Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Ileyn’s decision was quick.
She printed several copies of the paper using the reception desk copier and immediately had her subordinates distribute them throughout the Tower of the Sages.
Ordinarily, it would have taken until morning for anyone to notice, but this was the Tower of Sages. For alchemists, dawn was simply another productive research period.
Most of them were already awake.
Because of that, the paper spread quickly.
Among those who received it was Heidell, an Albedo-class alchemist of the Tower.
“Here’s your vitality coffee, Master.”
“Ah. Thank you.”
He took the drink—a mixture of vitality potion and strong espresso—and rubbed his face to shake off sleep.
Once he finally regained his senses, he tilted his head.
“I don’t understand why this paper was suddenly delivered.”
“Maybe it’s related to our research?”
“Perhaps. Our work is something the entire Tower is involved in.”
Their research goal was to understand spatial distortion.
They had analyzed the structure of the Abyssal Wastes’ space, but depending on the environment, the spatial data changed, making it difficult to derive a unified formula.
Just as they were struggling for a breakthrough, a paper suddenly arrived from an atelier.
The research was paused immediately.
Some disciples looked relieved enough to collapse onto sofas or gulp down more vitality potions.
Seeing that, Heidell smiled faintly and decided to pause research for now to refresh the atmosphere.
Sitting down, he opened the paper casually, wondering why it had been sent.
“…Hm?”
As he turned the pages, his eyes gradually widened.
By the final page, he shot up from his seat, visibly excited.
“This is revolutionary!”
His disciples turned toward him in shock.
The usually calm and dignified master was now visibly agitated.
He tapped the paper excitedly.
“Hahaha! So finally, a genius has appeared in Astrum!”
“What is it, Master?”
“The secret of spatial distortion has been completely uncovered!”
“What? Isn’t that the Tower’s ongoing research topic?”
“One atelier solved a joint Tower project?”
Heidell checked the author line.
Author — Theodor, Albedo-class alchemist.
“Theodor! And it’s single-authored! And he’s only Nigredo-class!”
“What?!”
“That can’t be real!”
But Heidell was convinced.
Not that the result was fake—but that the boy had truly done it alone.
He had seen enough geniuses to recognize the pattern.
When a true genius appears, people always underestimate them first.
He flipped through the paper again, admiring its clarity.
It was not just correct—it was beautiful.
“This level of refinement… I want to learn from him myself!”
Soon, he stood up decisively.
“Prepare to leave!”
“We’re going to Theodor’s atelier!”
The disciples panicked.
“R-right now?! He must be resting after submitting the paper…”
“Exactly why we should go early and wait.”
Others will come too. If they were late, a queue would form.
“Bring tents! We’re staying overnight!”
And so, they left immediately.
Reports later confirmed that the Astrum guard received multiple complaints about a supposed “undead wave” near the Tower of Sages.
Upon investigation, it was simply… enthusiastic alchemists.
The guard concluded there was no cause for concern.
The Tower neither confirmed nor denied anything.
I woke up slowly.
The fatigue pressing on my body was gone.
As I opened my eyes, I saw a familiar ceiling.
“Sleep really is the best.”
I stretched, feeling refreshed.
Maybe I had been pushing myself too hard lately.
But alchemy had become too interesting.
If I wasn’t careful, I might actually become addicted to it.
“Kyuu!”
“Kyuuuu!”
“Hm?”
The spirit beings emerged from the walls and floor, looking frantic.
Through our contract, I could understand them clearly.
“There are a lot of people outside?”
“Kyuu!”
“And they’re not adventurers?”
“Kyuu! Kyuu!”
I opened the window curtain.
“Finally awake!”
“He’s younger than expected!”
“Please, teach me!”
“I read your paper! I have questions!”
I immediately closed the window.
“…That’s intense.”
They had been waiting since yesterday.
I quickly went downstairs.
As soon as I opened the door, the gathered alchemists cheered.
“Senior! Please teach us!”
“I’m not your senior.”
“In alchemy, age doesn’t matter! If you’ve reached truth, you’re a senior!”
It was going to be a long day.
Then a man stepped forward.
“I am Heidell, from the Tower of Sages. May we ask about your paper?”
“I’ll explain inside.”
They rushed in.
The atelier filled with Albedo-class alchemists.
“…This is a lot.”
“Of course. Your paper is extraordinary.”
Heidell smiled calmly.
I asked him directly.
“How was my paper?”
“It was beautiful.”
A simple answer—but sincere.
The Tower had been stuck for months.
And yet this boy solved it alone.
To them, this wasn’t arrogance.
It was brilliance.
Heidell bowed slightly.
“Please teach us more.”
I hesitated.
Then spoke.
“How about we hold a symposium at the Tower?”
Silence.
Then—
“OOOOOOOOH!!!”
The hall erupted.
They ran out immediately to prepare.
I watched them disappear.
“…I guess I’m an idol now.”
I shrugged.
If that’s how it goes, fine.
Might as well enjoy it.
I’ll prepare my presentation later.
For now—
“Let’s make potions.”
“Kyuu!”
“Kyuu!”
Today, Theodor’s atelier was open for business as usual.