Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 723 Different Paths, Same Destination (4-in-1)

After a brief demonstration, Roy let the three choose a few formations that interested them, and then handed them the information on the spot.

They may not be able to learn it all at once and become the "role models" they need.

But the seed has been planted.

The next step is to wait.

After returning, Roy tidied up the information and included it in his compilation, "The Complete Book of Alchemy Arrays".

The mayfly elemental body and elemental life are all included in one chapter.

There are many more chapters like this.

However, he has only written one piece so far, "Creation and Creation".

"Lord Roy, are you busy?"

Just then, Freya came looking for her.

"Is there a problem?"

Roy paused and asked.

"The college is considering inviting you to give a lecture as well, to mitigate the negative impact."

Freya told him.

Previously, there was much discussion and debate within the college about the lecture.

Those with whom he had some acquaintance, such as Diev, Combositem, and Sindi, even paid him a visit to discuss issues related to "Transformation Circle: Black Serpent" and "Transformation Circle: Fish Spirit".

In comparison, Roy's "Royal Alchemy" inexplicably gained points and began to attract their attention.

"Coincidentally, I've also gained some insights into the process of refining Litos."

Once I have organized my theories, I will give a brief presentation, which will also allow my colleagues to verify them against each other.

Roy agreed.

He also wanted to give lectures and increase his influence.

but not now!
First, a selection process must be conducted, choosing the parts that can be publicly disclosed and those that can be kept as secret techniques.

"Actually, I have a feeling that the higher-ups at the academy want you to compete against Kaham."

I just don't know if this will affect the allocation of research funding next year.

I only recently learned that the academy receives quite a bit of funding for witchcraft research; if you're selected as a key recipient, the funding could reach several hundred million!

At this point, Freya's face also showed a hint of amazement.

"And it happens every year!"

The organization provides funding to support the research!
It's really nothing new.

However, when it comes to institutional support and encouragement, it still has to be in the academic world.

Because the tradition of wizards is similar to that of knights, who provide their own armor, horses, and weapons and raise their own resources.

Then grant some "licenses to loot"!
Getting funding from the league isn't easy.

……

After that, through several inquiries, Roy confirmed the funding and research-related knowledge with Diev, discovering an excellent opportunity for revenge!

To be precise, it may not necessarily be retaliation against Kaham; he doesn't have that kind of free time.

The truth is that both sides have a huge need for funding and various forms of support from the academy if they want to develop their academic programs.

Unfortunately, the resources that the college can provide are limited.

Aside from some basic applications and support, some are applicable to academic competition, requiring wizards to compete based on their own abilities.

These resources are categorized by field.

As both being practitioners of alchemy and aiming to unify the achievements of their predecessors into a single theory, they could indeed be in competition with each other.

If handled well, we can snatch food from the tiger's mouth and gain an extra 1-2 million in market share.

That's possible!

If this had happened before, Roy might not have taken it so seriously.

For the time being, he doesn't need that much funding and resources; much of it comes from his talent.

But now, they've decided to expand their operations even further, taking more and more, and suppressing the other side.

Before that, Roy planned to thoroughly understand the other party's doctrines to know himself and his enemy.

At the same time, I also wanted to see if I could gain any inspiration.

When discussing "sacrifice techniques," one must mention an academic concept called the "arbitrator divinity hypothesis."

This relates to many things, such as various contracts (Abyss Contract, Styx Contract, Devil Contract, Holy Contract, etc.), and "Otherworld Detection" (a divination spell that allows you to ask questions to entities in other worlds).

Master Kaham's doctrines, and the sacrificial magic he created, also operate based on this mechanism.

Roy suddenly had a bold idea!
"I can also study 'sacrifice magic,' and I can apply for projects to conduct research!"
It can also trace back to the spiritual essence and down to specific applications, surrounding him from all sides, leading him down his path and leaving him with nowhere to go!
If the total funding allocated to related projects is around 5 million, and the two companies apply normally, each will receive 1 to 2 million, leaving 1 million to be contested!
But I don't just want this 1 million; I also want the other 1-2 million, which means I want all 5 million!

"what?"

Freya looked astonished.

"Is this okay?"

……

"The Alchemy of Universal Wishes," "A Study of Divine Trading Theory," "Skinner's Void Vending Terminal," "The Alchemy Box"...

Funding application...

what? "

At the academic affairs office, Diev looked at Roy's application with a look of astonishment.

He took out a monocle frame, similar to reading glasses, and put it over his left eye, performing a "detective technique."

However, the paper, ink, hidden secrets, markings, and so on were all normal.

It wasn't some audacious individual who forged college documents.

Diev pondered for a moment, then pointed to the magic crystal ball on the table and quickly contacted Roy.

"That's right, I submitted all of these applications!"
Over the past century, I have accumulated considerable experience and tangible results in this field, and I intend to apply to the academy for patents and research support.

Diev was forced to re-examine the information he had.

"No, are you serious?"
That would conflict with Master Kaham's research project, and then..."

"We'll just follow the rules when the time comes."

Roy said calmly.

Diev gasped.

He finally understood.

They came here specifically for Kaham.

However, he didn't say much and immediately completed his own approval process.

As Roy said, just follow the rules.

……

Soon, on the other side.

Kaham also learned about this.

"College Notice: Funding Reduced This Year..."

It wasn't just a mishap during the lecture that led to a rectification order; it also included the fact that others had applied for various similar research projects in the upstream and downstream sectors, and even had existing results!

"Damn it... they just took away my budget for this year in one go!"
And there might be even more next year!

He slammed his hand on the table in remorse.

I initially thought that offending just a young junior was no big deal...

In a place like Akademia, with the avatar of a fifth-level archmage, "Dean," guarding the place, he really doesn't need to worry much about things like murder or assassination that don't conform to the will of the world.

But no one expected Roy's precise strike and ruthless and effective retaliation!

He grasped the key factor: research funding!

******
September has arrived in the blink of an eye.

Roy was called to the academic affairs office by Diev to confirm the receipt of the allocated funds and the list of resources needed for the research.

"Hehe, that's really good!"

To my surprise, it went so smoothly and the application was approved in no time.

The disbursement of funds was also much faster than expected.

With a touch of unexpected surprise, Roy completed the formalities.

It felt much better than during the interdimensional war.

"Since you're new here, the academy has actually been taking care of you."

In addition, the project requires even more funding to get started, so we specifically approved a little over 4 million for you...

But going forward, to maintain these research funds, they need to deliver tangible results.

Furthermore, it's unreasonable for you to always control all the funds yourself.

"Understood. I'll find some people to collaborate with on the research. Compositum, Cynthia, and the others are currently collaborating with me on the Metal Recovery Fluid and 'The Groom'..."

That's not what I meant.

Sigh, never mind, it feels like the more I explain, the worse it gets…

Diev put his hand to his forehead, feeling a slight headache.

He then cautioned Roy: "These funds are allocated in accordance with the Achiniera system and are for research purposes."

But many of our wizards don't understand...

Or perhaps they simply don't want to understand, always treating it as private property to be disposed of at will.

However, we currently lack the means to establish a corresponding review mechanism and various performance evaluation methods.

In the end, only performance and results matter.

Do you remember what we called ourselves when we first met? The Teaching Committee, the Red-Robed Consuls...

One of the obligations is to specifically examine and inspect these things.

This means that you, and your adversary Kaham, also have the power of review within this committee and the order of officials.

Don't resort to deception or fabrication, or you'll embarrass everyone!

Roy hadn't really thought of this, and couldn't help but look at him with a hint of gratitude.

Then I immediately felt something was wrong.

No, you think I'm trying to scam funding?
Simply outrageous!

However, Roy was too lazy to explain anything to him. This Diev wasn't an alchemical wizard, so it was understandable that he couldn't immediately see his abilities.

The most urgent task is to produce real results and let the world see our abilities.

It's also a way to verify whether the path I've taken along the way is correct!

……

In fact, no funding is needed at all.

Roy compiled some of his past achievements, which were enough to cover next year's tasks.

He's now essentially "buying a ticket before boarding," spending a portion of the funds to acquire some valuable resources.

Not long after, Megalofia, Genie, and Ingnes were summoned again.

"Now, it has been three or four months since I last taught you the knowledge of the 'Alchemy Array'."

How are you all doing with your studies?

"I'm sorry, sir, I don't quite understand it yet..."

"Me too."

Megalofia, Genie was ashamed and overwhelmed.

Only Ingnim said, "I have mastered several transmutation arrays, and I am already able to make full use of them."

"Oh?"

Roy's eyes lit up slightly.

"Have you realized the essence of this?"

Ingenium said with little confidence: "The entire framework of 'Luo's Alchemy' seems to be a symbolic expression system built on core runes and symbolic symbols."

Through alchemical symbols, a series of magical operations similar to chanting incantations are performed.

Roy nodded in satisfaction.

This Ingnim is something else.

That's absolutely right.

His own "Luo's Alchemy" ultimately achieved alchemical balance, just like a chemical equation!
This balance can actually be expressed using the magic array of the golden balance scale, with each end of the pan representing "input" and "output," or in other words, "materials" and "products."

The moment the balance is achieved, the equivalent exchange is complete!
"That's right. In essence, it is a 'transformation array' that is expressed and driven in the form of a witch array, or a rune array."

Many tedious operations and complex details have been simplified and merged into the magic array system.

The fact that you can recognize this yourself shows that you do have some talent.

Focus on the key points: symbol system and transformation process...

The essence of alchemy is transformation.

Or rather, an exchange!

Seeing Roy and Ingnim say so much, Megalofia and Genie couldn't help but look on with envy.

They also long to be the ones praised and affirmed.

However, it must be acknowledged that there are differences between people.

But the next moment, Roy brought them good news.

“I bestow treasures upon you, so that you may explore and grow.”

To the astonishment of the three, Roy took out a metal box the size of a Rubik's Cube.

Its surface is etched with intricate dark patterns, and upon closer inspection, one can see that it is made up of countless miniature transmutation arrays nested and overlapping, with a faint blue light flowing between the grooves.

"This is the Alchemy Box. Inside are some 'transformation arrays' that can help you refine all things..."

But it requires collecting various materials and investing magic and spirit!

He gave it to Megalofia.

Megalofia accepted it with a hint of surprise, but a sense of unease arose in her heart.

Is there really such a good thing?
As a senior apprentice, he had heard of devil's deals.

"Don't worry, it won't absorb your soul or anything like that. At most, it's just collecting information and confirming the formula by combining it with successful cases!"

In the future, you may find that you are not the only one using this alchemy box. What I need is to constantly try and fail, and establish several recipes through a large amount of data!
"I could certainly do these kinds of experiments myself, but to simulate all the ingenious ideas and material combinations in real-world situations, I'm afraid I'd need the participation of alchemy novices like you."

Roy smiled slightly, then took out a piece of flesh that looked like mud.

Its surface is covered with dark red vein-like patterns, and it oozes a viscous fluorescent liquid, yet it wriggles slightly as if it were alive.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a semi-transparent phantom, like a spirit.

"This is a parasitic piece of flesh that can grant people a 'trading system,' essentially an auxiliary tool of the biological intelligence type."

He looked at Genie.

The latter was startled, but still obediently stepped forward and allowed Roy to knead the meat into strips and stuff them into his nostrils.

The flesh then wriggled and slowly burrowed into the skull, crawling towards the brain.

"After it climbs to its position, you'll hear a 'ding!' sound, followed by a broadcast saying 'System startup, please review the user manual,' and then it will power on..."

Finally, it was Ingnim. Roy hesitated for a moment, then handed him a manuscript.

"This is the Forbidden Book, which records some powerful transmutation arrays. I want to see if you are capable of mastering and utilizing them!"

******
"Lord Kirick..."

What exactly do they want to do?

After leaving the teaching building, Megalofia, Genie, and Ingnes were all filled with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, their minds heavy with worries.

Although Roy had made things perfectly clear, those who had received these benefits still couldn't help but have some doubts.

However, this is only natural. After all, all intelligent beings with their own consciousness would find it difficult to accept such a thing.

It may take a long time before people realize that this is a gift from God.

This was Roy's "golden touch," which he arbitrarily bestowed upon them as an experiment.

"Now, the basic definition of the symbol system of 'Roche alchemy' is complete."

Keywords, core runes, symbolic symbols, alchemical process...

Everything is already perfected.

I need to write another article titled "An Introduction to Luo's Alchemy"!
This way, I can transform my original alchemical talent, "Equivalent Exchange" "Transmutation Circle," into a knowledge-based ability that everyone can learn and master.

After returning home, Roy pondered the matter and began to write at his desk.

Through his previous exchanges with Megalofia, Genie, Ingnes, and others, and by reviewing their learning progress, Roy roughly understood the difficulties in the process of promotion and popularization.

They also realized the difference between their own talents and their understanding and mastery of the subject.

He guessed that the difficulty of getting started with his "Luo's Alchemy" was roughly equivalent to "chemistry + programming + mysticism".

However, if one does not seek a thorough understanding but only focuses on application, one can still complete the basic functions by drawing geometric shapes and imitating the model!
……

Time passes day by day.

In the blink of an eye, another two months have passed.

November is coming soon.

Roy was always in his study, writing furiously and drawing various diagrams and symbols, busy with academic work.

"The Core Runes and Basic Components of 'Luo's Alchemy'..."

The Golden Balance (a pair of pure gold balances suspended in the array, with the left and right pans perpetually in balance): represents the principle of equivalent exchange and is a symbol of order and fairness.

The snake that bites its own tail (a ringed snake whose head and tail are swallowed by each other, and whose body is composed of geometric line segments [straight lines/arcs] forming a closed loop): represents cyclical repetition and reincarnation.

The Golden Triangle (an equilateral triangle composed of three lines): represents the triadic system of sulfur and mercury salts.

The Four Symbols Cube (four congruent cubes arranged in an overlapping manner, with minimalist elemental runes engraved on the surface of each cube): represents the four fundamental elements: air, water, fire, and earth.

Four-sided silver star (a star shape composed of four slender silver edges, with a miniature symbol inlaid at the end of each edge): dry, wet, cold, hot, different properties.

Void Cube (black cube frame, hollow inside): a symbol representing the space series based on Tai Shi…

They are all based on everything in nature, combined with existing imagery or self-created pictographic symbols, to fabricate a logically consistent symbol system to express a certain theory.

The gold parts lean towards the concept, while the colorless or white parts lean towards the physical form.

This distinguishes between the golden scales and the actual scales, which are symbolic objects.

What kind of graphics should be drawn in which locations, and how should the materials be arranged?

There are detailed regulations for all of them.

Traditionally, the basic structure of a "transformation circle" is a "circle".

But what "Lust's Alchemy" reveres is infinite and boundless power.

Therefore, there are no true boundaries.

Or rather, it is not confined to the form of a circular array, but rather resembles the logarithmic spiral of a nautilus.

The entire transmutation array operates from the "center" as the starting point, with energy being poured in and guided along the spiral line into different rune arrays.

This center is equivalent to the entry point in programming concepts, the main function.

Each symbol array corresponds to a function or functional module.

Then, following the spiral path and undergoing process control, it continuously moves outward!

Magic flows through it, undergoing alchemical processes such as calcination, dissolution, separation, and distillation to obtain the product.

It's an "input → flow control → output" process!

"This involves knowledge of alchemy, chemistry, mathematics, programming, and more."

It also completely incorporates arcane magic, rune arrays, and magic circles.

Roy thought to himself, then fetched a glass of salt water and began testing the process.

In theory, alchemists can instantly create arrays using their will.

The outlines are merely for guiding intentions, something akin to a spell.

Some core symbols that you know by heart, like instantaneous and silent ones, can basically be omitted, such as the golden balance scale!
Only beginners need to draw a golden balance scale underneath to constantly remind themselves that this mechanism is based on the premise of "equivalent exchange," while Roy doesn't need to do it at all.

Moreover, since "Luo's Alchemy" is not limited to circular arrays, he used the entire alchemy table as an array platform.

This is somewhat similar to the work surface required for the entire experiment, or the space occupied by the experiment.

Or, to put it another way, the memory used by the program!

This kind of thing is not static; it can be changed by scaling it up or down proportionally.

Then we need to find a "base".

For example, transmutation circles engraved on badges or other objects require certain materials.

……

"Heating and evaporation..."

Crystallization occurred...

A moment later, a simple flowchart was constructed using the "alchemy array".

Roy channeled the required magic into it.

Instantly, the "Alchemy Array" activated.

They actually extracted salt!
This experiment may seem simple, but in essence, it marks the completion of the entire system.

"Operating normally!"

Roy nodded in satisfaction.

The days that followed were filled with endless testing, testing, and more testing.

This includes Roy himself, Freya, and their colleagues and apprentices.

He sent some of the data to Diev and Sindis for verification, and also summoned his apprentice Ingenium, whom he had previously met, to conduct the evaluation together.

As a result, everyone was pleasantly surprised.

"It's really convenient and quick, much simpler and easier to understand than before!"

"More importantly, it works!"

"This is a complete representation of the alchemical reaction process using a logically consistent symbolic system, presented as a rune array."

Something with such rigorous logic is very suitable for applying knowledge to other situations.

Within a short period of time, Sindith and her apprentice Ingnim completed the conversion between traditional alchemy and the "transformation circle".

In the traditional way, the things they can refine can basically also be refined through the "refining array".

Roy was very pleased with this, as if he could see his own progress.

that's the truth.

All of this means that many of the disorganized things he had previously mastered will be unified and categorized into this framework!

******
"This can be considered the 'advanced language' of my 'Luo's Alchemy,' and it's getting closer to being widely adopted!"

High-level languages ​​are not necessarily "better" or "more sophisticated" than low-level languages.

It is not the kind of concept used to evaluate quality as high or low.

It actually refers to a programming language that is closer to human natural language and mathematical expressions.

In the past, long ago, Roy had already mastered the "low-level language" of the "alchemy circle" through his primal talent of "equivalent exchange," which was like knowledge engraved in his soul.

That machine code-like or assembly-like approach supports the operation of the entire "Alchemy Array" system.

However, it was basically impossible for ordinary people to use it. Only after more than a hundred years of continuous deconstruction and the development of "Luo's Alchemy" did it finally touch upon the level of the currently popular will runes and rune arrays.

It was finally transformed into a witch array!
The next step is to continuously transform the results based on this foundation, incorporating the various alchemical techniques that I had already mastered into this system.

……

January.

Araghi World, Mtraken.

Roy returned to the World Tree after a long absence to enjoy his vacation.

But in reality, it was just people who came over.

Various matters still involve the academy world, and they continue to be busy.

But just then, good news suddenly arrived.

"An Jiali opened her heart chakra and cultivated heart fire through her own efforts!"
She achieved a spiritual elevation through her own efforts!

"what?"

Roy, who was busy in the treehouse on the World Tree, couldn't help but stop what he was doing and go down to take a look.

"Lord Roy!"

Below, in the elven-style village, Melius, Artedia, and others are all present.

Even Windsorbell, who usually doesn't pay attention to anything else, gathered there.

An Jiali had never felt so many eyes on her at the same time, and she approached with a slightly reserved demeanor.

"He is indeed a level two Chakra Warrior."

It's not just a breakthrough in physical strength, but also a transformation of the soul... Excellent!

Roy smiled and immediately promised.

"I will forge you a level 3 battle armor as soon as possible, along with matching high-level equipment and even semi-divine artifacts!"

A fundamental improvement and an improvement in combat power are actually two different things.

Puppetry or armor, by relying on external aids, can easily achieve improvements.

More difficult are drinking various potions or undergoing witchcraft transformation.

But the most difficult, and also the most useful, is to return extraordinary power to oneself and become a truly advanced life form.

Therefore, during interdimensional wars, it is common to see individuals of various powerful strengths running rampant.

But those are often just followers or puppets.

Everyone's talents, temperament, and soul status are different. For example, Artia and Pranzhe both improved by drinking medicine, but their life essence reached the true second level.

Freya has poor aptitude, and even if she were to be reborn into the Gusbur Clan, she would still have difficulty advancing in rank.

She will not lack opportunities for various potions or transformations, but she is hampered by the nature of her soul.

This is completely different from when I was suffering from health problems back then.

"The Celestial Elixir is almost ready. If needed, you can be promoted to the peak of level three at any time."

However, the process of advancing from level two to level three will also be an important experience, helping you to try to break through further in the future.

Let's take it one step at a time.

Roy did some calculations and felt it would be best to let her try it herself first.

He didn't care about level two martial artists, but rather about high-level beings who were at least level three.

If we can train them to the legendary stage, that would be even better!
Anjali nodded.

She followed Roy's arrangements in everything and naturally had no objections.

……

"What's wrong? Is something on your mind?"

Back at the treehouse, Roy left Freya alone and asked her a few questions.

Since arriving, the alchemy assistant he had personally raised had become somewhat silent.

Roy thought she was being sentimental, and that she was thinking about the soul and lifespan again.

However, Freya surprised him by saying, "I was just thinking, what method does the 'alchemy array' of 'Luo's Alchemy' have to help alchemists achieve a breakthrough in the essence of life?"
If it merely applies technology without contributing to the elevation of the soul's essence, then this doctrine will forever remain at the level of 'material things'.

It can't become mainstream.

Roy's expression changed slightly.

He then said, "You're right, this will be something I work on even further after I finish developing advanced languages."

Forging items and self-improvement are two different things. If you cannot improve your level and extend your lifespan through the "forging array", you will not succeed.

So at best, it can only be popular for a short time and will soon be abandoned.

"Traditional witchcraft also includes many methods of absorbing the life and soul of others and turning them into one's own resources."

The simplest type is the kind that involves creating a national territory, where you directly construct this kind of magical array on a vast landmass at the national level...

To refine millions, even tens of millions or hundreds of millions of people.

But the backlash and curses that would follow would come at a huge cost.

I don't think that low-ranking beings can be easily refined.

It's best to refine your soul through relatively gentle and reasonable methods!

"The alchemy box, the trading system, and the secret manual for transmutation arrays that you previously distributed to those three apprentices."

Are they testing these routes?

Freya suddenly realized this.

"That's right, I've actually been considering this issue from the very beginning."

Because this is of utmost importance.

However, it seems that it will take a long time to realize and prove this.

I can't go through this path again on my own, so I need Ingnim to prove myself for promotion from level zero to level one.

And promotion from level one to level two, or even from level two to level three...

I want you to be the one to prove it!

Roy said to her.

Freya nodded solemnly.

She has indeed been working on this recently.

"By the way, I had an idea before: is it possible to extract spiritual power from the materials during the forging process and integrate it into the soul?"

Through long-term investment and refinement, the final transformation can be achieved.

This is essentially a gradual transformation of one's soul; each time it is successfully refined, a portion of one's soul is sacrificed in order to absorb new source matter..."

Roy suddenly remembered something and explained it to Fria.

"This might draw on some of the power of 'prayer spells' or even 'sacrifice spells,' which is a route I've been exploring recently. You can give it a try."

This actually comes from the power of the [Sage's Proverbs], but he seems to have been born with it and doesn't know how to teach it to Freya.

How can an eagle, born to fly, teach a fish to fly?
This is a difficult problem.

Catching them and taking them away doesn't count!

Ultimately, they had to resort to the omnipotent "prayer spell" or even the "sacrifice spell".

(End of this chapter)