Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 724 The Making of a Sage (4-in-1)

Arcademia, in a beach castle.

Roy, having returned from his vacation, continued with his work.

It was now the beginning of the second year, and the college was preparing for the start of the new semester again.

He is also preparing to give a lecture to share his compiled theories with the public.

The question Freya had once raised—how to improve oneself through a "transformation circle"—has once again become crucial.

Roy already had an idea in mind, which also stemmed from his alchemical talent and the attribute bonuses brought by the [Sage's Proverb]!
If others could also forge this soul-bound Philosopher's Stone.

It's like a magic core, a dragon crystal.

Even the divine nature of gods...

"I was promoted from level two to level three thanks to this thing..."

However, forging 'Spiritual Equipment' is currently the best known option to increase the blessing value of [Sage's Words].

That consumed a lot of the enchanted soul crystals obtained from Hayred, and before that, there were also various resources such as relics.

The demand for wealth is not small.

Besides, is it because my soul's rank is high enough that I haven't encountered any problems, or can all living beings advance through this path?

Roy himself wasn't sure how to answer the question and could only hope for Ingnim and Freya's promotion.

Thinking of this, he beckoned Freya over and asked, "How are the three apprentices doing?"

Freya said, "While we were on vacation, they seemed to be preparing for their final exams, which should be almost over by now."

"Final exams?" Roy remembered.

"Yes, it's about going to the Trial Continent for a month-long survival combat training exercise!"

Freya was much more attentive to these academic and course arrangements than Roy, and immediately rattled them off as if they were her own treasures.

The girl's skull on the table reminded you: "Your Professor's Badge allows you to use the Detection spell to remotely observe the situation!"

Special Effect 3: "Domination Magic Array"...

There is indeed such a rule.

Roy then pointed and channeled magical energy into the crystal ball on the table.

As "Advanced Insight" was activated, the mysterious power swiftly locked onto the apprentices participating in the trial.

……

Under the illumination of the magical crystal ball, the three who had endured countless hardships and were heading towards their destination had already reunited.

Just as Freya said, their "final exams" were coming to an end and the results were about to be released.

"Finally found it..."

These bonus items are really well hidden!

Ingnim had sprained his ankle earlier and was walking with a limp, using crutches.

"You'd better get treatment as soon as possible, or you'll run into some danger and it'll be troublesome."

Megalofia advised.

He then stopped, took out the alchemical box Roy had given him, chanted a spell, enlarged it, and unfolded it.

He then took out several more herbs he had collected earlier from his waist pouch and put them inside to activate them.

Soon after, with the surge of magical light, the materials rapidly transformed within the array, and a paper-wrapped ointment was created.

"This treasure that Lord Kirick gave you is really convenient; we haven't been able to collect this kind of formula yet."

Genie and Ingnes watched with a hint of envy, and sighed sincerely.

"It's convenient, but this recipe took a lot of effort to develop through various experiments and tests. All the magic stones I had saved up before, as well as this year's scholarship, were poured into it!"

Moreover, so far, all the items crafted have been low-level; it's unclear how much it will cost to unlock more!

Megalofia sighed helplessly.

Genie said, "My trading system is a real bottomless pit. Although you can obtain items through a sacrifice-like method, it's not something you can do anytime, anywhere."

There are only a few items on the exchange list so far. You need to contribute a lot of certain spiritual materials to unlock the privileges...

Where am I supposed to find that?!

"In any case, the ability to quickly create alchemical bombs, as well as various materials and tools, is of great help to us."

Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to complete so many challenging missions along the way.

Ingenium said with some envy.

All he possesses is knowledge, but he still has to digest and absorb it himself.

……

"Their current progress should be good enough to get full marks."

Roy recalled the rules he had read and confirmed with the girl's skull beside him.

"Yes, these apprentices are dispatched to different places based on their respective majors and credits to work together to solve puzzles and challenge powerful enemies!"
This is called a survival combat exercise.

Depending on the score, there will be different preparation times and available resources.

Wizarding academies don't tolerate idlers; those who don't study hard will be eliminated.

For exams like this, the most basic requirement is survival; the main objective is to survive until the end and then be taken away.

But even with this, the score is very low, and next year there will be a lot of punitive mandatory tasks assigned.

To pass the minimum requirement, be exempt from certain tasks, or even receive benefits, you must earn bonus points by completing various challenging tasks.

Potential adversaries include various monsters, specially trained human soldiers, spellcasters captured in other worlds, and various powerful enemies that may appear on the dimensional battlefield.

The dangerous environment, and even the backstabbing and treachery among the apprentices, will further increase the difficulty.

Just as Roy was thinking this, three more figures suddenly appeared inside the crystal ball.

"Hmph, Megalofia, Genie, Ingnes..."

"You three really do have some hidden treasures!"

The newcomer's face showed a hint of greed, his eyes fixed on the magic box held by Megalofia.

This is probably the most coveted "golden finger" item. Megalofia has shown off its treasure before, attracting the attention of those with ulterior motives.

The three were shocked: "Oh no, it's 'The Wolf' Wall and his gang!"

This is a gang composed of several notorious thugs among the apprentices of the same level, and its leader, Wall, has already reached the strength of an elite apprentice!
"If you know what's good for you, hand it over obediently..."

Or die!

"We can't win, run!"

But after running only a few steps, Ingnim cried out and slowed down.

His foot has not fully recovered.

Megalofia and Genie were in a panic and had no choice but to throw alchemical bombs and fire crossbow bolts at Vol and the others in an attempt to stop the enemy.

However, Wall and the others found cover in the trees and slowly surrounded the hillside.

Megalofia didn't care about anything else, she picked up Ingnim and ran.

Genie cleverly threw poison fog bombs backwards while simultaneously setting up alchemical traps.

I managed to get rid of this strange treasure that I obtained through exchange, which can trigger lightning.

But Wall and his men, like sharks that have smelled blood, continued their search through the forest.

******
"This won't do; we'll be found sooner or later."

Megalofia frowned and peeked down at the hillside below.

A light mist hung in the air, and the faint sounds of Wall and the others triggering mechanisms could be heard, accompanied by the hoarse cries of startled crows.

But after a short while, the sounds subsided.

"Wol is incredibly powerful, and his companions seem to have mastered some kind of tracking magic..."

"We can't fight them, and we can't run away. Once they solve those traps, we're finished."

"I'm sorry, I've dragged you down."

Listening to his companions' conversation, Ingenium said with a hint of regret.

"What time is it now? Don't think about it so much, it's useless. Let's hurry up and think of a solution."

Genie patted him on the shoulder and said.

Ingnim said, "I once studied the Forbidden Book given to me by Lord Kiric. It contains a method of elemental alchemy that can create powerful monsters at the first stage!"

Although it's an elemental form like a mayfly and can't last too long, it should be enough to deal with them.

"You're not even an elite apprentice, yet you can create a level one monster?"

The two said in surprise.

"That's why it's called the 'Forbidden Book,' isn't it? Besides, alchemy is a miracle of creation. As long as enough materials are collected, even a mortal could create a 'god'!"

Ingenium firmly stated.

In many low-magic worlds, especially in technological development paths, the focus is on "artifacts"...

Although they may not be able to strengthen themselves through the "transformation circle" and embark on an extraordinary journey of soul sublimation.

However, it is common to create powerful "objects" through group cooperation and material collection.

High-speed aircraft, combat golems, nuclear weapons!
There are far too many ready-made examples.

Without offering further explanation, Ingnim quickly drew his dagger and began carving a transmutation circle at the cave entrance. He then swiftly embedded magic stones, placed materials, and completed the basic setup.

Then, place your hand on the center of the transmutation circle and channel your magic power into it.

In an instant, a dazzling light surged forth, and a giant fish covered in lightning appeared, its entire body shimmering with thunder. It was none other than the Thunder Fish, a mimicry of the "Spirit of Fish."

Its appearance immediately caught the attention of Wall and the others, who quickly gave chase.

But they quickly stopped in their tracks, their faces filled with fear.

"Go, spirit of the fish!"

Ingnim roared, and the nearly two-meter-long Thunder Fish swooped down, rapidly unleashing bolts of lightning.

One of Wall's companions collapsed on the spot.

Another person launched a counterattack, and a small fireball hit the spirit of the fish.

But this was to no avail; instead, it provoked a counterattack from the ionized electric arc.

One after another, charged projectiles reflected off and drifted in from all directions, like scattered feathers of light.

He was also quickly electrocuted and fell to the ground.

Wall possessed the physique of a Grand Knight and withstood several attacks, but then, the Thunder Fish pounced and quickly electrocuted him, leaving him severely injured and knocked to the ground.

……

"It seems the outcome has been decided."

Roy was also somewhat surprised by this situation.

Unexpectedly, Ingnim is indeed a little genius, having already refined the first-stage Thunder Fish so quickly.

This was something he had meticulously designed, prepared for wizards who had just been promoted to a higher level.

Through the innate nature of the Fish Spirit and the power of its soul, it can effectively control the raging lightning elemental force, constructing elemental bodies and spells such as charged lightning bolts.

In this way, a magical vessel that can be temporarily summoned and controlled is formed.

This is no longer an ordinary mayfly element, but a "mimicry life form".

The biggest difference between it and the Litos that it created from the corpse of the gemfish lies in the body that carries the soul and the time it spends in the material world.

But in essence, they are all related alchemical products.

……

"It turns out that anyone with the intelligence and talent to reach Ingenium's level can do this."

He was not particularly skilled in traditional witchcraft, and was even somewhat weak in some aspects.

But those discovered through my "Luo's Alchemy" are true geniuses.

While Ingnim and the others were looting the spoils, Roy stopped watching and started talking to Freya.

"The Seven Towers Alliance's establishment of an academy system, modeled after mages, is a revolutionary move that breaks the traditional single-core standard of 'bloodline purity above all else'."

While the bloodline of a great wizard is certainly precious, narrowly defining magical talent as bloodline concentration is nothing short of a disaster for the development of a faction.

The practices of the various wizarding towers, and even the Academy of Archademia, have successively proven this point.

"Yes, too many similar things have happened in the past."

Among those "inferior bloodlines" and "inferior apprentices" eliminated by traditional assessment methods, there are mathematical geniuses who can calculate spell nodes through celestial trajectories, intuitive talents who can complete precise potion formulations through muscle memory, and creative talents who are proficient in art and music and possess extremely strong inspiration...

But reality forces wizards to focus on practical combat and to waste countless talents through harsh methods.

Reality cannot be perfectly considerate of everyone, which inevitably leads to the elimination of a large number of people, especially those relegated to the bottom rungs under a single evaluation standard.

The rise of "Luo's Alchemy" also signifies a difference in assessment standards and evaluation systems.

The gradual rise of someone like Ingenium, who was traditionally considered mediocre, signifies the acquisition of resources.

If he can rise to a high position, those apprentices who previously hunted him down will undoubtedly be eliminated and become victims.

So, are others willing to sit idly by and wait to die?

this is a problem.

"Enhance the combat capabilities of the transmutation array to align with the Seven Towers Alliance's evaluation system..."

This will be a core focus in the medium to long term.

In the current environment, weak combat capabilities are insufficient for survival.

Then there's no point in talking about development.

Roy became increasingly certain that this was closely related to his previous considerations of soul sublimation and life level enhancement.

"So what do you plan to do?"

“After Ingnim returns, summon him…”

I plan to teach him the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone. You can try it out then!

Among the conceptual weapons he possessed, there was the seed of the concept of "sage".

Therefore, I can grasp the relevant knowledge as if it were second nature.

However, in order to enable others to learn and master it, a lot of effort was put into analyzing it and transforming it into popular knowledge.

He planned to let Ingnium and Freya try it out separately.

After giving the instructions, Roy began making preparations specifically for this.

Some mysteries are things that can only be understood intuitively and cannot be explained in words.

He plans to solve it using a more abstract approach.

This requires a certain level of comprehension, but it is the best choice so far.

******
"Lord Kirick, you wanted to see me?"

Some time later, Ingnim returned to Academy Island and immediately received the notification.

He arrived at the Alchemy Academy's office with some trepidation.

They found Roy inside, writing furiously, seemingly inspired.

"Don't be shy, have a seat."

"I'll talk to you after I finish writing this story," Roy casually instructed.

Ingnim was well aware that a high-ranking wizard's time was more valuable than his own, so he wisely waited patiently.

However, during this time, I couldn't help but look around out of curiosity and discovered the manuscript on the table.

He glanced at it from the side and discovered that it was actually "The Fables of Ilor".

The page that could be seen was "The Fox and the Grapes".

“Ilor…”

Is this Lord Kirick's new pen name?

Because Roy had previously written One Thousand and One Nights, Ingnium was somewhat familiar with it.

He thought it was written under his real name.

Let's look at the story content again:

A hungry fox passed by a grape trellis and saw bunches of ripe grapes hanging high on the branches, making its mouth water.

It jumped up, but couldn't reach it no matter what it did.

After several attempts, the fox finally gave up, walked away dejectedly, and comforted itself as it went, "Hmph, these grapes must be sour, they won't taste good!"

This story satirizes the mentality of belittling something because one cannot obtain it, giving rise to the self-comforting idiom "sour grapes."

Ingnim glanced at Roy and, seeing that the other didn't seem to care, quietly flipped through the pages.

"The Fox and the Crow," "The Tortoise and the Hare," "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," "The Wolf and the Lamb"...

"Your Excellency Kirick is also an author of fairy tales and fables? These are all short stories you intend to submit to Golden Feather Bookstore?"

When spellcasters have nothing to do, they will compile their experiences and insights into stories and write them in books.

But few people can achieve a story that is both sophisticated and popular, containing profound truths within a simple narrative, and thus becoming a classic.

However, what Roy copied were classics that could be passed down for thousands of years, and they were the most famous works among those classics.

Similar discoveries are often made by wizards as they conquer various planes and worlds.

However, they often focus too much on the aspects of spellcasting and neglect the structure of the story itself.

Simply put, it's too didactic and neglects storytelling.

Because the spellcasters wrote these stories essentially for the purpose of popularizing spells and spreading ideas. They first wrote the spell configuration, then hid things like will runes within it, and then created the story.

Roy, on the other hand, started with a story and then incorporated the principles and knowledge of magic.

Ingenium was completely engrossed in watching it.

"How is it? I'm preparing to submit my manuscript to Golden Feather Bookstore. Does it look alright?"

Before anyone knew it, Roy had finished what he was doing, and came out with a smile, sitting down on the sofa opposite him.

Ingnim quickly stood up: "My lord, your philosophical insights are truly astonishing."

"Oh, then let me ask you..."

Roy had a faint smile on his face.

"What did you all glean from this?"

"The Fox and the Grapes..."

On the surface, it tells a story about jealousy, but it also includes cognitive biases and the construction of subjective psychology.

Perhaps we could apply bewitching spells like "altering cognition" or "altering taste" to certain experimental materials to prevent damage, or perhaps to accomplish something else..."

"The Tortoise and the Hare..."

On the surface, it's about perseverance and determination, but it also includes the subtle use of "distraction techniques" to disrupt the enemy's concentration...

"The wolf is coming..."

This series, also focusing on cognitive tactics and manipulation spells, includes examples of the application of the "Misdirection" spell.

"Very good, you are a mature reader who knows how to think for yourself."

I am very pleased.

Roy nodded in satisfaction.

"I'm also planning to publish a new collection of stories called 'Andersen's Fairy Tales'..."

This is a small portion of the manuscript. Could you take a look at it when you have time, and perhaps help me organize and polish it?

Ingnim was flattered and accepted what Roy took out.

"The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, Thumbelina..."

Just by glancing at the title, a classic feel immediately comes to mind.

Immediately in awe.

However, Roy summoned Ingnim for something else, and quickly changed the subject to the Philosopher's Stone.

As one of the ultimate pursuits in history, this thing is still prominently listed today, and is naturally extremely important.

In almost every plane and world, in every historical period, different people have claimed to have forged the true Philosopher's Stone.

The result was alcohol, magic stones, gems...

Up to antimony and other substances.

This also includes items such as "Ain Stones," "Dragon Crystals," and even "Godhood" from certain magical planes.

The various final products, each with its own "historical limitations," collectively bear witness to the development of alchemy.

What Roy is talking to him now is the Philosopher's Stone, the kind of "wise words" that Brevorel obtained in the world of heroes.

Its scientific name should actually be "Aethilite".

Symbolizing "attributes" and "abilities," it is part of the "ability stone" system.

After giving a brief introduction, Roy took out a collection of poems he had collected, specifically the "Words of Wisdom".

Ingnim looked at it.

"...The wisdom of a sage is not frivolous."

It is a swift and decisive approach to respond to ever-changing situations and avoid crises.

With agility, break the deadlock, seize opportunities, and achieve great things.

The wisdom of the sage is not based on excessive doubt.

It is a keen mind that can perceive subtle changes and sense the breath of heaven and earth.

With keen insight, we can understand people's hearts, comprehend the way of heaven, and comprehend the truth.

......"

……

A few hours later.

Dormitory area.

Inside the room.

“The charm of a wise man is not superficial.”

It is the light of virtue, the power to unite people's hearts, and the direction of all people.

With a heart of benevolence, turn enemies into friends, lead the masses forward, and forge an immortal legacy…

After reading the collection of poems, Ingniem was deeply moved, and he vaguely resonated with the emotions and philosophical thoughts that the author wanted to convey.

It's something that's hard to describe; it can only be understood intuitively, not explained in words.

But it did indeed evoke a certain realization in my mind, and we gradually became somewhat in sync.

This also resulted in similar magical power in a short period of time, seemingly providing the foundation for creating related gems within the transmutation circle.

"Combining the materials and knowledge Lord Kiric gave me, I should be able to refine it!"

Suddenly, Ingnium was struck by inspiration.

The inspiration that burst forth in that instant allowed him to adjust the frequency of his spirit and magic as if he had no teacher.

An immense sense of confidence also arose within me.

He quickly got up, went to the table to draw a magic array, adjusted the rune formation, and got busy.

******
More than a month later, on March 10th.

The teaching area was packed with people at the lecture.

Similar to the various lectures held by the masters throughout the year, this session, along with previous sessions and this year's new students, will be held.

Wizards, apprentices, and followers flocked to the scene.

Even Kaham received an invitation from Roy.

Because Roy adheres to the principle of reciprocity, and since Kaham had invited him to a lecture last time, he had no reason not to invite him back.

Therefore, we specifically sent out an invitation this time.

"Lord Kaham."

Diev continued to greet people from the front row, and looking at the other person's face, he sensed that it was somewhat gloomy.

He sighed inwardly.

But he didn't say much.

A little while later, Roy arrived, made some preparations, and began his speech.

As expected, the main content of this lecture closely followed the basic principles of his "Lust for Alchemy" and "Alchemy Circles," describing the prospects and future direction of the discipline.

However, just when everyone thought it would be an ordinary lecture, Roy shared cutting-edge academic findings.

"I optimized and improved my 'wish spell' results, and combined them with the forging experience of the Holy Grail and Aladdin's lamp to create a simple wish forging configuration."

The relevant findings date back more than 100 years, and were also mentioned in the "One Thousand and One Nights" stories published by Golden Feather Bookstore..."

Master Kaham looked surprised and shocked.

The others also began to whisper among themselves.

"It really wasn't a scam to get funding!"

Diev couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Roy came prepared this time, with a century-old concept, a comprehensive and detailed development plan, and, more importantly, impressive results that shocked everyone.

Especially after he briefly displayed the golden Holy Grail in his hand, the audience erupted in thunderous applause.

Wishes! Prayers!
This is the result of "Prayer," which is known as the "strongest" spell among general-purpose magic.

Throughout history, countless people of virtue and ambition have devoted themselves to its research and improvement. How could the younger generation of alchemists not be obsessed with it?
In theory, this spell can achieve all the magical effects they want, create any product, and is the most fundamental technique that comes closest to a panacea!
No alchemist fails to study this 9th-level spell; as a second-best option, it's the 7th-level "Limited Wish".

Kaham wasn't unwilling to take this route, but it was too difficult and unpredictable.

But unexpectedly, Roy had actually done some research on this and produced two major products.

This is far superior to any kind of sacrifice!
What surprised them even more was yet to come.

"In addition, thanks to Master Kaham and the inspiration from his academic work, 'Kahham Sacrifice Technique'..."

I also made improvements to my "Treasure Sacrifice Ceremony" and "Alchemy Box"...

As Roy spoke, he focused his mental energy, transforming it into runes and listing formulas.

Kaham trembled violently.

As an expert in this field, he could tell at a glance that Roy was not bluffing.

There really is something there!
"He's even researched my area of ​​expertise this deeply?"

This event shocked him ten times more than before.

Royna's seemingly effortless and casual gesture made him, who had already poured his heart and soul into the task, feel a deep sense of powerlessness.

How could there be such a person?

Kaham was on the verge of losing his mind.

He suddenly realized that during his apprenticeship, those mediocre and foolish people probably felt the same despair and helplessness when faced with his own feelings.

"In addition, I also did some minor work during this year, such as completing the symbolic construction of 'Luo's Alchemy' and its related promotion and popularization."

The Transmutation Array Research Society, which is currently enjoying great success in the academy, was founded under my guidance.

"Wow……"

A noisy discussion arose from the crowd.

Megalofia, Genie, and Ingnes were also proud of this.

As the year went by, they were all convinced that they had received funding from His Excellency Kirick.

However, it's clear that the other party doesn't want to come to the forefront yet and doesn't admit to any connection.

This is now considered a formal endorsement.

This also elevates their status, making them appear as if they were already students.

In fact, Roy did intend to recruit them.

This was not only because we saw their potential for promotion, but also because they demonstrated a spirit of unity, mutual assistance, kindness, and friendliness in the previous final exams.

Regardless of whether Roy is a dark wizard or a white wizard, who wouldn't want their apprentice to be a good person, less cruel and vicious, and more united and friendly?
If they turn on each other and betray their friends to survive in a time of crisis...

Roy will still recruit them, but in a different way.

Amidst the lively discussion, the lecture moved into a brief Q&A session, where Roy allowed guests to ask questions freely, exploring issues related to the development of the "Alchemy Array".

Kaham gave a wink to his disciple, the mid-level wizard Matthias.

After Roy answered a few questions easily and simply, Matthias suddenly stood up and asked a question.

"Lord Kiric, is the 'Alchemy Array' based on the alchemy of 'objects'?"

The biggest flaw that has always been criticized in our alchemy is probably its reliance on external objects...

The ancient sages were not content with this situation; they attempted to change it through a panacea or the Philosopher's Stone, something that could benefit themselves.

In these fields, they have also achieved some remarkable results.

Will the "Alchemy Array" incorporate these achievements into its future system?

Roy smiled slightly: "Of course."

How could one achieve the unification of alchemy without considering and solving these problems?

But this answer seemed to fall into Matthias's trap: "May I ask..."

What achievements has your school of thought made in this area?

Kaham and Matteis, and even Diev, Combositem, and Sindi.

There were also a group of apprentices, including Megalofia and Genie.

I was already prepared for Roy's answer to "what will happen in the future".

Each person's expectations are based on this major premise.

But to everyone's surprise, Roy's answer was...

"I have completed the basic construction of the Philosopher's Stone Alchemy, unifying the internal and external factors of 'alchemy' and combining it with 'yoga chakras' and 'body, mind, and spirit' and other advancement systems from various worlds to create a complete set of alchemical mysteries of 'correspondence between upper and lower parts' and 'unity of heaven and man'."

The true achievement of alchemy may not lie in the technique of turning lead into gold, nor in the creation of a panacea, but in its own evolution!

Suddenly, the scene fell silent.

Then, as if something had been ignited, a roar and a whoosh erupted, and everything became noisy.

(End of this chapter)