Chapter 8: Smooth Progression
[No, it might backfire. Normally, learning the Instant Memorize skill would only put a minor strain on one's mind. But in your case, you suffered severe headaches—that's a sign your soul is already at its limit. If you attempt to learn another skill now, your soul could shatter at any moment.]
Zera's voice echoed with a grim warning.
Raven's face turned pale. A chilling fear coiled in his chest.
[But don't worry. We'll shift our focus to alchemy. For the next two years, you'll immerse yourself in the fundamentals. Hundreds of books on Basic Alchemy await.]
Her tone softened as she turned toward the vast bookshelf lining the chamber's left wall.
Seven rows of tightly packed tomes stretched upward, each book exuding the weight of profound knowledge. Zera knelt before the shelf and retrieved a thick volume titled Introduction to Alchemy.
[This one has 564 pages. You must memorize it within 48 hours. Treat it like your life depends on it—because it does. Use your free time to visit the library. Read as much as you can.]
"Yes."
Raven nodded solemnly and sat cross-legged, flipping open the first page.
…
Days passed in quiet diligence. Raven's world shrank into a realm of words, ingredients, reactions, and formulas.
He devoured book after book—
Herbology and Brews: A Comprehensive Guide to Magical Materials and Potions,
Essential Potions: Mastering Potion Crafting for Beginners,
Enchanting Flora: Secrets of Magical Plants for Alchemical Use,
The Alchemist's Garden Volumes 1 through 14...
His theoretical mastery soared. He learned how magical herbs interacted, the structure of potion circles, chemical formulas, and how rare ingredients affected the stability of potions.
Yet outside his studies, problems brewed.
At school, his once-steady progress in elementary studies began to waver.
Sometimes, he slipped into his 'Memory Library' during lessons—ignoring his teachers and classmates.
Complaints piled up.
Athena and Shirley received them in waves, their worry deepening.
He stopped playing with the other children. Even Robert, his closest friend, visited their home and voiced his concern with frustration.
Athena and Shirley feared the worst: that Raven's weakened soul was affecting his body and mind.
Their resolve hardened. They needed to find a cure.
Athena began training her Knight Technique deep into the night. Shirley took on riskier missions to earn more.
Their goal: to buy the Wizard's Miracle Life Potion, no matter the cost.
…
Months slipped by.
Athena turned twenty-one, but the celebration was muted—no cake, no laughter, no cheer.
Instead, she spent more time with Raven while working herself to exhaustion.
She'd advanced rapidly—
Now a 6th Circle Official Knight, she had mastered two powerful skills:
Eclipse Fury, an explosive offensive burst, and Obsidian Shield, a formidable defense skill.
Though still at Official Rank, her combat power rivaled that of an Elite Knight.
With confidence and new strength, Athena applied for the position of Sub-Inspector.
After enduring three rigorous written exams and two grueling fitness tests, she passed, scoring 80% and achieving perfect marks in physical trials.
Ten days later, she was appointed Sub-Inspector of Narcotics, taking command of the R9 Police Division in the Commoners' Borough.
She now led a team of 24 constables, 3 head constables, and 2 assistant sub-inspectors.
Her salary doubled to 2 gold coins a month, lifting some of the burden off their shoulders.
But her responsibilities grew heavier, too—long nights, endless cases, little rest.
Still, she pressed on.
…
Meanwhile, Shirley's transformation was even more remarkable.
Upon realizing Athena's Knight Technique surpassed her own, she made a bold choice.
She spent 50 gold coins at a Highhold City auction to purchase a Peak Common Knight Technique and began taking on increasingly perilous missions.
Though still an Official Knight, her battle power spiked.
But Athena grew anxious—Shirley often returned home wounded and withdrawn.
Unlike Athena's government position, Shirley operated like a mercenary.
Commissioned by merchant guilds, industries, town officials, and even shadowy wizards, her assignments were often dangerous and covert.
Most of her missions took her into the Mirage Woodlands, a perilous region teeming with magical beasts and lost ruins.
Sometimes she was tasked with gathering rare herbs, hunting monsters, or exploring abandoned mines.
Athena begged to join her, but Shirley refused.
"Not until you've learned your third skill," she warned. "And don't even think about stepping near Mirage without it."
…
Raven, meanwhile, had already memorized over 300 Basic Alchemy textbooks.
He could now theoretically craft dozens of potions.
But Zera forbade any practical attempts.
[Your knowledge must be absolute. Theory first. Practice later.]
Raven understood.
He also understood the silent sacrifice of his sister and aunt, and it filled him with desperation.
His lifespan was down to five years.
He had no time to waste.
…
A year passed.
He was now seven years old.
Only four years left to live.
Yet progress bloomed amidst hardship.
Athena had become a rising star in the force.
In two years, she dismantled multiple drug rings, arrested ten high-ranking criminals, and built a reputation for unshakable resolve.
She earned the title of Dame Knight.
She mastered her third technique: Night Dash, a movement skill that let her vanish like smoke in battle.
With this, she reached Elite Knight Rank, her body capable of surviving a direct hit from a Radiant Knight.
In all of Darkgrove Town's police force, only a handful could match her strength.
One of them was Inspector Henry.
In recognition of her efforts, Baron Alexander awarded her two honor badges and a reward of 20 gold coins.
Her monthly salary rose again—now 3 gold coins.
…
Shirley also broke through to the Elite Knight Rank, thanks to her relentless training with the new technique.
She formed a five-member mercenary squad—a tight-knit, elite team.
Unlike Athena's regimented force, mercenaries were free agents.
In Darkgrove alone, over 1,000 mercenary Walkers worked under town administration, taking on high-risk quests.
They weren't bound to Baron Alexander's chain of command, but their work was indispensable.
And dangerous.
Shirley rarely smiled anymore. She returned home with scars—both seen and unseen.
But the gold flowed in.
Her missions earned her gold coins from monster hunts, escort duties, scouting operations, and herb gathering.
Then came the breakthrough.
Her squad discovered a massive monster nest deep within the Mirage Woodlands and presented undeniable evidence of an incoming threat.
Baron Alexander was impressed.
He offered her an official position in his squad under the town's protection force.
With mutual agreement, they became Darkgrove's first official Scout Team.
…
As of now, the Baron's four major forces include:
Town Police Force – 540 officers, from Apprentices to Elite Walkers. Elite Walker Squad – 12 members, each armed with an Aether Rifle. Military Division – Highly trained Official Knights, specializing in warfare. Scout Team – Shirley's five-member unit, skilled in reconnaissance, survival, and high-risk missions.
Despite being the smallest unit, their expertise and 90% mission success rate made them irreplaceable.
But what surprised the Baron most was that two of his Elite Knights came from the same household.
He briefly considered investigating their origins—but chose restraint.
Offending such talent could cost him more than he could afford.
…
Date: August 3rd, Year 1412
Time: Around 6 P.M.
Nearly two years had passed since Raven began studying Basic Alchemy. Today, he finally reached a milestone. With the help of his [Instant Memorize] skill, he had just finished reading the 588th book in the vast expanse of the Memory Library. As he stepped out, his face was etched with fatigue—his mind overloaded from the torrent of alchemical theory.
"Zera," he muttered, his voice low but resolute, "I've finished reading every book before the second year ended, just like you said. What now?"
[It's time,] Zera's calm, ever-collected voice replied. [Tonight, you'll reveal your identity as an Alchemist to Shirley and Athena.]
The words hit like a thunderclap. Raven's eyes widened in disbelief. "W-What?! Just like that? Do you think they'll even believe me? And how much should I tell them? Can I mention you?"
[Absolutely not.] Zera's voice was firm. [You'll say you were chosen as a student by an Alchemist Wizard. To make it believable, tell them the Knight Technique book you gifted Athena came from your teacher.]
"But I don't even have a teacher. I can't just toss out a random name—that could come back to haunt me."
[Say the name Charles Nightwind.] Zera's tone became strangely reverent. [He's not from this world. If time flows as I think, he must have surpassed even the Archmage level by now. A true Taboo Existence. Just mentioning his name might even draw his attention.]
Raven paused, puzzled. "Wait… is he the man I saw in those fragmented memories?"
[No. The man you glimpsed is Charles's teacher. Their relationship is... complicated. Let's not get into that now.]
Zera continued, more softly this time. [But listen—if you don't want your family pushing themselves recklessly to protect or support you, now's the time to come clean. Let them know. Give them the Extraordinary Sword Technique you copied too. That should soften the blow.]
Raven remained silent for a moment, staring out the window. The golden hues of twilight painted the sky in gentle tones, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. He took a slow, steady breath.
"Alright," he whispered. "I'll trust you, Zera. I'll tell them tonight."
[Good.] Zera's voice echoed with approval.
Raven got up from his bed, straightened his robes, and headed to the living room. He could hear Athena and Shirley talking quietly, their voices laced with concern. As he entered, they turned to him—Athena's ponytail swaying slightly, Shirley's sharp gaze narrowing as she sensed something serious.
"Raven?" Athena asked. "Is something wrong?"
He nodded, trying to steady his voice. "There's something important I need to tell you both."
The room went still.
With deliberate calm, Raven recounted the story Zera had coached him through. He spoke of being accepted by a Wizard named Charles Nightwind, and explained that the Knight Technique book he had given Athena had been a gift from his teacher.
The reactions were swift—blinking eyes, shifting postures, incredulous silence.
"I know it sounds impossible," Raven continued, "but for the past two years, I've been learning the basics of Alchemy."
"Alchemy?" Shirley's eyes narrowed. "You mean real Alchemy? The magical science of potions, reserved only for Wizards? But you had no known affinity..."
She trailed off, remembering the strange, out-of-place questions Raven had asked over the years—questions no child should've been able to form. Doubt and recognition began to war within her.
Athena frowned. "But how? You've barely left our side. When did you even meet this teacher?"
Before Raven could respond, Shirley spoke.
"No, Athena. Think about it—his behavior hasn't matched his age for a long time. It's like... he's aging faster mentally. Emotionally. At this rate, I'd say he's more like a fifteen-year-old than a seven-year-old."
She turned toward Raven, her expression unreadable. "Can we meet your teacher?"
Raven shook his head. "He doesn't like involving himself in mortal affairs. He only guides me from afar. He won't appear before anyone."
The silence returned—but heavier this time.
Then, Raven added the final blow. "And... he said that unless we find a way to repair my broken soul... I'll die in five years."
Athena's breath hitched, her hands trembling. "W-What?!"
"Divine Spirits above!" she cried out. "You can't just say something like that so casually!"
She ran to him, eyes wet with panic, and wrapped him in a tight embrace. "Why? Why do you have to say things like this?! What did I do wrong? Why does this world keep playing cruel jokes?!"
Even Shirley, who rarely showed her emotions, gripped her temples, her usually sharp demeanor lost in despair.
Zera's voice returned, quiet but urgent.
[They're breaking down fast. Tell them there's hope.]
Raven, on the edge of tears himself, sniffed and muttered, "Don't cry, sis. M-My teacher... he said there's still a way to survive."
Shirley snapped to attention. "There's a way?"
Raven nodded. "The first method is making a Life Potion. It can extend my lifespan—but its ingredients are extremely rare, even in big cities. Almost impossible to find here."
In truth, Raven knew the Life Potion wouldn't fix his soul. It could only mask his condition, improving his stamina and vitality at best—for a few more years.
"But there's another option," he added. "If I start concocting Low-Rank Potions and sell them, we could make enough gold to purchase the rarer ingredients from the Royal Capital. Before that, I'll need to check the local black market for herbs... and get basic alchemy equipment."
Shirley, regaining her composure, nodded slowly. "Low-Rank potions, huh? Like the Knight's Stamina Potion? They usually go for five or six coins each. Even if buyers offer us half, it's still a solid way to earn."
"Actually..." Raven corrected her gently, "those are mortal-grade potions. What I'll be making are true Low-Rank Wizard Potions. For example, the base price of a Life Potion is over 100 gold coins. If the purity is perfect, with no side effects, it could sell for more than 300."
The room fell utterly still.
"You're not joking... right?" Athena stared at him, eyes full of conflicting emotions.
"Whether he's joking or not," Shirley interjected, "we'll find out soon enough. But if what he's saying is true, then we need to be very careful."
"Why?" Athena asked.
"Because," Shirley said gravely, "the moment word spreads that we're selling potions of that quality, we'll become targets. Not just of Walkers—but of Wizards, criminals, factions, auction houses, and gods know what else. We don't have the strength to protect Raven's secrets yet."
[Your aunt is sharp, Raven,] Zera mused. [Despite being an Elite Knight, she knows her limits. Your sister, however... she's still a little too proud.]
'Wait... the sword techniques!' Raven suddenly remembered. His eyes lit up.
"Oh! There's something else! My teacher also gave you both a second gift!"
Without waiting for their response, he spun around and dashed toward the bedroom, leaving Athena and Shirley staring at each other in disbelief, caught between hope and uncertainty.