Bab 2: Palace of Alchemy

The pathway wound through the Seven Towers Institute of Magic. Seth walked, absorbing the surroundings with a mix of familiarity and awe. Towering oak trees formed an elegant canopy, their branches intertwining like the threads of forgotten legends. Hints of mana shimmered in the air, as if the very atmosphere resonated with the arcane knowledge contained within the institution's walls. Along the pathway, students bustled past, some hurrying toward their next lecture while others conversed with their acquaintances.

As Seth continued his journey, the pathway widened, revealing a sprawling courtyard adorned with sculptures that seemed to embody the very essence of magic. Fountain waters danced, catching the sunlight in a symphony of rainbows. Elaborate gates beckoned ahead, leading to a majestic building that bore the sign "Palace of Alchemy." The structure exuded an opulence befitting the alchemists who dwelled within, their wealth evident in the intricate gold and silver motifs that adorned its exterior.

Upon entering the palace, Seth found himself amidst a grandeur that always defied his expectations. Shelves lined with iridescent potions, fantastical artifacts, and rare magical materials filled the chambers. The air was rich with scents both exotic and enchanting – the essence of eldertree bark and the subtle aroma of moonlit petals. Displays of mythical ores, plants, and monster parts stood as testament to the alchemists' mastery over the natural world.

Making his way through the opulent aisles, Seth soon reached a reception area. Three elaborately decorated desks stretched before him, each occupied by a different receptionist. Seth's gaze landed on the young man of about 25 summers, with vivid green hair adorned in an apprentice robe trimmed with regal purple. It was Alphonse, a friend of sorts, their interactions often a blend of camaraderie and subtle arrogance. A wry grin curved Alphonse's lips as Seth approached, their shared history casting a certain familiarity over their greetings.

"Ah, Seth, you've finally shown your face," Alphonse chimed, his tone a mix of mock irritation and genuine amusement. "I was starting to think the only half-decent aspiring alchemist in your cohort had also given up."

Seth chuckled, rolling his eyes playfully. "Keep those thoughts in your dreams, I'm here for the long run unfortunately."

The exchange continued in a playful banter; a comfortable rapport forged by years of shared experiences. After a while, Alphonse gestured toward the spiral staircase at the back of the room.

"Come on, it's about time you move up in life. I sometimes wonder how such talent in alchemy is paired with average talent in Magic ," he said, leading the way. Completely ignoring this comment, Seth followed him, how would a commoner like him have easy access to resources he needed to fuel his growth like other noble youth. Being able to advance past a low-tier apprentice was good enough in his books, and if he walks out as an apprentice alchemist today then his progress will skyrocket.

Ascending the staircase, they reached a spacious room on the first floor. Its walls were adorned with tapestries that depicted alchemical feats and historical achievements. A sense of hushed reverence filled the air, reminding all who entered of the legacy they were a part of.

"I'm sure you don't need any explaining on the rules and regulations, but I must repeat any form of irregularities will be punished." Alphonse said as he shifted back into his work persona.

With a sweep of his hand, Alphonse motioned toward a central platform adorned with a glowing array.

"This is where you'll place your test results. The array is a conduit that'll teleport your work to the reviewing committee. Once you've done that, just take a seat and wait."

Seth nodded, his excitement and anticipation intertwining. Alphonse's words sank in, the reality of the moment seeping into his consciousness. After a brief exchange, Alphonse left him to his preparations, promising to return once the reviewing process was underway.

Standing in the room, Seth took a moment to steady himself. His gaze swept across the array of materials provided for the test. A set of enchanted metals, rare herbs, and mystical crystals lay before him. It was a challenge of creativity and skill – a chance to demonstrate his mastery of alchemy.

He approached a desk laden with the chosen materials, his mind focused and his hands steady. The work ahead was both familiar and new, a concoction of knowledge and inspiration. With purposeful movements, he selected an unpurified orb , the heart of his creation.

Seth meticulously moved through the process, placing he orb into a purifier he began. He combined holwort seed and crushed azreth ore in a beaker. As they melded into a brown liquid, Seth's intuition guided him. He introduced a drop of lozith plant ooze, the mixture turning silver in response. Decanting the solution into an ink tube, Seth's focus remained unwavering. Carrying the refined ore to another desk, he set it down with reverence. Sitting, he picked up a carving pen, his hand guided by practiced precision. The solution flowed from the pen, forming intricate glyphs that wove an array of enchantments onto the orb's surface. As the last glyph took shape, Seth's breath caught. The final product gleamed with a mesmerizing brilliance. The orb absorbed mana from the air, its essence interweaving with the array until the lines of magic disappeared beneath the surface.

Taking a step back, Seth's pulse quickened. Testing the artifact, he felt the mana within it hum with energy. A sense of exhilaration and relief surged through him. It was a mirror orb, a communication device of unparalleled complexity. His creation stood as a testament to his mastery, and his heart swelled with pride.

With gentle reverence, Seth placed the mirror orb on the glowing array at the front of the room. In a flash of light, it vanished, its journey to the reviewing committee begun.

As Seth exhaled, his senses heightened, the wait stretching before him. He took a moment to reflect, the journey that had brought him here unfurling in his mind. The description of the artifact came to mind, the mirror orb was a hallmark creation by Master alchemist, Grand Mage Heldrim. It enabled easy and cheap communication as compared to the initial communication array that was only usable through a Mage Tower, and after centuries of improvement it was simplified from a tier 4 artifacts to a tier 0 one. However, simplified it still retained some of its initial glory thus making it one of the hardest tier 0 artifacts to create. Determined and hopeful, Seth's gaze shifted to the door. Soon, Alphonse would return with the results that would shape his future direction.