Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 725 Formal Disciple (4-in-1)

"The fact that they've incorporated the Philosopher's Stone into their system so quickly is quite impressive!"

"The fundamental dilemma we alchemists have always faced is that if we only manipulate external substances such as lead, mercury, sulfur, and salts, we will ultimately find it difficult to reach the sublimation of the soul."

The great master Albert once criticized, "How can one who does not know himself know the universe?"
This suggests a rupture between instrumental rationality and subjective awakening, and it was also the driving force behind Paracelsus's later research into the elixir of life.

"The manuscript of the Book of Solomon shows that the early alchemical symbol system depicted the 'Tree of Life' as an upside-down tree..."

The array diagrams depicted in "The Gate of Truth" are exactly the same as the shape of the spine and lungs. The energy channels, acupoints, and life energy of the chakra system are also strikingly similar to the martial arts training system.

This suggests that material experiments gradually transformed into a symbolic system of mind-body cultivation, and indirectly promoted the development of the "Knight's Breathing Technique"!

"That's right, this is essentially a method of self-cultivation that combines breathing exercises and meditation!"

"There are also 'correspondence between superiors and inferiors' and 'harmony between man and nature'..."

This is simply a brilliant exposition of the phrase from "The Jade Record," which describes how "the upper is like the lower, and the lower is like the upper, thus showcasing the miracle of oneness!"

The college is full of talented people who are knowledgeable in all major disciplines.

They understand it very well.

Roy smiled and gave everyone some time to understand and process what he had learned.

Then he continued, "In my mind, after the 'Luo Family Alchemy' continues to develop and mature, the apprentices related to alchemy will need to do the following upon entering the field."

"Forge the Philosopher's Stone from the very beginning, instead of climbing to the top and becoming a high-ranking wizard first!"

The crowd gasped in disbelief, their faces filled with disbelief.

"Is this...is this even possible?"

"How could a junior apprentice possibly do that?"

"That sounds counterintuitive."

"Not at all."

Roy said.

"The reason we regard the Philosopher's Stone as a high pursuit is because it truly represents the ultimate goal of the past."

However, given the achievements of our predecessors, the difficulty of using it is far less than that of creating something new. Why not reverse this and make it the foundation for beginners?
This is what it means to stand on the shoulders of giants!
What achievement we enjoy now is not the ultimate goal or the peak of the past?
I have read some ancient texts from another world and know of a learning method called "learning from the virtuous" and "following the example of superiors." My writings are also "speaking on behalf of sages."

I am telling you this not to ask future students to follow in the footsteps of the gods like believers, but to follow the wise and sages and emulate them.

This departure from philosophical speculation is also an effective path; one could even say that this is the true essence of learning.

The crowd then realized what was happening and nodded in agreement.

"Therefore, the first step in getting started is to build the framework of the Philosopher's Stone through a specific transmutation array."

Whether it was built by oneself or with the help of senior members of the school or other pioneers.

Both can be understood as a special spell model, similar to the basic skills of Will Runes and Meditation.

Then, through continuous refinement, it absorbs various spiritual energies and adds them to its six major attributes…

While everyone was deep in thought.

Roy gradually depicted the Philosopher's Stone as a symbolic and arrayed array.

The general structure of this object is similar to a six-pointed star. In the field of alchemy, the intersection of two triangles represents the composition of the six basic attributes.

They are the capabilities that constitute living organisms, and also the external manifestation of the essence of life.

In other fields of mysticism, astrology, or fantasy magic, it is often associated with protection, balance, or magic.

Everyone was suddenly shocked to realize that this was a Philosopher's Stone constructed at the level of the soul, a "conceptual weapon".

Then, from the virtual to the real, from the false to the true!
This is itself a process of understanding, decomposing, and reconstructing alchemy.

"If we have to put it another way, it's similar to an inner core or a golden core! It could also be the crystal core of a magical beast, the dragon crystal of a dragon, or the divine essence of a god!"

Roy's statement confirms this.

"Then what if one is not capable of understanding and crafting this Philosopher's Stone?"

Matteis, acting as Kaham's mouth double, asked the question with a gloomy expression.

There are always people who lack the aptitude or understanding to do this.

"This is like being unable to plant the seeds of life energy, or being unable to meditate, or to manifest spiritual power; it's a problem of innate deficiency."

That kind of person might not be well-suited for this path.

Roy said it in a slightly tactful way.

How could this route be suitable for everyone?

"However, I believe that with the development of the times and the progress of alchemy, this operation will become simpler and more convenient."

"Once you meet the basic requirements, it will become easier and easier..."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

indeed.

The great achievements created by our predecessors are indeed magnificent, but as later generations continue to add to them, the accomplishments will never be weak.

Roy developed this theory to such an extent from the very beginning that later generations could freely expand upon it.

For example, the Philosopher's Stone can be broken down into attributes such as Strength, Spirit, and Physique.

Alternatively, the different stages can be simplified and created according to different qualifications.

Since it's impossible for everyone to advance to the advanced level anyway, setting the goal at level one can save the learning careers of many apprentices.

For example, they may receive the legacy of their predecessors or create it through some kind of "sacrifice" or "prayer".

It's better to drift with the wind on the vast ocean than to grope in the dark.

Things with a clear path and a certain future are always worth investing more in.

Matthias himself came up with many solutions, so how could Kaham, a true master, not have considered them?

"Great!"

His heart felt icy cold, yet at the same time, it was also faintly filled with excitement.

If this method really works, could it help me condense my divine essence, or even become a great wizard?

Wait, why am I thinking that?
Kaham's expression instantly became conflicted, as if he were constipated and unable to sit still.

In contrast, the others, free from his burdens, were filled only with excitement and exhilaration.

Especially in the traditional evaluation system, he could only be considered a mediocre apprentice. He immediately realized that this was an opportunity for him!

This is absolutely a life-changing opportunity!
"If we could use the Philosopher's Stone to raise our mental strength to over 10, or our physical strength to over 15..."

"That's a level one life form!"

"No matter what, it's worth a try!"

"Maybe I'm a genius at creating transmutation arrays!"

******
Roy's lecture has ended.

But the ripples it caused were only just beginning.

In just one day, news of the new learning spread throughout the Alchemy Academy.

Even students from other departments had heard about it.

"I heard that your alchemy academy has developed a technology that can implant crystal cores in people's brains to enhance their abilities?"

"What nonsense! There's no such thing!"

The alchemy students were utterly dumbfounded; they wondered which guy had spread the rumor so wildly that it was getting more and more outrageous.

But broadly speaking, they are actually quite similar.

Although the Philosopher's Stone is essentially a seed of concept, under the influence of the limitation of spiritual power, it can indeed manifest as something like an "external organ".

Meanwhile, Roy went to Ingnim to check on his progress.

"Lord Roy, I'm almost ready on my end."

In the office, the senior apprentice, looking slightly nervous, reported to him.

"According to my calculations, the advanced apprenticeship is the minimum requirement for the Philosopher's Stone to be forged."

If it's even weaker, the mental power is insufficient to materialize, and it's also impossible to condense a seed of concept.

Roy said.

"Therefore, this path actually still requires an apprentice's talent sufficient to cultivate to an advanced stage, combined with talents in chemistry, programming, mysticism, and other fields..."

Freya chimed in from the side.

"Yes, in the end, you might also need a bit of philosophical and literary talent, the ability to deeply understand collections of poems containing wise sayings, as well as various fables..."

Roy glanced at Ingnim.

This apprentice is a seasoned reader, the kind who can do reading comprehension.

Although I don't quite understand how he interpreted it.

But who cares about all that?

He has his own understanding, which is actually a "seed" similar to "wizard proverbs".

"There's no better time than today. I'll personally oversee and protect you."

Set up your transmutation circle here and forge the Philosopher's Stone yourself.

"I've already completed the basic formation for you. For now, you don't need to fully understand these things. Just be able to imitate it and activate and run it with your own power!"

As Roy spoke, he set up a standard alchemy table.

It is about three feet in diameter, with a dark and deep blue-black background, and the inside is a spiral shape, like the cosmic starry sky background of a nebula.

This is not a static image, but a dynamic scene with flowing dark silver starlight and mithril magic arrays embedded in the marble patterns.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be tiny fragments of starstone embedded within.

The phantom of the golden scales floated in the center, with two long snakes, one black and one white, coiling around the edge of the platform like the legendary snakes of order.

Ingnim felt somewhat dazed after just one glance.

This is something far beyond his current level of knowledge and magical energy.

However, Roy's "Roy's Alchemy" and its accompanying "Transmutation Circle" have one advantage: they follow the principle of "equivalent exchange".

It may have some drawbacks that are criticized, such as a low ceiling, value dependence, or difficulty in learning.

But conversely, the essence of this principle is the exchange of mass and energy, the root of the universe, the fundamental power under creation!

Aside from the fact that it cannot yet exceed the limits of this magical universe and cannot defy the power at the creation level, the "First Move" can almost be called "infinite" and "ultimate"!

Mass and energy cycle infinitely within the universe, just as the Great Dao neither increases nor decreases, neither is born nor dies.

Equivalent exchange can continue indefinitely, possessing a power akin to a "true perpetual motion machine"!

In terms of rank, apart from being lower than the "First Momentum", it is flawless.

One could even speculate that if we could break through the "box" of the magical universe and venture beyond it, could we similarly rely on this principle of "equivalent exchange" to achieve a "first driving force" at the creation level?
This is an infinitely looping "stacked box" approach, so we won't consider it for now.

But this also proves that this principle is not so simple.

Ingnim hadn't thought that far ahead yet, but he immediately understood what Roy meant.

"With your knowledge and wealth, plus my own understanding and experience..."

Let's work together to complete the forging of the Philosopher's Stone!

Theoretically speaking, the equivalent value offered this time is sufficient and fully complies with the principle of equivalent exchange.

The greater the difficulty, the more effort is required.

The success rate is still quite considerable!

"That's right, just follow what you've learned and operate with confidence."

Roy said to him.

Ingnim nodded.

Then, under the watchful eyes of Roy and Freya, they began to place the red sulfur, silvery mercury paste, and blue salt grains into the nebula array in sequence.

As the magical energy flowed, these materials transformed into various colors within their respective formations, melting into rainbow-colored vortexes within the spiral patterns.

After a quick check to confirm that everything was prepared correctly, he chanted the incantation to activate the magic in a low voice.

Soon, a beam of golden light was injected from the input end at the center of the magic array, continuously tracing along the engravings like the universe inside the array platform.

The nebula spun, and the vortex seemed to suddenly contract, bursting out with intense light.

A scarlet crystal floated in the center of the platform. It was about the size of a thumb, with a hexagonal prism shape and a golden glow like candlelight at its center, radiating a mysterious and profound brilliance.

The Philosopher's Stone...

It has actually been refined!

Roy watched this scene with satisfaction.

Freya was also pleasantly surprised and shocked.

"I didn't expect your talent to be so much better than anticipated; you actually mastered it in one go!"

The truth is far more complex than that.

To increase the chances of success, Roy did not hesitate to use some of the power of the Holy Grail.

However, this is indeed inseparable from Ingenium's own actions, which at least proves that with the guidance of a mentor and sufficient wealth, this is possible.

This route is indeed feasible.

For the rest, it comes down to talent, knowledge, experience, and even luck.

“What a strange feeling.”

Ingenium's face lit up with delight, and he slowly reached out and touched it.

Amidst the rippling water, it felt as if I were actually holding a solid crystal between my fingers.

However, from Roy and Freya's perspective, the thing appeared to be a typical spirit, not a physical entity.

"The extra bonus it provides me seems to be 1 degree!"
I originally had a mental strength of around 4, but now I'm close to the level of an elite apprentice.

Then, by continuously improving, one might be able to simultaneously enhance both their inherent mental strength and additional bonuses, ultimately significantly increasing their success rate in becoming a formal wizard with superior mental power!

Ingenium said with a hint of surprise.

He immediately sensed the biggest difference between this Philosopher's Stone and ordinary equipment.

That is the strengthening effect it provides, which penetrates deep into the soul and becomes an integral part of it.

******
"Alright, now that Ingnium has been successfully forged, you also have a chance to do it!"

After returning to the beach castle, Roy looked at Freya and said to her.

"For me, this incident also serves as a test of the path to promotion from Level 1 to Level 2."

I hope to see you promoted soon.

Freya nodded solemnly.

In every aspect, except perhaps her natural talent, she surpasses Ingnim.

I will definitely not let Roy down.

Roy was aware of this, so after giving his instructions, he didn't say anything more, but instead devoted himself to further refining the new theory, while also organizing materials and dealing with inquiries from various parties.

At this point, the impact of the lecture was beginning to take effect.

First, the number of members of the "Transmutation Circle Research Society," which received Roy's personal endorsement, surged.

The membership benefits have long been abolished. Not only are there no more dinosaur eggs to receive, but you also have to go through an assessment and be selected based on merit.

People still keep coming to join.

Then came the circulation of "One Thousand and One Nights" and "The Fables of Ilor", and especially the individual chapters of "The Wise Man's Sayings" gradually became known.

These things and the forging of the Philosopher's Stone may not necessarily have a causal relationship. But as with certain path-dependent traditions...

After joining the association, studying and researching these materials has become a regular practice.

There are also applications for academic exchanges and discussions on witchcraft.

They all followed one after another.

However, Roy couldn't worry about those things for the time being; his focus was on the funding application for the new year.

Based on the progress of his research and the results he has achieved, he could apply to the academy for another batch of resources, or even reform the entire curriculum of the Alchemy Academy according to his own wishes.

He plans to formally include "Luo's Alchemy" as an elective course within a few years, and to award it a 6-point grade for the main course, while also adjusting the credits for other related courses.

The ultimate goal is the development of a new doctrine!

……

Before we knew it, it was late February.

Inside the alchemy room of the mage's mansion.

Freya arranged the materials in front of the magic circle drawn up by Roy and cast the spell herself.

Finally, after much effort...

A red crystal radiating a crimson light appeared before my eyes.

Even with Roy's Eye of Hermes, it was impossible to see through the true nature of this thing in one go.

Because at the moment it took shape, it was covered by Freya's own life energy, and its spirit and spirituality filled it, making it like a living thing.

"Success!"

But he ignored those and looked at Freya instead.

At this moment, she was slightly closed-eyed, feeling the connection between souls surging forth from within.

The peculiar feeling of being like an external organ, providing basic attribute bonuses, is completely different from the various equipment we usually wear.

It was in that instant that she truly understood why Roy had said it could help with promotions.

"The Philosopher's Stone I obtained can currently provide an additional boost of about 10 degrees, which can really be added to my mental power that has already reached its limit!"

"Next, I need to refine more spiritual items and improve myself further."

Over the years, I have also accumulated some experience.

If it is transformed into a product within the transmutation array system...

Perhaps it should be these!

As Roy spoke, he gave Freya a document.

"The Book of the Soul?"

"This is a diagram I compiled based on related products, recording various products that can theoretically enhance the benefits..."

"Let me see, the Sword of the Seeker of Light!"

Freya suddenly realized.

During his time in the Fortress World, Roy repeatedly crafted many of these standard equipment sets.

However, this requires crystal cores from the children of sin as materials.

More accurately, they are spiritual items.

"I used up a lot of divine fragments when I repaired the Death Scythe for Osteron, and now I don't have any suitable ones left."

Fortunately, I still have some funds left from last year, so I'll find an opportunity to buy a high-level monster core, the Kanra Behemoth.

That's also a magical beast possessing immense spiritual power; theoretically, it could help you refine it.

a few days later.

Roy started organizing this matter and successfully achieved his goal.

Now, Freya is basically retracing the old path she explored before, and has successfully verified that it can be used in stages one to two.

Although I will need to use the same things myself, in the long run, prioritizing upgrading Freya to level 2 will be more beneficial to me.

Since it's unlikely I can raise the [Sage's Proverbs] to 5000 degrees of blessing anytime soon, allocating some resources to it is the optimal solution.

……

Soon, another month or so passed.

In the study of the monk's mansion.

Roy, who was sitting there reading a book, was suddenly startled by an unusual spiritual force.

The girl's skull floated in and reported, "Master, Freya has successfully advanced to a level two wizard!"

"really!"

He showed a hint of joy on his face, but not much surprise.

Previously, Freya had created her own Philosopher's Stone, successfully entering the realm of her own "Lust-style Alchemy".

This is practically a done deal.

"This method seems to be limited by the finished product of the Philosopher's Stone."

It's just unknown what level cap Ingnim and she will be able to reach in the future.

This also seems to be closely related to the essence of the soul; they are interconnected and mutually causal!

The Philosopher's Stone can elevate the essence of the soul, but it is also limited by one's original status, which determines innate limitations.

But it will probably be a long time before we see Freya reach her new limit.

We'll have to wait until at least the peak of level two, when they want to advance to level three, to see who comes out on top.

"We need to clarify how to judge the quality of this finished product."

Roy thought to himself.

Not long after, Freya came over and personally told him the good news.

After asking a few simple questions, Roy gave some pointers on things to keep in mind after advancing to level two.

All of this indicates that his new theory is on a smooth and successful path of development.

Just then, Roy seemed to realize something and turned his gaze to the book he was reading.

The Secret of Crimson Transformation: The Mystery of Reddening

The Philosopher's Stone is often described as red, which is where this idea comes from.

Through this period of research, coupled with his past experience of "darkening," "whitening," and "yellowing," he felt that his understanding of "reddening" had become increasingly profound.

It could even be said that even without mastering alchemical talent, one is confident in its ability to use and execute it normally.

This is a true master's level of skill. Other masters who do not have their own talent and status also achieve success through this method.

"This way, we can design more advanced transmutation arrays."

******
June arrived quickly.

More than three months have passed since the lecture.

Good news kept coming from the Alchemy Academy: several more apprentices successfully crafted the Philosopher's Stone, fulfilling his original prophecy.

The apprentices were named Tarento, Prodige, Demonio, Fiani...

Roy later inquired a little and confirmed that they were all geniuses like Ingnim, who studied "Roy's Alchemy".

This is evident from the fact that they are all graduates, but they are still at the advanced apprentice stage, rather than elite apprentices.

In traditional evaluation systems, they are considered relatively mediocre with little hope of promotion.

But ever since listening to my lecture, he has become so engrossed in studying it, as if he had discovered a new continent.

In addition, the accumulated experience from the past is just enough.

Suddenly everything became clear!
"Lord Roy, perhaps you could consider adding them to your watchlist. If they are promoted, you could directly recruit them as disciples."

Now that these people have joined the ranks, their chances of promotion are much greater.

With proper training, there is a good chance of them becoming a full-fledged wizard.

Freya, considering that a school of thought needs talented people at its inception, advised him on this matter.

"That's exactly what I was thinking too, so let's talk to them."

Roy immediately said.

"Anyway, I'll leave the task of teaching them to you..."

Freya chided, "You really know how to boss people around!"

But I did as instructed anyway.

She has now been promoted to a second-level wizard, making her qualified to teach.

Whether those people are still in the apprentice stage or have been promoted to a higher level, they can be dealt with.

……

After handing over the chores to Freya, Roy didn't even bother to check the progress before getting back to his own business.

Several months later, good news suddenly arrived.

“Ingnim…”

You've been promoted!

"Oh, he's only a sophomore in the academy, and he's already advanced to the next level?"

"That's right. According to the regulations of Akademia, it can be brought under your name through a formal process."

If you're willing, he will be your first official disciple!

Freya said with a touch of emotion.

In fact, she was the one who was truly raised by Roy.

But she was not Roy's student or disciple, but rather a vassal-type follower.

Therefore, the certification process for the Wizard Tower and the Seven Towers Alliance is also quite important.

"Bring in Ingnum, Megalofia, Genie, and Tarento, Prodige, Demonio, Fiani..."

Let's include all of these together!

Regardless of whether they are promoted, the apprenticeship stage is of great observational value!

Roy was so pleased that he readily opened the door to convenience.

"Seven at once?"

Freya was taken aback.

"Never mind..."

"Whether I bring one or seven, it won't cause any delays."

The main reason is that "Luo's Alchemy" is still in the development stage, and the addition of those excellent apprentices will be able to share many tasks.

If they can work as soon as they are captured, it's not a loss to give them some resources, time, and energy.

……

end of June.

Beach castle.

In the reception room on the second floor.

Roy met the group of people who had arrived.

"teacher……"

After signing the formal contract, everyone changed their address, obediently bowed, and showed expressions of joy and excitement on their faces.

"I'll tell you a secret, but don't spread it around."

Actually, my real name is Roy, and I am a high-level wizard from the Okmi Wizard Tower, less than 200 years old..."

To everyone's surprise, Roy revealed his true identity.

Although he kept a low profile here, it wasn't because he was afraid of Achinila; he was just using a pseudonym to avoid unnecessary trouble.

If you really want to hide completely, you have to change your appearance and even use more sophisticated methods.

Ingenium and the others exchanged glances, and as expected, they were only surprised by his "youth," not anything else.

After that, Roy mentioned his plans for them.

Especially Ingnim, who was successfully promoted.

"As for the college, there are opportunities for early graduation, retention at the university, and teaching assistantships, which goes without saying."

Everything was done according to the rules.

If you can't even reach the level of a formal wizard, then you can only be sent to the planar battlefield and exiled outside to gain experience...

But if you achieve that, you can stay and enjoy the benefits you're entitled to.

In fact, being a professor can help these apprentices stay at the school.

But he didn't want to cover for apprentices who hadn't been promoted; if he set this precedent, there would be plenty of support to be had in the future.

It's better to establish the principle of "not supporting idlers" from the very beginning, so as to prevent these people from developing a dependency mentality.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions tightened, and their sense of urgency indeed increased significantly.

Roy added, "I've recently been organizing materials on 'Roy's Alchemy.' In addition to the 'Forbidden Book' and the 'Book of the Soul,' I've now added the 'Book of Truth'..."

In the future, I also plan to compile a more accessible and easy-to-understand book on battle formations as a basic introduction!

I will give you a portion of the manuscript, and you can each consult it and help with the compilation.”

"Yes!"

Everyone readily agreed.

Just after Roy took out the manuscript and distributed it to the group.

Suddenly, a faint stinging sensation came over my brow.

[Alchemy talent gain in progress (100%)]

【Reddening (Gold Level)】

Mastering the reddening technique within the four-color theory allows one to infuse the substrate with spirit and achieve sublimation.

It's the [Red Transformation] technique that I had already grasped and mastered before!
As expected, through the intervention of the world's will, it was like destiny condensing and transforming into his own alchemical talent!
The will of this world has been transformed into a model that favors academic research and the passing down of knowledge. Throughout history, the spirit and ideas of countless pioneers have converged within it, becoming a vast spiritual force.

Now, the part about "reddening" has been stirred up by myself and taken over!

"Dean Hofgei..."

Will they notice this?

Soon, he thought of this again.

But after sending Ingnim and the others away, Roy waited for several days and tried to probe them again, but he didn't notice anything unusual.

He guessed that it might be because his soul level was higher than the other person's.

Or perhaps, the source matter is inherently a supreme factor, one that even gods cannot precisely control.

"No matter what, passing on knowledge and skills, and passing on the torch, can actually bring benefits in this world?"
If I stay and train more apprentices and disciples, will I gain even more?

Roy vaguely suspected that this was related to Ingnim and others formally becoming his disciples.

It requires meeting both the prerequisites of being a "disciple" and a "formal wizard".

This coincides with some of the college's regulations, and it is by no means a coincidence!
He wasn't in a hurry to verify it.

Anyway, we'll see how Tarento and the others become official wizards this year!
(End of this chapter)