Chapter 32: Competition between array alchemists

Fleur was taken aback by Lynn's response. "Mr. Rowle, you're not a French wizard, are you? Do you know alchemy?!"

Before Lynn could respond, Professor Green intervened with a smile, "Lynn is my first disciple, so naturally, he learned alchemy from me."

Fleur was surprised, but Lynn's proposal for a competition sparked her competitive spirit. Additionally, she was curious about Lynn's alchemical skills, which had earned him Professor Green's favor.

"Tell me, how do you propose we compare?" Fleur asked, crossing her arms and shaking her silver-blonde hair behind her.

After a moment of thought, Lynn retrieved two silver wands from his pocket. "If I'm correct, Miss Delacour, you're also an array alchemist, correct?"

Fleur nodded in confirmation.

Lynn continued, "Here's my suggestion: You and I will enchant one of these wands each within a specified time. Then, my teacher will control the wands to clash with each other using magic power. The first one whose enchanted wand breaks loses. How does that sound?"

Fleur readily agreed, "No problem. Let's set the time at one hour. After all, our time is limited, and Madame Maxime wants me to give you a full tour of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic."

With just one hour, Lynn and Fleur would only have enough time to carve one alchemical array each, making the competition dependent on their mastery of the runes.

Despite the absence of a formal workbench, both Lynn and Fleur, being proficient array alchemists, could complete the process by squatting on the ground.

Lynn swiftly retrieved his mithril carving knife and began carving an energy source symbol and a rune hub on the handle of the wand. Then, he contemplated the alchemical runes he would carve next.

Recognizing that basic attributes like "sharpness," "strengthening," and "strength" wouldn't be sufficient to outmatch Fleur, Lynn had to think of something more potent yet equally suited for a magical wand.

An idea struck him. With swift strokes of his mithril carving knife, Lynn etched an alchemical rune resembling a wave onto the shaft of the silver wand. He then carved another rune resembling two miniature figures and connected them with a single stroke.

These two runes represented "air wave" and "replication" respectively. The former absorbed magic power and released it as air waves, which, when applied to a wand, manifested as spell energy. The latter, when applied to a wand, allowed it to replicate multiple spell energies to attack the enemy simultaneously.

Completing the core rune engravings, Lynn checked the remaining time.

With only twenty minutes remaining, Lynn realized he could only carve one more alchemical rune before spending the last five minutes connecting all the runes together into a complete magic circle.

Quickly, he engraved a "strengthening" rune on the wand to enhance the first two core runes. Using a thin golden line, he connected the three alchemical runes along with the energy source and rune hub to complete the refinement of the alchemy array.

Turning his attention to Fleur, Lynn observed her using a small, exquisite carving knife with rose-pink patterns to carve the final stroke on her silver wand, completing her gold chainwork.

Both handed their alchemy works to Professor Green. While Lynn remained calm, Fleur exuded confidence.

Upon confirming the completion of their alchemy works, Professor Green waved his wand. Surging magic power split into two, controlling the silver wands refined by Lynn and Fleur respectively, and activating the alchemy circles within.

Under Professor Green's control, the two wands clashed towards the middle. Just before collision, Lynn's wand unexpectedly released several spell energies!

These spell energies, flashing with silver edges, struck Fleur's wand with thunderous force. Despite containing defensive alchemical runes, Fleur's wand glowed with a dark golden light, attempting to resist the attack.

However, a barrage of spell energies bombarded Fleur's wand, shattering its protective film. Eventually, Lynn's wand shattered Fleur's into pieces.

Even Professor Green hadn't anticipated the swift outcome.

Fleur, incredulous, muttered, "How can this be?!"

Stepping forward, Lynn extended his hand to her. "It was a pleasure to compete with you, Miss Delacour. Can you share your alchemical idea?"

Though defeated, Fleur graciously accepted Lynn's hand and explained her strategy. "I reasoned that since our wands would eventually collide, the test shouldn't be their attacking ability but their defense. If my wand remained intact, I'd win. Hence, I focused on defensive alchemy. But your use of the 'air wave' rune caught me off guard, turning it into a long-range attack."

Despite the outcome, Fleur had learned from the duel. Versatile thinking, she realized, was crucial in alchemy.

Similarly, Lynn acknowledged the importance of perspective. If he hadn't applied the seemingly unconventional rune, he might not have won.

"It's also a pleasure to compete with you. Just call me Fleur from now on," she said, appreciating Lynn's strength and knowledge.

(end of chapter)