either.

There’s no reason to leave it unattended.

“I have an idea about that.”

Of course, I don’t intend to just stand by.

I expected the Spirit Master Guild to interfere eventually.

It’s time to settle things.

“I’ll negotiate with the Spirit Master Guild in a few days, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“…It’s not that I don’t trust Aileon, but… will they really listen?”

Even before distrusting humans, the Spirit Master Guild is indeed tainted by the world.

Dires didn’t seem to expect them to show any sincere reaction at all.

“Ahaha. Of course, they won’t listen.”

Neither do I.

Humans are greedy, and those consumed by greed become blind and deaf.

Then, can’t we resolve it through dialogue?

Not necessarily.

“There’s one person who’s reasonable enough to talk to. I’ll reach a conclusion through him.”

“…Who are you talking about?”

“The Guild Master.”

The head of the Spirit Master Guild.

“Originally, problems should be discussed between the higher-ups.”

* * *

Since it’s a problem with the Spirit Master Guild, I should talk to this person first.

The alchemist Elmeroth, who’s sitting here as our technical advisor.

Recently, he’s been making me do all sorts of work under the guise of teaching me technology, that salary thief alchemist.

“Aileon, hurry up and deal with those guys. Tsk tsk. I can’t even go out as I please because of them.”

Alchemists, Spirit Masters, and even the nobles he’s swindled.

He has a history of causing trouble with all sorts of groups, and he’s urging me as soon as he sees me.

‘No, putting aside everything else, the Spirit Master Guild issue is your own fault, isn’t it?’

Of course, I don’t say that, at least not now.

Besides, I promised to resolve the trouble when I recruited him, so I can’t go back on my word.

“That’s why I wanted to ask for your opinion on that matter.”

“Hmm… now that you mention it? It doesn’t seem like you have much to say, though…”

Why wouldn’t I?

I can tell just by his reluctant attitude.

More than anything, I know the story about that alchemist.

I also know that it can be resolved immediately with just one decision from him.

“Perhaps you have some appropriate advice for me, or something else you can say?”

“…Not really.”

Elmeroth brazenly feigned ignorance.

Yeah, I knew he’d act like that.

‘If you had confessed, I would have tried to resolve it humanely…

What happens from now on is his own fault.

Well, it won’t particularly harm him.

More than anything, I promised.

“Anyway, I’ll resolve the issue with the Spirit Master Guild. …At least they won’t antagonize Mr. Elmeroth in the future.”

“Hmm. Well, I’d appreciate it if you would…”

Perhaps he sensed something ominous, his eyes narrowed slightly.

If I keep probing, he might run away.

“Well, look forward to it.”

“…Can I really rest assured?”

Of course!

“You know my solutions are always reliable.”

The solution is…

* * *

‘First of all… just in case… should I get something I need…’

Anyway, I have more than enough points.

Over 3,000 points!

It’s time to use them.

More than anything, I received a message informing me of one thing recently.

You have exceeded a certain level in the scale of influence you possess, so you can acquire new authority.

My hunch was right!

Staying put is the answer!

Would you like to expand your authority?

It will cost 1,500 points to acquire.

Of course, I’m a believer in the ‘just do it’ principle, so there’s no reason for me to pass it up.

Let’s apply for authority expansion.

“Yes, unconditionally!”

Press the ‘Yes’ button!

“…So, what is it this time?”

Before, I could see the other person’s stats.

Is it an enhancement of that this time? Or?

Consumed Influence Points: 1,500pt

Remaining Influence Points: 2,014pt

Acquiring new authority.

You will be able to discern the essence of things.

Hmm, the essence of things?

I think I have a rough idea of what that means this time.

Just to test it out, I casually looked around and found an empty bowl and spoon on the nearby shelf.

Then, I focused on them as if I was concentrating.

Object Appraisal

Result: Spoon

Possessed Trait: None

Detailed item analysis available upon additional viewing

So, it’s the ability to appraise objects.

It might be useful.

Surprisingly, many hidden treasures are just trash-like items.

If I have this, it will be helpful when discerning objects.

‘And… maybe if I have this.’

I opened the subspace, took out my new beloved sword Killmuris, and placed it on the table.

‘Can I appraise this?’

Object Appraisal

Killmuris

Possessed Trait: Experience Inheritance

Possessed Trait 2: Inheritance Enhancement

Possessed Trait 3: ????????

Experience Inheritance….

As expected, Sylvester’s explanation of the master’s sword’s ability is nowhere to be found. [Sylvester is likely a character who previously discussed the sword’s capabilities.]

First, I checked the detailed explanation of the ability.

It seems I can now refer to explanations about abilities.

Experience Inheritance: You can reproduce some of the experiences and skills of the previous owner embedded in the object. (However, there is a limit to the skills that can be reproduced depending on the individual’s capacity and competence.)

This isn’t much different from what I expected.

Then, what is the second trait?

It seems to be an expanded version of the existing ability.

Inheritance Enhancement: You can evoke more powerful experiences by paying a certain price (Influence Points).

“Huh? Powerful experiences?”

I’m curious, very curious!

I grabbed the sword and focused to experience what the second trait was.

As I channeled mana, emitted sword energy, and concentrated, the identity of the second trait naturally and instinctively came to mind.

“……Ah ha~ is that so.”

When points are consumed, the trait is activated accordingly.

“……If that happens…… Ah…… I see.”

By using the consumed points as a price, I can use more powerful techniques.

In common terms, a finishing move.

It seemed I could reproduce various secrets of swordsmanship embedded in this sword.

‘Finishing move, I guess it’s like using a gauge to use it…….’

Since it consumes points, I have to use it carefully, but it’s not bad if I can use secret techniques.

Even if there is a price, it is worth it if I can use the secrets of swordsmanship.

In the original story, Sylvester went through a lot of trouble to perfectly master one powerful technique.

It would be a piece of cake if I could get it for free.

Would you like to activate Inheritance Enhancement?

No! No!

I quickly shook my head and put the sword back down.

Points are precious.

There seems to be a third trait, but it seems I can’t know it.

???????: You have not met the decoding conditions.

Hmm…… Is there a condition?

“……Well, let’s just say it’s a harvest just to have figured this out.”

And let’s use up the remaining points little by little.

‘Should I use up only about half of it for emergencies?’

I set an upper limit in my mind and went straight into the work of remodeling my stats.

Extreme Amplification of Spirit Affinity Demonic Strength

High-Speed Summoning Skill Major Agility Correction

Maintaining Unique Imagery Greatly Reduced Stamina Burden

Since I’m going to enter the Spirit Master Guild, I need to consistently raise my stats to feel at ease.

Moreover, the person I have to negotiate with is the Guild Master.

I have to prepare for the worst.

Acquire abilities in bulk.

Consumed Influence Points: 873pt

Remaining Influence Points: 1,141pt

Simply raising stats now consumes quite a few points.

It seems to be related to me getting stronger.

Aileon – Supporting Role C

Ability Acquisition List (Separate Item Opened)

Stamina: 497

Agility: 320

Willpower: 151

Mana: 1,560

Spirit Power: 1,560

Remarks: ‘Continuous Mana Recovery’ effect is active

Remarks 2: Mental Resistance Complete Immunity effect is active

Remarks 3: ‘Magic Shortening Incantation’ effect is applied

Remarks 4: ‘Spiritual Creature Protection’ ability enhancement effect is applied

Now that I’ve raised my stats, I’ll be able to cope to some extent even if the worst happens.

‘Then what should I do with the rest?’

I still have a lot of points.

It’s okay to use a little more.

I’m tempted by new abilities, but I can’t think of any abilities I need right now.

‘I still have points left over…… Then should I try that once?’

Come to think of it, there is an ability I wanted to try.

Blood Enhancement

Consumed Influence Points: 312pt

Remaining Influence Points: 829pt

This ability has a particularly unique aspect.

The number of times it can be used is 1.

It is an ability that can only be used once at the time of acquisition.

‘The effect is the power to give special effects to items.’

It’s an enchantment-type ability.

Items enhanced through the ability evolve into items with higher performance.

For example, even a simple spoon can become a super platinum spoon that digs out diamonds if you put blessings into it through the ability.

‘In some ways, it’s a cheat, and in some ways, it’s a very ambiguous ability to use…….’

The problem is that the effects are random.

Moreover, this ability is one-time use.

And once you use it, it seems you can’t acquire the ability again.

Above all, there have been cases where people couldn’t use it because they didn’t know what the enhanced ability was.

But now I can use it without any burden.

If I appraise the item with enhanced authority, I can use the ability right away.

“……Then what should I enhance with this?”

I had already decided on the item to enhance.

I put my hand into the subspace and took out my fairy staff, my exclusive weapon for spirit magic.

“I choose you!”

Equipment related to spirit magic is not easy to obtain.

So let’s enhance this.

I put the staff on the table and lightly cut my palm with a knife, letting the blood flow out.

“……And activate the ability.”

Activate the ability and start the enhancement.

The information of the ability embedded in my blood is sucked into the staff and begins to emit a bright red light.

It is changing into a higher-level item by receiving the blessing of the ability.

“It’s thrilling.”

Enhancement is really good.

You never know what will happen, so it’s really exciting.

Finally, the light subsided and my new weapon, which had been transformed, revealed its appearance.

Perhaps because it was affected by the bloodline ability, the color is characteristically dyed bright red.

The detailed shape and decorations have also changed more boldly.

Thorn-like thorns curve and rise at the end of the staff, and the overall weight has become heavier.

It’s a staff, but it’s almost like a blunt weapon.

“……At least I don’t have to worry about being stained with blood.”

Red is good, you can’t see it even if blood splatters.