CHAPTER 65: KING ALCHEMIST

That’s Olivier, an alchemist with a King Class. His potions were renowned in my first life, and he’s already known in the second. I remember him being eccentric.

Ace made a quick mental note about Olivier. He had sent Marko to him because the man was a competent alchemist.

Winning him over with a pitch about valuable potion resources would be a huge boon for Ace’s Sixteen and his Camp. He hadn’t expected it to go so well that Olivier would come looking for him.

There was only one issue.

"Don Capo! I’ve decided to join your Camp!" Olivier shouted.

At the nickname, Tyler narrowed his eyes at Ace. "What’s up with that weird nickname?"

"I’m Don Capo," Ace replied, keeping a straight face.

"Yeah, but why?" Tyler asked.

Ace ignored him. "Let’s invite him upstairs."

Soon, Olivier and Marko entered the guest room. Both glanced at the sleeping Seraphina. Marko gulped.

She still had her two horns and ashen skin with burning chasms, while Olivier didn’t seem to care about her presence.

He sized up Ace and smirked. "Enjoying the contents of my upgraded potion, yeah?"

"Yeah. Thanks." Ace nodded.

"Got you, Don Capo. It heals fast, replenishes stamina, boosts strength, and dulls pain so people can get right back into the fight. You’re still riding those effects, so get ready for a good nap soon, like the sleeper behind you," Olivier said, grinning.

Unlike the other two Heaven Kings, he was in his early twenties, around Chaewon’s age. People often forgave his eccentric streak because of his age and skills.

He had a mad‑scientist vibe, and his look fit the part. With Marko at his side, looking like an assistant, the image felt complete.

Ace laughed. "I still have a few things to handle before I crash. I might need the second potion."

"Sure thing, buddy," Olivier said, pulling another vial from his pocket and tossing it to Ace. "The better your body, the more upgraded potions you can drink. An average Ranker can handle two before their body forces a shutdown. You should be able to drink a few more. Anyway, Don Capo. I’m joining your Camp. Gimme those crystals, and I’ll pump out a lot of potions for you and keep upgrading them. In under a month, I’ll have better versions."

Marko chimed in. "Man, I told you not to be so casual with Don Capo! You can’t just say you’ll join him! It’s up to him to decide that!"

Olivier looked over at Marko. "Kid, you’d be smart not to pass on me. I keep people alive. Weapons and armor don’t close mortal wounds. My vials buy minutes, and minutes buy tomorrow. When shit hits the fan and steel fails, potions still work. Keep one on you, and you’ve got a chance. I can change the game without being in the Sixteen. I just need to stack potions, pills, and whatever else on hand.

"Think long term. We leave this Hell and another waits. The changed Earth. Medicine will jump a notch or two, and new kinds of monsters may show up. With my talent and skills, letting me walk would be a waste. Don Capo, you’ve been competent so far. I don’t think Marko showed me those crystals on his own; you greenlit it, and you’ve got the chops to claim them yourself. Enable me, and I’ll enable you. Deal?"

Olivier extended his hand and smiled broadly, and Ace returned the smile.

Olivier was the first to say openly that he wanted to keep growing in this Hell and beyond. He thought about the changed Earth and other potential Gates.

Olivier didn’t want to just survive. He wanted to reach the peak of alchemy.

As long as Ace helped him get rare resources and expand his knowledge, Olivier would use it to their advantage.

That was a good deal.

Ace shook Olivier’s hand.

"Welcome aboard." Ace smiled.

"Yeah, I’m in, Don Capo. I heard a brat calling him Big Marko, so you can call me Big Oli from now on. I take pride in my craft. Enjoy the upgrade," Olivier chuckled.

—

Edward Sawyer and his Sixteen moved through the Heaven Village, putting out flames and helping people.

When they were clear of the crowds, his Rook asked, "Shouldn’t we have sided with Veis or Ace?"

Edward grimaced. "You want me to follow Ace Avalanche like his girlfriend does? Like a puppy?"

The others rolled their eyes.

"What about Veis?" the Rook asked again.

"I don’t like how he showed up right after Seraphina was defeated, healthy and fine, conveniently at the perfect moment, and started bossing everyone around ’for their own good,’" Edward said.

"Well, he kinda stole the spotlight until Ace Avalanche’s Queen went against him. And then Ace Avalanche stood up like a titan and—"

Edward glared at his teammate, and the man shut up.

"I suspect Veis has a safe zone for himself. We can’t trust Heaven Village now, since anyone can be controlled like Seraphina and blend in. We need to find a safe spot for ourselves and work from there. This village was shit anyway. Too many freeloaders."

Then people outside the main gates flooded in and helped however they could.

Many families offered support and courage. They told the ones who’d worked for their homes and food they could help build underground shelters and share edible forest plants and other supplies.

They were weak, but with numbers and careful prep, they could still survive this Hell and live to see tomorrow.

The sight stuck with Edward.

They look kinda cool despite being freeloaders.

He didn’t dare say it out loud. In silence, he kept helping and then moved on to his new plan: find a safe zone for himself and his Sixteen.

The Immolated Event came too early, and lives were lost. Some people, like Edward, took a turn for the better, while others took a turn for the worse, their eyes set on a bloody future. Once again, Ace Avalanche changed more than he expected with his decisions.