The Alchemist's Guide to Flesh and Blood Ascension

Hey, did you know... a new transfer student joined our potion class today, and his potions can fly!

In a corner of the Tircol Magic Academy, Yunevo, his eyes lifeless, rested against a tree, his chin propped up by one hand.

"Investigate the whereabouts of the missing genius... then give me a clue!"

A few days ago, after reaching an agreement, Norton entrusted him with this task in detail.

Given the Mage Guild's weakness in Hart City, Norton had to find truly capable individuals who could accomplish this independently to serve as spies.

But the look Norton gave him before leaving, as if he were looking at a "pig that's stealing cabbage"...

Yonivore felt that it would be best if he could do more than just gather intelligence; he could also help Yonivore solve the problem.

Otherwise, he might have been dealt with by Norton.

Although his school, Tircol Academy, was open to talented students from all walks of life in Hart City, it was also divided into distinct factions...

Oh dear, how could this little group be so mean!

Norton had told him that there were many church spies within the academy.

Therefore, an extremely disguised identity was brought out—Yuri, a genius boy who signed a "contract of servitude" with the Rhine family.

"This is a reason why the Rhine family should give up a transfer student spot."

Yoniv nodded slightly. Fortunately, no portrait of him had been leaked, so he didn't have to wear that damned disguise for the time being.

He weighed the freshman admission handbook in his hand; his resume was clearly obscured by the powerful hand of the Mage Association.

Instead, there is a magic apprentice full of "specializations" and "quirks".

For example, using dragon language magic to set the entire library ablaze, burning his throat for two weeks, and so on...

"Hey transfer student, how are you? You really stole the show in Potions class!"

A clear voice made Yonivo raise his head.

The student, dressed in the college's standard robes and wearing slightly cracked crystal glasses, was holding several thick textbooks and curiously scrutinizing him.

"Yuri Rhine...is that so?"

The student put the book aside, a hint of curiosity flashing across his face, before preparing his next words.

"It's me," Yunevo's expression changed instantly, revealing the arrogance and haughtiness unique to "genius eccentrics," and he pressed for an answer.

"You were so focused in class back then, you were...?"

"I am Milo White, a student of the Applied Science of Magic Source Structures," Milo said, pushing up his glasses, the crystal lenses reflecting a light of inquiry.

"Oh right, I minored in pharmacy, so I was able to see your amazing performance in class."

It's a completely different world... How can there still be civil engineering here?!

"What's the working principle behind your potion? How exactly does it... bypass the traditional vaporization magic source?"

He seemed to realize he had offended someone and quickly said something.

"Oh, I'm sorry... I just really wanted to know."

He seems like a typical "nerd," but I'm not sure, so I'll throw out some more bait...

Yoniv took a breath and explained, feigning impatience.

"Actually, it's some simplified application of rune magic, interdisciplinary and stuff..."

"You can even micro-carve runes!" Milo's voice rose several octaves, but his eyes remained crystal clear.

"Before enrolling in school... I studied a little on my own. The Rhine family told me to study hard, or they would break my legs and burn my collection of books," Yunevo said, shrugging.

"But wouldn't that require a deep understanding of the potion's magical components? Otherwise, the bottle would explode instead of floating in the air!"

"Good heavens...who was your previous mentor? This teaching method is too radical...how could they let students do this kind of thing!" Milo exclaimed, his eyes wide, feeling indignant on behalf of Yonivore.

"Self-taught."

According to the character's established persona... he should just happen to reveal a bit of frustration due to pressure and livelihood constraints, forcing him to figure out unconventional methods on his own.

"The Rhine family has no shortage of geniuses, so they will only provide the materials."

Milo's resentment remained, but as if resonating with Ionevoy, he sighed.

"There are many such mentors in the college... They come from the church and only value whether the top students are devout enough."

Top student... devout believer...

The keywords will then appear.

Ionevoy, his face still contorted with distress, patted Milo on the shoulder in sympathy.

"What's the purpose of having top-performing students at the academy?"

"They're just another kind of guy who signed a 'contract of servitude'... and the Sanctuary."

Milo curled his lip, his tone full of disdain. He looked around, leaned closer to Younevo, and whispered.

"However, the sanctuary is very strict; if those guys even show the slightest sign of disobedience..."

The Sanctuary? Eunhaw had heard of it; it was an independent research and living area funded by the Church on the west side of the Academy.

Throw a brick in there, and you're likely to hit someone connected to the church.

"What happens if one has a rebellious intention?"

His heart skipped a beat, but his face still showed the bewildered look that a new student should have.

Milo hesitated for a moment, perhaps out of a sense of shared misery, but the unambitious magic apprentice moved even closer.

Like whispering in class, make a breathy sound by covering your lips with your hand.

"Rumor has it that those geniuses are recalled by the Holy See under the guise of 'advanced studies' or 'headquarters selection,' and no one has seen them since!"

He paused, took a breath, and then continued.

"Actually, quite a few people went back to school, but well... they're like completely different people; all their former personalities and stuff have disappeared."

"Anyway... just treat it as a rumor. What if they did it voluntarily? After all, the resources provided by the church are much more than those of noble families like the Rhine family."

Voluntary? Is it the same as applying to start school early in my past life?

Yoniv sneered inwardly. The few apprentices who had disappeared from the file were all "troublemakers" with rebellious but progressive views in their respective fields.

Would a genius willingly live under someone else's roof?

"Hiss...that sounds a bit scary."

Even so, the acting still had to be on point, so Yune shrank his neck and leaned to one side.

"Yes! That's why the other students are all keeping far away from the sanctuary," Milo patted Yonevo on the shoulder, his voice returning to normal.

Anyway... I think it's best not to go unless absolutely necessary.

"I understand, thank you so much, Milo," Ionevo nodded, his tone carrying just the right amount of gratitude and dependence.

"It's nothing, it's nothing," Milo smiled, picked up the books stacked on the steps, and waved to Yonivore.

"It's almost time for the next class, so I'll be going now!"

Ionevoy nodded, and after watching Milo leave, he placed his hands on his cheeks, striking his characteristic thoughtful pose.

The initial information is in place... The next step is to unravel the mystery step by step.

At least you need to strike up a conversation with those top students first...