Gearing Up(chapter 22)

prevously in chapter 21

After sorting out his plants, Henry then started to dismantle the Chitauri carriage. He removed the frame fast, then the electronics, before finally arriving at the engine that powered the whole thing. Unlike turbine engines or other forms of engines, this one was compact, very compact, and the weight it could carry was impressive. He was very interested in it. As he wrapped his neck where Natasha Romanoff had her knees on, he thought, "Damn, she was tough, took me out in just a couple of seconds." However, instead of being pissed at her and how quickly she took him out, Henry had more of a grudge with himself. "I should learn martial arts, and fast. I also need to hurry up with Project Hercules," urging himself, Henry continued to study the Chitauri engine.

After his study, he went to his second hideout where he saw five plants that were being especially taken care of. One of them was ginseng, which was still growing. Even though it was still growing, it was a 3rd-grade plant.

[Name: Primeval Ginseng]

[Grade: 3rd]

[Description: This exceptional ginseng, still in its prime and growing, emanates a faint aura of vitality. Its roots delve deep into fertile soil, absorbing nutrients from the earth. Though mundane in appearance, its potency lies in its purity and vitality.]

[Effects: +43% increase in vitality, +32% boost to the immune system, +27% enhancement in cognitive function]

[Deterioration-Rate: 0%]

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Chapter 22

The other plants were also growing and were still 3rd-grade items. These plants were the ginseng, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Tribulus Terrestris, and Horny Goat Weed, all of which were 3rd grade. These plants were specifically selected and grown under the perfect conditions he could create, and each one of them had the desired effect for Project Hercules. "After they are fully grown, then I can start trying to create that potion," he sighed to himself as he then poured some liquid on the plants, which were, of course, potions especially created to accelerate the growth of these plants.

[Name: Botanic Growth Elixir]

[Grade: 4th]

[Description: Crafted from a blend of rare botanical chemicals renowned for their potency in accelerating plant growth, this elixir is a boon to any gardener or farmer. The concoction is carefully distilled from extracts of ancient herbs and enriched with mineral nutrients sourced from fertile soils. When applied to plants, it stimulates rapid growth and enhances their vitality, leading to lush foliage and abundant harvests.]

[Effects: +100% increase in growth rate, +100% improvement in nutrient absorption, +100% resistance to diseases and pests, +100% enhancement in overall health and vigor.]

[Deterioration-Rate: 0%]

It was because of this potion that these plants, which were the 3rd generation of the five desired plants, could reach the level they were meant to be. Of course, not all generations grew on 4th-grade growth potions. After all, he couldn't make 4th-grade every time. After he fed his plants, he made sure the electricity was running okay. He returned to his first hideout as he then sighed. He was naked, in his birthday suit, as he thought, "Well, these past days have been hectic. Not only did I get my hands on 5th-grade materials, I even got a 6th-grade material, not to mention the alien technology I just have, as well as reappearing back on SHIELD's radar. I need to lay low for a bit," he thought to himself as he quickly took a shower.

Feeling refreshed, Henry then sat down at his workbench. In front of him were papers with different schematics. Some of them were for drones in the shapes of ants. There was a schematic for a power suit, which he still needed to create a power source for. Of course, aside from schematics, there were also potion recipes that he was experimenting with, potion ideas, as well as possible plants. Talking about plants, his herb book contained detailed information about each plant he had planted in his ever-growing garden, as well as possible mutation routes he should take. This, of course, was notes and not an actual catalog. "I should really start keeping logs," he sighed to himself as he got to work on his power suit design. His main objective was to create a suit that grants him superhuman abilities while also having the boons of advanced weaponry, but from the looks of it, it's going to be a while before he can even attempt such feats.

[2 weeks later]

Inside his second hideout, Henry could be seen with his eyes glowing, indicating that his MP was activated. He was currently weaving his hands around. Between his hands were liquid flame and actual molten quartz. He was trying to mix these together using his alchemical weapon skill, but it failed, not because of the skill, but because there was a problem with the two materials, which refused to fuse together to form the item he wanted. The two materials turned into a black tar as a result of the failure, which he then set aside. "Another failure," he mused to himself as he got up. He was currently wearing his plague doctor's costume, just without the helmet, which was lying beside him.

The rest of his costume had received an upgrade. In the past two weeks, Henry actually worked hard, forming another deal with other lowlifes, which went a lot easier thanks to his burgeoning reputation as a psycho who gasses his victims if he doesn't melt your face off first. This actually helped sell his product. After that, cash flowed, earning him quite the funds, enough for him to purchase some materials he wanted, like Kevlar and abrasion-resistant steel, which he then used to upgrade his costume, which actually underwent some changes. The piece that changed the most was his jacket, which was now a trouser, a vest, and a shirt all at once.

[Name: Shadow Scale Armor Suit]

[Grade: 4th]

[Description: The Shadow Scale Armor Suit is a versatile ensemble crafted from advanced Kevlar fibers, renowned for their exceptional strength and flexibility. This all-in-one armor consists of a vest, trousers, and shirt seamlessly integrated to provide maximum protection without sacrificing mobility or comfort. The Kevlar material offers unparalleled resistance to ballistic threats, slashing attacks, and blunt force trauma, ensuring the wearer remains safe in even the most perilous situations. The vest, trousers, and shirt are dyed with extracts from Walnut Hulls, lending them a deep, shadowy hue, while reinforced seams and strategic padding enhance durability and structural integrity. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the armor suit features concealed compartments for storing essential gear and tools, making it ideal for adventurers and operatives alike.]

[Effects: +100% physical defense boost, +100% agility enhancement, +100% extra stealth camouflage, +100% extra resistance to piercing, cutting, and blunt attacks.]

[Durability: 100%]

Meanwhile, the helmet also became a 4th-grade item as it now sports bulletproof glasses.

[Name: Plague Doctor's AR Steel Mask]

[Grade: 4th]

[Description: The Plague Doctor's AR Steel Mask is an imposing visage crafted from advanced abrasion-resistant (AR) steel, reinforced with bulletproof glass for the eyes. Inspired by the enigmatic plague doctors of old, this formidable mask exudes an aura of menace and intrigue. The AR steel construction provides unparalleled protection against physical assaults, while the bulletproof glass ensures the wearer's vision remains clear and unobstructed. The mask's surface is dyed with extracts from Walnut Hulls, giving it a dark and foreboding appearance, while the sleek black sunglasses provide an intimidating contrast. Additionally, a luxurious white fur from a lynx has been added as a wig, further enhancing its eerie allure. Equipped with a refined filtration system, the mask offers enhanced defense against airborne toxins and pathogens, ensuring the wearer remains safe in hazardous environments.]

[Effects: +100% enhancement to stealth capabilities, +100% filtration efficiency against airborne toxins and pathogens, +100% obscuring of facial features, +100% resistance to blunt force trauma.]

[Durability: 100%]

[this is what the suit looks like]

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Author's Note: Alchemy isn't just about potion creation; it's also about item creation and even life creation. Henry is currently able to create potions and has just scratched the surface of item creation. And when I say "tip," I mean the very tip. True item creation will truly begin when he reaches level 5 in the alchemy class and unlocks the fifth skill, which even I, who is several chapters ahead of you, haven't written yet. So, it's quite some time before that happens. But trust me, the fourth and fifth skills are going to perfectly complement each other, and then he will create powerful items.

P.S. Also, ant drones? I don't know what I was on that day, but I meant to create crow drones, which are perfect for information gathering. And yes, those are the intentions behind the creation of the drones—information gathering.