Chapter 118: Reflections on Inheritance

The exchange between Alaric and Nicolas Flamel was quite enjoyable. Flamel, indeed, lived up to his reputation as a master alchemist of six hundred years, possessing an extensive knowledge base. 

Many of the problems Alaric encountered in his research had been faced by Flamel before, and he provided Alaric with some excellent advice.

Many of Alaric's achievements were also quite innovative to Nicolas Flamel, which he appreciated greatly. He particularly admired Alaric's attitude towards knowledge.

"Knowledge is the most powerful weapon for wizards, and many people fail to realize this, including Albus Dumbledore!" This was Nicolas's viewpoint, and Alaric fully agreed.

"I find it hard to imagine that a fourteen-year-old child already possesses such a vast reservoir of knowledge and can engage in meaningful conversations with Nicolas," Perenelle exclaimed.

"Yes, Alaric is indeed a very bright child. His research and understanding of magic even surpass those of most adult wizards," Dumbledore reminded. 

"You have also read the papers he has written."

"I haven't seen Nicolas so happy in a long time," watching Nicolas' alternating seriousness and laughter, Perenelle sighed. 

"Perhaps you can have Alaric stay with us for a few more days until... in fact, that's what you had in mind when you brought him here, right?"

"Yes," Dumbledore said, shaking his head with some self-reproach. "

After all, it's my responsibility. It was my mistake that led to the destruction of the Philosopher's Stone. 

I feel very sorry for what happened to you. Seeing Nicolas so happy now makes me feel a bit better. And that boy is also eager to meet Nicolas."

"No, you don't have to blame yourself," Perenelle said gently to Dumbledore.

"These are our own choices. When we decided to give you the Philosopher's Stone, we had already anticipated today's situation. 

Perhaps you're right; we have lived for too long. Facing death directly is indeed a challenge, a new beginning."

Alaric happily accepted the invitation from the Flamel couple, hoping to have more time to exchange ideas with Nicolas.

So, for the next week, Alaric stayed at the Flamel's house. 

His only task here was to discuss—no, not discuss, but listen to Nicolas Flamel's accomplishments.

Facing Alaric, Nicolas Flamel seemed to have found a successor in knowledge, ready to pass something on to him.

He not only talked about his theories and findings to Alaric but also brought out his extensive manuscripts and notes from the past six hundred years. 

These were things Alaric eagerly desired, but even before he could ask, Nicolas handed them all over, including slightly taboo knowledge like the Philosopher's Stone's creation principles.

Alaric seemed to have noticed something about Nicolas's behavior, so during a discussion on the Philosopher's Stone, he couldn't help but ask.

"Since the method of making the Philosopher's Stone has always existed, why don't you try to make another one? If necessary, I can help."

Nicolas and his wife had been of great help to him, and he had also always felt that taking the Philosopher's Stone was justified, for him it was a matter of course.

But now, Alaric felt some guilt towards them, even entertaining the idea of returning the Philosopher's Stone to them in part.

However, this proposal was rejected by Nicolas. 

He retorted, "What about you? You seem only interested in the theory of the Philosopher's Stone but don't care about it itself. Why? There are too many people who desire immortality!"

"No, I don't want such immortality at all," Alaric shook his head.

"If you're immortal, you'll have unlimited time to acquire more knowledge!"

"Perhaps you're right, but not everyone is as lucky as you. 

If a person lives alone for hundreds of years, sees their body aging constantly, familiar things gradually disappearing, and even their loved ones leaving, they will most likely go mad. 

Humans are short-lived creatures; adapting to immortality is too difficult."

"You're right about that. We are indeed very lucky," Nicolas and his wife exchanged glances, smiling somewhat resignedly. 

"We've lived too long; Perenelle also thinks we should rest."

"It takes great courage to face death directly!" Alaric sighed, dropping the suggestion about immortality.

Alaric completely dismissed the idea of using the Philosopher's Stone for immortality because it could only grant longevity to the user but couldn't preserve their youth. 

To him, eternal aging was unacceptable.

As a wizard, there were many ways to seek immortality. 

For example, in the Forgotten Realms world, the Empire of Netheril's Ioulaum invented a spell called Ioulaum's longevity through which a wizard could absorb the life force of other creatures to remain forever young and immortal.

Some might consider this evil, but humans themselves survive by sacrificing other species, don't they? 

If this method is deemed evil, then modern farming practices are utterly wicked. In fact, a single modern farm could provide inexhaustible life force for a wizard.

However, this spell also had its weaknesses. 

Once the spell was dispelled or faced with anti magic situations, the user would immediately return to their original age, meaning those old folks who extended their lives for centuries through this method would instantly turn into a pile of bones or even disappear.

However, in the endless multiverse, there were still many ways to achieve immortality, such as igniting the divine flame to become a demigod or true god.

Hiding one's soul in a phylactery to become a lich; tearing one's soul apart like Voldemort to create Horcruxes.

Transforming into undead creatures like vampires, or transforming into beings like gods or demons' kin, such as angels, demons, or god servants.

Besides, by altering the body or achieving certain special magics, such as soul materialization, one could also achieve immortality.

In the Slayer's universe, there was even a spell called "Pandora's Dark Sacrifice," which allowed mortals to steal part of a god's omnipotence after projecting themselves onto the land where the god was killed, and then use the power of the projection to reshape themselves, achieving immortality...

And Alaric already had his own ideas on how to achieve immortality and keep those he cared about with him forever, which was to become like him, a being that was both human and dragon.

Magic in this world was indeed a rather unique existence in countless multiverses.

On one hand, its power was not significant, but on the other hand, in certain situations, its strength was unimaginable.

For example, the Unbreakable Vow that directly affected the concept of "secret," the Reverse Spell that completely violated the principle of entropy, and some transfigurations—especially Animagi.

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