7
Chapter 7- Change.
“To put it simply, alchemy is the study that proves the interrelationship between the material and the immaterial. We, who are called alchemists, conduct countless experiments and research to transform the material into the immaterial, and vice versa.”
As Adrian explained alchemy, Yurik was instantly captivated by its allure.
“You might wonder how the material and the immaterial can have an interrelationship. But think about it. We humans are made of material. Yet, we possess immaterial thoughts and emotions. In other words, the material can become immaterial. Conversely, the immaterial has the power to move the material. Thoughts control the material. They can interfere with it.”
“I see.”
“Broadly speaking, human society and civilization can be seen as the result of cooperation between the material and the immaterial. Neither alone can achieve civilization. Both are necessary. In other words, alchemy is the power to perceive the world.”
“Then what is mana?”
Yurik was curious about the nature of mana. It was ambiguous to call it either material or immaterial.
Adrian pointed at him as if it were a good question.
“In fact, alchemists have long debated the nature of mana. The materialists and the immaterialists were at odds, but eventually concluded that mana is both material and immaterial. It is the only bidirectional catalyst in this world that possesses both properties. The essence of alchemy lies in utilizing this mana, which can be both material and immaterial.”
“So, you combine materials and mana to merge the material and the immaterial.”
“Correct.”
That was the general concept of alchemy.
Though it sounded complex, in simple terms, it was the study of creating potions with various effects using mana.
“Alchemy requires a lot of study. Herbs have a thousand faces. Their reactions vary depending on what materials or immaterial elements they combine with. Even the common Kapura herb in alchemy has not been fully understood by anyone. Not even me. Boil it briefly, and it’s medicine; boil it too long, and it becomes poison. Use a little, and it’s medicine; use too much, and it’s poison. Like magic, alchemy has no end to its learning.”
“It’s a very difficult field.”
“It’s difficult, but it also requires immense patience. ……Though, I’m sure you’ll endure it well.”
Of course, Adrian hadn’t intentionally tested Yurik’s patience.
It had just turned out that way.
“In alchemy, everything in this world can be a material. Ultimately, it’s said that one can create the Philosopher’s Stone, but well… I don’t believe such an omnipotent thing exists in this world. Even if it does, it can’t be created through alchemy.”
“I also don’t believe the Philosopher’s Stone truly exists.”
“Well…, let’s stop with the introduction here.”
Adrian lightly clapped her hands.
“Alchemy is about experience and practice. You have to do it a lot. Only then will it become second nature to you. You have to taste and drink your creations, suffer stomachaches, and vomit to truly learn.”
“………What?!”
Yurik’s eyes widened in shock at her words.
Adrian smirked at his reaction.
“Did you think alchemy would be easy to learn? Not at all. Alchemy must be experienced firsthand. The principle of an alchemist is to never use a potion on others that you haven’t tested on yourself!”
Ah.
“Now, let’s begin. Follow me.”
And so, the tumultuous education in alchemy officially began.
* * *
“A pinch! I clearly said a pinch!”
“But…, it was just a pinch…!”
“This is not a pinch, you fool!”
Scolded for not knowing what a pinch was.
“I told you to stir until it feels slightly damp! This is completely sticky!”
“Isn’t this… damp?”
“You brat!”
Scolded for not understanding what ‘damp’ meant.
“Ugh. I really can’t eat this, Senior….”
“If you don’t eat it, you’re not leaving here!”
“Ugh.”
Forced to taste his own creations to prove their effectiveness—a form of culinary torture.
Unlike other fields, alchemy was a continuous struggle. Yurik even regretted his decision to study it.
But contrary to Yurik’s struggles, Adrian clearly sensed his talent. Whether it was due to his years of drawing or natural ability, his eye for detail and dexterity were exceptional. In alchemy, these were true talents.
‘This boy will surely succeed in anything.’
Though she had agreed to teach him alchemy, Adrian had been inwardly anxious.
Of course, there were measuring tools and scales, but when dozens of materials were involved, it was impossible to weigh every single powder.
Especially when only a minuscule amount was needed, it had to be done by feel.
So, in alchemy, understanding the difference between a pinch, a bit less than a pinch, and a bit more than a pinch was crucial.
Yurik had nearly gone mad trying to grasp this at first.
But what could he do?
In alchemy, a pinch was everything!
And so, after three months of pinches, Yurik had finally mastered the art of the perfect pinch.
He poured the completed potion into a vial and handed it to her.
She tasted it and nodded in satisfaction.
“Now you’ve done well.”
“…Thank you.”
“You can’t possibly create every existing potion. It’s important to select what you need and refine it to perfection.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Senior.”
“This is all I can teach you. The rest is up to you to keep brewing and expanding your knowledge.”
“Can I still visit you from time to time?”
Adrian gazed at Yurik with a faint smile.
She, too, wanted to continue their relationship.
That was her honest feeling.
“…Of course, you can. You’re my excellent junior.”
“Thank you.”
Adrian had changed.
She had changed because of Yurik.
Her hair was no longer a messy tangle, and her clothes were no longer shabby.
Her complexion had improved, and her eyes were no longer fierce.
Her tone was calm, and her gestures were gentle.
“And could you give me the errand list? I’ll be back soon.”
“……Wait a moment.”
Adrian hesitated for a moment before heading into her bedroom.
She returned with a soft silk muffler around her neck.
“Let’s go out together.”
It was a big decision. Yurik smiled in a way that was beyond his years.
“Yes, Senior.”
Adrian walked out of the cabin side by side with Yurik.
The beautiful sunlight poured down from the sky.
Though late spring was almost over, the forest was beautiful and peaceful, and the air was clear and refreshing.
Ah.
Adrian stared blankly at the scene for a moment.
Yurik reached out his hand to her.
She took it.
And step by step, the two of them moved forward.
They soon entered Arpenheim.
The Atelier District, which had changed over the decades, was a marvel to Adrian, who looked around like a country girl visiting the city.
For mages, ten years wasn’t an extremely long time, but Arpenheim had still changed significantly.
“How do you like it?”
At first, she had been honestly afraid.
But the moment she stepped into the streets, her fear—an immaterial thing—slowly faded.
“…It’s nice.”
Mages who recognized Adrian, the grand mage and master alchemist, widened their eyes in surprise.
Hmph, as if they’re so shocked-.
Adrian snorted as she used to, but it wasn’t as harsh as before.
Just a bit of stubbornness remained.
The two spent a long time exploring the Atelier District.
They even forgot about buying daily necessities.
She felt in her bones how much the world had changed during her absence.
Mages cautiously greeted her.
Adrian accepted their greetings comfortably.
After decades, Adrian’s heart felt surprisingly light after this outing.
All the burdens, oppression, regrets, and despair she had carried seemed to vanish like a lie.
“Yurik.”
“Yes, Senior.”
“You don’t have to run errands for me anymore.”
“No, it’s fine.”
“No, from now on, I’ll do them myself. I want to.”
“Then…, understood.”
Adrian invited Yurik to the cabin for a meal.
The bread baked with herbs…… had a very healthy taste.
Yurik remembered tasting something similar while brewing a potion once.
“I added all these things for your health. Eat up. Finish it all.”
“……Yes.”
After the meal, Yurik made a request before leaving the cabin.
“Senior, I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Can I draw your portrait?”
Adrian’s eyes widened slightly. Then, her eyes softened warmly.
“Go ahead.”
Yurik took out paper and charcoal from his bag and sat on the living room chair.
The grand mage Adrian sat gracefully on the chair, now with a smile.
He drew her, stroke by stroke, carefully and elegantly.
“Here, it’s done.”
After finishing the drawing, he respectfully handed the portrait to its owner.
Adrian sat still for a long time after receiving it.
Her eyes gradually softened and grew moist.
“Thank you…, child…, thank you….”
“Then I’ll take my leave now.”
Yurik quietly made his exit.
By now, the sunset had painted the sky.
Adrian’s cabin, bathed in the red hues of the sunset, was now filled with carvings.
Her cabin no longer looked lonely.
…Just as waves of emotion were surging, a sharp voice suddenly rang out from inside.
- Yurik, you brat! I told you to eat it all because it’s good for you!
Oops.
It seemed she had discovered the herb bread he had secretly left under the chair because he couldn’t finish it.
Yurik hurriedly left Adrian’s cabin.
……And time, unstoppable even by magic, flowed like a river without pause.
The boy Yurik was now seventeen years old.