章 8: Unveiling the Core
Within the hallowed halls of the Palace of Alchemy, a fervent debate rages on. Seth, with merchandise coursing through his veins, locks horns with Alphonse, known for his shrewd negotiations. The topic of contention: the price of Seth's meticulously crafted alchemy items. The air is thick with tension as their impassioned words clash and reverberate within the opulent chamber.
Alphonse's eyes narrow with calculation, his voice dripping with skepticism. "8000 gold for this items of yours? You must think me a fool, Apprentice Seth!"
Seth, undeterred, stands tall with a fire in his eyes. "I know the value of my work, and I won't settle for less than it's worth."
The verbal duel continues, each participant determined not to back down. Amidst the spirited exchange, Seth's pride remains steadfast, a testament to his roots as a merchant's son. The debate reaches its zenith as the two adversaries finally arrive at a begrudging compromise—a price of 5000 gold for the entire stock. Seth's triumphant grin is mirrored by Alphonse's begrudging acceptance, his coin pouch noticeably heavier as a result.
Emerging from the grandeur of the palace into the bustling streets, Seth's gaze shifts from the horizon to his thoughts. The elation that had accompanied the creation of the Central Core, a marvel of alchemical ingenuity, has evolved into a contemplative calm. The magnitude of his creation's potential impact weighs heavily on his mind.
As Seth traverses the labyrinthine streets and pathways, his thoughts oscillate between revelation and caution. The notion of disclosing the Central Core's capabilities to Mage Laraz tugs at his mind. He reflects on the overdrive session within the researcher's space, where he could hone his invention into a work of brilliance that could be showcased without revealing its true depth. A decision crystallizes—a modified version of the Central Core, one that highlights his genius without exposing its full potential.
Three months have elapsed, and Seth finds himself presenting the heavily modified version of the Central Core to Mage Laraz. His initial expectation of completing the project within the first month had proven overly optimistic. During an overdrive session, he had realized that even though he had simplified the design, mages of higher tiers, especially those beyond the 2nd tier, possess vastly superior intellectual capabilities. This meant that his initial presentation could potentially expose him more than he was comfortable with. Consequently, he postponed the presentation, opting for more refinement.
During the second month's overdrive session, Seth managed to reinvent the Central Core. This version showcased his innovative prowess while cleverly concealing the existence of its more advanced features. Although it couldn't match the capabilities of the original core, it was sufficiently impressive. Still, Seth remained cautious, pushing back his presentation by another month to add an extra layer of precaution. He skillfully adjusted and improved the core while weaving in elements of subterfuge, ensuring it remained hidden in plain sight.
These three months were a grueling journey for Seth, resulting in significant personal growth. The weight of his achievements became evident in the bulging pockets of gold and gems he now possessed. His financial status placed him among the wealthiest apprentices in the institution, perhaps even rivaling some poorer 1st-tier mages. This newfound prosperity allowed him to abandon his humble abode and rent an apprentice villa—a privilege usually reserved for wealthy noble scions. As he strolled through his neighborhood, he encountered heirs of Earldoms, Marquisdoms, and Dukedoms, a testament to the influence he had garnered.
Utilizing his newfound wealth, Seth invested in materials and reagents essential to his pursuits. His dedication bore fruit as he achieved a breakthrough, attaining the rank of high-rank Apprentice a month prior. This achievement marked a turning point, coinciding with his decision to openly flaunt his prosperity. However, his newfound affluence attracted unwanted attention, leading to attempts at robbery. These nefarious intentions were swiftly quelled, resulting in the sight of a few charred bodies that served as a deterrent.
To bolster his security, Seth delved into the Institute's Slave Market. Though teeming with potent beings, the high price of these acquisitions ensured they remained out of reach for most. Nevertheless, Seth was undeterred and decided to splurge, acquiring the services of a Tier 1 Knight and five high-grade squires as his personal bodyguards. Additionally, he enlisted the aid of a high-grade apprentice named Orion Mavern, a 34-year-old man and fallen noble from the Kildow Kingdom. Sold into slavery following his family's loss in a noble conflict, Orion now served as Seth's loyal butler. Orion proved invaluable, meticulously managing various tasks, from selling alchemical items to organizing materials and maintaining Seth's opulent villa. This arrangement left Seth in a state of unparalleled ease and contentment.
Abruptly, Mage Laraz's voice pierced Seth's contemplations, inquiring whether the core he held was Seth's own creation. Without hesitation, Seth affirmed that it was indeed his handiwork. Mage Laraz's countenance shifted into an expression of shock and disbelief. The item he held, the Central Core, was the very creation he himself had tirelessly endeavored to produce over the past few months. Despite entering a seclusion of intense focus, his efforts had yielded no results. He had anticipated it might take years before he could achieve success. The creation of the Force-Electrum Array alone had been a considerable feat for his original half-year project. However, with the incorporation of the Central Core, the project's scope had far exceeded his initial expectations, progressing several months ahead of schedule.
Mage Laraz directed his gaze toward Seth,
"You expect me to believe that you made this?". He questioned whether Seth's claim was genuine, but the answer was plain and clear to him. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to accept it even when, in front of a tier 2 mage, especially when one was considerably less powerful, would be a futile endeavor. Mage Laraz probed further , posing intricate questions aimed at discerning the depths of Seth's knowledge all trying to prove that its wasn't what he was witnessing. Seth's responses only solidified his claim as the true creator of the Central Core. A brief pause followed as Mage Laraz processed the revelation.
A semblance of ease returned to Mage Laraz's features.
"Well, boy, I'm impressed. So impressed that I try not to believe it." He acknowledged Seth's ingenuity,
"I knew you were brilliant but this…" A pregnant pause formed "…but it seems I underestimated you." . In response, a soft smile of gratitude formed on Seth's lips, acknowledging the compliment. However, the gravity of the situation weighed heavily in the air, and Mage Laraz addressed it directly.
"So do you know the impact of this Central Core?" He asked Seth
Seth's earlier smirk, which had carried an air of confidence, slowly transformed into a more devilish grin. The implications of his creation were indeed far-reaching, promising to reshape the very fabric of the mage world.
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