[Lucky Overpowered] — I Became a Background Character Meant to Die in the Game’s Opening, But Now I’m Overpowered and Fighting to Save My All-Time Favorite Alchemist Heroine - Episode 20
“Heeheehee! Here it is—the recipe book for beginner alchemy!”
After wrapping up various confirmations with the members of Fangs of the Wolf at the Adventurers’ Guild, Lise and I headed to Clemence’s bookstore.
Our goal: to obtain the beginner alchemy recipe book.
For this reason, Lise and I had been living frugally for the past month.
Not that we were living in abject poverty—we simply gave up eating rabbit meat.
Horned Rabbits appear on dungeon floors one through five. They occasionally drop rabbit meat as a rare item, and it’s quite valuable. So instead of eating it, we sold it to save up for the book.
But rabbit meat is really delicious. It was hard to resist. Lise especially loved it—she even declared it her favorite food. Every time she saw it being sold at the guild, she looked so heartbroken.
Though, to be honest, her sad little face was also adorable. Thanks to that, my mental gallery of “Lise moments” is thriving. What a treat for the eyes.
“That’ll be forty-five gold coins.”
Ah, I remember now—this must be one of those inflated prices meant to be bargained down.
Just as I was about to start negotiating, Lise tugged on my sleeve.
I looked at her and she gave me a firm nod.
Looks like she wants to handle the negotiation. Alright then—let’s leave it to her.
I nodded back to her in agreement.
“That’s way too expensive. Can’t you knock it down a little?”
“Heehee! Bold one, aren’t you? But I like that. Cough cough!”
“Mrs. Clemence!? Are you okay?”
“Oh, it’s just my throat acting up lately. Cough, hack! Ugh, getting old’s no fun…”
Lise walked around the desk and gently rubbed Clemence’s back. She really is a kind girl, doing something like that so naturally.
“Are you alright?”
“Ahh… I’m feeling a bit better now. Heehee, maybe my time’s almost up…”
She looked unusually worn down, like all her usual energy had drained away.
“Don’t say that. You’re still going strong.”
“No need to sugarcoat it.”
I watched the exchange silently.
Actually, this was a scene from the game. I didn’t want to interfere and risk derailing the event.
“Do you think Mrs. Clemence will be okay…”
Even after we left the bookstore with the recipe book in hand, Lise was still worried.
“I hope it’s not some kind of strange illness.”
Normally, I’d reassure her with a “She’ll be fine,” but I needed her to stay proactive. So instead, I intentionally used the word “illness” as a subtle hint to keep her thinking.
“An illness…”
Lise bowed her head, looking troubled.
I didn’t want to make her feel this way. I wanted her to keep smiling.
But just this once, I had to steel my heart. This would ultimately align with what she truly wants.
“What are you going to do next, Lise?”
We were just about to arrive at Tiger’s Den when I asked.
“I’m going to practice alchemy.”
“Diligent as ever.”
“That’s rich coming from you. I know you practice archery and swordsmanship every day around this time.”
So, she’d noticed. I thought it was cooler to train where no one could see.
“I just want to get stronger.”
At the very least, strong enough to defeat a Soul Eater.
Which means tomorrow’s dungeon run is key. Lise and I are currently on trial membership with the adventurer party Fangs of the Wolf. If we perform well tomorrow, we might be accepted as full members.
The team is full of solid people—I’d like to stick with them if possible.
“Well then, I’m off for a run. I’ll be back before dinner.”
“Okay. Do your best.”
“Thanks. If you’re cheering for me, I’m unstoppable.”
“Geez… there you go again.”
“I’m cheering for you too, Lise.”
“Thanks, Gee.”
“I’m heading out.”
“Be careful.”
We parted ways in front of Tiger’s Den, and I started my run.
In this world, leveling up boosts your physical abilities. But the real key isn’t raw strength—it’s how well you control it.
Think of it this way: if you put a regular person behind the wheel of an F1 race car, what would happen?
They’d either crash or fail to get the car to perform at its full potential.
It’s the same with physical strength in this world.
No matter how much your stats go up, it’s meaningless if you can’t wield that power properly.
That’s why I run, and why I train with bow and sword every day.
It’s not just about strengthening my body—it’s about sharpening my judgment and mental fortitude so I can handle the increasing power.
“Am I running a bit faster now?”
I tested my enhanced physique as I ran. Just like in martial arts, mastering the basics is everything.