Chapter 243: Apprenticeship to Learn Skills, Focused Convergence

(A little extra update, let us get the plot moving along quickly.)

"Ting~"

The bard Aslan lightly brushed his fingers against the strings of the wooden lyre held close to his chest, its crisp, clear chime ringing forth at that exact moment with a peculiar sensation.

Aslan tilted his head as if listening intently, and after a few seconds, he closed his eyes and nodded slightly.

"I believe I have found the person you are looking for. Could you give me the map for a moment?"

Opening his violet eyes, Aslan looked toward Wang Yu, extending his hand to gesture for the map the bartender had given them.

"Of course."

Wang Yu handed over his map, which was etched upon a piece of tree bark, waiting for the other man to mark the location of the person they sought.

"This is a human living in Liahime. Like you, the token you hold belongs to Elder Gewen, does it not? This master of alchemy is named Moira. She shares quite a deep history with Elder Gewen. If you go to find her, she likely will not reject your desire to learn."

Aslan reached out and traced a dot upon Wang Yu’s map, then returned it to him while introducing the alchemy teacher he had just recommended.

"Many thanks."

Wang Yu thanked Aslan and looked at the spot the bard had marked, noting it was not far from the lodgings they were headed to, which was quite convenient.

"I wish you all success. There is a peculiar quality about you that I have not seen in all my years. I believe you will surely have a brilliant story that belongs uniquely to you. Perhaps I might even have the chance to witness the splendid tales you create here in Liahime? Singing of such stories is both the source of my power and my ultimate calling."

Aslan smiled and waved farewell to the trio,

and as he departed, he expressed his expectations to Wang Yu.

"I would rather not. I quite agree with what a certain great leader once said: the more miracles one experiences, the sooner one dies. The same goes for brilliant stories. So, I will pass on that."

Wang Yu waved his hand with a bitter smile. He had no need for any sort of chaotic, thrilling excitement; it was best if his days remained peaceful, lest he suddenly perish in some bizarre incident down the line.

"That makes a great deal of sense... True enough, then I wish you peace."

Aslan assumed an expression of slight contemplation, then earnestly changed his phrasing.

"I appreciate the kind words. Oh, by the way, things are a bit rushed this time, but if there is a next time, I think I have quite a good story to tell you."

As Wang Yu spoke, something suddenly occurred to him. Aslan was a bard who sang of stories, and he happened to possess a tale that truly required a chronicler.

It was the tale of that librarian named Samuel, a great figure who had secluded himself for the sake of unfettered knowledge until he was utterly forgotten by the world.

Wang Yu was the witness to the final moments of Samuel's life, and one of only two individuals who knew his true identity. In the end, that librarian who had made the world forget him still wished for someone to remember his story.

"Then allow me to look forward to it."

Aslan smiled and nodded.

Turning to properly bid Aslan farewell, Wang Yu and his companions made their way toward the lodgings where they would be staying for the foreseeable future.

Advancing along the path, guided by the map, Wang Yu and the others soon arrived in the vicinity. It was a cluster of dwellings built near the lower portion of the Tree of Life's massive trunk, where many orderly, delicate wooden houses were arranged together, and quite a few non-elven beings could be seen

walking about within the area.

Wang Yu looked over and saw a familiar figure standing at the entrance to that sector, right beside the detached building where the elven guards were stationed.

"You have arrived. I have been waiting for you for quite some time. I asked the guards and they had not seen you, so I just waited here for your arrival."

Zieg spoke as he walked over to meet them.

"We stopped by a tavern to ask for directions, met a rather peculiar bard, and also saw a very magical cat, which delayed us for a little while."

Wang Yu casually recounted their experience.

"Liahime is a strange place to us, so it is only normal to encounter eccentric people and unusual things. I have already spoken to the guard for you. If you show him your token, they will escort you, as guests of the elves, to your designated lodgings."

As Zieg spoke, he stepped to the side of the red dragon girl, Noelle, and gently patted her head.

"I intend to take Noelle for a stroll around the entirety of Liahime, which can be considered compensation for all these years of hiding her existence and never taking her out to have proper fun. With the Mythals covering Liahime, and this being the territory of the elven race, there is no longer any need to hide away."

Zieg took his younger sister's hand and informed Wang Yu and the others of his plan.

"That sounds quite wonderful. We also happen to intend to go out and look for a lady named Moira. She is supposedly a master of alchemy. I want to seek her out to learn the knowledge of potion-making and further advance my own alchemical skills."

Wang Yu likewise mentioned what he prepared to do next.

"Moira? Where did you hear of her?"

Wang Yu had not anticipated that upon uttering this name, Zieg would exhibit such extraordinary

astonishment, immediately questioning Wang Yu as to how he had learned of the name.

"A bard named Aslan. Is there something amiss?"

Wang Yu informed the professor of the person who had told him the name.

"Aslan...? I seem to have heard of him somewhere before. In any case, that person is absolutely no simple entity."

"However, what he told you is indeed true. Moira is an absolute master of alchemy. There should be no one in Liahime whose achievements in this discipline surpass hers, and those who can stand as her equals are few and far between. If you can secure her tutelage, you will indeed reap an immense harvest in the field of alchemy."

"Only..."

Zieg spoke as he pondered, pausing slightly at the very end.

"The relationship between Moira and my old friend Gewen is rather complicated. I know not whether this will prove advantageous or detrimental to your quest for her tutelage. Given her past temperament, if she finds you acceptable, she likely will not refuse you."

Zieg offered his assessment.

"We will give it a try and see. If it truly does not work out, there is no need to force the matter."

Wang Yu was quite open-minded about it. Going to someone’s door to beg for instruction was a matter that inherently depended on luck. Even if the other party refused, Wang Yu would only feel a slight trace of regret at most.

"Best of luck. I shall take Noelle to tour Liahime now."

Zieg made an encouraging gesture toward Wang Yu, then led Noelle away toward the place where the elves resided.

"Should we bring some sort of gift? It seems somewhat improper to arrive empty-handed like this."

Wang Yu sought Evia's opinion. He truly had no prior experience of directly approaching a stranger to beg for tutelage, and his Earth-born way of thinking made him believe that perhaps

bringing something to express their goodwill might increase their chances of success by a few fractions.

"Wang Yu, it is unnecessary. Since the other party shares a special relationship with Mr. Gewen, she certainly will not be interested in these ordinary items of ours. I believe it is best to visit her directly and simply display our sincerity."

Evia voiced her perspective.

True enough. Since the other party could receive such high praise from Zieg and possessed ties to an elven elder, she would certainly look down upon the paltry offerings that Wang Yu and Evia could produce. It was better to visit directly, maintain a sincere attitude, and give it a try; the worst that could happen was a mere rejection.

The two of them did not pause any further, walking toward the position marked upon the map.

Some ten minutes later, they arrived near the place where Moira resided. Before them stood a very peculiar building. Compared to a house, this structure resembled a tree much more, growing lush and green with branches and leaves, entwined with creeping vines, standing within a small courtyard built upon the foundation of the Tree of Life.

The only features that distinguished it from an ordinary tree were several glass windows set into the trunk of this grand tree, and the wooden door connected to the stone path in the courtyard.

"An expert, indeed. The plants in this courtyard are all high-grade magical flora, possessing a quality far superior to those growing naturally in the Forest of Origin. That one there is a mandrake of over ten years, and that, a time pod? We must be careful not to accidentally damage them."

Wang Yu had formed a rough assessment of the alchemical proficiency of the Lady Moira who resided here just by glancing at the magical plants growing in this small courtyard. It was far too difficult to cultivate such rare magical flora so successfully in a non-natural environment.

"Yes, the environment within is entirely maintained by magical power. Above each nursery plot containing different specialized medicinal ingredients, the magic employed and the formations constructed to fashion their environments are distinctly separated. To allow these closely situated plots to maintain their respective environments without generating any magical conflict, the master of this place must also possess formidable strength as a mage."

Evia made her judgment based on her observations of this small courtyard planted with an abundance of magical flora.

The courtyard possessed no main gate and lay entirely open, with a single cobblestone path leading straight to the treehouse. Thus, the two of them walked all the way along the stone path toward the wooden door of the treehouse.

Arriving before the entrance, Wang Yu found nothing resembling a doorbell, so he tapped the wooden door a few times in a rhythmic cadence, listening as the sound of the knocking echoed within the interior of the treehouse.

Footsteps echoed from within, drawing near the threshold until the wooden door creaked open. An elder emerged, draped in a grey cowl and leaning upon a polished, gleaming staff, peering out at them.

"Who are you, and what business do you have with an old hag like me? If you've come to rob me, I warn you, I shall not be polite."

The figure before Wang Yu was truly decrepit; her face was a map of deep wrinkles, where the slackness of age had rendered her gaunt features strangely, grotesquely bloated.

Her eye sockets were sunken, traced with crimson veins that lent her a weary, listless air. It was difficult to imagine that this frail, withered creature was the master alchemist so highly praised by Zieg.

Yet, her voice was sharp and possessed a surprising vigor. She spoke with blunt hostility, her demeanor radiating suspicion and impatience at their arrival.

Wang Yu knew her lack of politeness was no idle threat. His Chariot’s Eye had already peered into the room, spotting the object hidden in her hand behind her back: a lethal concoction known as a catalyst. Even a Great Knight, if struck, would perish without immediate treatment.

Furthermore, she had laced the vial with alchemical accelerant; once triggered, the resulting toxic mist would be absolute. She might possess the antidote, but any intruder at her door would be dead beyond salvation.

"Are you Lady Moira? We have heard that you are a master of alchemy and have come specifically to seek your guidance, if that were possible."

Avia stated their purpose. It must be said that the girl’s charm and gentle disposition made her far more capable of winning favor than a man like Wang Yu.

"Indeed, I am the Moira you speak of. Seeking to learn alchemy from me? I never expected anyone to remember an old relic like me, let alone two humans. This is Liah-Ham, the City of Elves; I haven't shown my face in public for ages. Do you know someone connected to me?"

Facing Avia, Moira’s tone softened considerably, and she seemed genuinely surprised that she was still known.

"We did not learn of you through that person, though we are indeed acquainted with someone who knows you. This is his token."

The girl produced the plump acorn given to them by Gawain and held it out for Moira to see.

"Gawain? It is him? Hah, so it is. That makes your coming to me for alchemy lessons all the more peculiar."

Upon hearing the name, the elder arched a brow, her voice tinged with a strange, mocking irony.

"Never mind. That man has no influence over my decisions. It is quite novel to have someone seek me out for alchemy. Even in the past, no one dared ask me to teach them; you are the first, and you are humans, just like me."

Moira continued, her aged face softening with a flicker of genuine interest.

"I have had nothing to do for over a decade. Teaching two students is not impossible, but I must test you first. If you fail, you shall not learn from me—nor will you even step foot inside my home."

Moira tucked the hidden catalyst into a pouch at her waist, hooked her staff onto the door, and stood with arms crossed, facing Wang Yu and Avia.

"Please, tell us. We will do our utmost to pass your test."

Avia spoke respectfully, inviting Moira to begin the examination.

"Alchemy is not merely practical application; it is the mastery of the properties of herbs and the memory of their various treatments. I know nothing of you, and I am far too stingy to let you experiment with my own supplies. So, it is simple: I shall test your theoretical knowledge."

Moira tapped her wrinkled finger against her temple, looking at Wang Yu and Avia to explain the nature of the trial.

"One question each, in turns. Do not think that if one of you passes, I shall teach you both."

Waving a finger, Moira continued to outline her demands before pointing at Wang Yu.

"You first. Tell me, why was alchemy separated from the broader study of alchemy?"

"Because, compared to general alchemy, the study of medicinal potions lacks the inherent, unavoidable uncertainty. Thus, alchemists concluded that potion-making should not be classified under the same school."

The first question was simple enough; Wang Yu found it easy to answer.

"Imprecise, but I shall let it pass. Next question, change of person. Who are the founders of the study of potions?"

"There are twelve in total: Cagliostro, Domathion..."

The girl answered with equal speed.

"Then, you shall continue by naming the specific schools of pharmacy created by these twelve founders."

Moira nodded and turned back to Wang Yu. By now, sweat was beginning to bead on his forehead. He knew the schools of these twelve, and he could answer, but the deepening complexity of Moira’s inquiry filled him with a sense of dread.

He was a practitioner of the highest order; his alchemy was defined by hands-on experience. If he didn't know something, he would find a book, read it, and start experimenting until he mastered it.

Thus, his theoretical grasp was not as refined as it could be. It wasn't for lack of effort—he had studied with all his might.

But his raw capacity for learning simply could not compare to Avia’s, nor did he possess her photographic memory.

He had only been studying alchemy for a year. He had spent twelve years preparing for the college entrance exams, and alchemy was a discipline requiring both theory and practice.

During his year in Alastair, he hadn't spent every waking moment on alchemy. He relied on manuals and the girl’s consultation whenever he practiced. While he had memorized much, it was far from exhaustive.

"They are the Decomposition School, the Integration School, the Natural Convergence School..."

Wang Yu recited the knowledge from his memory.

"Too slow. Next. In the fourth chapter of 'General Alchemy,' what is the discourse on the special plant known as Dragon’s Blood Vine, and what are its processing methods?"

Moira critiqued Wang Yu’s performance before turning the question to Avia, the inquiry now delving into even finer detail.

Wang Yu scratched the back of his head. It was over. He didn't know the answer to this one, and he doubted he would survive the next round. But this shouldn't stump Avia.

"It is a plant that has no actual relation to dragon’s blood. It is merely named as such because it reacts differently when mixed with various types of blood, and in the past, it was often used to verify the authenticity of 'Dragon’s Blood' as a commodity..."

The girl answered fluently.

"Not bad. It matches the 'General Alchemy' text almost perfectly, and you were concise. Next question: explain the discourse on combat-oriented magical potions found in 'Practical Alchemical Techniques.'"

Satisfied with Avia’s answer, Moira tossed the next question to Wang Yu.

"I am sorry, I do not know."

Wang Yu was honest; he hadn't even read that book. Unable to answer, he could only shake his head.

"Then you are eliminated. You shall answer this question."

Moira showed no reaction to Wang Yu’s failure, simply announcing his elimination before turning to the girl.

Eliminated, Wang Yu could only stand to the side and watch as Avia continued to undergo Moira’s trial.

It must be said that Avia was truly Avia; the breadth of her erudition was absurd. Even though she was not a specialist in alchemy—her primary focus being spells and general alchemy—her mastery of pharmaceutical knowledge still crushed Wang Yu’s.

She answered every question Moira posed: from the nuances of various pharmaceutical schools to the obscure theories of masters and the properties and processing of rare magical flora.

With her bottomless reservoir of knowledge, she answered almost perfectly. By the end, it was clear that Moira was no longer testing Avia, but had developed a genuine appreciation for her talent and was probing the depths of her intellect.

Finally, when asked an exceptionally obscure question, Avia shook her head, bringing the rapid-fire examination to an end.

"Excellent. You have passed. To possess such knowledge at your age—I am put to shame. Or rather, I am far surpassed. To have a student like you would be a delight for any teacher."

Moira nodded, a smile of genuine admiration gracing her aged face as she looked at the girl.

"Thank you for the praise."

Avia offered a polite acknowledgment, which pleased Moira all the more.

"As for you, I am sorry, but I cannot teach you."

Having finished her assessment of Avia, Moira turned to Wang Yu and calmly delivered her verdict.

"Come in. I shall begin by teaching you things that cannot be found in books."

Moira beckoned to Avia, inviting the girl to follow her inside, where she would provide her with individual instruction.

Avia strode toward the treehouse, casting a glance at Wang Yu before stepping inside; their rapport was so profound that he understood her intent instantly: she meant to master the craft first, then pass the knowledge on to him.

Wang Yu offered a thumbs-up, though a sense of helpless irony gnawed at him; how had this come to pass? He had been the amateur alchemist seeking to refine his skills, yet somehow, the alchemist herself had ended up the student.

The outcome remained much the same, of course—Avia was a gifted teacher who would surely instruct him well—but the situation still felt inexplicably bizarre.

He sighed, his nature as easygoing as ever, finding no other grievance beyond that lingering sense of strangeness. Turning his back to the treehouse, he crouched down; he could not enter the dwelling, so he had no choice but to wait for Moira to conclude her first lesson.

Just then, through the still-open wooden door, came Moira’s voice—that sharp, raspy timbre peculiar to the elderly.

"Boy, I have a tradition. If you can pry this thing open and retrieve what’s inside, I’ll teach you as well. Though, don't pin your hopes on it; I’ve been at it for years and haven't made a dent."

With those words, a black, cube-like object was tossed from the treehouse, and Wang Yu caught it with practiced reflexes.

"Good luck."

Clearly, she held no expectation that he would succeed; it was a mere formality, a perfunctory gesture before she slammed the door shut.

Wang Yu studied the pitch-black object in his palm. It resembled a fragment of a stele, its surface smooth as glass save for a few weathered cracks, so polished that his fingertips could detect no friction at all.

After turning it over twice, he tried to pry it apart with brute force, channeling his aura and muscles to the peak of a high-ranking knight’s strength, yet the object did not budge by so much as a hair.

He shook it gently, hearing the slosh of liquid within; it was hollow, and the contents were evidently what Moira desired.

Since brute force was futile, Wang Yu invoked the Power of the Chariot, his body becoming a "radiation source" as he projected an invisible force to envelop the black stele. He attempted to command and distort the object, but failed; he could feel his power interacting with the stone, yet he could not alter its state.

"The 'materiality' of this thing exceeds the range of my life-energy level... no, that’s not right. I can feel that I am exerting some influence, reading its properties: anti-magic, anti-void, anti-aura, and resistant to energies I don't even recognize. What on earth is this?"

As he sensed the peculiar nature of the stele, his curiosity was piqued. The object lay beyond the reach of his Chariot’s command, but perhaps, if he used *that* technique, he might succeed.

"Hoo..."

He drew a deep breath, centering his mind and focusing his entire consciousness upon his own body. The extended perception of the Chariot’s power began to merge with the sensory input of his physical organs, overlapping and integrating into a singular, peculiar state. As the Chariot’s power returned to its source, its influence began to escalate.

If the realization of the Dual-Body technique had been a separation of body and ability, a division of focus, then this moment was one of absolute unification.

"Hum!"

An invisible tremor rippled out from his body, causing the surroundings to shudder for an instant as a domain unfurled, centered upon him.

Focus Convergence.