Big G, Coffee Machine and Goblin

Chapter 25 The Three Major Schools
After listening attentively to the Alchemist Association's rules and regulations, Ma Li thought for a moment and asked, "You don't seem to have mentioned anything about violating the kingdom's laws?"

Jia Anda said, "The association advises all members to abide by local laws and customs. If you accidentally break the law, you can seek help from the association and let the association mediate with the lord. However, there is no guarantee that you will be exonerated."

Ma Li had gained a basic understanding of the Alchemist Guild.

This is a loosely structured transnational organization with no unified political aspirations, primarily focused on self-preservation, yet it wields considerable influence across the continent and can, to some extent, override the law.

In summary, alchemists are not nobles, but they possess some of the power and status equivalent to nobles.

Moreover, they can freely join various kingdoms and organizations, and the Alchemist's Guild will not stop them. For example, Levi has a string of titles and the status of an honorary knight.

Ma Li thanked Jia Anda, found an empty room, took off his down jacket, and put the alchemical robe directly over his stab-proof vest. Although this might make him look a little bulky, he was willing to make some sacrifices in appearance for safety.

In addition, the temperature regulation function of the robe is also very practical. The part that is in contact with the stab-proof vest is actually a little cool. I don't know how it is done.

After getting dressed, Ma Li pinned the brooch that symbolized his identity as an alchemist to his chest.

This way, at least when he walks on the street, he won't stand out like a crane among chickens, making it immediately obvious that he's a foreigner.

When he came out, Is and Dalton had already left, but Levi and Renee were still there.

The old alchemist leaned closer again, "This is yours, isn't it?"

Upon seeing the compass in his hand, Ma Li said, "Oh, thank you."

“And these two more,” Levi said, taking out a can of tuna and bear spray, his eyes filled with curiosity. “Can you tell me what these are used for? I haven’t seen them in ancient texts.”

“This is food; it can be used to fight wild animals,” Ma Li said without hiding anything.

Levi exclaimed in amazement, "Edible metals? Ancient alchemy is truly unpredictable."

"Well, actually the food is inside. You can eat it by pulling the tab on top. If you like, this can of tuna is a gift for you as a thank you for being the recommender. However, the contents are a bit salty, so it's best to eat it with a main dish."

As Ma Li tucked the bear spray into the side pocket of his backpack, he said.

The old alchemist was delighted and carefully put away the can of tuna in oil that was on sale at the supermarket for 14.9 yuan. He assured Ma Li, "I will study it carefully!"

However, he did not leave after he finished speaking; he remained standing there, his gaze intense.

"Is there anything else?"

“Actually, I have many things I would like to ask you,” Levi said excitedly, even using honorifics. “Your mastery of ancient alchemy is unparalleled in my life; it can only be described as extraordinary.”

“You’re too kind,” Ma Li said. “Speaking of which, I’d also like to know what exactly you mean by ancient alchemy?”

"You know about the three major schools of alchemy, right?"

Seeing that Ma Li seemed a little confused, Renee stepped forward to explain to the teacher, "It's the pattern on your brooch at the entrance of the Alchemist's Association."

"The cauldron in the lower left corner represents the potion school, which is best at brewing magic potions, while the six-pointed star in the lower right corner represents the rune school, which is famous for rune inlay."

"What about the heart on top?"

"That's the Fusion School. It's said that in the ancient civilization tens of thousands of years ago, the Fusion School reached its zenith, far surpassing other schools. Alchemists back then could extract a concept from one object and then integrate that concept into another, creating unprecedented masterpieces that everyone could freely use. The most distinctive feature of the alchemical creations made by the Fusion School is that they don't rely on magic to operate. You can hardly feel any magical fluctuations in these alchemical creations; they're like ordinary mortal objects, yet they contain incredibly powerful energy."

Levi lamented, "Unfortunately, with the fall of ancient civilizations, most of the alchemy of the Fusion School was also lost. Now, only a handful remain. You can count the number of alchemists on this continent who still use Fusion Alchemy on one hand."

"Moreover, their alchemy is far inferior to that of the ancients. Some people therefore question the existence of the Fusion School. In recent years, more and more people have had these foolish ideas. The development of magic has made them arrogant and even denied the brilliant achievements of our ancestors... But all of this is different now."

The old alchemist's gloom vanished, and his tone became invigorated again, "Because of your appearance, I see hope for the revival of the Fusion School!"

However, Ma Li shook his head. "Sorry, you may have the wrong person. I have no interest in reviving ancient alchemy."

"Then why did you show off your skills at the Alchemist's Guild?" Levi's excitement gradually turned into confusion. "Weren't you planning to use this method to announce the return of the Fusion Alchemy School to the world?!"

"As you can see, I am a foreigner, and I only obtained the identity of an alchemist to avoid some unnecessary trouble."

The old alchemist was clearly taken aback by Ma Li's simple and straightforward reason.

However, Levi was never one to give up easily; otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen ancient alchemy as his research direction despite all the obstacles.

He has now collected most of the knowledge about ancient alchemy and fusion alchemy on the continent, and the Staff of Radiance has also invested a lot of money in this. Unfortunately, his research progress is very slow, and the school council has long been dissatisfied. Revoking his teaching qualification is just the beginning.

Unlike his naive disciple, Li Weier did not think that he could go back to the way things were by softening his stance and apologizing. Now, he only had one path left: to produce results. And if he wanted to go further, he needed to find a new breakthrough.

This foreigner in front of him was his breakthrough point. In Levi's eyes, Mali was like a huge academic treasure trove, shining brightly, waiting for him to explore.

"What are your plans next?" the old alchemist asked, changing the subject.

"I'm going to meet up with my companions."

"Are you also an alchemist skilled in ancient alchemy, like yourself?" Levi's interest was piqued again.

"No, she's a local."

"Oh, where do you meet up?" the old alchemist asked casually.

"Squirrel's Tail is a hotel located in the new city area."

Levi slapped his thigh. "Perfect timing! We just arrived in Eagle's Beak City and are looking for an inn. Why don't we go together?"

“But teacher, haven’t we already left our luggage at the ‘Knight’s House’?” Renee whispered, reminding us. “You also said that the new city is dirty and chaotic, and it’s not safe to live there.”

“What do you know? I’m training you. You have too little experience in traveling and adventure. How can anyone feel at ease if you act alone in the future? Go to the Knight’s House, check out of the room, pack your bags, and come find me at Squirrel’s Tail.”

Levi put on his teacher's airs, and although Renee felt a little wronged, she couldn't say anything more and could only continue running errands.

"Do you have a lot of luggage? Why don't we go and help?" Ma Li said.

“Don’t worry, I’ve entrusted the purse to her for safekeeping; the child will hire someone.” Levi waved his hand. “Let’s continue our conversation about ancient alchemy. Is ancient alchemy popular in your hometown…”

(End of this chapter)