(Flashback)
In the game Victory Shard, there were two main attractions for Wim: Magitek and Alchemy.
While playing, it was not uncommon for him to jot down new recipes or even Magitek machine design schematics in case he forgot them.
Frequently, the recipes and design schematics he jotted down were mostly the result of his own small experiments, a combination of curiosity and a strong sense of creativity.
The longer he kept writing, the thicker his notes became, almost like a personal encyclopedia.
However, after he transmigrated into this game world, one thing bothered him.
How could all the recipes and schematics he created on his computer... end up in Art's database?
This happened when Wim tried to experiment using the Salamender skin he had obtained to replace the main ingredient, the Igra Spider fangs, to create the Anti-Toxic Venom potion.
During his experiment, Art deliberately revealed the recipe through a holographic light in its eyes.
From there, Wim experienced a sense of déjà vu.
The recipe Art showed its was Wim's own creation while playing Victory Shard.
In fact, it wasn't just that recipe; there were many more recipes and schematics Wim had designed for Magitek during his time on Earth.
It was like an invisible bridge between his life as a player and the reality he was living now.
He didn't know how Art had obtained all those notes. Was it because when he transmigrated to this world, all his notes came with it? Or was there something else he couldn't explain with his above-average brain.
But on the bright side, Wim was able to create the Anti-Toxic Venom potion using an old recipe he had created himself.
...
(Present time, Alchemy Class)
Now all the students from each group began to focus on their work on creating the Anti-Toxic Venom potion to pass the practical exam. This included Group 14, who this time were given the opportunity to create it with whatever materials they had on hand.
Wim began adjusting his Glass Art glasses. Blue data light shimmered in the lenses, displaying a diagram of the old records. Then he turned to his colleagues.
With confidence and professionalism, Wim began explaining something to them.
Wim: "Pay close attention, everyone. Fire Salamander skin itself contains nutrients that can act as a natural antidote for their venom when in danger. It may not be as strong as the fangs of an Igra Spider, but it's enough to form the basis of an Anti-Toxic Venom potion."
He said, pointing his hand at the salamander skin he was carrying.
Then, once again, he began asking his group.
Wim: "Oh yeah. Did you know the Southern Tribes often use it in their daily lives?"
Diego nodded immediately, his eyes widening as he remembered something.
Diego: "That's right! In fact, the tribes there live twice as long as the average person thanks to the use of salamander skin. In that case..."
Without hesitation, Diego stepped to the alembic Wim had brought. He placed the piece of salamander skin inside, then lit a blue flame under the glass tube. The liquid slowly boiled, steam rising, and then began to condense into a side vessel.
Diego: "I can extract it quickly. I once extracted that substance when I was exploring the southern border with my father. This alembic will speed up the purification of the active ingredient."
Wim nodded in satisfaction. Then he continued.
Wim: "Good. But to maximize its effectiveness, we need another compound. It's the Orium potion. Does anyone know how to make it?"
Without waiting, Emma immediately raised her hand.
Emma: "I'll do it! My sister taught me how to do it before I entered the academy. Trust me."
She quickly grabbed several small vials, her hands nimbly mixing the liquids with precision. A sharp herbal aroma mixed with a hint of metal, a sign that the Orium potion was taking shape.
Wim watched the work seriously, but also smiled slightly.
He hadn't expected his group to be so competent at this. Perhaps they would pass easily.
But the new problem was, the potion recipe Wim had created was one that had never been 100% completed. This used to be just a small experiment in the game before eventually switching to Magitek schematics.
He wouldn't know if they could pass with this recipe?
It all depended on luck...
However, while everyone was busy, Luna suddenly moved on her own. She grabbed some additional ingredients and other alchemy tools, without saying much.
Wim, catching Luna's movements, began to ask her questions.
Wim: "Luna, what are you doing?"
Luna remained focused, her hands deftly mixing something. Her voice was calm, not even looking up.
Luna: "I'm making a perfect potion. After you explained your ingredients and method earlier, my brain immediately processed the flaws. Your potion was too unstable in the final stage. So I wanted to add this to make it perfect."
Wim fell silent, his eyes wide. Amazement welled up in his mind.
Even just by listening to her explanation, Luna was able to rearrange the formula in her head.
Even Wim, the creator of the formula, had never thought that far ahead.
Perhaps this was a sign that Luna was one of the protagonists in Victori Shard.
While Wim was thinking about this, Luna began to question him.
Luna: "Where did you get the formula?"
Hearing this, Wim replied.
Wim: "It was just a small experiment of mine, nothing more."
Luna: "So that's how it is."
...
Time continued to pass. When the hourglass reached its final drop, Group 14 successfully concocted a makeshift version of the Anti-Toxic Venom potion.
After an hour and thirty minutes of hard work, Group 14 finally stood in front of the table with a vial containing a turquoise liquid. The liquid emitted a faint, calm yet sharp light.
Even Professor Syit and the other alchemists were shocked, their faces filled with disbelief.
Professor Syit: "Impossible... you really managed to complete it?"
Female alchemist: "Alright, now it's time for the final decision," she said, glancing at the other alchemists.
The old alchemist picked up the vial, examined it, and then poured a few drops into the container containing the Igra spider venom. The blue liquid reacted immediately, neutralizing it, albeit a little slower than the original potion.
Old Alchemist: "Amazing... even though the effects aren't as strong as the standard potion, it still works. And look, it doesn't even taste as bitter as the standard potion." This young man... is truly creative."
The silver-haired woman took a bite.
Female Alchemist: "Hmm... the texture is smooth. Innovative."
The large man laughed in admiration.
The Large Man: "Who would have thought? Using Salamander skin as a substitute.
Small cheers began to rise from the other students.
But on the other hand, Professor Syit's face turned red, her eyes glinting with anger.
Professor Syit: 'How could… my plan fail? They should be humiliated. Why did that brat… how could they succeed?!' he thought to himself.
She couldn't believe she had just been humiliated by a group that was supposedly incompetent in bringing the main ingredient to her potion.
She had planned this all so carefully.
'But how?'
That was what Professor Syit was thinking, thinking of ways to bring down a student.
There were many reasons Professor Syit could have lowered the score.
'Disqualification because they couldn't prepare the original ingredients properly.'
'Disqualification because they failed to create an original assignment.'
'Disqualification just like that.'
But she couldn't refuse the results, because the three visiting alchemists had already praised his results. If she refused, she would be seen as biased.
As the professor in charge of alchemy, there were many ways to lower the score. Forced... But... if it had to do with other Alchemy Firms, that would be a different story.
Finally, with anger soaring to the tip of her chin, the veins in her eyes red and vibrant, and her teeth gritting so hard her jaw ached, she had no choice but to...
Professor Syit: "...Group 14, Passed!"
WOOOSH!
The classroom erupted in applause and cheers.
Luna, Emma, and Diego felt both relieved and proud. Meanwhile, Wim slumped back into his chair, lazing about.
[You have successfully completed the Main Quest Episode 3: "The Knowledge Behind Alchemy"]
But from behind, Professor Syit clenched her fists tightly.
[Warning: Professor Syit's Abyss contamination is increasing]
...
After Group 14 passed the tense alchemy exam, the classroom was still filled with the sound of bottles and alchemy potions being mixed by several groups that had not yet finished.
However, Wim looked extremely exhausted. once
Although his body was still standing upright, his mind was shattered. His breathing was still erratic, and his heartbeat felt like a war drum that had just stopped beating.
All the concentration and courage he had exerted earlier to explain the half-finished potion recipe to his colleagues seemed to drain almost all of his social energy.
As soon as he exited the alchemy room after the exam, the dazzling daylight greeted him. The fresh air from outside the building felt like it pierced his lungs, a stark contrast to the stuffy atmosphere of the alchemy room. Wim closed his eyes for a moment, trying to clear his mind, which was still haunted by the possibility of failure.
Wim: "Phew... The exam's finally over," he muttered softly, his shoulders drooping.
From beneath his jacket, Art asked Wim curiously.
Art: "Wim... Why does your face look like you haven't slept in four days? Didn't you sleep soundly last night?"
Wim: "I'm tired, Art... I'm really tired. I knew from the start that the potion was just a half-baked experiment... my heart beats too fast every time I think about whether it will work or not. If it fails, we're all doomed. Luckily, Luna perfected the potion. Without her... I might have become the laughingstock of the class for going up against Professor Syit with such meager ingredients."
He took a deep breath, then stared blankly at the sky.
Wim: "Now, I just want to stay quiet and head to Helbert's house."
Art just spun around in the air for a moment, then made a small clicking sound as if nodding in understanding.
As the two of them were almost out of the courtyard, Wim stopped in his tracks. There, Louisa stood leaning against one of the marble pillars, her white hair falling beautifully in the midday light.
Her hands were crossed behind her back, her face calm yet dignified. Wim suddenly felt unlucky. He no longer had the energy to deal with a noble.
Wim: 'Not again...'
He lowered his head, trying to quickly walk past Louisa without arousing her attention. But a soft voice called out to him.
Louisa: "Wim."
Wim: 'Okay, I'm dead,' he thought.
In this world, when someone is summoned by a noble, they must answer. Not answering would be like insulting them, even if they themselves were the ones who looked insulted.
Reluctantly, she turned her head slightly, her voice hoarse.
Wim: "What's wrong?"
Louisa looked at him seriously, her ruby eyes sharp, not angry, but curious. But Louisa insisted.
Louisa: "I just wanted to ask... where did you get the Anti-Toxic Venom potion formula using Salamander skin?"
The question made Wim choke. He knew Louisa wasn't just curious. Her expression was too serious, as if searching for something deeper than the answer that would come out.
So Wim answered casually.
Wim: "That... was just a little experiment of mine. Nothing important, really. I was never really sure it would work. Just think of it as a coincidence."
Louisa nodded slowly, her eyes sharpening, as if she already knew her opponent's answer.
Louisa: "I see..."
Wim tried to ask back, though reluctantly.
Wim: "If I may ask, why?"
Louisa answered calmly, her tone flat but calm.
Louisa: "Honestly, I'm actually just a little surprised. No one has ever tried to replace that main ingredient. Everyone except you. You did it so calmly, as if you already knew the ingredients."
Wim smiled wryly, trying to deflect with a bit of humor. Even though he knew he was exhausted, he could at least crack a joke.
Wim: "Who knows... maybe I'm better than those famous alchemists," he said humorously.
His hand rested on his chin as if pretending to display his authority as a genius.
But Louisa immediately responded to Wim's humor in a sarcastic, calm, and even tone.
Louisa: "No... I don't think it's possible. How can a commoner like you beat other professional alchemists? Even if you yourself like to sleep in class, have no manners, cause chaos, and speak freely without realizing the consequences, so many people doubt you are an alchemist."
Those words struck Wim like an arrow. He fell silent, smiling bitterly as he lowered his head.
He couldn't reply except for a small sigh.
Louisa then straightened her body and walked away.
Louisa: "Alright, that's enough for now. Goodbye, commoners."
Louisa then turned around, leaving them without another word, her steps gracefully walking down the academy grounds
[Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait, as some plot adjustments have caused this chapter to be temporarily delayed.]