Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 661 The Hand of the Demon (4-in-1)

It's clear that this high-ranking wizard truly dislikes owing favors.

He demanded immediate payment and didn't want to engage in too much pointless socializing.

Roy inquired, "Witch Tower's intention is probably to gradually bring the jungle under its control, right?"

If you would like, please also let me know some policy directions.

"The higher-ups sent me here to guard this place, and that was indeed their intention."

Deerworth looked puzzled, clearly not expecting Roy to ask such questions.

However, due to the exchange of original data, he still revealed quite a bit of information.

"Although the spiritual beings here have suffered a great extinction, they are no longer of high value to beings above the level of Grand Wizard."

However, from the Great Wizard down, it is still a treasure trove.

Our mission here is to first gradually take control of the entire faded desert, and then explore the flesh and blood swamp.

These two areas occupy the majority of the area and will house multiple resource points and testing grounds. The entire transformation project will be completed over several decades to over a hundred years.

However, there are no plans at the moment for a more in-depth creative park.

The main reason is that the magical smog is too severe, and there aren't many people suitable for long-term deployment..."

"It seems we need to make proper arrangements for the queen bee!"

Roy was lost in thought.

Even though I've made a pact with the queen bee, people exploring later will most likely let her go if they see the mark left by a level two wizard.

But it's still not enough to guarantee safety.

You need to be promoted to a higher level before you're qualified to let it roam freely there.

Besides that, we need to find a way to relocate.

But that would prevent a full search of the Flesh Swamp.

Unless one day in the future, all the legacy there is swept away and it becomes worthless.

Roy considered for a moment, then said to Dilworth without mentioning these matters, "I hope to make a deal with you, mainly regarding the gains from exploring this world."

"You may have misunderstood something."

Dillworth gave a wry smile.

"I am indeed guarding this place, but I haven't gained any benefits. At most, I just collect some common and easily obtainable wreckage."

Roy looked at him quietly, without saying anything more.

"Okay, I admit, sometimes I get a little bit of an advantage."

But the gains were not many.

Deerworth had no choice but to admit it, rather reluctantly.

"Moreover, every mission is recorded."

This is actually what Roy is worried about.

Ownership of the Kingdom of Cretaceous resides in the Witch Tower.

Even if it was destroyed by bombing, many of the items inside still belong to the public.

This is not an adventure land where just anyone can come in to search for treasure.

The reason why we have achieved success in our previous explorations is entirely due to the lack of strict regulation.

As time goes by, the products of various places will certainly be brought under control.

But if you were to say that this guardian wizard didn't rely on the mountain for his own benefit, no one would believe it at all.

The reason he proposed the trade was that he had become somewhat interested in what Deerworth would gain.

Fishing in a pond is never as comfortable as scooping fish out of someone else's bucket.
Inside this camp, including Deerworth and Manant, one or two people must have already made some gains.

But they are not familiar with him, so if he obtains a real treasure, he certainly won't take it out easily!
unless……

Roy proactively displayed the high-level elemental matrix core, the Aquis Stone, the Soul Gem, and other items in his possession.

Deerworth exclaimed in surprise, "These are..."

Roy said, "These are all treasures I acquired here during my apprenticeship!"

"Decades ago, even apprentices could achieve such results?"

Dilworth's surprise turned into shock.

Although these things are of no help to his advancement to a great wizard or to extend his lifespan, they are already considered very worthwhile treasures for a first-level wizard or a second-level wizard.

He understood their value.

So they also took out their own items to trade with him.

Roy took this opportunity to demonstrate his expertise in appraising treasures, easily giving a general overview of the various miscellaneous items.

This made the wizard Dilworth look at him with new respect, and he took the initiative to invite him to appraise the chalk bone.

Roy, of course, knew everything about it and resolved some of his doubts.

"The chalky bone, calcified..."

That's it!

I knew these things looked weird…

Deerworth suddenly realized something.

"Actually, you don't need to use this 'Oxy reagent'..."

Although it can react with bone, effectively dissolving and refining insoluble bone.

But it's too slow and inefficient!

Roy took this opportunity to steer the conversation toward what Dilworth was currently doing.

He knew that this wizard was stationed here, and was mainly interested in the level three area, the Forest of Bones.

There are huge bone forests there, and so many skeleton monsters.

They've had enough to live off the land and enjoy quite a bit of comfort.

As expected, Dilworth frowned slightly, showing some emotional reaction.

"But I've tried all sorts of reagents, and this one is the best."

"Why not try the darkening potion?"

This stuff has corresponding recipes for everything from flesh and bones to wood, fiber, metal, plastic, glass, and even special ceramics and magical materials. If mixed properly, it can create different corrosive solutions.

This is the conceptual corruption of alchemical fundamentalism, and theoretically, it's the most effective method.

Roy suggested.

“I only know the most basic corruption technique; I haven’t been able to develop a variant that targets bones.” Dilworth’s expression was somewhat strange. “Could it be that you do?”

"I happen to know a little about it."

Roy offered his help.

"If you'd like, I can help you prepare it and provide the corresponding recipe!"

"Alright, let's give it a try!"

Deerworth gave him an alchemy commission with some skepticism.

……

"Sure enough, everyone gets their stuff from here; that's where the real family is."

Even high-ranking wizards are not immune to this!

Not long after, Roy found a place to stay temporarily in the camp, looking helpless.

"He still doesn't fully trust me. He didn't bring out any of the good stuff he got; he just tried to fool me with some junk!"

Even so, Roy was secretly satisfied as he focused his attention on the semi-transparent virtual panel in front of him.

[Alchemy talent gain in progress (87%)]

Just now, he saw the treasure in Dilworth's hand and actually gained a lot of progress.

"Forget it, let's take a look at the recipe that Deerworth needs first!"

Roy took out various items from his spatial ring, set up a simple alchemy table in his temporary residence, and began to get busy.

Actually, this formula is readily available, accumulated over decades of research into "darkening".

It only requires simple fine-tuning to achieve the ideal state for the chalky bone.

******
the next day.

In Dilworth's room.

Roy returned and handed over a carefully prepared dark potion, along with the recipe for making it.

"I have successfully completed my mission!"

This stuff should be able to specifically target chalky bones, quickly dissolving ordinary bone tissue.

Deerworth took the special ceramic jar and recipe from Roy, looked it over, and exclaimed, "The younger generation is truly formidable!"

Although he hadn't actually tried it, seeing that Roy dared to take it out, he guessed what it was like.

It's incredible that they were able to prepare this bone-dissolving agent in such a short time!
Subsequently, Dilworth changed his solvent and tried the product provided by Roy.

In just over 10 minutes, the bones that would normally take half a day to process were instantly turned into black water.

It really worked wonders!
To Deerworth's surprise, Roy pulled out another small can of albino potion.

"Using this should further remove impurities and extract perfect bone tissue!"
This is essentially buy one get one free; I hope you won't refuse.

"I can also turn evil or white."

But none of them could recreate that recipe!

"I can't believe it," Dilworth exclaimed sincerely.

He was genuinely taken aback by this suddenly appearing level two wizard; any doubts he had previously harbored had vanished.

However, he didn't say anything to her face.

After Roy left, he summoned Manant and asked privately, "Could it be that Roy really received some kind of inheritance here and possesses extraordinary power from a great wizard?"

Manant said, "That cannot be determined."

However, I just communicated with Wuta and checked.

This wizard, Roy, was already the most outstanding elite apprentice before he first entered this place; his talent was extraordinary.

After that, he was promoted to a full-fledged wizard and became Lord Frosif's disciple.

Then, over another 20 years, he was promoted to the second level, and now, more than 40 years later, he's only in his early 80s!

"A level two wizard who's only in his eighties!"

Deerworth was deeply moved and couldn't help but sigh.

"When I was at his stage, I was almost 800 years old, and I thought I had no chance of being promoted at all!"

He then told Manant with a serious expression, "This person will definitely become a high-level wizard, and one of the best, with the highest chance of becoming a grand wizard!"

I've already fallen to this point, and I can't take care of you much anymore.

You can try to take this opportunity to spend more time with him.

Manant looked moved.

"Thank you for your guidance, teacher!"

……

With both sides willingly engaging in a "two-way journey," Roy's situation with the people in the camp suddenly became exceptionally harmonious.

He stayed here for a while under the guise of a mission, using his alchemical knowledge and talent to take on many commissions and help with a lot of things.

Although the cost is unavoidable, this is a rare opportunity for most apprentices and junior wizards.

It's rare to find such a kind-hearted and skilled alchemist who is willing to provide services such as shop services, repairs, and appraisals.

They even act as temporary mentors, guiding apprentices in their skills.

He was already on the verge of becoming an Alchemy Master, and he also possessed the level of a Level Two Wizard.

He was extremely knowledgeable about all the alchemical issues in the camp.

For a time, he was admired and widely recognized.

In a secluded place, Roy once again provided an appraisal service for an apprentice, as a semi-transparent, illusory panel unfolded.

[Alchemy talent gain in progress (100%)]

Material Identification (Iron Grade)

[Capable of quickly identifying the properties and uses of common alchemical materials, improving the accuracy of identification procedures]

"..."

It seemed to be a useless ability, completely overshadowed and crushed by the Eye of Hermes.

But soon, Roy discovered that the two were actually different.

This Iron-level ability leans more towards theoretical foundational knowledge, and a considerable amount of knowledge related to identification materials has spontaneously accumulated in his mind.

If the Eye of Hermes is a talent that cannot be taught to others...

This kind of knowledge-based skill can then be organized, summarized, and passed on to others.

In addition to the basic knowledge gained from past inspirations, it can be said that I have a complete understanding!

"This completes another piece of the puzzle for the Alchemist Master!"

I can feel the seed of talent within me gathering again!
We're one step closer to a successful integration!

……

At that time, Roy took even more fervent care for the wizard apprentices in the camp.

However, formal wizards have never really interacted with their apprentices because very few of them are able to advance in rank.

A lifespan of only a few decades is simply not enough to support a plan that can last for decades or even centuries.

It's quite possible that he left a favor here, and when he returned decades later, everything had changed, and the other person was no longer there.

The most worthwhile investments are in first-level wizards like Manant.

Roy then learned that the other party was a student of Dillworth, similar to his relationship with his teacher, Frost.

"If the teacher finds a new place to go in the future, I will probably still have to stay here and help take care of things."

If there is anything you may need, please do not hesitate to ask.

Once again, when commissioning the appraisal, Manant took the initiative to show goodwill.

"You actually stayed behind? Weren't you supposed to go to the colonies with Lord Deerworth?"

Roy was a little surprised.

"There are some things you may not know. I have been serving under my teacher for over 60 years and I am ready to graduate."

After completing their training, they need to find their own path and acquire resources for further development.

The teacher will also have new students of her own; she can't take care of me for the rest of my life.

If I were to travel and adventure to various places, even with my talent and skill, I would still be lacking.

Therefore, the teacher plans to have me stationed here permanently, to first create a level two puppet, or some other self-defense and life-saving item!

"That's it, I understand!"

Roy nodded.

Not every wizard can reach the second stage within 60 years.

He then asked again about the level two puppet he planned to create, as well as items for self-defense and survival.

The result was that they decided to rely on the resources of the mountains and find enough high-grade bone in the Forest of Bones to create a set of "Bone Mechs".

Roy briefly inquired and discovered that it was somewhat similar to magically powered armor, but not a pure mecha. Instead, it was a semi-solid entity formed by energy enveloping its skeleton. Its quality depended on both the materials used and the quality of its magical energy.

It is said that if one trains to a high level, one may possess strength comparable to "diamond skin" and also have very good physical attack capabilities.

******
"That sounds good, but it's not easy to gradually select and accumulate bone from those bones."

It would be better to use Radiant Gold.

Radiant Gold also possesses decent physical strength and magical conductivity.

After thinking about it for a moment, Roy understood the general idea.

"Look at what you're saying, Radiant Gold is worth at least 2500 Magic Stones per pound. If you accumulate tens of thousands of pounds, that's 25 million. If the war situation becomes tense, the price can rise even more!"
This is just the cost of materials, not including the cost of other modifications and upgrades.

By this calculation, even a second-stage puppet would be considered top-tier.

I could never accumulate this much wealth in my entire life!

The teacher is certainly capable, but I'm not the only student. If the teacher shows favoritism, what about the other students?
If we were to give it all away, that would amount to hundreds of millions. And on what basis?

Manant's expression turned somewhat strange upon hearing Roy's words.

Okay, I didn't use any cheats.

But... "I forgot to turn it off".

It's gotten a bit like the "let them eat meat porridge" mentality.

This guy in front of me certainly can't afford to be made of Radiant Gold.

Even I myself am facing a temporary shortage of working capital due to too many money-burning projects, so I can't afford to do all these things!

Roy chuckled dryly, but he showed some interest in Manant's witchcraft.

"What exactly is this witchcraft? Can we demonstrate it for you?"

"Of course, but this place isn't suitable for drills. Let's go outside the camp."

……

Soon after.

Manant led Roy outside, chanted a spell, and unleashed the sorcerer creation known as the "Bone Mech".

boom!
Flames surged, and white bones stood starkly in the distance.

A condensed magical energy and a giant-like half-body skeleton enveloped the body and appeared out of thin air.

It turns out that the materials needed to construct this skeleton were hidden beneath the red robe that Manant was wearing.

They instantly swelled and grew to enormous size, transforming into their current form according to the spell's model.

This resulted in a small giant, several meters tall, standing in front of you as a half-body human figure.

It holds a large bone knife in its hand, and at first glance, it looks majestic.

"It seems to contain elements of spells like 'Bone Armor,' 'Shadow Spell,' and 'Giant Transformation'!"

Roy sensed for a moment and then spoke to Manant.

"Yes, it mainly consists of these few spell models assembled and combined, and it has been specially optimized by my teacher."

Manant Road.

Witchcraft was also created by humans.

However, the elements of witchcraft do not appear out of thin air; most of them are assembled and combined in this way.

With an understanding of the basic model, wizards already possess the conditions for invention and creation.

Incantations are the keys that activate corresponding powers and facilitate the casting of spells.

After a moment's thought, Roy suddenly realized that he could actually create similar spells, but take a different path.

For me, I could completely abandon the "Bone Armor" and instead use something like Fire Copper or Radiant Gold.

Even more cost-effective is the net woven by the ghost witch, filled with blood mercury!
The most difficult part is probably "giantization".

I had never studied this before.

However, one can also purchase relevant materials from the Wizard Tower and, combined with past experience in learning and mastering "shrinking objects," gradually learn it.

Combining the "Shadow Armor" and "Activation Technique" that I had previously mastered, a hollow, gigantic armed mech was formed!
Learning and mastering these skills is never the problem; the problem lies in the effectiveness of their application.

Is it necessary?

That's the primary issue.

……

Another half month passed.

Roy stayed at the camp for quite some time before returning home laden with the spoils he had obtained from the trade with the others.

But these things weren't really of much use to him. The key was extracting elements during the identification process and getting some source matter for free.

At the same time, it also sowed the seeds of friendship.

He spent so much time and effort building his reputation among the apprentices and Manant, all just to become a familiar face to them.

If there is a next time, you can still "provide authentication services" here.

"Unfortunately, the alliance has never encouraged local tigers to stay put, so there is no way to establish permanent followers through business means to manage and acquire on my behalf."

The Seven Towers Alliance aims to conquer the outside world and plunder other colonies, not to play tricks internally and profit from interests that have already been rotten in the pot.

This largely prevents wizards like myself from using their advantages to make a comfortable living; essentially, it's still like during my apprenticeship, where I only sought profit from one source...

Only in colonial territories were these operations permitted!

Roy saw all of this clearly, so he didn't insist.

……

Inside the tower, the mage's mansion.

After submitting the mission, Roy returned to the alchemy room and took out a simple-looking mechanical arm.

This is the very treasure that was previously discovered in the land of chalk.

"The Broken Hand of the Demon Spirit of Mercanoher (Level 3)..."

If one did not possess the Eye of Hermes, an ordinary person who obtained such a thing would only think it was an ordinary mechanical arm cut off from a puppet.

Perhaps a pearl is buried in dust, carelessly tossed into some corner, and then a lucky person picks it up.

However, Roy possessed remarkable appraisal skills and would never easily overlook such a treasure, so he brought it back.

We will now use the [Repair Expert] tool to process it.

Previously, while he was in the camp, in order to avoid being discovered by Dilworth and causing unnecessary trouble, he did not even enter the mage's mansion, nor did he take out this thing to deal with it.

Now that we're starting, we're finding it much easier to fix than we expected.

"The outer casing is slightly damaged, and the components at the elbow joint are also slightly deformed..."

I can fix it quickly.

However, it contains spell configurations similar to "Hand of the Mage" and "Hand of the Shadows," and also includes elements of "Giant" and "Animation."

More importantly, its magic array is constructed entirely for the purpose of driving demonic spirits.

In other words, with my current resources, I can only repair it to the point of restoring its basic functions.

It needs to be infused with a suitable new spirit to fully realize its potential!

Roy, out of curiosity, consulted the relevant materials and conducted a more in-depth assessment based on the internal structure he had built.

To my slight surprise, it was found that it was inscribed with multiple powerful offensive and defensive spells, including the level two "Protective Palm," "Flying Strike Palm," and "Grabbing Palm," as well as the level three "Crushing Palm."

In its gigantic state, it can provide effects similar to a mecha arm, such as carrying and shielding, or pushing, grabbing, squeezing, and slapping.

This was originally something only giant golems could do, but under the transformation of magical energy, physical attacks that should have belonged to warriors will be able to obtain a decent spell multiplier.

******
"This is good stuff!"

Unfortunately, before receiving the soul infusion, I only have the basic "Shadow Hand" ability; I can't use any of the others!

Ordinary action imitation and spell casting with the nature of "skills" are completely different concepts.

For example, "flying high five".

On the surface, it looks like an arm pushing forward.

This can be easily imitated.

However, if a wizard or sorcerer condenses their magic power with their own spirit and combines it with certain experience in evocation spellcasting, they can only output power at a rate of 10% to 100%.

This is not actually spellcasting, but merely the barbaric use of mental power.

The spell "Flying Palm" is a level 6 Evocation spell.

The actual multiplier ranges from 1000% to 1600%!

The difference in leverage is so significant that it begins to produce a qualitative change.

"Crushing Palm" is a level 9 Evocation spell, and can be considered to have a multiplier of about 1600% to 3200%!

Actual output may be subject to various limitations imposed by physical attacks, resulting in significant deductions for unnecessary losses.

But it is still quite considerable.

This means that a level 3 magic spirit, with its spiritual energy infused to over 1000 degrees, could unleash a physical attack of 16,000 to 32,000 degrees with a single full-force strike!
This is comparable to a super weapon!

In words, it's like "a colossal hand descended from the sky, shattering the entire mountaintop with a single blow!"
Roy was also somewhat envious of this mechanical arm that "comes with its own skills".

However, this is difficult to do for the time being, so we can only repair the surface first and then work on it gradually.

Because he wasn't sure whether the demonic spirit infused into that arm possessed this level of spiritual energy.

However, just as Roy was feeling a little disappointed, the girl's skull brought good news.

"The deacon of the Wizard Tower has replied, saying that you have made a contribution by submitting 'Gorilas' and can exchange it for a monster of the corresponding level or a special magical spirit as a reward!"

"Really?" Roy quickly inquired tentatively, "Does the spirit of 'Mercanoher' exist?"

"This is a Black Iron-grade Soul Recipe, and it is indeed within the range that can be exchanged!"

"The girl's skull answered."

"However, we don't have finished products; we can only provide information and raw materials for manufacturing ourselves."

"That's alright, I'll just exchange for this!"

Roy said confidently.

He himself was an alchemist with a considerable soul rank.

I'm fully confident I can handle this!

……

"Lord Roy, these are the items you requested for exchange."

Please accept the extra rewards you received from the last mission.

a few days later.

The office is located on the fifth floor of the Witch Tower.

Roy personally went there with the girl's skull and collected what he needed.

"This is quite a coincidence, and it's all thanks to having the backing of the Witch Tower that we have this exchange capability."

If I wander aimlessly, it might take years or even decades to find it!

After returning home, Roy took out the item, which was an antique-looking earthenware jar.

Upon opening, a figure as dark as ink was found curled up inside, with two eye-shaped orbs of light flashing as if an animal were blinking.

Roy used his mental powers to probe and sensed a stress response similar to that of a worm.

This is the black iron-grade spiritual material, from a distant place, a mutated worm with a large amount of spirituality, similar to the soul of the infamous "slime".

Roy teased it for a moment, then took out the crystal ball and probed it with his spiritual power.

A hazy white light shone, and the figure of a wizard dressed in black robes appeared on the crystal ball.

"Mercanoher in wizarding language consists of two words: mechanical and arm."

Its implied meaning is a tool that can replace the arms of a living organism and be used at will.

The mechanical wizards inside the Okmi Tower have undergone tireless collective improvements.

From the earliest exoskeleton mechanical equipment to auxiliary combat components of armored suits, and then to floating arms that exist completely detached from the body, this kind of creation has been gradually invented.

Gradually, great wizards condensed the concept of an arm to create this kind of magical spirit.

Its soul recipe requires the sacrifice of oneself or one of one's controlled arms..."

As the black-robed wizard recounted his story, the mystery of this arm-spirit was gradually revealed to him.

Roy simply copied down the recipe, then pondered the various materials and their corresponding symbols.

I never expected they would cut off my arm.

Fortunately, these "symbolic objects" are only used to condense concepts.

Once it's been refined, whether or not it can be regenerated is no longer relevant.

……

For the next few days, Roy was making preparations.

He first temporarily severed his right arm, as described in the information, to use as a breeding ground for demonic spirits.

Then he poured the black substance from the earthenware jar into it.

In just half a day, after Roy's arm grew back, the arm in the petri dish was completely devoured, leaving not even bone fragments.

After that, the demon spirit appeared, taking on a fragile, transparent state.

"Mercanoher Magic Spirit (Level 2)..."

Spirit: 150 degrees…

Perhaps due to the limited total amount of spiritual energy, and the fact that the demon spirit cultivated using one's own arm as a medium is only at level two for the time being.

However, Roy sensed a rich purple spiritual light within it, suggesting that it possessed the potential to advance to the third level.

He quickly poured it into his arm.

What was originally an unremarkable, ancient-looking puppet arm suddenly became mysterious, as if covered with many black tattoos.

Roy sensed a vague spirituality within it.

Under the mental connection, the arm floated up.

"Mercanochel, attack!"

Roy brought it to the training ground and launched an attack on the target in front of it.

"Oh!"

The mechanical arm, which was the size of a normal person, suddenly swelled to the thickness of an elephant's leg.

Even a normal palm becomes like a giant palm-leaf fan.

Amidst the deafening roar, the target was destroyed and knocked down directly by the "striking palm".

Following that, Roy tested the "Protective Palm" technique.

The enormous hand grasps itself, like a giant shield, providing defensive capabilities comparable to the "Bone Soldier".

However, from a material perspective, the physical defense of this level 3 item is clearly of a different quality.

Then there are "Grasping Palm" and "Crushing Palm," each with its own unique characteristics.

Roy felt a sense of satisfaction, as if he were connected to the nerves.

It is possible that by using his own arm as a medium, he established a connection similar to a clone, and this arm is completely under his control.

Perhaps the only regret is that it cannot coordinate with its own arms to perform precise operations such as alchemy.

It also has no way to channel its own magic power for output, making it an independent puppet unit.

　Today I finally managed to combine and update the chapters.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)