Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 671 Dyed Items (4-in-1)

"Didn't you all know all along, just quietly fueling the flames?"

Roy thought to himself.

It's impossible that Hayred and his companions were completely unaware of what was happening in the city.

But the level three demons were not part of the plan.

Those beings of that caliber are not ordinary pawns, so hearing about such a situation should make one start to feel nervous.

"No matter what, we have to resolve this as soon as possible."

Hayred said in a deep voice.

"But simply killing those sinful children will not drive the devils back to their homeland, nor will it truly threaten them."

Only by creating a vessel for the soul that we can control can we seal it away.

"Gova, you explain this to Roy."

As they were talking, Hayred beckoned someone in; it was the blacksmith Gowa.

He looked haggard and weak, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness, but he had regained basic mobility, clearly having received treatment.

“Lord Roy, I was previously under the control of the devil and offended you in many ways.”

Gova's voice was hoarse and his tone was heavy.

Roy raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Blame it on the devil...

How is this any different from being exempt from liability for mental illness?
Who knows if you were truly being controlled and unable to act on your own back then?
Hayred chimed in, "Those devils have noticed you and want to use Gova to subdue you and then bring you under their control."

Just like with Tikel.

Fine, you paid more, so you're in the right.

Roy neither confirmed nor denied this, but simply asked Gova, "What about Shin, the devil who was bothering you before?"

“It was hidden on my daughter, Inian.”

Gova replied.

He then explained the general situation.

"The High Council is a special conceptual collective whose members mostly possess the power to judge and adjudicate through ritual magic, and are strengthened in the process."

Because of the contract, Shin sent Inian's soul back, but deliberately left a loophole in her soul gem, thus achieving symbiosis.

We must find a way to obtain Inian's Soul Stone in order to save her.

But you must not kill her during this process.

Otherwise, it would lead to the complete unsealing of the Child of Sin's form..."

Could all of this have been part of your plan?

Roy frowned and glanced at Gova.

A level two wizard is already a mature wizard.

They are capable of planning many things now.

It's even possible that Hayreid was his accomplice and involved in it.

They've been here for decades, and their relationship is much deeper than that of a passerby like myself.

That's why I always bring Angel Alice with me when I come here.

These days, colleagues are unreliable.

Bosses are even less reliable.

However, Roy listened quietly without saying anything more.

Next, the two turned the conversation back to the crafting of the Soul Stone.

Roy then realized that Gova originally did not have the knowledge and ability to create a true Soul Gem; what he relied on was the help of the devil.

This is precisely why Shin-eun had an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

However, he now believes he has mastered it.

All I need is the assistance of a high-level wizard, as well as myself as a level-two helper.

Once that's done, the devil Shin will be completely useless and can be disposed of at will.

"Next, I will oversee the creation of this Soul Gem. All its secrets will be revealed to you as a reward..."

This is a profound secret technique that even ordinary alchemists might not be able to master when they advance to a higher level.

After going through so much hardship and paying such a high price, I finally gradually figured out the tricks of the trade and gained confidence..."

When it came to technical matters, Gova showed a radiance different from his previous haggard appearance, revealing a degree of confidence.

Hayred chimed in, "That's certainly not easy."

Roy, you're an alchemist too, you should know that things involving the soul and source matter are truly high-level creations..."

"and many more."

Roy finally spoke up, interrupting them.

"Isn't it just a soul container?"
"I can refine it myself by myself, why make it so complicated?"

Gova's body trembled, somewhat incredulous: "You can refine this?"

Hayred was also taken aback, and exclaimed in genuine surprise, "You can refine Soul Gems?"

"That thing, isn't it something anyone can make with their hands?"

Roy was half-joking.

The truth, of course, is not that simple.

The Soul Gem itself, as its name suggests, relates to the origin of the soul.

It represents a certain "ultimate" level of alchemy, a high-level magic crystal of the iconic "Philosopher's Stone" caliber.

Many low-magic worlds consider it the ultimate, even more difficult than resurrection.

But that doesn’t stop him from saying that.

Hayred and Gova looked at each other, their expressions suddenly becoming very strange.

"Lord Roy, this is a matter of utmost importance, so please don't joke about it."

Roy said, "Anyway, leave it to me."

He then solemnly said to Gova, "Although I don't know what level you've reached, but..."

If you've only recently mastered this skill and need a high-level wizard and my assistance to be confident, then I'm definitely more proficient than you.

Because I'm confident I can solve it all by myself, without relying on any external aids; I can refine it directly!

Seeing that the two were still somewhat skeptical, Roy simply took out some Soul Stone fragments from his spatial ring and immediately activated the magical energy of "Activation" to demonstrate how to crystallize them by hand.

Roy possesses the fundamental talent of [equivalent exchange].

Long ago, they had already established the methods of soul alchemy and magic crystal alchemy.

Therefore, the "Alchemy Array" system also includes the Soul Stone that we have already mastered.

As he channeled this power, the phantom of the golden scales appeared, covered by a complex array of magical formations.

The Soulstone fragments were melted down and forged into a glassy substance.

A few breaths later, a small, low-grade soul stone containing the mysteries of spirit and soul was forged.

This is a level zero finished product, which can only be used to store low-level souls of the Black Iron grade. It may be suitable for making a puppet core for a magic doll.

But in essence, it is definitely a genuine product of the Soul Stone series.

Gova's hands trembled slightly as he took it and examined it thoroughly.

Suddenly, he burst into laughter as if he had gone mad.

"Ha ha ha ha……

Ha ha ha ha! "

Govar wasn't lying; he did indeed have a considerable understanding of the Soul Stone.

Therefore, it can be determined.

This thing is real.

But it is precisely because of this that we can more clearly confirm that the level of alchemy Roy just displayed is a peak that he can never reach in his lifetime.

Hayred frowned at him, then reached out and caught the small crystal in his hand, examining it closely.

As a result, they also showed an expression of disbelief.

"It really is the Soul Stone!"

******
In "Magic Crystal Studies," the products such as Memory Stones, Experience Stones, and Skill Stones are all produced gradually.

In essence, they are all containers.

The only difference is the contents and the specific purpose.

When this series reaches its zenith, and the object it contains is targeted at the soul of an intelligent being, the difficulty will also reach its highest point.

However, there is always a group of top alchemists who are able to create such things.

As a high-level wizard, Hayred has the opportunity to see finished products and has the ability to appraise them.

He couldn't help but frown and say, "You actually know how to make this kind of thing? Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Roy said, "Nobody asked either."

"Nonsense! There are skill application forms every now and then; you just didn't fill one out!"

He then sighed again.

"I think I understand what's going on."

You're not even over 100 years old yet, and your promotion to Level 2 is a recent phenomenon, only happening in the last few decades.

Mastering this skill won't take long...

But this is already considered an advanced skill, and you can apply to the alliance for higher-level benefits.

This means that you will enjoy treatment equivalent to that of a high-ranking wizard to some extent.

In future affairs, such as territorial arrangements and war missions, there will be special preferential treatment..."

Similar to a senior member status in a stonemasons' guild?

Roy understood instantly.

Gova, meanwhile, was overcome with inexplicable sorrow.

I was so stupid...

Really...

If I had known you could refine it...

Why bother?

He feels like a joke now.

What you've painstakingly sought and searched for for years is not as valuable as something someone else can casually rub together.

However, he was, after all, a mature wizard who was several hundred years old, and gradually adjusted his mindset, feeling genuinely relieved.

There are always some huge problems that bother people, but others can solve them with just a few words.

There are always those who save every penny they've earned throughout their lives, only to find that their savings don't even cover the cost of a single meal.

"Lord Roy, since you are confident, then you shall oversee the refining process."

However, I should still be able to lend a hand and help with the preparations.

If you don't mind..."

Roy glanced at him, and was somewhat impressed by this blacksmith's ability to be flexible and adaptable.

Hayreid made the decision: "That's what we'll do!"

Now that he knew Roy's abilities and value, he had no objections whatsoever.

……

So, after Roy agreed.

The forging of the Soul Gem for the demon Shinn also began in earnest.

This time, Roy adopted an exploratory approach to improvement.

That is, to move it from the "container" towards the "sealing" in a targeted manner.

Demons and devils are originally special spiritual beings, different from tangible life in the material world.

On this point, Hayred and Govar understood it far better than Roy.

However, the fundamental principle remains the same despite all the changes.

Having already mastered the method of crafting Soul Gems, Roy still managed to make improvements to the "Transmutation Circle".

Then I started using my various talents and abilities to make it myself.

In the blink of an eye, a month or so later.

A strange object, mixed with demonic metal and special flesh and blood, appeared.

Its overall shape resembles a bloodstained arrow, with a long, pointed, prismatic form surrounded by a scarlet glow.

Under the illumination of the Eye of Hermes, a rich purple aura emanated from it, faintly accompanied by a dense golden net.

"Phirac's Soul Cage (Level 3)..."

Sealing artifacts possessing the basic array of the "Myriad Spirits Net" can effectively restrain and imprison natural spirits..."

The main components of this item are magic tin, fire copper, and other enchanted metal artifacts related to sealing vessels.

It incorporates goat's flesh and blood as an ingredient to increase its appeal to demonic souls.

Then, a portion of the basic formation of the "Net of All Souls" is inscribed inside it, giving it the ability to capture souls.

To the great surprise of Hayred and Gova, Roy had also studied this subject and, without needing any additional learning, mastered it in one go.

When Gowa said he needed the help of a high-level wizard, he meant using his knowledge of magic arrays in this regard.

Unexpectedly, it saved me a lot of effort.

……

"It actually succeeded..."

"It's so fast!"

As the mission was confirmed to be a great success.

Hayred and Gova were once again plunged into deep shock.

However, having been shocked several times before, they have begun to develop some immunity.

The two quickly turned their attention to its practical uses.

"The materials used are all high-end products..."

A second batch cannot be produced in the short term.

"Hopefully we can succeed on the first try, without having to go through too much trouble."

Hearing the two talking, Roy smiled calmly.

"Just try it and you'll find out."

He then proceeded to inspect his harvest.

This time, he obtained the recipe for "Filak Magic Gold".

This substance, the main material for crafting "Firac's Soul Cage," was provided by Gova.

He also provided the recipe, detailed notes, and all the key data as payment for inviting Roy to help.

According to Gova, "Filak Magic Gold" is a powerful counter to demons and devils, but it doesn't have the same damaging effect as silverware on vampires. Instead, it hinders the etherealization of spirits and the transmission of power.

Combined with the basic witchcraft array borrowed from "The Net of Ten Thousand Spirits," it can form a soul prison that only allows entry but not exit, used to imprison demons.

"I had already sent people to seal off the blacksmith shop and keep a close watch on those devil believers in the lower city."

Let's try this!

Harry's expression turned serious, and he spoke solemnly.

"This time, I will take action myself."

"I'm going to help too."

Desperate to save his daughter, Gova naturally wanted to participate in the operation.

"Then I wish you success."

Roy said something but didn't go with them to carry out the combat mission. Instead, he stayed behind and began to ponder the demonized soul crystals he had.

This crystal core, originating from the Son of Sin, once granted a +5-degree boost to [Sage's Proverb] during the forging of the "Sword of the Seeker of Light".

This led Roy to discover a certain underlying pattern.

He called these things "spiritual objects," implying that they could nurture spirits or were creations containing a large amount of spiritual essence within their materials.

With the combined blessings of the Alchemy Master and the Forging Master, the first "Spiritual Equipment" was quickly completed.

Because the materials themselves were ordinary, the finished product was only at a zero-level standard, and Roy did not pay much attention to it.

But the next moment, it illuminates the soul.

In the natal chart, the planet representing the "wise words" is indeed showing unusual activity.

With a strange tremor, a faint light enveloped the area, and the radiance seemed to become even more dazzling.

"+108→109 degrees!"

law……

It's been verified!

******
Roy has had the [Sage's Words] for quite some time now.

The added value has also been increasing, reaching the current "+109 degrees".

But never before has there been such a clear, obvious, and immediate effect.

Only now has he fully understood "refining the source essence through the alchemical process to enhance one's six major attributes".

What exactly does it mean.

"However, the improvement is only 1... It's clearly not as much as when we forged the Sword of the Seeker of Light!"

The problem lies with the 'material' of Soul Crystals.

Is the problem still with the 'finished product'—the gemstone?

Roy pondered.

"They might all be related..."

The girl's skull floated beside Roy and spoke, offering a reminder.

Roy nodded silently, recalling the details of the previous refining process.

That's the Black Iron talent [Alchemy Notes].

It automatically records key data and insights from the alchemy process.

According to the information provided by Gowa, in addition to classifying Soul Gems into levels zero to three based on their energy level, there is another standard.

That is the person.

It also signifies a high level of spirituality.

Size is one thing.

Spiritual concentration is another matter...

This should also be taken into consideration.

However, the devil's status is equivalent to that of the angels, and even involves negative aspects of divinity.

It's actually not low.

It's more likely that the limitations lie in the finished product itself.

Roy pulled out a shaped sword blank and tried again.

This time, he chose to use a star iron greatsword.

With the addition of other alloys, it has clearly achieved first-class qualification.

After some refining, the simple enchanted greatsword was completed.

It also falls under the category of "spiritual equipment".

In the natal chart, the "Words of Wisdom" have changed again.

"+109→111 degrees!"

"There's hope!"
At this rate, it'll break through the sky sooner or later!

Roy's eyes lit up, his pupils filled with a desire for the material.

……

Meanwhile, Hayred and Gova mobilized the city's defense forces and launched an operation.

With a level three wizard involved, everything went smoothly, and they quickly stormed the blacksmith shop that had been taken over by demons.

Then, they wiped out their old lair, which was hidden deep within the demiplane.

When Inian was captured, the devil Shin appeared and began to curse.

"Gova, you damned bastard, your daughter is in my hands, don't you want her dead?"

I will not give you that chance again!

Enraged, Gova rushed forward and used the Soul Gem crafted by Roy as an arrowhead, pressing it against Inian's forehead.

Suddenly, a dazzling array of lights appeared, displaying a myriad of colors.

The "Filak's Soul Cage" worked perfectly, instantly extracting Shin's soul, turning it into a candle flame, and imprisoning it inside.

Inian rolled her eyes, her body trembled slightly, and then she seemed to wake from a dream, her eyes becoming clear.

"father!"

She looked excitedly at Gova, who looked decades older.

“Inian, you’ve suffered.”

Gova looked at her with deep emotion.

Hayred looked at the object in the air with a hint of curiosity.

The treasure, shaped like an arrowhead, seemed to suddenly transform from its metallic state into something translucent.

The light inside flickered eerily, reflecting the devil Shin's furious state.

However, the prison was very secure, and no matter how much they ran around, they could not escape.

Shortly afterward, everyone went outside.

Some guards who had been standing outside came in carrying dark stones.

"My lord, a total of 146 demonized soul crystals have been seized."

Hayred was somewhat surprised: "So many!"

It looks like it could be used as material to make some really nice things.

After that, Hayred went back and told Roy the general results.

When Roy learned from him that he had actually seized 146 demonized soul crystals in one go, his eyes lit up.

He has basically determined that using these "spiritual items" to create "spiritual equipment" will be of great benefit to him.

So what we need to do now is to win over the right of delegation.

Based on the abilities I've demonstrated so far, there shouldn't be any major problems.

However, he still had 8 soul crystals left to process. He needed to remove the impurities from each one and dispose of them properly in order to make full use of them.

Now, my 10-year term here will be up, and it's time to consider extending it or going to other worlds.

I don't have enough wealth to buy all these materials and take them to other worlds to slowly process them.

Even if they exist, they would have to build and sell them simultaneously to break even.

The only way to complete this business is to take on commissions and earn wages.

But it takes time.

Based on my estimate, if I process one document per month in addition to my regular duties, it will take me about 10 years to process all of these materials.

Although Hayred was unaware of the "Sage's Proverbs," he knew that Roy intended to take on these commissions.

So he tentatively proposed his own conditions.

"Since you're still young, why not sign a 100-year contract at once and stay a little longer?"

We are currently in need of manpower, and if you are willing to stay, we can offer you more favorable terms.

A 10-year period...

To be honest, these are all considered 'temporary workers'.

Many things are difficult to arrange.

"I haven't tried doing this before..."

Roy felt slightly embarrassed.

Sign for 100 years?
I haven't even lived to be 100 yet!

Seeing him like this, Hayred sighed helplessly to himself.

Having been through it all, he understood what Roy was struggling with.

"Fine, there's still a year left before the 10-year period expires, so I'll give you some more time to think it over."

However, I can tell you clearly that there is a significant difference between formal employment and temporary employment.

In principle, we also need long-term, stable personnel…

Roy's expression turned serious: "Okay."

……

after that.

Gova made a special trip to visit Roy, bringing his daughter Inian with him to express his gratitude.

This was the first time Roy had seen the girl. He felt she was about the same age as Freya, and she looked quiet and gentle.

However, expressing gratitude is not the main point.

The key point is compensation.

One of the main conditions for Hayred to guarantee Roy's release of Gova was that he would provide compensation.

In addition to the 6000 million tokens he personally contributed, there was also a piece of equipment from Gova's side.

Now Gova is here to fulfill his promise.

Gova lamented, "I've really offended Tikel badly, and I'll need to spend a lot of money to cleanse her of the demonic corruption and to make compensation."

"Now I have nothing of value..."

Roy looked at him coldly.

Playing the victim?

Complaining about being poor won't help.

Fortunately, Gowa was also a mature wizard. After his attempts to probe failed, he didn't even dare to mention installment payments or temporary delays.

He gritted his teeth and pulled out a piece of dark metal, about the size of a human head and slightly rectangular.

Upon seeing this, Roy's heart stirred slightly.

"This thing..."

Under the light of the Eye of Hermes, its entire body radiated a beautiful purple-gold glow, which gave its dark exterior a sense of calm and weight.

******
"This is material I found in an ancient ruin. Although I don't know its origin, it looks like it should be related to the Titans."

Perhaps it's a valuable material that the Gusburs managed to obtain..."

Gova gave a very enthusiastic introduction, and it seemed he intended to use this item to pay off his debt.

This unfortunate fellow has suffered a series of financial losses in recent decades, and he has already sold off everything he could.

What's left now is either worthless or extremely valuable.

But besides that, there are also things that even he himself isn't entirely sure about.

Fortunately, Roy had a special talent for appraisal and understood it immediately.

"Varus Marrow (Level 4)..."

The metal, formed from the blood of the legendary Titans, is a divine material.

It contains the power of the laws of the Titans...

Characteristic: Gravity…

This reminded Roy of something he had encountered in the past: the "Holy Mark Stone" of the orc world.

It is said that it was formed from divine blood.

Divine blood is poured onto the materials of the material world, seeping into them and, over time, "demonizing" or "sanctifying" them.

Its interior contains natural textures, similar to rune arrays, which are actually manifestations of some kind of divine power, or even the power of laws.

That is the "Stigmata".

Depending on the amount of this power and the degree of penetration, divine materials will exhibit different levels of performance.

Even in the past, the only Sacred Stones ever seen were small pieces, and their power was only a trace.

But now, it is the size of a human head.

Just then, a familiar stinging sensation came.

[Alchemy talent gain in progress (100%)]

The Spirit of Zosimos (Silver Rank)

[By dyeing, metals are imbued with spirit, undergoing transformation and metamorphosis, and gaining magical properties.]

"Dyeing, mental?"

Roy's heart stirred slightly.

"This seems to be the 'metal transmutation' theory from the fundamental tenets of alchemy!"

Ancient alchemists noticed the different "colors" of metals, such as gold, silver, and iron.

Each has its own unique nature.

They regard this as a kind of "spirit," and through various methods of harmonization and "coloring," they can achieve mutual transformation.

There is also a type of witchcraft in the tradition of the Witch Tower called "Transformation Technique," which is related to it.

Roy had not studied this kind of thing; he had only gained some basic knowledge from the "Index of Learning" and "Inspiration".

But now, he has unexpectedly gained the relevant talent.

The simple word "transformation" actually encompasses a series of forging and transformation capabilities.

Demonization also means the forging of demonic metal!
This also seems to be achievable with soul pigment, which is the standard, injectable "spirit"!
As if he were born with this knowledge, Roy realized that he might be able to use this material to "dye" and achieve a transformation that had been quite troublesome in the past.

For example, using the Soul Pigment - Golden Yellow...

Applying a yellow coating to a piece of silver transforms it into the properties of gold!

Similarly, silver pigment can be used to create silver, and even infuse it with the properties of "mithril"!
However, the specific recipe and refining method need to be discovered separately.

I acknowledge your sincerity.

This item is acceptable.

Roy remained calm and agreed.

Seeing this, Gova secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He's almost penniless now and has nothing of value to offer.

……

Time flies, and a year has passed.

Following the "Sword of the Seeker of Light" standard, Roy cleansed the corrupted soul crystals in his hand to remove impurities before refining them one by one.

With the aid of the "alchemy array" of [equivalent exchange], progress was rapid.

this day.

In the mage's mansion, in the alchemy room.

Roy took out some golden pigment made from orpiment, chrome yellow, and other substances from beside the workbench and carefully applied it to a large sword made of shimmering silver.

Then, by stroking it with your palm, the color is "stained" onto it.

With the activation of his innate ability, he actually "dyed" the Radiant Silver, turning it into "Radiant Gold".

"This seems to follow the principle of [equivalent exchange], but it consumes time, magic power, energy, and so on!"

Feeling a distinct sense of fatigue, Roy was slightly lost in thought.

But, right now.

He glanced at it with the Eye of Hermes, but then frowned slightly.

"Dyed Gold Weapon - Lightseeker's Sword (Level 2)..."

The Radiant Gold Weapon obtained by dyeing with the Spirit of Zosimos...

Special effect: Sharpness, Physical Attack +12 degrees

Durability: 285/1000...

Note: You need to replenish 'Spirit' to maintain the Radiant Gold trait!

Without paying a sufficient "price," it's impossible to achieve permanent dyeing; instead, it creates temporary "dyed items."

This reminded Roy of some folk tales about using alchemy to create "fake gold".

It can be used to deceive ordinary people, generating value like real gold in a short period of time, and even being used to craft equipment.

But in time, the truth came to light.

It will eventually revert to its original form.

However, Roy didn't dwell too much on this minor flaw.

"If one can easily and simply create eternal enchanted metal, then this ability is simply too overpowered."

It's practically turning lead into gold!

Moreover, 'dyed items' that have durability and gradually revert to their original color are simply the result of shoddy workmanship.

If enough materials are invested, or if a "treasure sacrifice" is used as an aid, a permanent change can still be achieved.

This also means that I can freely choose in terms of 'refining speed' and 'material cost'.

The right to choose freely is already quite good.

Besides, if we really have to talk about the cost...

With this skill, why would you worry about not having enough materials to pay the price?
Anyway, the cost will ultimately come from the employer; it's not like I'm the one paying the price!

Roy thought to himself, then turned his attention to the special effects of the [Sage's Proverbs].

Unknowingly.

All ordinary demonic soul crystals have been consumed.

The astrological chart is filled with brilliant stars, and the numerical values ​​have reached a considerable level.

"+145 degrees!"

"It seems I have to find a way to stay here and finish refining all the materials that Hayred has!"
Even if it's done as a 'temporary worker'..."

By this time, a full year had passed.

Roy's contract is also about to expire.

So he gathered his things and went to Hayreid's office.

"Roy, you're here."

How have you considered things from before?

The high-ranking wizard was also waiting for his reply, and couldn't help but ask with a hint of anticipation.

(End of this chapter)