"One of the Order's best alchemy instructors. His spiritforce is only at the High Apprentice level, but he's a seasoned alchemist."
Hugo explained in a low voice as he guided Robb toward the "Elemental Affinity" registration desk.
"He doesn't strictly follow textbooks, he emphasizes hands-on learning. For a professional potion master like you, that method will be far more effective."
Robb nodded with gratitude. "Thanks for the recommendation."
"No need to thank me," Hugo said, shaking his head. "In the academy, we're always willing to guide those with real talent."
After completing registration for "Elemental Affinity," the two walked out into a quiet courtyard. A gentle breeze carried a faint floral scent.
"Robb," Hugo suddenly stopped, his voice growing serious. "How much do you know about the 'Blessing'?"
The direct question made Robb tense up.
The "Blessing" was a secretive concept in the wizarding world, rarely discussed among apprentices. Hugo bringing it up so suddenly was clearly a test.
Robb answered cautiously, "Lady Elena mentioned it a few times."
Hugo's gaze flickered, then he nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied.
"As I suspected," he said quietly, a note of relief in his voice. "Lady Elena rarely shares such core knowledge with ordinary apprentices. She must think highly of you."
He looked around to make sure no one was nearby before continuing:
"Since you're already aware of the Blessing, there's something you should know."
"Many courses in the academy, on the surface, appear to be about learning skills. But in truth, they are also designed to find students capable of granting a Blessing."
Hugo's voice remained calm and measured:
"Just like the two courses you registered for, they each have advanced versions. Once the basics are done, instructors will selectively offer deeper guidance to promising students."
Robb nodded thoughtfully. This aligned with what he'd learned from Lady Elena.
"The most notable part," Hugo said, with a rare gleam of passion in his eyes, "is that in the advanced track of 'Elemental Affinity,' instructors offer outstanding students a free spell model."
"A spell model?" Robb raised an eyebrow. The detail sparked his curiosity.
"Yes, but not a completed spell," Hugo explained. "It's a rough draft, an instructor's personal concept that needs refinement."
"I see," Robb realized. "So this is part of how the Blessing works: instructors share their incomplete ideas, and students try to improve them. The process of learning and refining feeds back to the mentor."
"You grasp that quickly," Hugo said, clearly pleased.
"In fact, that's why so many academic journals in the wizarding world circulate freely, filled with unpolished spell theories and models."
Robb murmured, "It's a win-win model. Both sides gain something."
"Exactly." Hugo nodded. "Unfortunately, the Black Mist Forest is too remote, so most high-value academic journals never reach students here. That's why many choose to pay for advanced courses, it's the only way to access quality supernatural knowledge."
As they walked down a pebble path, the garden trees rustled in the breeze.
"But I've noticed a lot of people study multiple wizard skills at the same time," Robb noted. "Wouldn't that split their focus too much?"
"That's a common misconception," Hugo replied with a knowing smile.
"All wizard techniques share fundamental principles, especially at the theoretical level. Once you master one, learning others becomes faster."
He paused, choosing his words carefully:
"For example, both potion brewing and alchemy deal with material properties and energy transformation. A skilled potion master will pick up alchemy much more easily than a novice."
"That's a relief." Robb laughed lightly. "I was worried that juggling too many subjects would spread me too thin."
Hugo checked the time and nodded. "It's getting late, I have duties with the Enforcement Team. Your first Practical Alchemy class should be this afternoon. Good luck."
"Thanks for all the insight, Hugo."
Robb said sincerely, "If you ever need my help, feel free to send someone."
"No need to say that. Knowledge-sharing benefits both sides," Hugo replied. "And next time I have a potion-related question, I hope I can consult you."
He gave a faint, regretful smile. "To be honest, I've studied potion-making for nearly a decade, but I'm still only an alchemy apprentice. Becoming a true professional potion master is a huge leap… perhaps the gap between mediocrity and genius."
Robb watched Hugo walk away, thoughts racing.
"Alchemy, Elemental Affinity… and bloodline activation research… this month's going to be busy," he murmured.
That afternoon, Robb arrived punctually at the Practical Alchemy classroom.
The space was a large hexagonal room. In the center stood a massive alchemical workbench, surrounded by twelve smaller student stations.
Each station came equipped with basic alchemy tools and common materials.
Students filed in, most wearing the gray robes of beginner apprentices. Only a few bore professional badges.
Robb noted that even the youngest student here looked older than him.
Then, an elderly man with silver hair walked in.
He wore a deep brown robe with silver-trimmed sleeves and collar, clearly the instructor.
"Welcome to 'Practical Alchemy,'" the old man's voice was low but firm.
"I am Thompson, a professional alchemist. For the next month, I'll guide you into the world of alchemy."
His eyes swept over the students, lingering momentarily on Robb with interest.
"Today, we begin with the first fundamental technique of alchemy, material purification," Thompson announced as he pulled a seemingly ordinary black stone from his robe.
"Before performing any alchemical transformation, the purity of your materials must be guaranteed."
He placed the stone on the workbench, made a unique hand gesture above it, and the stone's surface began to glow. Slowly, several different-colored substances separated from it.
"This stone may seem ordinary," Thompson explained, "but it contains multiple elemental components. The first step of alchemy is learning how to identify and separate them."
Over the next two hours, he explained the theory of purification and demonstrated basic methods.
Robb took detailed notes. His background in potion-making gave him a solid foundation in materials, making this new knowledge easier to digest.
"Now," Thompson said, "each of you has a stone. Try to separate its elements using the method I taught."
Robb looked at the gray rock before him, took a deep breath, and followed the gestures he'd just learned. He gently channeled his spiritforce into the stone's surface.
Nothing happened at first.
He adjusted his output, softening the flow.
Suddenly, faint lights glimmered from the stone, strands of different colors emerged.
[New skill acquired: Alchemy (Novice)]
[Alchemy (Novice) +1 EXP]
"Well done, Robb the Potion Master," Thompson's voice came from behind.
"Your spiritual control is very precise, a crucial foundation in alchemy."
Robb was surprised the instructor remembered his name but remained humble.
"Thank you, Lord Thompson. Potion Brewing also requires fine control, so that may have helped."
"Indeed," Thompson agreed, eyes gleaming with approval. "Both disciplines seek to change material properties to achieve specific effects, just through different means."
He pointed to the glowing strands on Robb's stone:
"Red is fire element. Blue is water. And those tiny golden specks, very rare, are light element."
Robb observed carefully. Each hue pulsed with distinct energy.
Thompson continued:
"Next, we'll learn to separate and store these elements. In the advanced course, we'll teach how to recombine them to create new materials with specific properties."
"So that's the core of alchemy?" Robb asked, eyes full of curiosity.
"You could say that." Thompson nodded.
"Disassembly and reconstruction. Understand the world's components, then reshape them as you will. That is the essence of alchemy."
His words made Robb think of the simulated battle device, undoubtedly a blend of alchemy and mental magic, manipulating perception to simulate reality.
"Lord Thompson," Robb asked after some hesitation, "Do you believe alchemy can truly change reality?"
Thompson's eyes flashed with depth. He looked at Robb meaningfully.
"That's a very good question. The limits of alchemy, every alchemist seeks to find them."
He spoke slowly:
"Some say alchemy only changes matter. Others believe it touches the fabric of reality itself. If one day you can combine the three main wizard disciplines into one, then perhaps you will become the legendary Alchemy Sage, and find the answer."
[Alchemy Sage] requires fusing all three core wizard disciplines?
The information ignited Robb's curiosity.
Perhaps the path to advanced classes lies in this fusion… he thought.
He dove back into the lesson with full focus, soaking in every detail.
[Alchemy EXP +1]
[Alchemy EXP +1]
[Alchemy EXP +1]
[Alchemy (Novice): 13/50]
By the end of class, Robb had reached a beginner-level understanding of alchemy.
As Hugo had said, the wizard disciplines were interconnected, and his potion mastery gave him a strong head start.
"Class ends here," Thompson announced. "Review what you learned today. Next time, we'll study how to store separated elements and examine their core properties."
Students began packing up. Robb was about to do the same when Thompson approached him.
"Robb Reyne."
The old man's voice was low. "You seem to have a unique intuition for alchemy. If you're willing, stay after class for extra practice."
Robb recognized the rare opportunity. Thompson had clearly seen his potential and was offering further instruction.
"Thank you, Lord Thompson. I'd be honored."
"Good. Alchemy demands hands-on effort. Theory alone won't get you far."
When the other students had gone, Thompson pulled a small metal box from his robe.
"I think you may find this interesting."
Robb took it carefully. Inside was a crystal that glowed faintly with purple light.