Alchemy

Chapter 15: Alchemy

On the other hand, Raven didn't slack off in his studies and went through the painful memory integration process.

Thanks to that, his [Instant Memorize] skill had already progressed up to 98%!

October 28th,

After returning home from elementary school, Raven did his writing homework and became overly excited to complete the first skill.

'Zera, what should I do once I completely learn this [Instant Memorize] skill?' He couldn't help but ask in his mind.

[To practice the [Knight Technique], not only does your body need to grow up, but you also need an affinity. Unfortunately, you don't have both right now. Although you have the 'Ice Affinity' Potion, its potential is so high, and it might harm your soul more. So, I'm planning on teaching you [Alchemy]. It is an ancient Mage Pathway capable of even turning ordinary water into a miraculous healing medicine. If we make even some low-rank potions, we can extend your lifespan by up to 10 more years. But learning alchemy isn't an easy thing. We need lots of materials and practices, too.]

While he was conversing with Zera, Shirley returned home from her work and started helping Athena in the kitchen.

After some time, the trio had a warm dinner and joyfully discussed many things. But the thing Athena mainly talked about was the Knight Technique.

"Aunt, I have completely learned the Physical Training and Meditation methods and have already surpassed Official Knights in terms of physical strength. Next, I will do my best and focus on learning my first 'Knight Skill.'"

Her words made Shirley widen her eyes.

"That soon?" She couldn't help but stop chewing the food midway and soon asked.

"Did anyone other than Inspector Henry notice your sudden progress?"

Athena gave a puzzled look and responded calmly.

"Well, most of the policemen working with me know that I've been stuck in the same realm for years already. So, none was surprised by my sudden breakthrough."

"That's good. But you should keep your strength hidden until you become powerful enough to battle equally against an [Elite Knight]. After that, you can participate in the test for inspector position. As long as you passed the exam and become a high rank official, Baron Alexander might finally take notice of you. Get as much achievement as possible and earn the title of 'Honorary Knight' from him. At that time, you will have no problem taking care of your brother in any situation." Shirley's words made Athena think deeper.

Honorary Knight!

It was a title only a handful of people in this town had. Even Inspector Henry had been gaining so many achievements in his job but still did not get enough recognition to achieve them.

In truth, Helena knew the reason long ago. Baron Alexander and even other nobles never picked up someone as their knight just because they gained multiple achievements in work.

It wasn't enough at all.

They needed something else.

Strength!

'If I want to get the title of Honorary Knight, I must reach peak Elite Knight!' If she became a Radiant Knight, the Baron might personally come to her home and bestow her with the title of Honorary Knight.

'But it's easier said than done.'

Raven hesitated for a moment and soon asked.

"Aunt Shirley, do you know what 'Alchemy' is?"

"Alchemy? Where did you hear that word?" Shirley's face turned stiffened.

[Haa, I always warn you not to speak about Wizard-related things to your Aunt or sister.] Zera's voice echoed in his mind.

Noticing the mistake, Raven could only show a forced smile and continued.

"Teacher Elizabeth talked with Arts Teacher during today's class."

"Teacher Elizabeth again? What is she planning on revealing such words to young kids? Listen, Raven; you should never mention words like Alchemy or Magical Beasts to anyone. These words are not something we can utter carelessly." Shirley said sternly but soon sighed deeply upon noticing their curious faces.

"Haa, to know about 'Alchemy,' you guys should first learn something about Wizards. Athena, do you still remember the time when Raven born? A wizard was also present there."

"Prime Minister Gavin!" Athena subconsciously muttered.

"Yes. Prime Minister Gavin is actually one of the many Wizards who came from the mainland continent centuries ago and became one of the Royal Wizards. He soon became the Headmaster of 'Crows Mistry School' and became popular among the masses. After that, he used the election system and openly participated in the election of Prime Minister, along with his supporters. Although he failed to even win a seat in a single town at first, he soon started to gain a foothold in rural areas. Thanks to the urbanisation of many places, his popularity soon reached the level of Emperor himself. Twenty four years ago, he finally won the election with majority and earned the title of Prime Minister. After that, he sustained his position all these years and had already taken a firm hold of many places. Like him, there are many wizards showed interest in politics and even occupied Empire's high positions." She paused for a moment and soon asked Athena with a smile.

"But do you know why they are still popular among the masses?"

"Maybe it's because they are mysterious and powerful than knights?" Athena responded while tilting her head.

"Wrong. People fear the mysterious and powerful people most. But to ease away the wariness of commoners, they started a business that could save many lives."

"Alchemy." Athena muttered.

"Yes. One of their main businesses is 'Potion Making' aka Alchemy. The vial you obtained for Raven at Goren's shop was also created by one of those Alchemists in this town. They are capable of turning a normal medicinal herb into a miraculous healing liquid and are always respected wherever they go. Even our Empire has two large Alchemy Merchant companies and is mass producing potions every day. Also, the lamp you are seeing in the ceiling is also created by a particular group of Wizards called 'Rune Wizards.' Unlike Alchemists, they solely focus on creating mysterious artifacts and are capable of even making our lifestyle easier." Shirley's words made both realize how mysterious those wizards were.

"Is it possible for 'commoners' like us to become a Wizard?" Athena asked, with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"I think the main reason they build schools in every town in Ivory Island is to pick up the talented kids. But to get their attention, one's talent should be above Average. You indeed have Genius Level in 'Sword' affinity and 'High' in Darkness elemental affinity. But it's almost suicidal for you to reveal your identity to the public. In the worst case scenario, both you and I might get ourselves arrested and taken back to that place. As for Raven..." Shirley shook her head and went silent.

On the other hand, Athena also went silent and ate quietly. They both knew Raven's fate if they returned to the Royal Palace.

'No. They might try assassinating him and even erase his existence!' Athena felt powerlessness and bitterness and couldn't even eat properly.

"Can't the Wizards create potions to increase one's affinity?" Raven asked as he thought of the potion in his inventory.

Shirley showed a dubious look on her face and soon sighed.

"Wizards aren't some Gods in the myth, Raven. It's impossible for anyone to increase one's affinity; not even the Legendary Wizards in Capital can do it. If creating a potion to increase one's affinity is possible, that man wouldn't have tossed you away like some-" Shirley stopped midway and shook her head.

"Let's not talk much about this," She added solemnly.

Raven could only nod and quietly eat the food.

After finishing dinner, none of them didn't speak much and went to their rooms.

Once Raven returned to his room, he sat in the middle of the soft bed and soon asked.

'Zera, is what my Aunt said true? Then, what is the potion stored in inventory? You also said that even I can create potions through Alchemy.' He asked in confusion.

[The world you and your Aunt know is just a speck of dust in this vast cosmos, lad. It's just that this world never seems to have made contact with anyone from the other planes. Even if there were some, they would've kept all secrets for themselves.] Zera paused for a moment and added.

[And, it is possible to increase your affinities using potions. For example, the Dawn potion can improve one's affinity only up to 'Low Rank,' not harming the soul much. But the main problem with concocting such a potion is magical materials. They are not something you can find in the regular market. It would be best to focus on increasing your lifespan before considering other things.] Zera said calmly.

'Let me finish learning the 'Instant Memory' today. Then, I want to start learning Alchemy from tomorrow onwards.' He said with a firm resolution. Unknown to him, he had already become a mature boy mentally thanks to the 'Instant Memory' skill.

A second later, Raven suddenly noticed a similar suction force and soon found himself standing in the middle of the Library hall.

[Are you ready?] Zera, in her flowing silvery hair, appeared beside him and asked.

"Yes." Raven nodded and grabbed the black-covered book from her right hand. Then, he opened it, flipped the pages, and noticed most appeared empty.

But as his fingers touched the last few pages, the strange book became pure golden light and absorbed into his body.

Like the previous time, he experienced the state of going through the previous skill owner's experience and slowly managed to integrate himself with the remaining information.

Over two hours passed as he stood rooted in the same spot and slowly opened his eyes.

Before he could blink, two bluish notifications appeared before his eyes.

[Congratulations on thoroughly learning the [Historian] Class's [Instant Memorize] skill.]

[Spirit power has been increased by 0.5!]

...

But what startled him more was that there were no more headaches this time! Instead, he felt refreshed.

"I feel clear headed now."

[Congratulations, Raven. As I thought, letting you learn one mind skill significantly increased your lifespan. Now that you have at least taken the first step, shall we check how long you can live?]

"Yes, please." Raven nodded his head.

On the other hand, a strange blue light enveloped his body in the real world and started scanning him all over.

[Scanning the whole body...]

[Damage to the Host's Soul has decreased from 86% to 84.7%!]

[Under the request of Tower Spirit Zera, the System is calculating the approximate life span of the Host!]

[Calculation completed!]

[The Host's lifespan has been increased from 5 years and three months to 6 years and one month and 23 days.]

"I only have 6 years to live? Wait, if I learn the other two skills, will my lifespan increase two more years?" Raven couldn't help but ask.