The next morning began like any other.
I woke up at six, stretched, and went through my usual routine without much thought. A light jog through the quiet streets of Roste, a quick wash at the bathhouse, and now—
Breakfast.
I sat by the window of the inn, spoon in hand, slowly eating a warm bowl of stew while the morning light slipped across the wooden table.
For a moment, I just enjoyed the silence.
Then I spoke.
"…So, what's the plan for today?"
"You have an alchemy apprenticeship scheduled," Travy replied immediately.
"Yeah, I know that part," I said, taking another bite. "I meant before that."
There was a brief pause, like he was processing.
Then—
"You may benefit from studying alchemy in advance."
I stopped mid-chew.
"…That's actually a really good idea."
"Preparation improves learning efficiency."
I smiled faintly.
"Then I'll do exactly that. I'll stay in the Mage's Guild library until lunch."
"A logical decision."
By the time I reached the Mage's Guild, the building was already awake but still calm, just like always.
Rian noticed me as soon as I stepped inside.
"Good morning, Sir Artorius."
"Morning," I replied. "I'm planning to study alchemy today. Could you point me in the right direction?"
"Of course," she said with a polite smile. "For introductory materials, the F-rank library should be more than sufficient."
"Perfect. Thanks."
I headed straight for the library.
The door unlocked with a soft click as I pressed my license against the reader, and soon enough, I was back in that quiet, focused space.
Rows of books, soft light, the familiar scent of parchment and ink.
"…Alright," I muttered. "Let's see what we've got."
It didn't take long to find what I needed.
Three books stood out immediately.
"Introduction to Alchemy."
"Magical Herbs and Ingredients for Low-Grade Potions."
"Basic Application of Alchemy."
I held them in my arms and nodded.
"These should be enough to get started."
"You selected foundational texts," Travy said.
"Of course I did," I replied as I sat down. "If I'm going to learn something, I'm doing it properly."
The first book opened easily.
Introduction to Alchemy.
At first, I expected something simple.
Potion brewing, basic recipes., maybe a few instructions.
But within the first few pages, I realized—
Alchemy in this world was much bigger than that.
"…So it's not just about potions," I murmured.
"That is correct," Travy said.
I kept reading, my focus sharpening as the pieces started to fall into place.
Alchemy was a branch of magic. not just crafting or mixing ingredients.
It was a system, a discipline. a field that covered potion-making, material processing, and even medicine for magic-related illnesses.
"That's… way more complex than I thought," I said quietly.
"In your previous world, alchemy was often simplified."
"Yeah. Most stories treat it like cooking with magic."
"This version is significantly more advanced."
I nodded slowly.
"And way more interesting."
The next section focused on tools.
More specifically—
The cauldron.
I paused on that page.
"…So this isn't just a container."
"It is designed to regulate mana flow," Travy explained.
I tapped the page lightly.
"Yeah… normal containers would let mana pass through, but this one traps it inside."
"That improves efficiency."
"And prevents leakage," I added.
I leaned back slightly.
"So basically, it's not just a tool—it's part of the system."
"Correct."
I smiled.
"Good. I like systems."
As I continued reading, the process of potion-making became clearer.
Not just mixing ingredients or heating them.
Mana had to be added, controlled, and stabilized.
The entire process depended on balance.
"…So this uses Mana Control," I muttered.
"And likely Concentration," Travy added.
"And Wit," I finished.
Everything clicked together.
"So if I do this right, I'll level multiple things at once."
"That is highly probable."
"Nice."
By the time I finished the first book, I exhaled slowly.
"That was worth it."
"You have gained foundational understanding."
"Yeah… and now I want to test it."
"Patience is recommended."
I smirked.
"Fine. One more book first."
The second book focused on ingredients.
This one was more straightforward—but just as important.
Slime cores, honeydews, ironthorn weeds, gel moss, forest bloom flowers.
I recognized most of them immediately.
"…So everything I've been gathering actually has value beyond selling."
"That is correct."
I flipped a page.
"…Lumen berries?"
"They are found deeper within the forest."
"Which means I can't access them yet."
"Yes."
I nodded.
"Good. That gives me something to work toward."
The third book was where everything came together.
Basic Application of Alchemy.
This one went deeper. Much deeper than I expected.
Potion-making was just the beginning.
Alchemy could process materials, enhance durability, create magical circuits, support the creation of magic tools.
"…So alchemists are basically manufacturers," I said.
"That is an accurate interpretation."
"And magic tool specialists are like assemblers."
"Yes."
I leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
"…This is actually insane."
"You are impressed."
"Of course I am."
The final section caught my attention.
Magic-related illnesses.
Mana intoxication, mana depletion, and mana poisoning.
I frowned slightly.
"…That's dangerous."
"It is."
"And most people probably don't fully understand it."
"That is likely."
I closed the book slowly.
"…Then alchemists aren't just crafters."
"No."
"They're doctors."
"In a specialized sense, yes."
I smiled faintly.
"Now I really picked the right path."
By the time I checked the time—
It was already one in the afternoon.
"…That went fast."
"You were focused."
"Yeah."
I stood up and stretched.
"Alright. Food first. Then training."
Lunch was simple.
Beef stew and bread.
It was warm, rich. and filling.
I didn't rush it.
Didn't need to.
I just ate, relaxed, and let everything I learned settle in my mind.
"…I'm ready," I said quietly.
"You appear confident."
"I am."
When I returned to the guild, Rian was waiting.
"Welcome back, Sir Artorius. Your equipment is ready."
She handed me a wooden ticket.
"Present this at the warehouse, then proceed to Room 2A."
"Got it. Thanks."
The warehouse was larger than I expected. Organized and efficient.
When I handed over the ticket, the staff quickly retrieved my equipment.
A cauldron, several ingredients, and basic tools.
I accepted them carefully.
"Thank you."
"Take care of them," the staff replied.
"I will."
Room 2A was quiet. I prepared and waited patiently.
"…So this is where it starts," I murmured.
"You are anticipating the session."
"Of course I am."
The door opened and she entered.
Amethyst hair, sharp eyes. calm presence, and gives authority.
"Are you Artorius?"
"Yes," I replied, bowing slightly. "Nice to meet you."
"I am Nadia. Your mentor."
Her voice was steady and confident.
"Let's begin."
The lesson started with theory.
Most of it matched what I had already read.
But I still took notes, asked questions, slowly filled the gaps.
"Your understanding is fast," she noted.
"I studied beforehand."
"A good habit."
Soon enough, she paused.
"…Shall we move to practical application?"
I didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
She stood beside the cauldron.
"Watch carefully."
Water filled the cauldron as it released from her hand.
Mana-rich and stable.
Then—
She dropped the slime cores, then honeydews.
Then stirring and mana infusion.
I focused, not just watching—
Feeling.
Mana moved through the mixture like a current.
Stable, controlled and precise.
"…That's clean," I whispered.
Ten minutes later—
Twenty potions, perfectly formed.
Nadia turned to me.
"What did you observe?"
I organized my thoughts.
"The mana concentration in the water was stable. The ingredients reacted properly, and your mana input maintained balance throughout the process."
She nodded.
"Good."
Then she looked at me.
"Your turn."
I stepped forward.
Hands steady, my mind focused.
Water, mana, slime cores. honeydews.
I followed the process—
But adjusted slightly.
More precise control, better timing. smoother flow.
"…This feels natural," I muttered.
"That is your adaptability," Travy said.
Minutes passed.
Then—
Done.
Twenty vials.
But the color—
Was different. A lighter shade compared to Nadia.
"…Did I mess up?"
"No," Nadia said immediately.
"In fact… this is exceptional."
I blinked.
"…What?"
"The color indicates higher quality."
I stared at the potions.
"…Seriously?"
"Yes."
She paused.
Then added—
"You've completed what most apprentices take multiple sessions to achieve."
I exhaled slowly.
"…That fast?"
"Yes."
She handed me a token.
"Take this to the receptionist."
I looked at it.
"…Already?"
"You've earned it."
When I returned to Rian, she looked surprised.
"You finished already?"
"Apparently."
She processed my license.
Then handed it back.
"Congratulations. You are now an apprentice alchemist."
I smiled.
"Thank you."
As I stepped outside—
Something felt different.
Not just progress.
Not just growth.
Momentum.
"I'm getting stronger," I said quietly.
"Yes," Travy replied.
But far beyond the town—
Deep within the forest—
Something shifted.
Something stirred.
Something that didn't belong—
Was beginning to move.
And I had no idea… yet.