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*Chapter 97: Potion *

Library Scene.

The professor sneered and dismissed the critical Trial of the Grasses potion, a core element for witchers, as utterly worthless.

He then turned his attention to Allen and began to explain.

"If you, the Creator, require potions to enhance the body, there are better alternatives in the [Library] besides the highly detrimental 'Trial of the Grasses.'"

As the professor elaborated, Allen was surprised to learn of several alchemical potions with effects comparable to the Trial of the Grasses but with significantly fewer side effects.

Aside from the Love Potion and Cleansing Potion already featured in the script Magical Elixirs, the professor had other potions in hand: the [Enhancement Potion], which boosts physical development; the [Stone Skin Potion], which hardens the skin like stone; the [Strength Potion], which increases physical power; and the [Sleep Potion], which induces slumber. Aside from the last one, which seemed more like filler, the other potions were compelling choices for Allen.

"Due to the rules, I cannot offer more potions for you to choose from, Creator. Moreover, stronger potions might be more of a burden at your current stage. These beginner-level potions are likely the most suitable for you right now."

The "rules" the professor mentioned referred to the constraints imposed by the card's rank.

The [Story Scene Card—Library], as an [Iron] grade scene card, could only provide potions of this caliber.

Frowning, Allen considered the options.

If possible, he naturally wanted all of the potions.

However, the rules derived from the script dictated that he could only select one.

"If you're truly undecided, Creator, the [Enhancement Potion] might be your best choice for now," the professor suggested, noticing Allen's hesitation.

"The [Enhancement Potion]?"

Recalling the potion's description, Allen pondered.

Unlike the [Stone Skin Potion] or the [Strength Potion], whose effects were evident from their names, the [Enhancement Potion] didn’t instantly make one stronger. Instead, it enabled the user to grow stronger through training, up to the human limit.

For some reason, the [Enhancement Potion] reminded Allen of a potion-based version of the Super Soldier Serum.

He suspected the system had secretly modeled it after the serum but modified it into the [Enhancement Potion].

"Are you sure the [Enhancement Potion] is the best choice?"

Frankly, while Captain America was great, his combat power was still average.

"I think the [Strength Potion] or the [Stone Skin Potion] might be more practical."

Allen leaned toward potions with immediate effects.

"Excessive bodily modifications aren't ideal, Creator," the professor patiently explained, observing Allen's reluctance.

"Especially in a world not yet assimilated by extraordinary forces..."

"You mean the [World Evolution Rate]?"

The professor’s words made Allen immediately think of a section on the system's backend panel that had puzzled him: the [World Evolution Rate].

It was evident from the professor’s explanation that the [World Evolution Rate] played a significant role. As a system-generated character, the professor seemed privy to hidden knowledge.

Allen felt slightly exasperated.

Even though he was the system's host, he knew less than the characters he had designed. Of course, when creating the professor, he had endowed him with extraordinary insight.

Forgetting his initial purpose for using the scene card, Allen pressed the professor about the meaning behind the [World Evolution Rate].

"Creator, are you familiar with jigsaw puzzles?"

Instead of answering directly, the professor shifted the topic.

Under Allen’s puzzled gaze, he continued.

"If we compare the current world to a blank jigsaw puzzle, the scripts you create are like vibrant puzzle pieces. When these pieces are numerous enough to fill the puzzle, the once-blank puzzle will become colorful. At that moment..."

As he spoke, the professor pulled a book from the library shelf, opened it, and handed a potion to Allen.

"...you, Creator, will truly gain control over this world and change everything, including your desires."

Instinctively reaching out, Allen accepted the [Enhancement Potion].

He began to understand the professor’s point.

"In other words, until the [World Evolution Rate] reaches a sufficient level, I can’t freely use the powers from the scripts in reality."

The professor neither confirmed nor denied this.

Instead, he raised a finger and said, "One dollar."

One dollar.

This was a rule Allen had designed for the Magical Elixirs script: the first potion purchased in the [Library] would cost only one dollar. The intent was to allow people to acquire what they needed at minimal cost.

Initially, Allen had hoped to obtain the Trial of the Grasses potion from the professor in the [Library].

But now…

Looking down at the [Enhancement Potion] in his hand, Allen decided to abandon the Trial of the Grasses.

As the professor said, the Trial of the Grasses—dangerous, unpalatable, and riddled with side effects—was better left forgotten.

"Apologies, Creator, but time is up."

Taking the one dollar Allen handed over, the professor lifted his head, as if sensing something.

He shook his head at Allen and waved his hand before his eyes.

In the [Library], Allen felt a moment of darkness.

When he opened his eyes again, he was back in San Marino.

"If I could be sent back this easily, why was getting there so complicated?"

After a quick glance at the system's shattered interface, Allen couldn’t help but complain about the unnecessarily convoluted process of being transported to the scene.

After venting, Allen collected himself.

Looking down, he saw the [Enhancement Potion] quietly resting in his hand.

(End of Chapter)  

*Chapter 98: Enhancement *  

Bang, bang, bang! 

Inside the boxing gym in San Marino.  

"Are you sure your profession is a screenwriter and not a professional boxer, Allen?"  

The coach couldn't help but ask as he felt the sheer weight behind each punch delivered by Allen.  

Even with the cushioning of boxing gloves, the impact made his palms ache faintly, showcasing the formidable strength of the man in front of him.  

"Or maybe you should consider switching careers. With your physique and power, professional boxing would be a perfect fit. Becoming a world champion isn't out of the question."  

The coach was genuinely tempted. If his gym could produce a world champion, it would bring unparalleled business and fame.  

"I’ll pass," Allen replied, stopping his punches and taking a deep breath. He grabbed the towel around his neck to wipe the sweat off his forehead.  

"A world champion doesn’t earn as much as I do."  

Coach: "..."  

The coach was momentarily speechless at Allen's words.  

From a certain perspective, Allen was indeed correct.  

Aside from a select few top-tier world champions, most boxers’ incomes were far from as glamorous as they seemed. The brutal competition of professional rankings meant that losing a match could cost a boxer not only fame but also substantial sums of money.  

Even for those who managed to reach the pinnacle of the sport, like becoming a champion or a titleholder, the short-lived nature of their careers and the physical toll was unavoidable.  

"Besides, I have more important things to do than participate in boxing matches."  

Taking off his boxing gloves, Allen signaled to the coach that today’s training was over.  

The enhancement serum had comprehensively boosted his physical capabilities.  

Especially in terms of endurance—if Allen wanted, he could have sparred with the coach at this intensity all day long in the ring.  

Of course, he didn’t want to stand out too much.  

His reason for coming to the gym was simple: he’d grown tired of working out alone and wanted a sparring partner.  

Seeing Allen’s firm attitude, the coach had no choice but to give up his internal ambitions.  

After all, Allen was a paying customer, not one of his trainees.  

After leaving the boxing gym, Allen didn’t opt for a ride home. Instead, he jogged back.  

Along the way, he soaked in San Marino’s pleasant scenery and its safe, peaceful environment.  

This was a far cry from the chaotic streets of Compton he used to navigate.  

As he jogged, Allen’s thoughts began to wander.  

The writers' strike had been going on for thirteen weeks. The strike had caused the American entertainment industry to lose over $2.5 billion. Many films in pre-production had been canceled, including George Miller’s version of Justice League. Reports suggested that 007: Quantum of Solace and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian might also be scrapped. On top of that, TV series like Prison Break, Heroes, and 24 had suffered from weeks-long delays.  

However, not every part of the entertainment industry was affected. In fact, reality TV shows that didn’t require professional scriptwriters thrived during the strike. Keeping Up with the Kardashians, launched during this period, quickly became a hit.  

The Kardashians skyrocketed to fame, cementing their place as one of America’s most popular families.  

Although the strike’s ripple effects were still spreading, Allen had learned from Universal Studios’ vice president, Ron Meyer, that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers was showing signs of compromise.  

It seemed the unprecedented Hollywood writers' strike might soon come to an end.  

For Allen, this was good news.  

Not only would the new agreements between the Writers Guild and the producers’ alliance significantly increase writers’ incomes, but the end of the strike would also allow his story points system to resume accumulating value.  

Because of the strike, Modern Family had gone on hiatus after airing only a few episodes, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 had repeatedly delayed its release due to the sluggish market.  

While story points earned from real-world productions were relatively minor compared to those generated by the system’s evolved scripts, every little bit helped.  

More importantly, creating these scripts was a lucrative endeavor for Allen—a win-win situation.  

Thinking about story points, Allen’s mind naturally drifted to the system.  

In the Library, the Professor had explained the importance of the system’s World Evolution Rate, a feature Allen had initially overlooked.  

It now appeared to be the system’s most crucial function. By continuously evolving scripts and altering reality, Allen could grow stronger in the real world.  

The concept resembled the idea of "spiritual energy revival" he’d heard about in the past.  

However, just as "revival" implies a gradual process, altering the world required time and careful planning.  

It was like the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Hollywood—only through a series of interconnected films could a climactic showdown capture massive attention.  

Dropping Thanos into the opening act of Infinity War would have left audiences utterly confused.  

Yes, Warner Bros.’ Justice League, I’m looking at you.  

Similarly, the system—or more precisely, the scripts Allen created—followed this principle. Through the evolving stories, he would continuously influence the world, ultimately changing its foundations and transitioning it from ordinary to extraordinary.  

In short, it was a manual version of "spiritual energy revival."  

Put simply, Allen needed to keep creating new scripts to boost the World Evolution Rate.  

(End of Chapter)