Chapter 51: Distribution of Benefits

About an hour and a half later.

Five vials of Flash Arc Potion.

Five vials of Tranquil Spirit Potion.

All had been successfully refined.

Through this round of refinement, Gune gained a more intuitive understanding of some properties of these supernatural herbs.

Inside the alchemy lab, Gune looked at the potions in his hand with considerable satisfaction.

"I need more and larger quantities of supernatural herbs to process and refine, so that I can deepen my understanding of their various medicinal properties."

"Only by doing this over the long term can I possibly develop the Secret Pattern Potion," Gune mused to himself.

Arriving in the living room, Old Cohen had already returned.

Viya was sitting on the sofa closest to the fireplace, holding a book and reading.

Gune glanced at it briefly—it was a popular romantic supernatural steam knight novel.

The three knights stood straight as spears at one side.

"Sir Knight Commander Ed, here are the potions, already refined. You may inspect them."

Gune walked over and handed him the black storage bracelet.

Knight Commander Ed took the storage bracelet, examined it for a few seconds, then carefully put it away.

"Thank you, Lord Gune."

Without further delay, the three knights took their leave.

Before Gune could sit down and rest.

"The materials and seeds have arrived," Viya said leisurely.

"Everything is here?" Gune raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Along with them came two high-grade premium potion formulas. Everything is here."

With that, Viya handed Gune another black storage bracelet.

Looking at its style, it was identical to the one Knight Commander Ed had just taken.

"Standard-issue storage equipment? It seems the Yulan Supernatural Association's alchemical skill in storage supernatural equipment is far higher than the rumors outside suggest."

As Gune's source energy penetrated it, he sensed seven boxes neatly sealed in exquisite dragon's blood wood cases.

"The internal storage space is quite large."

Gune's perception swept over the small sealed wooden box containing the supernatural seeds, then he withdrew his source energy after a moment.

"Those two high-grade premium potions."

"One is the Essence Dragon Blood Potion, whose main ingredient is dragon blood; it primarily enhances physical strength and other comprehensive abilities."

"The other is the Essence Nightmare Potion, whose main ingredient is nightmare fragments; it can enhance soul strength and soul capacity."

"The materials are all standard one hundred portions."

"These two high-grade premium potions are highly confidential formulas, strictly prohibited from leaking, and the catalyst materials will decompose on their own after you catalyze them once."

"Also, the main ingredients of both potion formulas are controlled substances."

"The higher-ups currently have a huge demand for these two high-grade premium potions and hope you can prepare them as soon as possible."

"No matter how urgent the need, I still need a refining process!"

"Besides, I need to cultivate and study in meditation myself," Gune said, spreading his hands.

"Twenty bottles—that's the daily minimum."

"Twenty bottles a day, that's reasonable."

"So, how is the compensation calculated?"

At this point, Gune brought up the core issue.

Gune, in fact, was not an apothecary trained by the Vanguard Group.

One could say he was trained, but by Old Cohen.

Now joining the Vanguard Group, Gune did not want to be a mindless potion production machine.

Moreover, Gune was equivalent to an expert-level apothecary and had the right to negotiate with the Vanguard Group.

This distribution of benefits was of utmost importance and had to be clarified.

"For one hundred standard portions of materials, we need at least ninety finished products—that's the minimum standard. Any surplus, we can purchase," Viya said calmly.

"Also, this standard applies to all expert-level apothecaries."

Out of 100 standard portions of materials, 90 finished products go to the Vanguard Group, since they provide the raw materials and formulas.

If there is surplus from these 100 standard portions, say 95 bottles are produced.

Then the extra 5 bottles belong to Gune.

If the output is less than 90, say only 88 bottles.

Then Gune would have to make up the two bottles out of his own pocket.

Since it's a distribution of benefits, bearing some risk is inevitable.

In fact, those who reach expert-level apothecary standards naturally have success rates exceeding 90%; for expert apothecaries, it's just a matter of earning more or less.

If there were no risk of loss, Gune could take 100 portions, refine 95 bottles, report only 50, keep 45 for himself, and make a huge profit.

Or even more ruthlessly, keep 90 bottles and report 5, though that would be too excessive.

If there were no risk, such unscrupulous acts might not be avoided by some.

Obviously, the Vanguard Group would not leave such loopholes for master apothecaries to exploit.

And by setting the risk line at 90 bottles, it at least ensures that these expert apothecaries refine seriously rather than embezzle materials.

Moreover, the Vanguard Group provides protection, supplies all materials, and fulfills any request an apothecary might have.

Even some expert apothecaries with peculiar tastes—like those who enjoy exotic customs, such as elven women, fox-women, even snake-women, or mermaids—the Vanguard Group can procure for the master apothecaries.

Some expert apothecaries also like fiefs and noble titles; as long as their contributions are sufficient, the Vanguard Group will grant them.

Even if expert apothecaries buy materials themselves to refine and earn extra money, as long as it's not excessive and doesn't delay the agreed potion production, the Vanguard Group will not interfere.

These many privileges are exclusive to expert apothecaries and even master apothecaries.

The only requirement is to refine high-grade premium potions for the Vanguard Group and even research the "Secret Pattern Potion."

Status, identity, high income—this is a life many dream of pursuing their whole lives.

For Gune at present.

Producing 100 bottles, with ten extra, the profit is already considerable.

And if Gune can maximize the standard materials and produce 110 bottles, he will earn even more.

Theoretically, 100 portions of materials can yield 120 bottles, but that's just theory.

Producing 110 bottles and beyond, the input-output ratio is not worth it.

"A 90% success rate is the baseline; this ratio is impeccable."

Gune nodded.

"But I have some additional requests."

"What requests?"

"I request that the underground alchemy lab be rearranged," Gune said.

"No need to redecorate or rearrange," Old Cohen suddenly spoke up.

"Dad?" Gune looked at Old Cohen in confusion.

"I already discussed this with Viya before. Let my small alchemy lab stay as it is."

"The Vanguard Group will buy you a separate noble courtyard, set up a new large alchemy lab, and even assign junior apothecaries for you to command."

"You don't even need to ask; the Vanguard Group will dispatch supernatural experts to protect your safety."

Old Cohen's words made Gune pause.

"You don't know the terrifying value of an expert apothecary, especially one with the potential to become a master apothecary."

"Any request you make, they will fulfill, even if it's somewhat excessive."

Gune's heart stirred as he looked at Viya, whose face bore a faint smile.

"I... am still too green," Gune sighed inwardly.

"But none of that matters; what matters is developing the Secret Pattern Potion."

"At that time, even if I ask for a high price, they will have to accept."

Gune rubbed his brow and said softly to himself.

"Originally, after you graduated, you would have left my place anyway. After all, you can't live here forever."

"Having your own alchemy lab will greatly aid your refining and research. My place has too many people and loose talk, and there's some danger."

"Seeing you make a career is the most gratifying thing for me," Old Cohen said with some emotion.

Feeling Old Cohen's words, Gune felt a slight reluctance.

Gune also knew that he indeed should have his own alchemy lab.

"I won't let you down, Dad Cohen," Gune said silently in his heart.

Then Gune looked at Viya.

"This is the configuration list for my alchemy lab."

Gune took out the list he had prepared long ago.

Since Dad said so, he wouldn't hold back.

With such a huge force as the Vanguard Group backing him, it would be a shame not to use it.

After all, his strength was still weak.

It was better to use his apothecary identity to conceal his true identity as a spellcaster.

Taking the list and glancing over it, Viya nodded slightly.

"I will report it," Viya said in her usual calm tone.

Then, Viya lowered her voice a little.

"Also..."

"Could you refine a batch of potions for me? The three types I gave you before."

Gune smiled in understanding.

"Miss Viya, your help and protection for me cannot be repaid just by refining some potions."

"Besides, I haven't had a chance to thank you for last time yet!"

"Actually, my refining speed is very fast. In the future, if you need potions in small quantities, I can refine them for you for free."

"If the quantity is large, then ninety percent."

"Phew..." Viya breathed a sigh of relief, a happy smile spreading across her face.

"Actually, my family also needs these high-grade premium potions. I can provide the formulas and materials myself. From now on, I'll rely on you, Lord Gune."

This time, the pressure from her family on Viya was considerable. Her father had personally written to her, insisting that she establish a good cooperative channel with this talented expert apothecary, a future master apothecary.

Building a good cooperative relationship with a future master apothecary—such value was immeasurable.

Gune, far from being concerned, laughed instead.

The more potions refined, the better.

With more volume, money comes faster; how could Gune refuse?