I Hate Systems

"Hmm, what's taking these idiots so long?" A middle-aged man frowned, smoking a cigar as he puffed rings of all shapes. Moreover, through his mana, the rings turned moist, forming clouds in the room as they rained down cigar water.

It was his habit to create a cigar ecosystem anywhere indoor that he lived. He was bare-chested, wearing what seemed to be long trousers that were somewhat tattered at the bottom.

He had an average appearance, akin to a daily wage labourer. Honestly, if he were to change his getup, one wouldn't even know that he was part of a large mafia.

He was Luthak, a Master Water Warrior, dealing with drugs and organ trafficking. And now, he was somewhat irritated, snorting as the rain clouds in the place rained harder, "I only asked them to capture twenty kids under the age of eight. How long does that take, huh?"

"Calm down, boss. I'm sure they're looking for the best-graded children to capture." A fawning voice resounded from a man that looked like he was only a teenager.

Indeed, he was young, not even reaching twenty years of age. And, he was talented, having already become a Master Wind Mage at this age.

He was the leader of the underground mafia operating in Tentuna City that dealt with drugs and organ trafficking. There existed other organisations that dabbled in activities like gambling, prostitution, loans, etc.

Their organisation had a monopoly in the two businesses they dealt with, so they exercised considerable power. And, Luthak's visit meant that they could expand further.

And if the chance permits, they could even obtain the opportunity to join the secret organisation that Luthak was part of.

This was why, Zuhar, the boss of the underground organisation fawned over Luthak. With his talents and achievement, while being so young, he indeed had a chance at becoming a part of something grander.

'Dammit, why the heck are these old men so useless? I should replace them with active youngsters after this.' Zuhar cursed mentally upon seeing the mild trace of disappointment on Luthak's face.

He then thought of something, saying in excitement, "Boss, give me a second."

He excused himself, arriving at the nearby room as he opened a hidden compartment, entering his exclusive quarters where countless glass jars of various shapes and sizes were present, containing a variety of solutions.

Currently, a similarly-aged boy was working here. He was a Master Alchemist, the secret of their underground organisation's rise to success.

Staring at the Master Alchemist, Zuhar said, "Bring out the Mana Capsule."

"Bro, are you serious?" The Master Alchemist asked in shock, "You were never planning to sell this before."

"The situation is somewhat complicated." Zuhar sighed, "At this rate, we might lose Luthak's favour. We can become stronger once we join his organisation. Their backing must be enormous for a mere Master Warrior like Luthak to throw his weight around like this."

"Bro, don't take out more than two Mana Capsules. I spent a fortune to make them. And until I research and master its secrets, I don't wish for the recipe to leak out." The Master Alchemist said in caution.

"I know, I'm not foolish enough to throw our trump card away like that." He then grinned, opening the safe to stare at ten crystalline capsules, each the size of a nail, glimmering in the light. He exclaimed in surprise, "You've already created ten?"

"The Master Mage we captured previously had almost reached the Grandmaster Stage. So, he was a better resource than I had expected." The Master Alchemist smirked, "I made more than I expected as a result."

Zuhar carefully took out two of the Mana Capsules and placed them in a box each. The box was made out of silver, coated with gold to ensure the effects of the Mana Capsule wouldn't diminish, for it was a sensitive drug that lost its effect when coming into contact with external elements.

Each box was only as big as a thumb, containing a depression where the Mana Capsule went in perfectly, cushioned to prevent any damage. He carried the two boxes and left the room, arriving at the place where Luthak was seated, having turned the place into a furnace filled with cigar smoke.

'This fucking retard!' Zuhar couldn't help but curse mentally, for the smoke clouds created by Luthak rained down the cigar substance everywhere, causing a murky mass to coagulate everywhere, making the place messy.

Having been influenced by his Alchemist friend, Zuhar kept everything clean and sanitised, despite being in the business where they kidnapped and killed people daily.

So, he despised Luthak's messy nature. But he didn't have the choice but to suck up to this person, 'Once I become your superior, I'll clean you up from the face of this world.'

He then sported a wide smile, placing the two boxes on the table, "Boss, this is our latest product. They aren't ready for commercial production yet due to the insane production costs, but the effects of this drug are unlike anything you've ever seen."

"Zuhar, I've tasted and tested the drugs from countless races. So, what you claim to be a masterpiece is just commonplace for me." Luthak said casually as he opened the box, sniffing it as his eyes lit up in response, "Great substance. What does it do?"

"It gives you mana intoxication." Zuhar smirked, "This is the best drug for anyone strong. Taking it would make them feel as if they are growing stronger endlessly. And the feeling of continuous improvement is more addicting than the drug's effects itself."

"Say no more," Luthak said as he popped the Mana Capsule into his mouth, closing his eyes as he almost moaned in response, feeling as if he was flying. Strength exploded in his body, making him feel as if he had become a God, someone that hadn't even hit his limit despite reaching such a height of power, continuing to become stronger and stronger.

He felt as if the world itself was a tiny cage, unable to hold him in place for his strength continued to increase before eventually…it surpassed the world itself. But at this time, Luthak grunted in anger, for the effects of the drug vanished, bringing him to reality to see his crappy strength that hadn't even budged an inch for the past decade, "Why is its duration so short?"

'Alright, he is addicted.' Zuhar smirked cunningly as his eyes darted to the second box on the table.