Picking the Alchemy Flame
The door swung wide, unveiling a spectacular array of flames, each dancing with its own unique flair. They flickered in a kaleidoscope of colors, burning with varying degrees of ferocity. This particular section was dedicated to the wild, untamed flames, from which Karsha had to choose one to tame. Fortunately, there was no need to fret about the expense – he was free to select any flame that caught his eye.
However, there was a catch: he had to choose a flame from the ranks below legendary, specifically those under Tier 5. Karsha was only in the market for a temporary flame, as his master had already entrusted him with superior ones. This new acquisition would be perfect until his mastery of alchemy reached the threshold set by the Divine Alchemist.
With all these perks included in the legacy, Karsha had little concern about procuring powerful flames or cauldrons. For the time being, he would make do with the trusty Lonely Cauldron.
"You're free to select any flame below Tier 5, and if you succeed in taming it, it's yours to keep. You won't have to pay anything," the young man with Master Artemis said.
"Good for me, then. But I have a question," Karsha stood up from his chair before speaking. "Can we stay here for a few more days while I get my groove back on?"
"Absolutely. You and your companions can stay for as long as you want. Meals are on the house as well," the young man replied abruptly. He was eager to see if Karsha could indeed concoct an 80% pure King-grade pill, as he had been boasting he could.
Although both he and Master Artemis doubted Karsha would be able to do what he claimed, they still decided to see what he could do. Maybe he would prove them wrong.
After all, they had never met someone who could disrespect people from the Great Families like they were nobodies. Additionally, Karsha had tamed a cauldron that many had tried and failed to control. These two qualities indicated that he was no ordinary boy but a strange one hiding in the skin of a 19-year-old.
'What a strange fellow,' the young man thought inwardly. However, since everything would be happening in a few days, he refrained from asking any more questions.
"Big brother, what type of flame will you be picking?" Xain, curious to see what type of flame Karsha would choose, asked. Even Elder June was curious.
"That one," Karsha immediately replied, pointing to a flame that burned with aggressive sparks.
"The Devil's Breath," the young apprentice exclaimed in a shocked tone. "Are you looking to cook your face taming it?" he added.
"I plan not to, big brother," Karsha replied, noticing the young man's scared and shocked expression. "The Devil's Breath is not that aggressive if you get to know it."
He walked close to the flame and, as he had done with the cauldron, began speaking to it.
"O fiery flame, I come not to subdue you with force but to commune with you in harmony and understanding.
I am but a lonely soul that requires companionship.
I dance on the edge of danger, yet I always strive to be the best.
I know nothing, yet I wish to learn everything.
I seek to tame your wild energies, to forge a bond that transcends mortal understanding.
I am the alchemist, the weaver of destinies, the custodian of the eternal flames.
Together, we shall dance upon the wind of creation, shaping reality with the power of our combined will.
O mighty flame of alchemy, I seek not to command you but to understand you.
O flame of alchemy, join me on this journey of discovery and transformation.
Together, let us ignite the fires of possibility and awaken the dormant potential within us."
As Karsha continued to speak, the flames seemed to flicker and began to dance in response, as if acknowledging Karsha's invocation. Slowly but steadily, the flame started entering Karsha's body.
Master Artemis, who had been seated, now stood, gazing at Karsha with reverence. He recognized the speech but regrettably didn't understand its essence.
To use the speech method, an alchemist must comprehend the essence of the flames and their behavior. It's not something that can be taught; it must be understood intuitively.
Even if it was transmitted to you, like how Karsha received the legacy, you still need the talent for it. For Karsha to use this method to tame not one but two treasures in a single day, all on the first try, indicated immense potential.
His brain had developed to a point where he possessed a comprehensive understanding of how the Cauldron and the Flame behaved. By simply observing them, he could grasp their nature and the best way to tame them.
He could freely give the speech to the old man, but it would be a waste since the old man wouldn't understand its essence. All he could do was watch as the young man tamed the violent flame without resorting to the crude and dangerous methods most alchemists used.
"Our bond will know no bounds, for I know your name, O mighty flame.
They call you violent, but I call you understanding.
For I speak your name with understanding.
You shall be called the 'Devil's Breath,' the breath of Alchemy,
The breath of Creation."
Karsha ended the speech as the last of the flame entered his body. To his surprise, a system message appeared before him.
< Ding! You have tamed a Tier 4 Flame: Devil's Breath >
< Devil's Breath >
-- Even the fiery flames from the devil's bowl can be used to create instead of destroy.
-- Using this flame will guarantee a 60% success rate in concocting pills.
Master Artemis and the young man stood in awe as Karsha successfully tamed the Devil's Breath flame. This remarkable achievement further cemented their belief in Karsha's exceptional talent.
Karsha read the description with a smile. He had only wanted a flame, but somehow, he had managed to tame one that guaranteed a 60% success rate for every crafted pill.
Now, all he had to work for was the remaining 40%, which wouldn't be much of a struggle for him. After all, he was the disciple of the Divine Alchemist; the knowledge he possessed was out of this world.
He wouldn't have to worry about small errors since he already knew what needed to be done. The only thing he had to practice was flame control. But even then, Karsha was confident he would get the hang of it after a few trials.
"All done," Karsha said as he summoned the green flame from his palm.
"Teach me how to do that, Big Bro," Xian, who had seen how effortlessly Karsha tamed the flame, asked for the method. He is a swordsman, but many didn't know that he had another class that allowed him to tame monsters.
Of course, the pitiful guy hasn't utilized that class since he's too scared to use the method that came with it. With that method, he'd have to beat the monster into submission, or the beast itself would willingly allow itself to be tamed.
However, with the method Karsha just used, he can tame a monster a tier below him without having to either fight it or risk communicating with it, hoping it won't be a violent monster.
"You don't have to worry about the essence; I already have that covered," Xian said, indicating that he had everything it took to learn the method.
"I'll give you the method, for sure. But for now, I have to prepare for my trip to Snake Island," Karsha said, revealing his plans.
"For someone being sent to Snake Island, you look awfully calm. Are you not afraid of that place?" Master Artemis, observing the youngsters, spoke. He knew from his apprentice that Karsha had been sent there. However, throughout their short interaction, he hadn't seen the scared look that people doomed to die on that island usually have.
From what he saw, Karsha seemed to have the demeanor of someone eager to go there. It could be a coping mechanism, but the fact that he had that look meant he wasn't afraid.
"I was afraid at first, but not anymore," Karsha replied.
"What changed?" Master Artemis asked again.
"I found a purpose. Initially, I was worried because I didn't know what I would be doing there. However, now I know what I will do and how to do it."
"And what is that?" The old man asked once more.
"For that, you'll have to wait for my return. However, I don't think I should reveal what someone like us can achieve in a place full of venom," Karsha replied. He wasn't foolish enough to divulge his main purpose for going there, but as someone seeking ways to secure resources, he knew he had to say something.
As expected, the old man's face lit up. "You plan on creating poisons and antidotes from the venoms," he said, to which Karsha simply nodded.
"I plan on creating many poisons and antidotes before the 60-day period ends," Karsha clarified, ensuring the old man understood his goal.
"Young man, how confident are you about surviving the island?" Master Artemis inquired.
Karsha smiled before replying, "At first, I was only 70% certain, but after discovering something to live for, that percentage has risen to 90%. However, there's still room for improvement." Elder June, in her disguise, felt a warmth run through her chest upon hearing Karsha's reply.
"Are you truly confident?" The old man asked.
"As I live and breathe," Karsha replied, causing the old man to arch an eyebrow.
"Good. I will assist you with whatever you need in terms of alchemy. In return, you will bring me ten vials of venom from snakes of my choosing," Master Artemis said, making Karsha smile. "Of course, you can bring more, for which I will pay handsomely."
"You have yourself a deal," Karsha said, extending his hand for a handshake. The old man reciprocated, sealing their agreement. "Nate, take him to the stores and let him pick whatever he wants. It's on the house."
And just like that, Karsha had won himself a powerful ally who would stand by him through thick and thin.