Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 621 New Pigments (4-in-1)

Before we knew it, another winter had arrived.

The Kingdom of Grey Eagles, Aquila City.

The painting teacher led the apprentices to the newly built governor's mansion in the capital.

This is a fortress-like mansion built by wizards using some kind of witchcraft.

Its appearance is gray and not particularly beautiful, but given the historical context and productivity of this world, it is already quite magnificent.

The apprentices, who had been studying in seclusion at the manor, were genuinely amazed upon seeing this scene.

"Today, we're having a painting class to sketch this Governor's Mansion."

The teacher addressed the group.

"Although I don't expect you to become great painters in the wizarding world, a necessary aesthetic sense and artistic vision are also essential for an excellent wizard."

Some of these impressions and insights may even evolve into spell models…

Apprentice Tim clumsily followed his teacher's instructions, mixing paints and trying out color combinations.

He was actually a child from a poor family, and before coming here, he had never been exposed to these elegant and artistic things.

The same goes for everyone else.

But gradually, they got used to it and started discussing it excitedly.

Just then, a group of ragged, emaciated laborers passed by on the roadside.

Their gaunt, distressed appearance contrasted sharply with the magnificent architecture.

Tim couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "These people are really too pitiful."

"Ok?"

Upon hearing his words, the lecturer, who was acting as the painting teacher, immediately stood up and gave him a stern rebuke.

"If you feel sorry for those people, would you be willing to take their place, or for your family to fall to that level?"

Otherwise, how about you give your apprenticeship to their child and do the hard work yourself?"

Tim had no idea why his teacher was angry, and he fell silent for a moment.

Seeing that he was speechless, the teacher softened his tone and explained to Tim and the others.

"Gentlemen, there is no need to pity them, because..."

"Who told them not to work hard?"

The apprentices agreed, "Yes, the wizard had already made all the arrangements."

"As long as you study hard and strive for excellence, you can have everything wonderful!"

"Their ignorance deserves their suffering!"

"Witchcraft is wealth, witchcraft is power..."

"Who told them they lacked talent for witchcraft?"

Seeing that these teenagers fully understood the fundamental reason why they were there, the teacher finally smiled and nodded.

That's right!

The world is balanced; if some people enjoy happiness, then others are destined to suffer.

The reason we can live in peace and tranquility is because we trample others under our feet!
And the one who gave us all this, and who maintained all of this, was the wizard from Vizel…

Classmates, what do you think would happen if you had the chance in the future...?

What should I do?

"I swear to serve Wizel to the death!"

"Yes, I swear to serve Wizel to the death!"

The teacher smiled approvingly, returning to her usual gentle and warm demeanor.

What no one knew was that with a flick of his quill pen, he marked a triangle above Tim's name on the roster.

Then, the "Secret Mark" was applied.

"This apprentice is immature in thought and shallow in speech and behavior. He has not yet been successfully molded. It is recommended that he be observed more closely."

Note: It is not recommended to bestow enchanted items or knowledge potions...

……

"Look! There's a great wizard over there!"

Suddenly, the instructor heard an apprentice exclaim in surprise and turned to look.

To everyone's surprise, a handsome young man, almost otherworldly, was sitting casually on the high platform, setting up his easel and sketching the distant mountain scenery.

The sunlight slanted down, casting a golden halo over him.

His long hair cascaded down his back like a waterfall of moonlight, and he held a brush in his hand, gently swishing it to create strange, flowing light on the canvas.

The lecturer was suddenly startled, realizing that it was not ordinary paint, but a peculiar treasure containing some kind of spiritual power.

That wizard wasn't making ordinary paintings; he was experimenting with something.

"It's Lord Roy!"

The lecturer held his breath and gasped in surprise.

"What is he doing? That painting..."

Something seems off; is it enhanced by "revitalization magic"?

The other apprentices watched in astonishment as Roy's painting suddenly came to life.

A brilliant sun shines in one corner of the picture, casting golden rays outward.

Below, the vegetation is lush and the trees provide ample shade, seemingly swaying gently in the breeze.

After an unknown amount of time, Roy gradually completed the details of the painting.

With the final stroke, it was like the finishing touch on a painting, bringing the sun on the canvas to life.

Suddenly, a flame ignited above, and in the golden flames, everything that had just been drawn turned to ashes.

The "sun" in the canvas, however, transforms into flames like lamplight, slowly drifting out from within.

Roy reached out and held it in his palm for a while, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Then, with a clench of his fist, the shimmering light shattered like a dreamlike bubble, before disappearing without a trace.

Artedia stood behind him watching this scene, a look of surprise on her face.

"Lord Roy, what was that just now...?"

"Soul Pigment - Golden Yellow!"
I finally succeeded in forging it!

Roy answered in a murmur, seemingly savoring the slight stirring that had just occurred to him.

"But unlike the black and white of the past, this thing contains a richer and more intense emotional power, and its composition is also very complex..."

This is mainly because, in people's minds, gold often symbolizes wealth and riches, as well as the sun, nobility, purity, and other meanings.

The mixture of various images creates even more possibilities.

This even includes the symbolic meanings derived from flames and burning.

Therefore, simply being moved triggered the power of the fire element, burning the canvas to ashes.

However, as the aftertaste of the story lingered, Roy also extracted the symbolic meaning of "holy fire" and "holy light" from it.

These things, which I had more or less come into contact with in the past, are gradually being integrated and understood.

besides……

Roy's heart stirred, and he used the method of materializing with his spiritual power to condense golden threads, shaping them with the spiritual essence of the "soul pigment - golden yellow" he had just refined, forming a shape that resembled a golden chain.

Since he has already inscribed the Art of Animation to the level of a second-tier talent, he can also use this derivative variant, which combines "Soul Pigment" and "Soul Binding Rope," with ease.

Almost like a combination of spellcasting feats such as "instant cast" and "silent cast," he soon held a long, gleaming gold chain in his hand.

Heavy, cold, with the texture of enchanted metal.

But unlike real, physical radiant gold, this chain is translucent, in a spiritual state!
Almost at the same time, the black hair at the back of his head suddenly and silently changed, revealing a dazzling golden color like the morning sun!

******
"Lord Roy, you..."

Atedia was somewhat surprised to see this.

"It seems that my soul characteristics have undergone a slight change."

Roy said calmly.

This has a sense of sudden realization, a kind of spiritual elevation.

Roy brought the golden chain in his hand closer and examined it carefully.

"It feels like it contains characteristics of soul pigment, sanctification, and witchcraft energy all at the same time."

She ran her fingers through her hair again, rubbing it in her palm. It felt like it was made of gold threads, yet it was soft and smooth, a transformation of ordinary magic gold.

It contains the secrets of the soul.

Compared to the past emphasis on changes in physical form, this ghostly witch body is clearly beginning to develop in the direction of spirituality.

However, this does not seem surprising.

It had already begun to exhibit similar characteristics in the past, but now they have become more pronounced.

……

Some time has passed.

Outside Aquila City, Roy summoned the "Soul Pigment - Golden" that he had refined from his storage space.

After being ground and purified, natural ochre can turn from light yellow to golden yellow and is widely used for dyeing murals and pottery.

When combined with gold leaf and gold powder, ground and mixed with glue, it can create gold mud with a bright golden color.

It contains magical energy imprinted with spiritual significance, or what might be called "pigment seeds."

This originally ordinary pigment underwent a soul-stirring reaction, becoming a sanctified symbol needed for performing witchcraft.

Roy lightly dabbed a small amount with his finger, spread it out, and drew a sun pattern in the air.

At the same time, he chanted a spell.

"~..."

(Activated Image)
A moment later, the pattern constructed by this spiritual manifestation actually became three-dimensional.

A golden sun, the size of a millstone and resembling a giant fireball, floated up and hung in the air.

"Success!"

Roy's body trembled.

This is a new form of witchcraft he has recently created.

By applying "activation techniques" to objects such as paintings, the spiritual impressions contained within can be activated, thus summoning beings similar to spiritual entities.

This inspiration came from the world of Aster, and with the inscription of the second-level "Activation Technique," it has become increasingly easy to use.

Ultimately, by accumulating knowledge about the connection between spiritual beliefs in the previous world and this world, he finally achieved something.

Not far behind, Sister Windsorbell looked up at the scene, muttering to herself.

"The sun... Holy light!"

Her eyes revealed the emotion of a believer witnessing a miracle.

Roy turned and looked at her.

"I have never been able to explain the Holy Light, nor have I been able to condense any divine arts or other things that are sufficient to become the core of faith."

However, it seems that this new pigment can now be used to interpret its spiritual imagery.

Windsorbell nodded.

Although she knew it was a drawing, a constructed object, seeing it still touched her soul.

Her soul had merged with the Rose Angel, making it very easy for her to resonate with the master who created her.

Therefore, it was easy to understand the true meaning behind Roy's "painting".

Following closely behind, Atedia also seemed to have realized something.

A paladin or holy knight does not need to be attached to a specific deity, but only to the ideals in their heart.

She believed in and was loyal to Roy, and she truly died for him in return.

By placing their faith in this, their souls were instantly elevated, and they underwent a transformation similar to that of a formal wizard.

Even without having learned or mastered any spellcasting techniques, they instantly grasped the profound mysteries of magic without any instruction.

"My lord, I think I've mastered the 'Blessing Spell'!"

"Me too!"

Windsorbell and Artedia said almost in unison.

"is it?"

Roy was a little surprised, but he quickly understood.

"Blessing is a spell that both priests and paladins can learn. It is mainly used to exert a mental influence on themselves and their allies, to combat fear, and to boost morale..."

However, what is truly important is not the spell itself, but the ability to connect to and master it in this way, which means that the 'self-deployed divine spell system' has been further extended into this kind of "living image".

Perhaps by leveraging this, deployment and utilization will be much easier in the future.

……

Feeling that there was immense potential in it, Roy continued to invest in it for the next six months.

During this time, the others were not idle either, but continued to push forward various tasks.

The governor's office, as well as various schools and bureaucratic institutions, were established.

Smaller shaman towers were also built and erected in major towns and along major transportation routes.

Roy felt that this thing was standard equipment for invaders in a certain era, serving as a fortress and bunker for military, political and social control.

In some worlds, there also exist guerrilla-like groups that bypass bunkers, cut off supply lines, and launch counterattacks through methods such as nighttime raids.

However, the Gray Eagle Kingdom, being an indigenous kingdom, simply couldn't afford to do this.

They completely lacked the foundation for operations behind enemy lines.

The wizards, with their extensive colonial experience, would not give the exiled Grey Eagle nobles any chance to make a comeback.

They implemented a divide-and-rule strategy, dividing the population into different classes.

Roy specifically looked into it.

The sorcerer is transcendent, above the hierarchy, and is regarded as a being beyond the mundane world, almost like a living god.

The first tier consists of senior apprentices at the intermediate level or above, who possess "stationed in the tower qualification".

They determined their own treatment based on their rank, starting as intermediate apprentices, then progressing to advanced apprentices and elite apprentices, who became increasingly valuable and often the de facto rulers of the colonies.

The second class consists of the sorcerer's relatives, including his immediate parents, wives, concubines, and blood descendants.

These people are called nobles by blood, and they possess rights that are above those of ordinary people, without having to bear any obligations.

The third class consisted of meritorious nobles.

This was originally designed for nobles who surrendered, or other people who surrendered and made contributions, as a reward for loyalty and merit.

However, in the actual process, the wizards' and apprentices' brothers, sisters, nephews, relatives, and even friends who were recognized were all included.

This group, who benefited from the favor of the wizards, were privately known as the Nobles of Grace...

Over time, it became a common practice.

When Roy learned this, he suddenly remembered Nia, his former teammate in the Okmi Tower.

The status she sought in the world was precisely this one.

So many years have passed, I wonder how she is doing now. Perhaps she has achieved her wish and become a countess in some secular kingdom, or a royal advisor or something like that.

And Andoff and others, along with their descendants, are probably kings and generals of Knightland.

******
Roy continued to investigate.

The fourth tier consists of technocrats and those who maintain and implement the ruling system.

This level of people includes, but is not limited to, various officials, knights, and warriors.

The fifth class consisted of skilled craftsmen such as blacksmiths or farmers, who were responsible for production and the supply of materials. Some bureaucratic subordinates, such as clerks and knights' attendants, were also included.

The sixth class consists of professions such as doctors, teachers, cooks, tailors, and rickshaw pullers, which serve the public and are essential for maintaining the normal operation of society.

The seventh class consisted of merchants, as well as actors, prostitutes, and other service industry workers.

Lacking political standing, they were frequently exploited and looked down upon, and were forbidden from wearing fine silks or luxurious clothing. The eighth class consisted of displaced people; all landless civilians or unemployed individuals without long-term formal employment would be relegated to this class.

The ninth class consisted of criminals and prisoners of war who were deprived of their freedom and forced to do the hardest and dirtiest work. They were even denied basic personal freedom.

Beyond that were the lowest castes and slaves.

They were treated like livestock, with no human rights whatsoever.

Once you fall into this social class, you are often enslaved for generations, with no hope of ever rising above it.

"Isn't this just a detailed version of the caste system?"
The wizards deliberately maintained a strict hierarchical system, causing those at the bottom to fight each other and making it impossible for them to unite.

In practice, it is inevitable that merchants or actors will accumulate wealth and fame, and live a life of luxury comparable to that of nobles.

But political status is insurmountable; one can be labeled with various accusations, have their property confiscated, or be subjected to wanton humiliation at any time.

Roy recognized this as a typical caste system, which distinguishes between the noble and the lowly based on occupation and social status.

However, it differs from the caste system in one aspect.

Within this strict order, the wizards opened a channel for expression.

That is to become a wizard!
They must be at least intermediate-level apprentices or above.

No matter your status, position, or background, even if you are a commoner or slave outside the nine classes!

Anyone with talent can be sent to receive education and has the potential to become a new ruler!
For the toiling masses who saw no hope whatsoever, this was nothing short of a ray of dawn.

But in reality, entering the Witch Tower and becoming an apprentice is also a difficult and arduous path.

The vast majority of apprentices become stepping stones for others, or exhaust their youth and energy in various witchcraft experiments and interdimensional battles.

Even the seven major witch towers, which are the native lineage, treat their apprentices as mere consumables.

How could the various witch towers and governor's mansions set up in other dimensions possibly really treat them as treasures?
Only when one reaches the advanced apprentice or even elite apprentice stage will things get a little better, and there will be hope of repaying one's family.

The various aspects involved are infinitely mysterious, but it can be basically determined that they are proven and effective methods for maintaining the rule of wizards.

"Honestly, I've read books and received an education..."

They lack the awareness to resist this system, and instead, because they are beneficiaries, they are content to indulge in it...

Even when they are aware of the various injustices and irrationalities involved, they are unable to propose better solutions.

What about those who haven't read books and lack the courage to break through all of this?

Roy asked himself questions and examined his own heart.

"It seems that if I were to take control of a world in the future, I could consider various social structures and methods of change, and conduct large-scale experiments."

With food sources like Creo mushrooms, and various other things that exist outside of society as a safety net, perhaps we can discover some solutions.

"I didn't expect you to have this kind of interest."

Nisha was somewhat surprised when she learned of his thoughts.

"But it will most likely end in failure; there is no such natural and efficient approach."

She had experienced a fall from grace, from a high-ranking princess of the kingdom to a prisoner of war in the hands of others.

It was only because he met Roy that he didn't lose too much dignity.

If she were in someone else's hands, she would probably be no different from a slave.

However, I do have some experience and knowledge.

"A ruler would never voluntarily relinquish his own interests."

She said with certainty.

She was the only one Roy could talk to about these things with.

"You are a wizard, are you willing to be subservient to others?"

"Of course I don't want to."

Roy answered truthfully.

This seems to be a dead end again, and others are unwilling to accept it.

……

But, in any case.

This system continues to operate efficiently and stably in this country called the "Grey Eagle Kingdom".

Soon, it was early July.

Fayt summoned Roy and the others over.

"Does any of you know how to brew potions like 'Sweet Dreams'?"

Soon, most of the people raised their hands in response.

Roy remained silent, only looking at Fayt, vaguely guessing the other's intentions.

Sure enough, he told everyone.

"Our spies have made contact with the high-ranking officials of the Giant Bear Kingdom and have established deep friendships with many of them."

Now, he is preparing to join forces with the country's merchants to try to control military supplies and essential products such as food.

He discovered that many of them were former nobles who had lost their land in the Grey Eagle Kingdom.

They are politically frustrated, and their economic situation and various luxuries are also empty, so they are in dire need of new stimulation.

I need to hire three people to help me concoct this potion, and I will buy them at a discounted price.

Three people quickly responded to the call.

However, Roy escaped the task, but was soon detained by Fay.

He didn't have many level-two wizards at his disposal, and with such a high-quality workforce, he was bound to encounter many problems.

"Your Excellency Fayte, is there anything else?"

Roy couldn't help but ask.

"We need to delay for a few more years, during which time we will continuously weaken the enemy and strengthen our own side."

However, our informants have recently noticed that Kerriando seems to be rising through the ranks and being given significant responsibilities.

We suspect that he may have already attracted the attention of the world's will, and it is possible that his feigned identity could become reality, making him the chosen one of this world!

Based on previous test results, it may have reached around the median level of Grade II.

"So fast?"

Roy was speechless for a moment after hearing this.

Although he himself obtained the bloodline of Quetzalcoatl, the sorcerer's body, and a spiritual magical beast with a power of up to 1000 degrees, which can be called the peak of level two.

But you must know that you are a transdimensional being! A wizard produced by a high-magic civilization!

Who is Kairiando?

A native of a lower world!

Fayt clearly shared the same sentiment.

"His ability to achieve this is absolutely due to the favor of the world's will."

I demand that you go to the Bear Kingdom and attempt to change the ownership of the Holy Sword, causing it to lose its protective power!

He paused for a moment, then continued.

"If we still can't stop his momentum towards advancing to the third level, then kill him!"

"Understood, I will do as you wish."

Roy leaned forward slightly and accepted the task.

******
"This task is very important. If you do it well, I will give you a big credit, and the territory you receive in the future will be even more and better."

Fay was somewhat surprised by Roy's decisiveness, but quickly gave him a promise.

After Roy left, he quickly made some preparations and then embarked on his journey.

……

February 7, noon.

Roy arrived on the outskirts of Aquila, closed his eyes, and sensed the flow of the ley lines.

Thanks to the "dimensional beacons" secretly deployed by various parties, the main roads of the ley lines in the world of Brevorel have now been basically identified.

In his mind, a network diagram of teleportation anchor points distributed across the continental shelf immediately appeared.

This highly confidential information could only be fully understood by these trusted wizards.

Moments later, he located the "Dimensional Beacon" near the capital of the Giant Bear King.

Although he didn't install it himself, coincidentally, it was something he had made himself.

"..."

In the blink of an eye, Roy's figure disappeared from the spot and then appeared at the bottom of a deep valley.

Roy took to the air, roughly determined the direction, and then embarked on his journey.

……

Not long after, in the capital of the Giant Bear Kingdom.

"Master Gnaum, Young Master Ilor, and Madam, Miss..."

We’re here.”

The servant came to the carriage and knocked on the door.

"understood."

Roy, disguised, followed Lord Gnaum down the aisle.

Following closely behind, they arrived at the carriage behind and together they picked up the lady and the young lady.

Unbeknownst to everyone present, there was an extra person in the caravan because Roy had used a hypnotic ring to control them.

Furthermore, it's not just about controlling one person, but about controlling the whole group.

He infiltrated the city by posing as the leader's son and the young master of the merchant guild, Ilor.

"Honey, don't worry about us, go and do your own thing."

The lady was a mature and beautiful woman who was close to 35 years old and still had a charming appearance. When she saw her husband coming, she smiled.

"Alright, this cotton deal is very important, I'll head over now."

Lord Gnaum nodded.

Finally, he instructed Roy, "Ilor, take good care of your mother and sister, and don't run around, understand?"

There are rumors circulating everywhere lately that war is about to break out on the border again, and there might even be spies and assassins operating around...

"understood."

Roy nodded.

"Oh, my dear brother, this is really boring, isn't it?"

"I've finally managed to come all this way to the capital, I was planning to explore the city."

A bright and beautiful woman in a stylish white dress followed her down, took out a small mirror to look at herself, then puffed out her cheeks and said to Roy somewhat sullenly.

"Listen to your father, don't run around."

Roy gave her a meaningful look.

His hypnotic glasses only altered the other person's memories of their family, adding the existence of a younger brother, but did not change anything about their temperament or preferences.

Fortunately, this "older sister" was quite obedient and soon entered the hotel at the "mother's" invitation.

next second.

"I'll go out for a bit first, but don't tell Madam and Miss."

If asked, just say I'm resting in my room.

In the unseen spiritual realm, a single hypnotic spectacle worn over the right eye added an intellectual charm to Roy's already handsome appearance.

"Don't worry, young master, I'll keep your secret!"

The accompanying servant immediately and obediently agreed.

……

"Lord Yilor?"

At the secret liaison point, Roy met with the intelligence agents who had infiltrated the area, and soon encountered a leader of the rank of Grand Knight.

He verified Roy's identity, bowed to the boy, then turned around and took out a stack of intelligence from the safe and handed it to him.

"Due to confidentiality regulations, we are unable to make a copy of this document for you."

Please be sure to read this completely here.

He then made no move to leave and simply sat down to the side.

Roy nodded, having no intention of causing trouble for the staff at the grassroots level, and obediently began reading according to the rules.

"I see. Since arriving in this country, Kairian has been highly regarded and has now become the prince consort."

He also led several campaigns to subdue local monsters and bandits, acquiring several treasures and significantly enhancing his overall abilities.

"Yes, besides that, he also met and helped some people here, made close friends, and gained loyal followers..."

Everyone said he had the aura of a king…

The intelligence chief said with some concern.

"Even one of our female intelligence agents who tried to get close was turned against us!"

Although we dealt with the matter, we still suffered heavy losses.

"..."

Roy was speechless.

This isn't the aura of a king, this is the aura of a domineering king, okay?

Fortunately, there are no powerful beings like dragons in this world. If he had actually encountered one, wouldn't he have been forced to form some kind of life contract under the instigation of the world's will?
Those powerful beings are also incredibly shrewd. Sometimes they see through things but don't say anything, and just agree to things as they see fit, hoping to ride on the luck of the chosen one.

Roy said, "You should also know that he may be the chosen one, which may be due to the influence of the world's will."

"Indeed."

The intelligence chief nodded in deep agreement, though he was also somewhat apprehensive.

"The influence of the world's will is not, in essence, hypnosis or brainwashing, but rather it is more profound, insidious, and irresistible."

Because it is a mysterious force that is ever-present and all-pervasive.

The immense will of the world, like the will of heaven, influences the spirit and spirituality in the unseen realm.

"Fortunately, even such a being must abide by the laws of the material world and can only be activated through a reasonable medium."

Having faced Nicodo before, Roy understood this deeply.

"Your intelligence report mentions that the Third Prince, Zalik, seems to have some dissatisfaction with his brother-in-law, Keliando?"

After a while, Roy put down the intelligence in his hand and said to the leader.

"Yes."

"Is there any way I can meet this person? I want to meet him in a more formal setting, and maybe even become friends with him."

"Within the royal palace of the Giant Bear Kingdom, there is a Level 3 powerhouse, the Holy Knight Verogl, who guards it..."

The intelligence chief, slightly surprised, quickly offered a reminder.

"Therefore, it needs to be natural and reasonable."

Roy said.

After all, the opponent was not a skilled mage, but only a level three life mage. Even if I couldn't defeat him, I could still escape from him.

This is his confidence.

"What talents or suitable qualifications do you possess?"

The intelligence chief thought for a moment and then asked.

This is a starting point.

"I am a painter."

Roy proudly stated.

(End of this chapter)