Wizard Alchemist

Chapter 622 Returning the Property to Its Rightful Owner (4-in-1)

A few days later, on the streets of the capital.

In the city as autumn approaches, a tall tree called the golden-leaf tree has already donned its new attire.

The leaves of this tree are quite peculiar; although it is not a magical species, it has a bright golden color similar to gilded gold leaf.

Especially after the height of summer, as autumn approaches, the trees will ripen overnight, just like maple leaves, and the reflected sunlight will turn the entire street into an amber color.

Roy had never seen such a scene in any other world, so he came to the tree to sketch, attracting several curious passersby to stop and admire.

Because of his alchemical talent as an artist, he has become quite proficient in painting.

The long enough years allowed him to become proficient and further improve upon his previous learning in the world of Astor.

Many wizards, mages, dragons, elves, and other beings are long-lived.

A lifespan of hundreds or even thousands of years can cultivate numerous interests and hobbies, and lead to significant achievements in various disciplines such as art, philosophy, law, and history.

Soon after, the painting was completed, and Roy stepped back a few paces to admire his work.

"That's great!"

"This is absolutely beautiful!"

The onlookers gasped in genuine amazement.

Roy, however, packed up his easel in surprise and admiration, loaded it onto his carriage, and drove away.

No one noticed that the golden-leafed tree in the picture trembled, as if it had been blown by the wind.

……

For some time afterward, people in the capital would occasionally see a young and handsome painter displaying his talents on the streets.

A curious person investigated and learned that he was the son of Gnaum, the leader of a chamber of commerce in the south, named Ilor, who had loved painting since childhood and was quite talented.

Although he is young, he has been studying painting under a famous teacher for ten years.

Soon, some minor nobles tried to summon him and commission him to paint.

From the opulent gardens to the portraits in armor, and the various jewels and utensils...

The paintings of "Young Master Yiluo" truly possess a unique charm that can be described as magnificent and dazzling, and they are simply mesmerizing to look at.

Even the most knowledgeable wizards and spies, as well as the powerful natives, couldn't tell that he had put "pigment seeds" in the paint and mixed them during the painting process.

This is not a simple painting process; it can actually be seen as alchemical sorcery.

The creation, almost magical, possesses the power to add the finishing touch to a masterpiece.

If you apply your spirit to it at this time, it can even move on its own, like a "living portrait".

This period was also Roy's own training process.

He has become able to hide runes of will within his paintings, silently gathering "attention" akin to faith, without revealing too much of the "soulful meaning" of his works.

Ordinary people wouldn't be able to recognize this kind of painting at first glance.

Even if an expert were to recognize it, they would only think that Young Master Yiluo was already a master, having created a "soul painting" through his artistic talent, and would not doubt that he knew witchcraft.

The origin of this thing is the skill he learned in the world of Astor.

It originates from the ancestor of the great painter Mutrick, the wizard Whit.

The reason the other party seeks the mysteries of the soul is to explore a method of spiritual resonance in a certain art form to entrust the souls of mortals.

This actually includes research on "spiritual immortality" and "the immortality of the soul".

It can be said that it complements the "Nicmansha Immortality Technique" perfectly.

He was quite interested in it.

……

More than two months later.

In the royal capital, at the mansion of a marquis, Roy is invited to paint a picture to add splendor to a grand ball.

In a corner of the hall, he dipped his brush in paint and added another stroke to the already magnificent painting.

The still-wet oil painting reveals an extremely intricate and extravagant use of rich colors, yet it does not appear gaudy.

His superb skills have enabled him to easily master this style, which is prone to failure. In this indigenous world where there are hardly any masters, he can be called a master who is leading by a wide margin.

Prince Zalik happened to be passing by, and after just one glance, he couldn't help but stop and linger.

He first showed a look of surprise.

Then, his eyes lit up, completely captivated by the content and artistic conception.

"Your Highness, this is Mr. Ilor, whose fame has recently risen. His painting skills are truly exceptional!"

After he had admired it for a while, the nobleman accompanying him quickly introduced him to someone.

"It really lives up to its reputation!"

Zalik snapped out of his daze and sincerely praised him.

Roy said, "Your Highness flatters me. My painting skills are minor and not worth mentioning. Cultivating magic and martial arts is the right way to protect our country."

"Not at all. Master artists can also inspire people's spirituality, and their works will be passed down through the ages."

After thinking for a moment, the prince extended an invitation to Roy: "I happen to be looking to have a few portraits of myself painted. Would you be willing to paint one for me?"
If the opportunity arises in the future, I may also recommend you to my father and mother…

"my pleasure."

Roy smiled slightly.

……

And so Roy and the prince met, and soon became close friends.

Because he was worried about alerting the powerful natives, Roy didn't use any hypnotic glasses or Kirik's Ring, but instead showcased his charm.

This has nothing to do with appearance; it's entirely the effect of knowledge, talent, and so on.

His knowledge and abilities completely overwhelmed the prince; with a little flattery, he could engage in any topic and even offer subtle guidance.

Learning and progress can be enjoyable; most people find learning painful because it is too difficult.

Roy made him feel like a mentor and friend, which was far more effective than any flattery or sycophancy.

Before we knew it, it was early November.

Kairiano returns from his campaign against the Earth Bear.

Roy, who had become the prince's friend, heard about this from both Zalik and the intelligence agents, and went to the street to see it for himself.

The streets of the capital were packed with curious crowds.

The crowd, as if welcoming a victorious soldier, discussed the event animatedly, expressing their sincere surprise and admiration.

Roy's eyes flickered as he watched Kerriando ride his tall horse through the city.

"Little brother, look!"

The "older sister" next to her also gushed about it for a while, then excitedly pointed to something as huge as an elephant behind her.

"That's the Earth Bear..."

Roy murmured to himself.

Once these monsters reach adulthood, they often possess strength of level one or higher, with some exceptional individuals even reaching level two.

Eating their flesh and blood directly might have an effect similar to that of a bloodline potion.

This material is also very effective for experts in the indigenous world.

Judging from its size, this bear is probably already at the peak of level one.

"Although Kairiando brought a team, the fact that he was able to preserve the body so well shows that his strength is extraordinary..."

He observed carefully again and came to a conclusion.

******
When Roy returned, he was surprised to find that the prince had come.

They even brought him bear paws.

"Your Highness, what is this?"

Roy asked the question knowing the answer already.

"This is the Earth Bear."

"Ilor, you've probably never tried this before, haven't you? I brought it for you to try."

The prince said, half out of concern and half out of boasting.

"The Earth Bear? Did the brave Kairiando and his men hunt it down?"
We just saw it too! The brave Lord Kairiando...

It’s amazing!”

"Sister," she said with a hint of admiration.

Upon hearing these blunt words, the prince's face immediately showed displeasure.

He is only a 16-year-old boy and cannot yet display the composure of a true emperor.

Roy gave him a meaningful look, and he could probably guess the reason.

This is jealousy.

The king's youngest princess was actually his full sister, and by all accounts, she should have admired and respected her brother-in-law.

However, because he felt that the political marriage had harmed his sister, he didn't have much affection for Kerriando from the beginning.

Later, as Kairiando displayed exceptional talent and martial prowess, his dissatisfaction in this regard subsided, but gradually evolved into jealousy.

This inexplicable hostility reached its peak after Kairiando gradually made a name for himself as a hero and became popular among the girls in the capital.

Other talented young people also joined the cause.

Moreover, it unknowingly became a threat to the monarchy.

Nowadays, even sharing a little bit of bear paw with a good friend can result in someone stealing the spotlight.

He just had enough.

However, Zalik forced a smile and said, "It's nothing."

Then, he considerately chatted with Roy about food and the monsters of the South.

"He's still pretending to be innocent in front of me..."

They didn't show any negative emotions!

After Prince Zalik and his men left, Roy seemed to be deep in thought.

He felt that if the relationship was right, even private matters like "jealousy of Kairiando" could be said directly.

It seems that we need to understand this further.

……

After that, Roy continued to paint, and his fame grew.

In mid-December, I unexpectedly received an invitation from Kairiando.

After a moment's consideration, Roy thoughtfully told the prince about it.

He deliberately flattered the prince: "I don't know why, but I just can't stand that Kairiando..."

Ever since my sister saw him on the street, she's been a bit smitten...

It's so annoying!

His Highness immediately empathized, but said, "Don't say that. After all, he is the Sky Knight, Marquis Srode. Knowing him will be quite beneficial to you."

Your father, Mr. Gnahm, isn't he looking to expand his business further and secure contracts from the military?

Building a good relationship with him can be useful.

"Is he capable of interfering in military affairs?"

Roy asked the question knowingly, and even feigned surprise.

The prince's eyes flickered, but he still seemed quite helpless: "The soldiers all admire and respect heroes."

As a hero, he possessed the strength of a Sky Knight and had successively eliminated many monsters that threatened the country and wiped out bandits, making considerable contributions.

Now everyone calls him the new pillar of the nation…

"Oh."

"Ahem, anyway, you should accept his invitation."

The prince said with a hint of helplessness.

……

Roy eventually agreed.

In early December, accompanied by the prince, he arrived at the residence of Kerriando to prepare to paint his portrait.

The place he now lives in is a luxurious mansion built specifically for him by the Kingdom of Giant Bear.

The classic and elegant architectural style, paired with the magnificent magic crystal lamps, is a perfect match.

Beneath the gilded pillars, exquisite marble statues and portraits of ancestors in armor lining both sides of the corridor exude luxury and majesty.

Roy smiled slightly upon seeing this.

For a newly rich outsider like him, what he needs most is to improve his taste and showcase his family's historical heritage.

Looking at Prince Zakri, he indeed seemed quite dissatisfied.

In his eyes, this Kairiando was probably just a nouveau riche.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to escort the ships northward, they amassed considerable wealth from impoverished nobles.

To save their lives, those people were willing to offer him most of their antiques and gold and silver treasures in exchange for a place in the caravan.

The wizards, whether busy looting or wary of the holy sword in his hand, didn't really give chase.

Just as he was admiring the sights, Kerriando arrived with his beautiful wife.

That radiant woman was none other than Zakri's sister, Princess Zakri.

After exchanging pleasantries, the princess and the prince left.

Roy began painting Kerriando and noticed his posture with the holy sword at his waist.

"Your Excellency, Marquis, please move your hand for a moment..."

Roy pretended to adjust his posture and then touched him.

Kairiando stiffened slightly, clearly displaying a defensive posture.

"Don't be nervous, your posture is very majestic, perfectly suited to creating a timeless classic..."

Roy smiled slightly and, using his professional expertise as a painter, gave him his assurance.

The professional's confidence, coupled with his youthful appearance, made Kerriando lower his guard.

He secretly berated himself, thinking, "He's just a talented young artist, why am I so nervous?"

In the end, Roy was given the chance to wield the holy sword alone.

“Please hold your sword across your body like this, to make it stand out…”

I'll remind you later to try different poses; you can draw several series of pictures.

He used himself as a model to show off to Kerriando.

Just then, a faint stinging sensation surged in from between my eyebrows.

A semi-transparent, illusory panel appeared.

[Alchemy talent gain in progress (100%)]

【Elemental Separation (Black Iron Grade)】

Mastering basic elemental separation techniques enables the separation of a single element from a mixture, but this is limited to conventional materials.

"Ok?"

Roy's expression remained unchanged, but he was slightly surprised.

That's quite an impressive ability!

Although this [Elemental Separation] can only process regular materials, it cannot separate enchanted metals or sorcery materials.

However, when it comes to oxides, sulfides, salts, etc., the applications are quite extensive.

For example, obtaining highly pure elemental iron from rust.

For example, salt can be broken down to obtain sodium, chlorine, and other substances. Lead can be obtained from substances such as lead oxide.

Water is split to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

These no longer require the separation of oxygen through reduction reactions; they can be obtained simply through the radiation of magical energy.

I just don't know what exactly the so-called "conventional materials" it restricts refer to.
Just as Roy was thinking this, some knowledge suddenly surfaced in his mind.

From a chemical perspective, an element is a pure substance composed of the same element, such as gold, silver, copper, iron, chlorine, oxygen, and hydrogen.

From a purely technical standpoint, this talent isn't particularly advanced, and many scientific advancements could actually achieve it.

However, the preparation process is greatly simplified, making it more practical.

******
"Black iron-grade [elemental separation]..."

This is used for the separation of uranium ore, which requires complex processes such as acid leaching, solvent extraction, or isotope separation.

It may be beyond our capabilities...

However, common processes such as iron smelting, as well as the extraction of chlorine, hydrogen, oxygen, etc., can certainly be achieved.

If it's not just about achieving it, but about doing it easily, then it might even be able to be transformed into practical combat magic!

Roy immediately thought of many uses for it.

For example, using witchcraft to simulate the effects of "poison mist" and "cloud explosion".

Even if wizards have the relevant knowledge, it is difficult for them to put it into practice.

Because their refining ability is limited, even for themselves, before acquiring this ability, it is not as good as directly using attack magic such as "Flame Impact" or "Poison Mist".

But now, there are many more possibilities for its application.

Coming to his senses, Roy realized that he had been "conceiving" this idea for quite some time.

Fortunately, the wizard possessed strong mental power. He was wary of Kerriando's strength and kept some of his attention on him.

Before any doubts arise, put those thoughts aside and start painting.

……

"finished!"

After a while, Roy stood up and said to Carey with a smile.

"Next comes some handling of details."

I think it will be completed in just a few more days.

"Then it's all your fault."

"Kerriando said."

He glanced at Roy's painting, and indeed it was magnificent and luxurious, which made him feel a little expectant.

After returning, Roy did not rush to deal with the painting. Instead, he took the opportunity to enter the mage's mansion and tried to refine the element in his alchemy room to verify his previous conjecture.

As expected, the results were remarkable.

This ability does indeed have the effect of quickly separating and refining elemental substances.

Although it is limited by its own mental strength, it is quite efficient because it is already a level two wizard!

Of course, the uranium ore in the magical universe contains some magical energy, which this ability cannot fully capture.

The so-called "conventional materials" are limited ordinary substances.

This already limits the scope.

One method that Roy particularly values ​​is the use of readily available materials, such as salt, to prepare sodium and chlorine.

Sodium metal is a highly reactive alkali metal. Even though it does not belong to the category of magical metals, it still has good combustion and even explosive properties and can be used as an incendiary bomb.

By using the "projectile model" and the magical energy of "activation" applied to it, the reaction conditions for "combustion" can be activated instantly, creating "sodium fire"!
Chlorine is a highly toxic substance that can be fatal to ordinary people when its concentration in the air exceeds 0.1%, and it can be used as a basic material for "poisonous fog magic".

In terms of wide-area damage, it is even far superior to the "Black Mist Technique" using the blackening potion, only the single-target damage and organ damage effects are somewhat inferior.

While this may not increase one's strength in dealing with powerful enemies, it can enrich one's methods.

At least at the zero level, and even at the lower level, both substances are very useful.

In addition, there is the decomposition of "water", the products of which are "hydrogen" and "oxygen".

This is also an item that can be obtained everywhere, and can even be condensed from the air using a mage's "water-making spell".

The explosive power of a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen is extremely strong. As long as you master the knowledge of the "mixing ratio", you can use your mental manipulation to create compressed hydrogen bombs, or even thermobaric bombs comparable to small nuclear bombs!

Roy immediately summoned Celine's doppelganger, the girl's skull, and asked about the proportions.

The results showed that "the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen, the decomposition products of water, is naturally suitable for an explosion, and there is no need to adjust the ratio!"

"Oh? So how powerful are they, roughly?"

"It depends on the material density and the degree of mixing..."

After some questioning, Roy confirmed that an explosion of just a few grams of hydrogen mixed with oxygen was enough to shatter glass instruments and injure people.

If you use 1000 grams of it fully, it's almost equivalent to 3.2 kilograms of TNT!

This level of explosive is enough to destroy a small brick house and create a fireball with a diameter of about 5 to 8 meters, which is close to the power of a howitzer!
"Brainlessly using one's innate abilities, and then replacing ignition with 'activation techniques'..."

This means that I can use a 'spell-like' method to continuously launch spell attacks!

And the multiplier is quite high, making it a very good spell attack!

His eyes shone brightly, and he became increasingly excited.

This is a "spell-like" ability with a relatively high ceiling. The innate sorcery "Animation" can act as a "trigger," giving it the opportunity to be used flexibly.

If one's will is strong enough, and one happens to be near a river or lake, one can instantly cover a body of water within a radius of several hundred meters, and evenly mix the magical energy of "activation" into it...

That's simply...

Unfortunately, the energy of a hydrogen bomb comes from the nuclear fusion reaction of hydrogen isotopes, rather than the chemical combustion of hydrogen gas.

Although both contain the word "hydrogen," their underlying principles are completely different and beyond my current understanding.

……

Some time later, in the countryside more than 100 kilometers from the capital.

Roy tests casting.

He stood in front of a withered tree in the mountains, holding a small spoonful of crystalline coarse salt in his hands.

As the mental energy spread, the salt seemed to be attracted by an invisible magnetic force, suspending in mid-air.

Roy's fingertips emitted a white light as the magical energy of "Activation" was injected, and at the same time, [Elemental Separation] was incorporated.

"Poison Fire Technique!"
The salt grains, which were originally translucent crystals, were instantly ignited.

It was launched out like a yellowish-green fireball.

Bang!
The poisonous gas spread rapidly.

Immediately following this, bright yellow flames ignited, releasing large amounts of white smoke in successive explosions.

This is a reaction formed by the separate combustion and diffusion of metallic sodium and chlorine gas.

Roy combined "Poison Mist" and "Sodium Fire" to create this spell-like magical ability that requires no incantation.

It worked really well.

He then repeated the same trick, condensing a ball of water the size of a human head in the air, separating hydrogen and oxygen, and performing a "cloud explosion".

There was a bang.

The high-temperature gas expanded rapidly.

At the explosion's epicenter, the blast wave created a high-temperature, high-pressure death zone.

The powerful sound waves traveled far and wide, startling the birds in the forest.

"The 72nd combined spell application test is complete, and the model verification is successful..."

The girl's head floated beside Roy, its eyes gleaming, and it dictated the result.

"The models used this time are derived from Animation Spell, Delayed Fireball, Water Arrow, and Magic Missile..."

"Very good, the experiment is a complete success!"

After listening to its report, Roy nodded in satisfaction.

******
"Up to this point, we have actually made full use of this ability to separate elements."

Next, mix the salt and water, using four elements at the same time, but the significance is actually not great.

Ultimately, all of this depends on the strength of my mental power and the magical energy of "revitalization".

The power that can be mobilized per unit of time is limited. Any attempt at a one-time burst with multiple effects can be completely replaced by multiple attacks!

Instead of focusing on these superficial tricks that don't offer any real improvement, we should be working on innate talent or other higher-level skills!

With these thoughts in mind, Roy put away the girl's skull, chanted the incantation for "teleportation," and returned to the vicinity of the royal capital.

Just as they were about to enter the city, someone suddenly brought news that "Kariandor has left the capital."

Roy was slightly moved upon hearing this.

"Where did you go after leaving the capital?"

It wouldn't be easy for ordinary people to find out the itinerary of this newly rich lord.

However, Roy, as the alchemist who forged the "Holy Sword," had already left "secret marks" on it for monitoring and location tracking.

Although it is not usually displayed for security and privacy reasons, information can be obtained from it immediately when necessary.

He closed his eyes and sensed that the Holy Sword had interacted with a hidden beacon he had placed nearby when it left the city gate.

It turns out they went to hunt down a water monster, a kind of "bottom-dwelling demon fish," that was entrenched in Lake Morian to the east.

"The opportunity came!"

After making a few arrangements, Roy immediately found an excuse to rush over.

……

A few days later, Lake Morian.

Kairiando and his group set up camp in the nearby woods and settled down temporarily.

For them, such tasks are already second nature.

In the years that the wizards decided to temporarily halt the war and digest the colonies, the Bear Kingdom and the Wolf Kingdom were also rapidly carrying out various technological innovations and policy reforms within their borders.

Strong individuals like Kairiando who came to join them were also given important positions.

Another important task is to gather as many experts as possible to kill the monsters entrenched in various places.

While training the troops, they also collect materials for experts at all levels to forge as many magical equipment or potions as possible.

There's also the exploration and mining of mineral resources...

It is also proceeding intensively and continuously.

These will all become trump cards against the enemy in the final battle.

A day later, several of Kairiando's men reported back on the results of their investigation.

"My lord, we have roughly surveyed the terrain of this lake and found a suitable place to set up nets..."

If it's here, and here...

"Set up a steel cable net..."

Kairiando remained silent, listening as his experienced teammates analyzed the map.

"None of us are very good at naval warfare. We need to find a way to trap that guy in the shallows and find an opportunity to attack."

Just then, a cloud of white mist mixed with yellow-green hues surged in, bringing with it a strong, pungent odor.

Everyone looked surprised and stepped out of the tent.

"No, it's poisonous!"

"It's poisonous fog!"

They quickly mobilized their life energy to protect their bodies.

This universal, battle-like energy can effectively provide protection.

Their strong physique is more than enough to withstand the corrosive effects of poisonous gas.

Even so, many people still felt a little dizzy and experienced some discomfort.

"Was this an attack by a monster from the forest?"

"No, it looks more like the work of a wizard."

Those wizards also used similar magic on the battlefield!

The group remained on guard while discussing the situation. Among them was a mage who attempted to use wind magic to create a temporarily safe space nearby.

However, the fog covered a considerable area, rendering wind magic largely ineffective.

"Their mental power has a limited range, and many spells have distance limitations, so they certainly can't cover a large area!"

"Kerriando said."

He immediately made a decision and led the group in an attempt to break through the encirclement.

But just then, a large number of grayish-white humanoid monsters appeared in the forest.

Mechanical guards, snake-woman puppets, and a high-elemental matrix appeared, along with numerous flesh-mushroom demons and various elements used as cannon fodder, trapping them inside, making it difficult for them to escape for the time being.

Unnoticed by them, Roy stood by the water, his mental energy closing in like invisible tentacles.

It was as if an invisible giant had scooped up a handful of water.

The water bomb, weighing over 10 tons, condensed into a huge body of water several cubic meters in the air.

He reached out and flicked his hand; an invisible force, like a pair of giant hands, combined with the rotation of his body, forcefully propelled the water ball out!
A moment later, in the woods a hundred meters away, shrouded in mist.

At the epicenter of the explosion, a blazing fireball, tens of meters in diameter, rose into the air and expanded for several seconds before a dark gray mushroom cloud rose into the sky.

A deafening roar erupted, unleashing terrifying power equivalent to thousands of degrees of magical energy. This instantly raised the temperature within a hundred-meter radius to several hundred degrees, igniting trees and burning skin.

Those people closer to the explosion's epicenter, especially those with slightly weaker abilities, were even reduced to ashes.

Roy didn't even look at the result. He stood at the edge of the lake, with water snakes rising up behind him and then turning into water arrows that shot out continuously.

Bang bang bang bang bang!
A dense barrage of small explosions erupted in all directions.

After successfully resolving issues such as delayed fuses and activated triggers, the only remaining problem for this spell-like ability is its range.

Roy now finally understands why it's said that most technologies in the tech world are just "boiling water" and "throwing stones".

The abilities I currently possess can be described as rather pathetic.

The main problem is that the stones weren't thrown far enough, and they weren't thrown well either.

But ultimately, affordability is the bottom line.

By simply utilizing his innate abilities and innate sorcery, and attacking relentlessly, he finally possessed the firepower equivalent to a mage squad.

Most importantly, it doesn't consume any resources or magic.

It's entirely about utilizing one's natural talent and abilities.

"We need to build a warehouse-style space, specifically for storing these materials!"

"Water-making technology" is too slow, and it's difficult to obtain enough water in a short time!

While unleashing his firepower, Roy was also pondering something in his mind.

A moment later, the commotion in the distance subsided.

The heavily wounded figure of Kerriando appeared in the illusory projection screen in front of Roy through the "Wizard's Eye".

After being subjected to a relentless bombardment that disregarded costs, they were completely rendered powerless to resist.

Roy's thoughts began to stir.

scoff!

After paralyzing him with electricity, the Mushroom Demon stepped forward and severed Kerriando's arm with a single strike.

With a scream, the holy sword slipped from his hand.

The sword that Roy had personally forged has once again returned to its true owner.

(End of this chapter)