Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 667 The Master Forger (4-in-1)

Soon after.

Outside the city, in the wilderness.

Under the dim sky, dark clouds filled the sky, and lightning could be seen flashing in the distance from time to time.

A pack of vicious dogs, like a school of sharks attracted by the scent of blood, came chasing after them, quickly gathering into a group of thirty to fifty.

Roy, accompanied by Angel Alice, the Skull of the Maiden, Pranzhe, and Nisa, sat on the magic carpet, watching Freya hunt demons below.

Many of the abyssal demons here are of a different species and have a different appearance than those in the outside world.

This is the result of millions of years of continuous evolution and transformation, and the fusion of various forces.

The most common of these is a hellhound that resembles a hyena and is covered in rotting flesh and blood.

They actually evolved from a hybrid of coyotes and canines from Gusbur.

Long-term erosion by the power of the abyss has transformed it into a monster with characteristics of both demons and undead.

Freya was not a combatant, and she couldn't help but panic when she saw this.

However, at the crucial moment, as if instinct had surged, a white light illuminated the outline of his body.

"That's celestial power?"

Prandtse and Nisa looked on with interest, their eyes gleaming.

"The unique angelic power of the Celestial Race, which controls the element of light..."

But it didn't originate from the Lord of Radiance or any other deity of Heavenly Mountain!

"It feels related to the paladin's belief in inner strength; it originates from their own power!"

Roy pondered for a moment and said, "Some people have speculated that it is the power of the ancient gods."

In other words, every member of the Chosen Ones is essentially a smaller version of a god.

"Yes, I've also heard you mention that the natives of this world once recklessly stole the power of the world's will..."

Did he ultimately acquire divinity?

As she spoke, the longsword in Freya's hand was covered in light, transforming into a long lightsaber.

With each swing, the sharp edge sliced ​​through the monsters' bodies, dispelling their shadows like light, easily killing them.

As the last vicious dog collapsed to the ground, Freya's spirit surged, as if a large amount of source energy was condensing, and her aura became much stronger.

The magic carpet descended, and Roy asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Lord Roy, I feel quite invigorated."

Freya breathed slightly, then stretched out her palm, watching the hazy white light dance like fireflies.

"And I've gotten a bit stronger too!"

"Don't be greedy, take it slow."

Roy gave him instructions.

The "Gusbur Clan" can rely on combat to replace cultivation methods such as meditation.

It seems that Freya can be given combat abilities in the future.

……

After the experiment, Roy went back to organize the data and set many plans.

But most importantly, it is undoubtedly about his own promotion.

The scale of his own soul essence and the knowledge he possessed were far beyond what Freya could compare to, and the difficulty of performing a soul transfer was also incomparable.

But having already grasped the key to it, Roy was quite confident about it.

He didn't need to prepare any level three witch body, so he started with the materials for the Soul Gem.

Just this alone requires a hundred times more preparation than Freya's.

Because his current soul size and total spirituality amount to over 65 units, which is several times stronger than the tiger-man souls captured in the "Lightless Place" of the orc world.

Fortunately, the cost of containers varies from person to person.

Even without considering the comfort of the soul, very cheap white crystal will suffice.

This is just like how people can live in a mansion, and they can also live in a thatched hut.

"In this respect, there is something similar that can be referenced, namely the lich's phylactery."

It is essentially a sturdy metal box, or an object made of white crystal, filled with parchment for writing magical text.

Generally speaking, large, naturally formed magic crystals or flawless large diamonds and natural gemstones can be used.

There are also spiritual crystals similar to totem stones and holy stones!

The product of melting down Soulstone fragments is also acceptable, just like remelting glass shards!
But it doesn't need any spiritual essence; only its physical form is required!

Roy remembered Gova's plan.

It probably also uses fragments to cast containers.

The spirituality within is used to construct witchcraft rituals such as "equivalent exchange" to redeem the daughter's soul.

But your soul is in your own body, so there's no need for such trouble.

Roy considered factors such as the comfort of having a permanent soul abode, the ease of inscribing the magic array, and the sturdiness of the materials themselves, and chose a natural magic crystal similar to Freya's.

"Lord Roy, the natural magic crystals you ordered have arrived."

This is a magic stone ore essence worth millions, please take a look..."

In the city, at the fortified warehouse.

Roy spent another sum of money to acquire a gem that was much smaller than the one Freya had used, but was more solid and had a more spiritual quality.

Looking at the translucent gray-black gemstone, which was only the size of a walnut, Roy seemed to be deep in thought.

"As a soul, it does not care about the size of a physical form..."

As for the sacred emblem that represents one's own soul.

Let's have the natal chart engraved on it.

Then supplement it with some formations to protect the soul.

Generally speaking, this kind of thing only needs to take into account the mental power limit of around 5000 degrees after level three.

That's equivalent to tens of millions of spiritual units.

Further up, the soul will undergo a qualitative transformation, no longer needing to rely on such a physical object, and can naturally coalesce.

Even the ability to control "physicalization".

Therefore, this type of container is not needed.

……

Not long after, Roy headed back with the Soul Gem materials he had just acquired, still pondering the many details of the entire plan.

This is a typical level 3 item, and it's really not easy for an ordinary alchemist to craft.

But for me, it seemed like it was all in the making.

"Why is this blacksmith shop open?"

Suddenly, the girl's skull following beside them gave a reminder.

It floated above Roy, flying high and seeing far, so it detected the anomaly in advance.

Roy walked down the steps to the square below, where he indeed found Gova, who had been missing for some time.

He was already a middle-aged man with a stubble beard, but now he looks even more haggard.

It seems that even his soul has been damaged, and his mental strength has regressed from the peak of level two to around 400 degrees.

"Roy!"

Upon seeing Roy appear, Gova's eyes lit up, and he quickly went to greet him.

"That's exactly what I was looking for."

"Is there a problem?"

Roy said calmly.

"I have a prototype of a level 2 ancient weapon here... the Sword of the Seeker of Light!"
"It's a treasure I found at a bargain price before. If you want it, I'll sell it to you cheaply, how about 1000 million?"

Gova enthusiastically pitched his pitch, and then, unsurprisingly, made his demands.

"But I want to trade Soul Stone fragments, not Magic Stones..."

******
"You're missing a fragment again."

Roy frowned slightly.

Gova looked slightly embarrassed. He didn't deny it, but he didn't say anything else either.

He simply asked, "Do you have any left?"

He took out the weapon prototype he had just mentioned from his spatial ring.

This is a treasure crafted with exquisite skill many years ago, a creation of a highly advanced magical civilization.

Roy briefly examined it with the Eye of Hermes and indeed saw a bright blue glow, indicating a decent foundation for a level two treasure.

But he still said, "I'm sorry, I just used up a batch recently, and I really don't have much left."

He actually still had 100 newly issued tokens in his hand, worth millions of magic stones.

But that's far from enough.

Unexpectedly, Gova immediately took out several puppet parts and some precious raw ore, among which was a small piece of level-three mineral that emitted a faint purple glow.

"Kramer Alloy (Level 3)..."

The magical alloys unique to the Gusbur civilization are generally considered to be metals imbued with divine power, hidden deep within the ancient ruins built by the Gusbur people.

"This thing seems to react with the power of the Celestial Race, and can be made into exclusive equipment!"

Roy's first thought was to use it to make the weapons or armor that Freya would use.

So I asked a few simple questions.

As a result, even a small piece costs more than 80 yuan.

However, just as he hesitated, a slight stinging sensation came from between his eyebrows.

[Alchemy talent gain in progress (100%)]

Reverse Engineering (Bronze Level)

[When performing alchemy, there is a chance to acquire relevant knowledge and recipes, but the effect is limited to level three.]

"it turns out……"

Roy felt a slight tremor in his heart.

This alchemical talent only applies to level 3 alchemical operations, but in reality, the vast majority of knowledge and skills come from it.

Even if one is only at the apprentice level, one can still apply what one has learned to higher levels of alchemy.

It is by no means an isolated entity, but rather an aggregation of many fundamental capabilities.

Sure enough, the star chart in my mind reflected the depths of the dazzling stars.

[Index of Learning], [Inspiration], [Craftsmanship], [Alchemical Runes], [Basic Alchemical Arrays], etc.

It was constructed into a larger constellation.

A constellation with a gear-shaped pattern!

This is actually the culmination of many theoretical and technical talents, with the added inspiration of mysticism.

"Okay, I'll buy this."

Roy hesitated for a moment, then, without haggling, took out his tokens and bought the item.

"If you have any further needs for forging materials, feel free to contact me!"

Gova was very satisfied and said to him.

……

"Lord Roy, you're back."

The alchemy workshop, in front of the shops on the street.

Freya looked at Roy returning with a small bag in his hand and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

"What is this?"

"I just ran into Gova and bought some materials from him."

"Why are you selling off materials?"

Freya walked over, slightly surprised, to help examine and categorize the items.

Roy handed over most of the odds and ends to her, but took the small piece of Krama alloy with him, intending to try it out using his newly acquired [Reverse Engineering] ability.

In fact, even without this talent, he could still perform the same reverse operation using his existing knowledge and abilities.

This is how the problem of Poit alloys was solved in the past.

However, [Reverse Engineering] is, after all, a bronze-level talent, and its effects are far superior to those without the talent.

Moreover, alchemical operations...

Is identification considered an alchemical process?
The Eye of Hermes possesses an innate ability to appraise items, and also has the super effect of "increasing the corresponding ability level by 4 when appraising items".

If applied here...

Just as Roy was thinking about this, he took a few more glances.

As a result, a strange inspiration suddenly came to mind, and various information about Krama alloy appeared naturally.

"It actually worked!"

Roy himself was startled.

The combined effect of different abilities is truly remarkable!

Taking advantage of the novelty, Roy took out a lot more materials and alchemical products and examined them continuously.

As a result, most of those within their capabilities mastered the relevant knowledge and formulas.

Now it truly is a copy eye that can "copy with a single glance"!

However, what Roy cared about even more was that this "reverse engineering" presented a picture of constellations in the natal chart, rather than a completely new point of light like an "art master".

This form also reveals that it is actually composed of many basic capabilities.

My previous assumptions about the "puzzle" theory were correct.

"By extension, as basic abilities are perfected, obtaining bronze, silver, or even higher levels of other abilities will become increasingly easier!"

Because I'm no longer starting from scratch, but have a solid, iron-level foundation!

……

After that, Roy continued to use reverse engineering to complete various recipes.

Some of Gova's experiences also reached his ears through various customers and Tikel's account.

"That guy Govan, it seems he suffered heavy losses because he hired a few people to enter Furnace Bay!"

"How do you say that?"

"Think about it, if you hire someone to do something, wouldn't they have to be responsible for all kinds of supplies?"

There are also combat injuries and various expenses, which need to be discussed in advance whether they will be reimbursed.

Originally, everyone was a level 2 expert, and when they acted together, they rarely encountered danger. But unfortunately, they encountered the void collapse, and several of the trapped people were killed or injured.

Those people were all in cahoots; the leader of the adventure team demanded compensation from Gova, taking several magical artifacts and equipment as payment.

"Over at the fortress, a mission was also launched to rescue them, expending considerable resources, which Gova will also have to bear."

Behind the fortress lies the Seven Towers Alliance; there's no way to deny it.

You can't escape it no matter where you run.

The adventurer party was in hot pursuit again.

Someone died, but wasn't completely dead.

Gova was truly unlucky; he encountered the worst possible situation.

"So, the attempt to create a Soul Gem for my daughter also failed?"

"We don't know for sure, but it probably failed."

Given his unwavering determination over the years, if he had succeeded, things wouldn't be like this.

Towards the end of the conversation, Tikel couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

It's truly rare to see two level-two wizards forced into this situation.

If it were someone with a colder or more rational temperament, they would have already decisively given up.

Then, he reminded Roy, "Right now, he's selling off all sorts of equipment and materials."

After all, he was a level two blacksmith, and over the centuries he had indeed accumulated quite a few good items.

You can keep an eye on it.

"Oh, aren't you going to think about it yourself?"

"I'm a pharmacist, so I won't fight you for it."

******
After that, Roy did some digging and indeed heard rumors that Gova was selling off various properties.

Over the years, he has spent a lot of money and doesn't have much capital left.

But sometimes, it is precisely what remains that are the truly good things.

"The finished equipment has too much added value from processing and forging."

But I don't actually need that kind of value.

I am an alchemist myself. I can repair and process materials and debris myself.

Just like that ancient weapon 'Sword of the Seeker of Light' worth 1000 million, it's completely unnecessary.

"As long as I can find the same material, I can forge it myself!"

Roy quickly determined, based on his own circumstances, that the main strategy should be to purchase materials.

However, at this moment, Gova took the initiative to come to his door, but he intended to sell something else.

That is the intangible asset he controls: the knowledge of the "blacksmith".

He was an alchemist, but his expertise lay in forging metal ores and metal tools.

Over the centuries, after exploring many fundamentals, they gradually abandoned a series of specializations such as apothecary, puppeteer, mechanic, jeweler, and creator, and chose to develop the primitive and traditional profession of "blacksmith".

This is a completely different path from Roy's.

This abandonment, coupled with centuries of immersion, has somehow erased the gap in talent, allowing him to reach a master-level level in this specialized field.

"Master-level forging records!"

Roy's eyes were bright as he looked at the small notebook that Gova had carefully taken out, and he whispered something.

The brown leather cover was somewhat worn, but once opened, the paper was intact, filled with dense data and diagrams.

"These are the essence of my own forging techniques, carefully selected over many years."

This includes, but is not limited to, personal insights, key formulas, and the context of related knowledge.

Gova said, "If you want it, I'll sell it to you for a discount..."

"Simple things don't need to be taught, and teaching difficult things is pointless."

Master-level forging skills are, in most cases, the result of years of practice.

I don't need such things; I can still forge my own path to becoming a master through my own efforts.

but……

Forget it.

Anyway, the asking price isn't high, so I'll just buy it and avoid some trouble!

Because this item can be replicated, Gova doesn't sell for much, only 50 magic stones.

Roy readily agreed.

……

After Gova left, Roy opened his notebook and began to read it carefully.

As expected, it was one of those legendary "top student notes"—something that looks "useful" but is actually "useless."

However, it is also possible that due to his innate alchemical talent, he was moved when he read some recipes and inexplicably had some inspiration.

“Celine, help me organize this data and use it in conjunction with the ‘Activation’ spell model to perform deductions…”

I've already tried using "activation magic" to replace certain forging processes, and I should be able to deduce the sorcery of "forging magic" from that!

Blacksmithing typically relies on the use of fire in its forging processes.

But upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the key to forging lies in reorganizing the molecular structure of the material, rather than the flame heating itself.

Okmi Witch Tower possesses a magical ability to directly manipulate the activity of metals through "activation techniques," causing them to flow and take shape on their own.

This allows the high-temperature melting step to be skipped.

Roy actually possesses some of this ability, but he has only succeeded with the Zabil Morgen brought about by the [Mercury Sulfur Theory].

Now, he wants to expand this to a wider range of metals, gradually refining new variations of this "activation technique"...

The application of "melting and casting"!

The girl's skull responded and assisted him in using this knowledge to deduce the truth.

After that, Roy conducted simple experiments and successfully verified several of the magic metal casting processes.

In this process, the evolution of "revitalization techniques" has become increasingly clear.

An activated metal forging method for forming metallic materials.

After that, Roy applied it to blood mercury, which already had good activity.

Because he used a large amount of blood mercury to replace his body, Roy's current blood mercury witch body has actually reached a level comparable to a robot made of liquid metal.

However, at present, this kind of thing is more active than rigid.

Its performance in absorbing and releasing magic is also slightly lacking.

He is working to improve it.

Suddenly, Roy sensed a stirring deep within his soul.

In what seemed like a shift in the stars, the stars in the natal chart underwent some kind of change.

It's still like the previous "reverse engineering".

Skilled workers, alchemical machines, craftsmanship...

A series of stars form a constellation pattern resembling a hammer.

When Roy focused his attention on it, a faint stinging sensation appeared between his brows, and a semi-transparent, illusory panel silently materialized.

[Alchemy talent gain in progress (100%)]

Master Forging (Silver Level)

[Master of alchemical knowledge in the field of forging, and have elevated some forging skills to the master level. When performing forging operations, the corresponding ability level increases by 2.]

"It's actually a silver-level talent!"
Moreover, it's composed of low-level abilities!

Roy looked at the "hammer" and then at the "gear" next to it, which represented reverse engineering.

Then turn your attention to the glowing dots next to it, such as [Catalogue of Learning], [Repair Expert], [Sulfur and Mercury Theory], etc., which represent bronze-level talents.

I could vaguely sense that there were also many tiny specks among them, which should be of the black iron grade.

Multiple blurry stars illuminate constellation patterns such as "books," "wrench," and "minerals."

All of these elements, when combined, will form a puzzle of a higher level and a wider scope!

It was only then that Roy realized that his natal chart was actually displayed in this layered and scaled format!
……

Just then, in the blacksmith's shop.

Gova sat at the table, staring blankly at a fist-sized object floating in front of him.

It has a glass-like texture, and the firelight shines through it, giving it the shape of a candle flame.

On the surface of the glass, shadowy figures moved about, their faces showing fear and panic, as if someone was pounding and knocking inside, eager to get out.

But soon, a demonic shadow appeared behind him, and a hideous, monstrous demon incarnate rose in smoke, laughing maniacally at Gova with a silent mockery.

"Damn..."

A hint of anger flickered across Gova's face, veins bulging on his arms as he slowly grasped the glass-like Soul Stone.

But just as I was about to crush it, a voice came from it.

"father!"

"No, I don't want to die!"

"Sin, you won..."

Gova angrily released his grip.

******
Before we knew it, another payday had arrived.

Roy collected his "wages" as usual and then went to the warehouse to spend them.

It was the usual hoarding, accumulating all sorts of local specialty goods.

This is also a preparation for forging one's own Soulstone.

The success of the technique on Freya gave him hope of transferring his own soul.

At the same time, his deeper understanding of the details of the astrological chart further convinced him that the talent of the "Alchemy Master" truly existed.

This is an instinctive intuition that comes from the depths of the soul!

……

After that, Roy went to the library again.

In the vast hall, Kopes led several large-eared dwarfs to greet them, each carrying some documents and books.

He was the senior apprentice who had copied books for Roy for several years. He had long since been promoted to elite and his aura had become much more refined.

Kopes bowed and said, "Sir Roy, it's a pleasure to see you again. These are the books you requested earlier..."

"Very good, let's leave it for now."

Kopes directed the big-eared dwarf to put the books away, but then told him something.

"I'm going deep into the battlefield on a mission, and I may not have the chance to take on your transcription task again."

"Oh?"

Roy glanced at him, then nodded to himself.

Apprentices from colonial backgrounds are essentially cannon fodder in the Wizard Tower hierarchy.

Many mandatory tasks are unavoidable.

Although I admire this young man, there's nothing I can do to interfere.

All I can do is wish him good luck.

However, judging from Kopes's nervous yet slightly excited demeanor, Roy could roughly guess that this person was about to become a formal wizard.

Having already been an elite for many years, he had accumulated enough experience in all aspects, and was only missing the crucial final leap.

What is your wizarding motto?

Suddenly, Roy spoke up and asked.

Kopes paused for a moment, then replied, "Your Excellency, the wizarding maxim I believe in is 'Books are the ladder to the temple of truth'..."

Roy thought about his experiences over the years and nodded to himself.

Although for me, these past few years have been just a short period in my life.

However, it is quite a long time for an apprentice.

He often copied books for himself, which brought him benefits and unconsciously influenced his beliefs.

This is a gradual and subtle change.

"Here's a little alchemical gadget for you."

Roy casually pulled out a "Unigorin Terminal" and tossed it to Kopes.

The latter accepted it with some surprise and quickly said, "Thank you so much!"

Roy didn't say much and left directly.

……

"Master, you seemed a little emotional just now. Were you thinking about your past?"

After they left, the girl's skull floated beside them, providing data for monitoring and supervision.

Hormone levels and fluctuations in the mind and soul are all expressed in precise terms.

"That's true. It seems I haven't completely severed my emotional ties..."

But humans aren't plants or trees; how can they be without feelings?
Higher beings inherently possess the capacity for empathy; a fleeting feeling is nothing to be ashamed of.

"As long as you're happy."

The girl's skull had nothing to say about this, only offering a reminder.

"However, according to my calculations, there is an 82.3% probability that this person will perish in the upcoming war mission."

This prediction is based on data from the past few years.

Regarding fortresses, they have always been used as consumables.

"Does this mean that the 'Unigorin Terminal' I just gave you was essentially thrown away?"

"No, it's far less important than your momentary emotional value..."

"Your reminder is really quite untimely!"

"I'm sorry, I'm trying to learn to be more humane."

"This thing probably can't be learned. I'll take another look another day to see if it can give you true life and soul..."

However, if you really revert to being like Celine, you'll probably become just as taciturn as her!
Why does it suddenly feel like things aren't much better?

Through telepathic communication, Roy arrived at a tall cabinet deep within the library and asked the book fairy floating on it to retrieve the book he wanted to read.

As a result, a departing figure came into view.

"That's... Gova?"

Roy was about to go up and say hello, but the other person seemed not to have noticed him and turned the corner and left.

The magic array in the library does indeed have some impact on perception.

However, Roy couldn't help but feel that the other person was preoccupied and that's why they hadn't noticed him.

"By the way, in the past six months or so, it seems like he hasn't been busy with his daughter's affairs anymore."
I go to the library every day, unlike before when I had to go out of town for missions.

"They may be stuck with some difficult problems."

"The girl's skull guessed."

"Forget it, leave him alone."

Roy shook his head slightly and said something.

As a result, just as he was turning his gaze away, he suddenly caught sight of a book fairy, about 10 centimeters tall, flapping its wings and putting the books that Gova had just borrowed back in their original places.

"Courtroom Chronicles: Cases of Soul Redemption..."

Roy felt a slight stirring in his heart, as if he had suddenly thought of something, but for a moment he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

……

It was already night when I came out of the library.

As the city lights came on, guards began patrolling the streets, and more figures appeared floating or flying in the air.

This place is built on a mountain with sheer cliffs on all sides and is blocked by ravines, which fundamentally prevents most of the demons from attacking.

The only way to break through is the large slope directly in front of us.

Then there are various flying units.

Having lived here for many years, Roy felt that the intensity of the war here was ordinary, not as fierce as he had previously thought.

However, just as he had this thought, a demonic figure, dark red in color like a red-hot iron block, with huge bat wings growing from its back, appeared in his field of vision.

It is nearly 4 meters tall, with a robust and powerful physique, a ferocious face, blue face and fangs, and long, sharp horns on both sides of its head.

Holding a sword in his right hand and a whip in his left, both adorned with raging flames, their intense burning clearly reveals his identity and origins.

"Baroth the Flame Demon!"

After Roy recognized the identity of the large interdimensional creature, a large number of black figures suddenly flew in from the sky.

That's Quassamon.

At the same time, a large number of Berserkers, Cowards, Temptresses, Flood Demons, Demon Hunter Spiders, and Abyssal Rippers appeared in the wilderness below.

Tens of thousands of demons surged toward this place with overwhelming momentum, like a black tide.

"Woo-wu-wu-"

A long alarm sounded, followed by several high-ranking wizards appearing simultaneously and engaging the Balrog in a fierce battle in the air.

(End of this chapter)