Industrial Revolution of the Mage Lords

Chapter 157 Selling Blood for a Person
When the young family alchemist Chris Bird was called home alone by his two twin mentors, he had a bad feeling in his heart.

Six years ago, he was picked out from among a group of alchemy apprentices by Mentor Offrey and taken directly under his wing to formally learn alchemy. To date, he has not yet completed a truly improved formula that can pass the review of the Exploration Council.

Whether it was studying how to enchant alchemical prostheses and alchemical weapons, or concocting alchemical potions to enhance the power of spellcasters and bloodline knights, Chris had no problem with the technology and operation, but he was not interested.

He once tried to transform alchemical bombs filled with corrosive acid into alchemical fireworks that could light up the sky during the day. He also personally installed alchemical prosthetic limbs on disabled stray animals in an attempt to give them a new life - unfortunately, the rejection reaction between flesh and blood and alchemical creations was too severe, and none of the modified animals survived.

It's not like he hadn't secretly conducted some alchemical experiments that violated the Federation's ban before, but fortunately, they were not very harmful and were secretly covered up by his mentor. However, the recent incident of adding magical substances to civilian daily necessities seemed to make Mentor Offrey extremely concerned. It seemed that he called him here today with the intention of punishing him.

"Teacher Ofrey, Teacher Ed, I'm here..." Chris greeted the two teachers cautiously, suppressing his inner uneasiness.

Offrey's tone was unusually gentle, showing nothing unusual. "Chris, come here..."

Ed even stood up and pushed the young student to sit on the sofa across from them, grinning and saying, "Why are you so scared? We're not going to eat you."

Chris wiggled his butt on the soft sofa cushions for a few seconds before hesitantly asking, "Teacher, is this because of that alchemical perfume incident I had a few days ago?"

Offrey shook his head and smiled, "Of course not. I called you here today because I want to discuss something with you. It concerns your future and power..."

Ed got straight to the point. "Chris, if you had the opportunity to own an alchemy laboratory completely your own, equipped with the most complete facilities and equipment, and also with a corresponding alchemy workshop to ensure mass production... what would you say?"

Chris was stunned and asked in disbelief, "Me? An alchemy lab? And a dedicated workshop? Instructor, have you been drinking today? What nonsense are you talking about?"

Offred unleashed his magician's hand, giving the reckless student a gentle blow on the head. He feigned anger and said, "I think you're talking nonsense! We're serious, and this alchemy lab is yours. You can conduct any experiment you want without worrying about violating regulations or taboos."

He exchanged a glance with Ed and decided to throw out all his offers directly. "An independent alchemist who has a good relationship with us... a high-level alchemist, is looking for a formal alchemist who can work closely with him and serve the powerful figure behind him."

"Although the identity of this important figure remains secret for now, it is certain that he owns a vast territory. He wants to build an alchemy laboratory within the territory, so he contacted us and asked us for help..."

"A newly built alchemical laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art alchemical equipment and a workshop..." Chris muttered repeatedly, "It will allow me to take full responsibility and complete experiments without any restrictions..."

He stood up suddenly, waving his fist excitedly, and said impatiently, "Teacher, I do! I am willing to cooperate with that alchemist and serve that great man!"

Ed smiled wryly, pushing the agitated Chris back onto the sofa and handing him a magic contract. "Excellent conditions and generous compensation always come at a price... If they officially hire you, they'll require you to sign a confidentiality-level magic contract, requiring you to work for them for five years without compensation. During this period, all details of the experiments involved and the identity of the other party must be kept completely confidential..."

Overey added, "I can assure you that the other party's attitude is absolutely well-intentioned and will not threaten your personal safety. However, this unpaid work will take a long time, and the ownership of all experimental results and formulas will need to belong to that important person. Please consider it yourself..."

Chris quickly scanned the contents marked on the contract and found that although it was five years of unpaid work, the other party would provide him with a residence suitable for his status and all living necessities. If there was a breakthrough in the experiment, he would be given a certain reward depending on the situation. This employment condition was even better than that in the Quinn family's alchemy workshop.

As for the issue of absolute confidentiality and ownership of experimental results, Chris felt that it was completely natural. All his current work results and research formulas were completely beyond his control. The ownership was firmly in the hands of his family, and he had no authority to carry out experimental projects freely.

"I do! I agree to all the terms of the contract. Mentor, where is this great man's laboratory built? When can I set off?"

"Don't worry, calm down first. The exact location is confidential. If you choose to sign the contract, you can set off for Daes in three days with a group of apprentices I have selected for you. There will be someone specifically responsible for receiving you there, and they will arrange for you to eventually reach the territory of that important figure..."

Watching Chris leave excitedly holding the contract, the Quinn brothers looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief.

"We just sold Chris out like this... just for a portion of concentrated blood from an ancient high-level vampire." Ofrey felt vaguely that his conscience was being tortured.

Ed scratched his head awkwardly, as if trying to comfort his brother, or perhaps himself. "It doesn't really count as selling Chris out, does it? After all, an alchemy lab of his own has always been his biggest dream. He can finally conduct his wild and bizarre experiments without any constraints or restrictions..."

Mr. Kel'Thuzad's terms of the deal were a formal alchemist trained by the Quinn brothers himself, with solid theoretical and practical experience, and fifteen alchemy apprentices under the age of twenty with a certain amount of experience.

All of them need to sign a confidential magic contract, and their personal freedom will be restricted to a certain extent during the working hours specified in the contract, but the other party can fully guarantee their safety and daily life needs.

"The sponsor of Mr. Kel'Thuzad's alchemical experiments... that mysterious figure has grand ambitions!" Ed speculated. "I suspect this independent alchemist's current research, similar to ours, was also inspired by that figure..."

The experiment of life-transforming to give souls to inanimate objects is something that ordinary great lords and nobles or the royal families of some small secular kingdoms do not have the power or money to afford.

"I just hope Chris doesn't get ruthlessly returned by the other party just because he's so incompetent..."

(End of this chapter)