“Alchemy can simply be described as a study that proves the interrelation between material and immaterial. We alchemists conduct countless experiments and research to turn material into immaterial, and vice versa.”
Yuric was instantly captivated by the charm of alchemy when Adrian explained it.
“Perhaps you would wonder how material and immaterial can have an interrelation. However, think about it. We humans are made of material. Yet, we possess thoughts and emotions, which are immaterial. That is to say, material can become immaterial. Conversely, immaterial has the power to move material. Thoughts control matter. They can interfere with matter.”
“Yes.”
“On a grand scale, human society and civilization can be seen as the result of cooperation between material and immaterial. Neither one alone can achieve civilization. Both are necessary. Therefore, alchemy is the power to gain insight into the world.”
“Then, what is mana?”
Yuric was curious about the existence of mana, which was both material and immaterial in a vague sense.
Adrian pointed at him as if to acknowledge his good question.
“In fact, alchemists have long pondered the position of mana. The material and immaterial factions were opposed, but they ultimately concluded that mana is both material and immaterial. It is the only catalyst in this world with two-way properties. The essence of alchemy lies in utilizing this mana, which can be both material and immaterial.”
“So, it involves combining material and immaterial using mana as a medium.”
“That’s right.”
The concept of alchemy was roughly like that. In simple terms, it is a study that uses mana to create various efficacious drugs.
“Alchemy requires a lot of study. Herbs have a thousand faces. Depending on what materials and immaterials they combine with, their reactions vary greatly. Even the commonly seen kapura grass is not fully understood by anyone, including me. If boiled briefly, it becomes medicine; if boiled for a long time, it turns into poison. A little can be medicine, but too much can be poison. Like magic, there is no end to learning alchemy.”
“It’s quite a difficult subject.”
“It’s difficult, but it also requires tremendous patience. Well, I think you’ll endure it.”
Of course, Adrian did not intentionally test Yuric’s patience. It just happened that way.
“In alchemy, everything in this world can be a material. Ultimately, it is said that one can make the philosopher’s stone, but… I don’t think there is such a universal thing in this world. Even if there were, it couldn’t be created through alchemy.”
“I don’t think the philosopher’s stone actually exists either.”
“Well, let’s leave it at that for now.”
Adrian clapped his hands lightly.
“Alchemy is experience and practice. You need to do it a lot. Only then will it become second nature to your hands. You need to taste and drink it yourself, experiencing side effects like diarrhea and vomiting.”
“…Excuse me!”
Yuric’s eyes widened in surprise at Adrian’s follow-up words. Seeing his reaction, Adrian smiled slyly.
“Did you think you could easily learn alchemy? No way. Alchemy requires firsthand experience. An alchemist never uses a potion on others without testing it on themselves first!”
Ah.
“Okay, let’s start. Follow me.”
Thus, the alchemy education, which was filled with talk and trouble, began in earnest.
*
“One pinch! Didn’t I clearly say one pinch!”
“No… It was definitely one pinch…”
“This isn’t a pinch, you fool!”
Scolding for not recognizing a pinch.
“I told you to stir until it felt slightly moist! This is completely sticky!”
“Isn’t this slightly moist?”
“You brat!”
Scolding for not recognizing the moist feeling.
“Ahh, I really can’t eat this, senior…”
“If you don’t eat it, you won’t leave here!”
“Ugh.”
Self-inflicted torture to prove the taste and effect of what one makes.
Unlike other fields, alchemy was a continuous ordeal. Yuric even regretted studying alchemy.
However, unlike Yuric’s situation, Adrian clearly felt his talent. Whether it was due to drawing from a young age or innate ability, he had excellent eye estimation and manual dexterity. In alchemy, these were talents.
“This boy can definitely become anything.”
Although Adrian said she would teach alchemy, she was secretly anxious. While scales and measuring cups were available, in situations where dozens of materials were used in complex combinations, it was impossible to measure each ingredient individually. Especially when only trace amounts were needed, it had to be done by feel.
Therefore, in alchemy, understanding concepts like “one pinch less than a pinch” and “one pinch more than a pinch” was crucial. Yuric initially found this frustrating.
But what could he do? In alchemy, everything comes down to one pinch!
With one pinch, three months passed.
Yuric had now completed a superb pinch to Adrian’s satisfaction.
He filled a vial with the potion and handed it to her. She tasted it and nodded contentedly.
“Now it’s excellent.”
“…Thank you.”
“It’s impossible to make all existing potions. The important thing is to select the necessary ones and improve them to perfection.”
“I will remember that, senior.”
“What I can tell you ends here. The rest is to continue refining and increasing your knowledge.”
“Can I visit often in the future?”
Adrian looked at Yuric steadily with a slight smile.
She wanted to continue their relationship as well. That was her honest feeling.
“…Of course, you can. You are my excellent junior.”
“Thank you.”
Adrian changed.
Because of Yuric.
His hair was no longer messy, and his clothes were no longer disheveled.
His complexion improved, and his gaze was no longer fierce.
His speech became calm, and his movements gentle.
“Shall we go on an errand? I’ll be back soon.”
“…No, wait a moment.”
Adrian hesitated for a bit before entering her room. Then she came out wearing a soft silk scarf around her neck.
“Let’s go together.”
It was a big decision. Yuric, surprisingly mature for his age, smiled.
“Yes, senior.”
Adrian walked side by side with Yuric out of the cabin. Beautiful sunlight poured down from the sky.
Though late spring was almost over, the forest was beautiful and peaceful, and the air was clear and fresh.
Ah.
Adrian stared blankly at it.
Yuric extended his hand toward her. She took his hand firmly.
As they took one step after another, the two entered Arphenheim. Adrian looked around the Atelier district with the eyes of a country girl seeing the city for the first time.
Ten years may not seem long to witches, but Arphenheim had changed a lot.
“How do you find it?”
At first, she was honestly afraid. But the moment she stepped out onto the street, her fear, which was immaterial, slowly dissipated.
“…It’s good.”
Witches recognized the great witch Adrian and opened their eyes wide in surprise.
Hmph, surprised? Adrian smirked as she used to. But it wasn’t as nasty as before. Just a bit stubborn.
The two spent a long time exploring the Atelier district, forgetting even to buy necessities.
She felt the world had changed so much since she disappeared.
The witches greeted her cautiously, and Adrian accepted it comfortably.
After decades, Adrian returned from her outing feeling unexpectedly light-hearted.
All the burdens, oppressions, regrets, and despair she had carried for so long vanished like a lie.
“Yuric.”
“Yes, senior.”
“You don’t have to run errands for me anymore.”
“No, I’m fine.”
“No, I want to do it myself from now on. I want to.”
“Then… Understood.”
Adrian invited Yuric back to the cabin for a meal.
The bread baked with herbs tasted very healthy. Yuric remembered eating something similar while making a potion.
“These are added for your health. Eat up. Finish it all.”
“…Yes.”
After finishing the meal, Yuric asked Adrian before leaving the cabin.
“Senior, there’s something I’d like to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“Can I draw your picture?”
Adrian’s eyes widened slightly. Then her gaze softened warmly.
“Sure.”
Yuric took paper and charcoal from his bag and sat in a chair in the living room.
The great witch Adrian also dressed nicely and sat gracefully in a chair, now with a smile.
He drew her, carefully and elegantly, stroke by stroke.
“Here, I finished.”
After completing the drawing, he respectfully handed the portrait to its owner.
When Adrian received it, she sat quietly for a long time. Her eyes gradually blurred and moistened.
“Thank you… child… thank you…”
“Then, I’ll return now.”
Yuric quietly left the seat.
By now, dusk had fallen.
The cabin was filled with sculptures bathed in red sunset light.
Her cabin no longer seemed lonely.
…
Just as waves of emotion were surging, a sharp voice suddenly erupted from inside.
“Yuric, this kid! Told you to eat it all because it’s good for you!”
Oh no. It seems the herb bread he secretly hid under his chair while unable to finish eating earlier was discovered.
Yuric hurriedly left Adrian’s cabin.
…
And time, unstoppable like a river, flowed endlessly, unblocked even by magic.
Young Yuric was now seventeen years old.
