At night, Menchi and Buhara showcased their exquisite culinary skills, meticulously preparing a lavish feast for everyone.
The flavors were absolutely superb.
For people like Light and Kurapika, who had never tasted a Gourmet Hunter's craftsmanship before, the ultimate deliciousness surged into their minds like a turbulent tide. While eating, both were somewhat dazed, indulging without restraint, continuously murmuring, "Delicious! Delicious!"
Bisky and Kite had clearly experienced Gourmet Hunter cuisine before and were mentally prepared. They ate with elegant composure.
After the feast ended, Kevin returned to his room, sat at his desk, and fell into contemplation. The daytime conversation with Bisky remained vivid in his mind, numerous ideas continuously emerging. He needed to properly plan this "industry" of his.
While thinking, he wrote two words on paper: [Member] and [Supplier].
That's right—a Member system.
For a shop like his, primarily selling high-quality goods, such a system was undoubtedly the most suitable and perfect. As for non-Member customers, he wouldn't refuse to sell potions outright, but he would set extremely strict restrictions. The simplest approach: very limited quantities, and buyers must be Nen users regardless.
As he thought, a coherent set of rules gradually took shape.
First, the shop's target customers were clearly Nen users and Hunters. As for politicians and wealthy businessmen, Kevin planned to hand that side of the business to Light. Politicians and wealthy businessmen were, of course, also valuable network resources—but maintaining those connections required effort. Banquet gifts, business dinners, exchanging favors—these were the methods wealthy elites used to sustain relationships.
Although Kevin was involved in some business now, he didn't want to pour all his energy into this aspect. Better to delegate ordinary business matters to someone else. These people were different from Hunters and Nen users; the way of dealing with them was also different.
And his relationship with Light was close—practically inextricably linked. Their network resources could be mutually utilized. When it came to handling and maintaining relationships with non-Nen users, Light was far more skilled. He would even feel delighted to receive such work.
Only by performing their respective duties could both obtain what they wanted. Kevin believed this would prove a good choice for Red Stone Pharmaceuticals as well.
Therefore, Kevin planned to hand over a batch of refined potions to Light, letting him operate that channel. As for which potions best suited wealthy and noble clients, Light could decide. For a close partner, Kevin would grant that authority.
His own shop would adopt the Member system. Ordinary Nen user customers would be registered, permitted to purchase only one potion per quarter, half-year, or year—depending on tier. Members would be divided into different levels, each specifying the quantity of potions they could acquire.
Kevin even planned to specially provide some potions with complex, difficult production processes exclusively to high-level Members. The production of these was limited, the time investment high—naturally, supply would be restricted. Hence, different Member tiers seemed necessary.
For certain high-value Members worth befriending, customized services could even be offered. Bisky, Kite, and Jin, for instance—Kevin intended to grant them the highest tier Member treatment directly.
Next: [Supplier]. This was the core part Kevin needed to focus on. This group directly affected his channels for obtaining materials—the foundation for opening shop and selling potions. Suppliers must be personally sought out and vetted by Kevin; no carelessness permitted.
The benefits and treatment given to Suppliers must be generous. Merely providing internal discounts was far from sufficient. He planned to specially design a Member card for Suppliers.
Materials provided by these partners would be converted into [Currency]. This Currency could be exchanged for money or for potions at favorable rates. Kevin even planned to formulate several highly practical potions, stipulating they could only be purchased with Currency. This privilege must rank higher than the ordinary Member system; even highest-tier Members would need Currency to acquire these special potions.
As for how to obtain Currency? Members would have to figure that out themselves. Trading with Suppliers, or providing expensive and special materials themselves, could all earn them Currency.
Thus, Suppliers would become stable material sources. Members represented connections, wealth, and occasional material providers—or simply potential candidates who might highlight the Suppliers.
The entire system revolved around materials and potions, operating interdependently.
Currently, the overall framework looked sound. Next came handling details, then fully fleshing out the structure.
The most crucial element was the potions themselves. To gain recognition for this system, he needed to provide potions convincing enough—higher-tier, more useful creations that fell into the category of "once you know about them, you want them."
Speaking of which, the busyness of recent weeks had left him little time to create new potions. Several ideas remained untested in practice. Fortunately, Kite—a three-star Hunter with medical expertise—was here. Through exchange and learning with her, perhaps even collaboration, he might produce more perfect potions. With Bisky providing a credit guarantee, Kevin trusted this three-star Hunter. One of the Hunter Association's administrators, and his master's friend.
The next morning, after breakfast, everyone dispersed to their respective tasks.
Kevin, Kite, and Pairo headed to the manor's medical room.
"Let me explain my Nen ability's operating mechanism first. Please don't interrupt." Kevin spoke directly. "I have basic trust in you—whether because you're Bisky's friend or given your status and position, I believe you won't spread details about my ability. Besides, there's nothing particularly confidential about it. The more you interact with me, the easier it becomes to analyze and discover anyway."
Kite had initially wanted to interject, but hearing this, she simply nodded in agreement. Since he put it that way, there was no need for pretense.
Kevin roughly explained his ability's usage methods and operational process.
As expected, after listening, Kite's eyes sparkled with excitement. "A very interesting Nen ability. Truly fascinating!"
Clearly, she was highly interested—just as Bisky had predicted.
"May I ask, based on your own estimation, what level can your ability reach?" Kite wanted a more precise range to better formulate her treatment plan.
Kevin considered. "Based on my own feeling—if I had sufficiently perfect materials and ample Nen—I believe I might even create potions that could bring the dead back to life or reverse aging."
The words sounded exaggerated, but he genuinely felt his ability held that potential. How much Nen would be required? What materials? Currently unknown. This was merely the theoretical upper limit—naturally he'd state it ambitiously. Not entirely impossible, just exceptionally difficult to realize.
Give me twenty years of diligent training and sufficient materials, he thought. I could definitely do it.
As a three-star Hunter, Kite was knowledgeable and experienced. She simply nodded, unsurprised. Such abilities weren't unheard of—it was just that the conditions for realization were extremely harsh. Kevin had acknowledged as much.
"If that's the case, this treatment will be manageable." Kite reached a conclusion. "I'll give you a materials list. Procure everything on it—these should help you produce potions for the patient. If that approach falls short, we can fine-tune your Nen ability gradually. That should achieve the treatment goal."
Kevin nodded. No problem.
Material types, quantities, processing methods—all affected medicinal efficacy. This had always been the most time-consuming aspect of his work.
Subsequently, the two engaged in in-depth discussion regarding Pairo's condition. Both possessed medical knowledge and were academically inclined. While Kevin's knowledge base wasn't as extensive as Kite's, he could follow her reasoning without difficulty. He absorbed her insights eagerly.
Kevin purchased materials through Light, but utilized Kite's channels for procurement. This ensured rapid delivery by air, excellent quality, and affordable prices—all top-grade.
"If you don't mind," Kite ventured cautiously, "could I observe your Nen ability in action? Particularly the medicine-making process?" She knew her request might seem presumptuous, but curiosity consumed her. Deep understanding would benefit the subsequent treatment work—this was no trivial matter.
Kevin pondered briefly, then nodded. He wanted to leverage Kite's knowledge and ability to assist in creating new medicines anyway.
Soon, Kite brought Bisky along—reasoning that Kevin trusted Bisky more than herself. Having Bisky present served as a statement of good faith.
After understanding the situation, Bisky nodded. "Alright then. I haven't witnessed it either—I'll take this opportunity."
Before both of them, Kevin materialized his pharmaceutical workbench.
Bisky had seen it before; no novelty there. But Kite examined it with great interest, even reaching out to touch it lightly.
Kevin observed that on the surface, Kite presented as a serious, wise strong woman—which she was. But encountering something that intrigued her revealed a side inconsistent with her usual demeanor.
Kevin placed the prepared materials onto the scale pan, arranging them carefully.
"Each material requires different processing," Kite observed curiously. "Does this affect the medicinal effect?"
Kevin nodded, offering a brief explanation. "Freshness matters. Whether a material is dried, ground to powder, or left whole—all these forms impact the final product's efficacy."
Kite absorbed this, nodding thoughtfully. Kevin's Nen ability followed scientific logic rather than pure fantasy—grounded in reality, which allowed the medicines to achieve better results. This was promising.
As the production process unfolded, both observers quickly grasped the ability's limitations. During medicine creation, Kevin was at his most vulnerable—completely defenseless, unable to fight back. A dangerous state.
When Kevin extracted the finished medicine tube from below the workbench and handed it to Kite for study, Bisky fixed him with a serious expression.
"When making medicine, avoid fixed time patterns. Be spontaneous, unpredictable. Choose safe, isolated locations—preferably with trustworthy, capable people standing guard." Her tone left no room for argument.
The state of using Nen abilities was the most dangerous moment for any Nen user. During that window, they were nearly indistinguishable from ordinary people—perhaps even more vulnerable.
Kevin nodded, acknowledging the point. Understood.
Since Kite remained fascinated by his ability, the two quickly immersed themselves in discussion. Their conversation revolved entirely around medical information—leaving Bisky dizzy. She simply retrieved a magazine and settled nearby, ignoring them completely.
With materials still en route and Kite's interest unabated, Kevin seized the opportunity to study new medicines together. He'd stockpiled significant materials recently, many fresh specimens whose properties he hadn't fully explored. Through Menchi and Buhara's descriptions, he'd made notes on each, but hands-on experimentation remained.
Material and source entity shared subtle connections—connections exploitable during medicine creation. Find suitable matches, achieve desired effects.
Their discussion grew increasingly animated.
"These lungs come from a bird capable of extended underwater diving. The species is—" Kevin began.
Kite leaned forward. "If used as main material, could the resulting medicine enable underwater breathing?"
"Exactly. But appropriate auxiliary materials and fusion agents would be necessary."
"Then consider bubble algae." Kite's eyes gleamed. "A特殊 plant whose effects—"
They traded insights rapidly. Kevin possessed extensive biological knowledge—familiar with various organisms' special habits and abilities. Kite's expertise lay in herbs and medicinal properties; even obscure, unusual plants she knew intimately. She could casually discuss extraction methods, condensation techniques, and the different medicines derived from various herbs.
In this domain, she far surpassed Kevin. He humbly learned while collaborating.
Medicines that had existed only as rough ideas quickly became feasible with Kite's input. Material processing—previously Kevin's most tedious task, requiring clumsy trial and error—accelerated dramatically. Kite's understanding of medicinal properties allowed her to accurately specify processing methods for desired effects.
Soon, a new medicine emerged.
[Diving Potion]: Minimal Nen consumption. User can breathe freely underwater while experiencing enhanced swimming speed and flexibility.
Several other medicine concepts now had solid foundations. Given more time, Kevin felt confident he could produce them all.
"Your medicines have two application methods—external and oral," Kite observed thoughtfully. "Have you considered other delivery systems?"
Kevin looked up, confused. "Other methods?"
Kite nodded. "Injections, for example. Many medicines are administered through injection—it enhances efficacy and accelerates onset."
The words opened a door to a new world for Kevin. He considered briefly, then shook his head. "No. Even as Nen products, directly injecting the medicine probably isn't feasible."
This was intuition—his understanding of his own ability speaking.
Kite nodded with some regret. "I see. That's unfortunate."
But her suggestion sparked something.
Although medicine couldn't be injected directly, this was Nen. The world contained countless unique abilities. Now that resentment had been removed from "A Moment's Dream," it had fully become his Nen ability. He could feel himself gradually integrating with it—like "Blank Meteor," it would evolve with his growth.
Inspired by Kite, an idea crystallized.
Injection.
His Specialization-type ability leaned toward Materialization—knowledge gained from Bisky. Nen classifications weren't absolute; they could shift in certain directions. He was primarily a Enhancer, but actually inclined slightly toward Emission. And his Specialization leaned toward Materialization—after all, his pharmaceutical workbench was materialized.
So why not materialize a syringe?
Inject medicine directly into the body through a syringe—achieving better efficacy, longer duration. For others, this might seem a simple notion. For Kevin, it represented significant progress. Compared to oral administration, injection offered superior absorption and bodily retention.
This idea is completely feasible.