The Alchemist’s Tower.
A tower where only alchemists may belong, and an extremely closed-off group.
Its closed nature was even more intense than the Spacetime Mage Tower.
At least the Mage Tower would post announcements every year, but not the Alchemist Tower.
– If you want to come in, prove yourself!
They never take the initiative to recruit, and even if someone expresses interest in joining, they are rigorously tested. What they seek is not legitimacy or reputation, but solely skill.
Of course, with the changing times, the tightly shut doors have begun to open a little, but they still don’t actively seek out recruits.
‘Then why am I here?’
Eldis, an elder of the Alchemist Tower.
A named character.
Neither an ally nor an antagonist—neutral in alignment.
A genius who ascended to the position of elder at the young age of early 30s.
Apparently, she was once the kingdom’s princess but fled because she found this tiny kingdom stifling.
Her defining trait? Being a total face-chaser. She absolutely loves handsome faces.
And Eldis was beaming as she looked at Evan.
‘Ugh…’
Ah, it’s so uncomfortable…
But there’s no way to say that.
Just as Evan felt uneasy inside, Eldis wore a satisfied smile.
‘He’s good-looking, right?’
First round: pass.
With this level of good looks, he could overshadow all the alchemists combined?
Most alchemists aren’t exactly stunning due to their lifestyle—they’re either extremely skinny or obese from staying cooped up in rooms, older in age, and living irregularly, which makes them constantly groaning.
Evan?
Slightly on the thin side, but not unattractively so.
In fact, his sharp features suited him perfectly.
‘Eyes check out too.’
His emotionless gaze…
While it might give others chills, Eldis liked it.
Geniuses often have peculiar gazes, speak awkwardly, or exhibit extreme behaviors.
Not to mention those who babble about some kind of equivalent exchange nonsense…
Eldis hated that type the most.
Evan was the complete opposite.
‘Yeah, yeah, you’re approved.’
The old folks of the Alchemist Tower might not know it, but to Eldis herself, Evan has passed. Isn’t his handsome face alone enough reason for recruitment?
‘No wonder Bellia asked me to meet him.’
Times have changed, and accordingly, the Alchemist Tower has started making external moves.
Their first move was to establish stable trade lines for funding.
During this process, they met Bellia, the second daughter of the Golden Guild.
Despite her youth, she was sharp and knew how to read people well, making her like a cherished younger sister to Eldis.
One day, Bellia recommended meeting Evan Alkart. Eldis was surprised—not just because of Bellia’s reaction, but because someone had recommended Evan before her.
– Wait, someone else recommended you first?
– Yeah, why? Evan, do you know who it was?
– Then… why…?
Bellia’s amused reaction stuck in her mind.
Smiling mischievously, Eldis spoke:
“So, are you going to be the next Tower Master?”
“?”
Evan stared at Eldis with emotionless eyes.
Yes!
That emotionless look!
Perfect.
Just when she was getting tired of the eccentric geniuses, having one dry and straightforward guy around wouldn’t hurt!
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
Polite speech too?
‘Pass, another pass!’
Really committed to the concept!
Eldis exclaimed in admiration:
“What do you mean! You know Zildre, right?”
Zildre.
Evan’s nose slightly wrinkled.
‘Hmm, suits him well. Maybe I’ll watch for a bit.’
As Eldis blatantly rested her chin and admired Evan’s face, Evan resisted the urge to squirm under her gaze, feeling uncomfortable.
‘Man, can you stop staring at my face?’
It feels like his stomach is being squeezed tight by the discomfort.
Why is she acting so unnervingly?
‘Eldis… At least she’s a known character.’
She’s not a bad person, which makes it even more uncomfortable.
It’s not because she’s a woman—it’s just too obvious how much she’s checking him out. How could that not be awkward?
“Auntie.”
At that moment, Lapis, quietly munching on lettuce beside Evan, spoke.
“Don’t stare so hard. Evan’s skin will wear off.”
“W-what?! Auntie?!”
BAM!
A vein popped on Eldis’ forehead.
“Hey, I’m still in my 30s! In the Alchemist Tower, I’m the youngest!”
“Evan is a teenager. And isn’t your group way too old anyway?”
“…”
No rebuttal possible!
The average age in the Alchemist Tower is over 70. Despite maintaining youthful appearances through alchemy, their insides are decaying old men.
There’s no helping it.
Ability and time investment always go hand-in-hand. Having many older alchemists in the tower is unavoidable.
Young ones occasionally show up but usually fail due to lack of ability. The water doesn’t stagnate without reason.
“…Hmph, hahahaha. Fine. This generous me should calm down.”
Eldis, trying to change the subject.
‘Got hit there.’
‘Definitely got hit.’
Though both Evan and Lapis thought the same thing, they didn’t outwardly reveal it.
“…So, what brings you here?”
“Ah, ah! Nothing major!”
Oddly cheerful, Eldis pulled out a recommendation letter from her robes.
– Tower Master Recommendation Letter.
– Recommender: Zildre.
The Count of Zildre’s seal was clearly stamped on it.
Evan’s eyes widened slightly.
‘Wait, is this person insane?!’
Not just a regular membership recommendation but a Tower Master recommendation letter?
If Evan had even joined the tower, it would’ve made sense, but this is the first time Evan is meeting the Alchemist Tower.
In other words, a complete stranger.
Yet recommending him as Tower Master?
Is this person really crazy?
“Oh, by the way, just checking, you didn’t coerce Count Zildre, did you?”
“If the alchemist was one who could be swayed by coercion, they wouldn’t be part of the Alchemist Tower.”
“Huh? Ahahaha! That’s true!”
Eldis burst into laughter.
The respect in her gruff voice and pride in her affiliation showed that Eldis valued being respected.
‘Second round pass!’
Good looks, seriousness, calmness—all three conditions checked off.
All that remains is proving capability!
“Anyway, becoming the Tower Master isn’t something that happens just because someone recommends you.”
Eldis pulled out an entrance exam recommendation letter from her robes.
“So, how about taking the Alchemist Tower admission test this time?”
“No thanks.”
“Huh? Really? Are you sure… Wait, what?”
Eldis, assuming he’d definitely accept, was shocked when Evan declined.
“Why?!”
“Do I have a reason to do it?”
“How could you not?! Prestige comes with it!”
‘Does prestige pay the bills?’
The Alchemist Tower.
One of the few towers across the continent where only the most skilled among alchemists can belong.
With only about 20 members.
Joining would bring prestige, sure.
An ordinary alchemist might have been tempted.
If Evan wasn’t a reincarnated soul.
‘What benefit do I get from this?’
Gains from joining the Alchemist Tower?
Prestige alone.
Money? Support?
Nope.
Instead, roles that require spending money.
Research help? Sort of?
‘Do I even need that kind of help?’
Why ask a lunatic for help?
Already burned badly by the Bluebeard Baron.
Other alchemists aren’t trustworthy folk!
Having concluded internally,
There’s no reason to join a tower full of lunatics.
“B-but! I can help with your research!”
“I can handle it alone.”
“Seriously, seriously refusing? For real?!”
“Yes.”
“No second chance, you know?”
“Apologies.”
Considering Eldis’ personality, she probably won’t be upset, but just in case…
Not out of fear but out of politeness, Evan bowed respectfully.
Hmm, she’s not mad, right?
Did I refuse too harshly?
While Evan silently conflicted within himself,
Eldis was thrown into confusion.
‘Wha… Did I just get rejected?’
Not like asking for an address got shot down, but ignoring an invitation to join the Alchemist Tower?
Especially when there’s only one test involved?
A sense of deprivation she hadn’t felt even during her days as a princess.
Is this what it feels like to be the subordinate?
Her head spun.
Right then,
– M-Master!
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
Dolphe pounded on the door. Evan curiously moved the staff leaning against the upper stone chair, transforming it into a small golem via [Reconstruction].
Eldis’ eyes sparkled.
“Wait, wait! Is that a golem?!”
“Yes.”
“How did you make it?!”
“…Hard work?”
At Evan’s seemingly dismissive response, Eldis grew even more confused.
The method for creating golems had been lost long ago.
The Alchemist Tower had been searching for it with fiery determination—if the Underworld weren’t under the jurisdiction of the Duke of Alkart, they would’ve turned it upside down looking for it.
‘Wasn’t he mainly known for handling golems?’
Had Zildre noticed this first?
Eldis’ eyes gleamed dangerously.
The look of someone spotting talent!
CREAK.
Evan opened the door with the small golem. Dolphe, gripping the doorknob, gasped for breath before finally shouting:
“T-the Spacetime Mage Tower has come to see Master!”
“!”
Eldis’ eyes widened.
The Spacetime Mage Tower!
Just as closed-off and hungry for talent as the Alchemist Tower!
Finally, everything clicked.
This was the goal from the start!
Both the Alchemist Tower and the Spacetime Mage Tower wanted him!
“Y-you knew about this?!”
“No, I didn’t.”
Like hell.
Evan rarely showed such a serious expression.
*
The Spacetime Mage Tower.
Known for worshipping and researching time and space, almost no information about it exists.
Within the game as well.
The only known fact? They have a strong desire for talented individuals.
To survive the storms of time, one must possess great talent—or so they say.
They also use the unique magic called Spatial Awareness and always cover their eyes.
“Pleased to meet you, Lord Evan Alkart.”
Bandaged eyes.
A robe with distinctive patterns.
The only visible part of the face is the lips.
Presumably female.
This mysterious atmosphere radiating mage greeted politely.
“I am Osera, a mage belonging to the Spacetime Mage Tower.”
“…Nice to meet you. I am Evan Alkart.”
Osera.
A known figure.
Neutral alignment.
Leaned slightly toward good.
Whenever she appeared, if there was any mention of her friendship with the Moon Maiden, affection levels would naturally rise.
She occasionally helped players without deeply interfering.
‘Is this… good luck?’
Let’s be friendly.
When Evan kindly shook hands, her lips curved into a smile.
“…You are a kind person.”
“…Thank you.”
Almost slipped up there.
While Evan subtly cleared his throat,
Even though her eyes were covered, she accurately turned her head towards Lapis as if truly sensing space.
“I have no intention to harm. Please don’t worry. I’ve only come temporarily upon request today…”
“Request, you say?”
“It wasn’t my idea. My master requested that I assist a young, talented individual…”
Could this possibly be Acela?
Just came from dealing with Acela’s politics, so suspicion arose naturally.
Although Acela does have talent—just in a negative direction.
“Kind one, may I briefly observe your [talent]?”
“…Talent?”
“I wish to observe how radiant your soul shines. Please allow me. Rest assured, I will offer a proper reward. Have you perhaps heard of Temporal Herb?”
‘Ah!’
A familiar name.
Temporal Herb.
A peculiar herb that grows only in the gaps of spacetime.
When consumed, it slows down the flow of time in one’s body.
Occasionally induces Time Loop phenomena.
However, with proper processing…
‘It can blur and slow down curses.’
When processed into a potion and consumed, it can slow down the flow of time in a chosen area of the body. Effective against ailments clinging to organs, certain cells, and even curses.
This could be useful for the Holy Maiden, couldn’t it?
‘Since she can’t see souls anyway…’
Although spatial observation is impressive, she can’t see souls. Letting her observe once shouldn’t be a problem.
Phew! Alright, Evan! You can do it!
“…Yes.”
“Thank you, kind one.”
As Evan nodded, she thanked him while clasping her hands together.
“…”
“…”
An awkward silence hung in the air.
“…Isn’t the observation happening?”
Huh?
“You… are special.”
GAAK!
The strength in the hands gripping Evan’s increased.
Despite delicate hands, they were surprisingly powerful.
“Would you consider joining our Mage Tower, by any chance?”
“…I’m an alchemist.”
“That’s irrelevant. Does the presence of talent depend on occupation?”
Osera leaned in uncomfortably close.
“I wish for you to shine your talent within our Mage Tower.”
No…
I haven’t done anything yet!
“Esteemed one. Please consider my offer.”
“Sorry, but we claimed dibs first?”
At that moment,
The door swung open, and Eldis entered.
Apparently eavesdropping, Eldis dispelled the small trumpet made of flexible material and said:
“We were here first. Cutting in is cheating, isn’t it?”
“…Elder Eldis. Why are you here?”
“Why, to welcome esteemed talent. Would you step aside?”
Eldis tilted her head. Osera slowly released Evan’s hand and politely folded hers together, though her tone lacked courtesy.
“Still as unilateral as ever, aren’t you? We don’t yet know whom this esteemed individual will invest their time with.”
“Certainly not with you, though.”
“Deciding that is arrogant, Eldis.”
The two neutral-named characters began clashing.
‘Wait…’
Only then did Evan realize something was off.
