The most shameless alchemist in history

"Maple City, here I come!"

092 Thriving and prosperous

As the magic energy research center of the Snow Kingdom, Maple City is the second largest city in the Snow Kingdom after Frost City. Thanks to the vigorous development of steam technology, it has triggered a revolution in power. The most direct benefit of power is the increase in productivity and the increase in the commercial prosperity index.

As a traditional center of magical energy, Maple City, under the impact of the steam revolution, not only did not reject this emerging technology, but also absorbed and integrated it. This allowed Maple City to take into account both magical energy and steam elements, which is evident in the city's overall architectural style.

After leaving the train station, Dure wandered through the streets of Maple City. Tall buildings stood side by side, and the street stalls sold a dazzling array of goods. People of different skin colors and hair colors moved back and forth on the streets, which were wide enough to accommodate four carriages traveling side by side.

"Although I was mentally prepared, this place is even more bustling than I imagined. No wonder so many people want to live in big cities. Hot spring village can't compare to this place at all. These fresh vegetables and fruits can't be locally grown, can they?"

Although this was Du Lei's first time in Maple City, he had learned geography from books and knew that different places have different climates and terrains, and therefore different fruits and vegetables grow. For example, in their hot spring village, the cold soil was only suitable for growing vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes.

"Young man, you have a good eye. These were all transported from cities in the south. The alchemists made preservation balls beforehand to wrap these fruits and vegetables, ensuring they wouldn't spoil. Then they transported them by train to our Maple City in the north, so we can also enjoy fresh vegetables."

The street vendor, pointing to the bright red vegetables, spoke with a hint of pride, indicating that he had been doing this for a long time.

"Are the preservation balls made by alchemists these foam-like things that cover the surface of vegetables?" Du Lei became interested. He approached the stall, and all the luscious fruits and vegetables on the stall were covered with a transparent film, like water bubbles.

"Yes, this is a preservation ball. As long as it's covered by the preservation ball, it will stay fresh even after a month or two and will definitely not spoil. Thanks to the alchemist's magical power, we northerners can also enjoy southern fruits. Of course, we should also thank the invention of steam power."

"Because just having plastic bags isn't enough, we also need trains to transport these southern fruits to our north. We're so grateful to live in this great era. Young man, is this your first time in Maple City? Hold it in your hands and take a look. It's okay, plastic bags aren't that easy to break."

The vendor was introducing the food preservation balls. He could tell that Du Lei was new to the place, so he kindly reminded Du Lei to look carefully.

"Is this subtle feeling the power of water?" Du Lei picked up a tomato from the stall and held it in his hand. He gently pressed down on it through the plastic wrap and found that the plastic wrap made a dent. He released his hand and it returned to its original shape. He closed his eyes and sensed it.

"That's right, the preservation balls are made by alchemists using water. Young man, can you also sense elemental power? Judging from your appearance, you must be a student going to study at Maple Leaf Academy." The vendor had excellent eyesight and immediately saw through Du Lei's purpose in coming to Maple City.

"Huh, how did you know?" Du Lei was a little surprised. He didn't expect that a mere vendor would be so capable when he first arrived in Maple City.

"It's easy to guess, isn't it? These days are the enrollment period for Maple Leaf Academy. You're carrying luggage and look like a stranger from out of town. And at your age, you're definitely a student. Recently, quite a few students like you have come to Maple City to pursue their studies."

The vendor gave the answer with a smile. He didn't look down on Du Lei because he was from out of town; he was a kind-hearted person.

"I see. That's right, I am indeed here to study. I come from Wenxueying Town." Du Lei originally wanted to say Wenquan Village, but Wenquan Village is a small place name that not many people know, so he changed his words.

"Snow Eagle Town? I think I've heard travelers mention it. It's a small border town in the east, where snow eagles are produced. The nobles in the capital like to raise eagles and such." The vendor was very talkative. Although he hadn't been to many places, he had met many people from all over the world.

"By the way, I'd like to ask how to get to Maple Leaf Academy?" Du Lei asked about the important matter after chatting for a few minutes.

"Maple Leaf Academy, buddy? Just keep walking straight down this street, turn left at the second intersection, and keep going straight for two blocks. You'll see it then. It's one of the signs for Maple City, very easy to spot," the vendor said enthusiastically to Du Lei, pointing out the way.

"Keep going straight, turn left at the second intersection, and then go around two blocks. I think I understand now. Thank you very much." Du Lei noted down the vendor's words, thanked him, and then planned to head towards Maple Leaf Academy.

"Oh, right, buddy, this is for you." Just as Du Lei was about to leave, the vendor suddenly picked up a tomato from his stall and threw it to him.

"How much is this?" Du Lei took the tomato from his hand. He remembered that he had troubled others, so it was only right to spend money to buy something.

"This is free, it's a gift for you, young man. I hope your academic journey will be as prosperous and successful as this tomato," the vendor grinned.

"How can this be?" Du Lei was stunned. He didn't expect to meet such a kind-hearted person who wouldn't even take the money.

"Oh dear, I used to want to learn magic powers too, but my aptitude was too poor and no one would accept me, so I could only sell fruit. Seeing you, bro, is like seeing myself back then, hahaha, sorry, sorry, I'm talking to myself again. Please accept me, bro."

The vendor was filled with emotion as he reminisced about the past. He wasn't a local of Maple City. When he was a boy, he had also come to Maple City alone, just like Du Lei, but he hadn't achieved what he wanted.

“But you’re in business, how can you not take money?” Du Lei still felt a little guilty.

"Brother, I call this an investment in the future. What if you become a great alchemist or something? Then I can brag to people that I had the foresight to recognize you, hahaha. Alright, alright, hurry up and go, don't stay out too late." The vendor waved his hand.

"Thanks a lot then. Um, that's over there." Du Lei smiled and finally accepted the tomatoes.

But at that moment he suddenly noticed an out-of-control carriage rushing towards him from his right.

093 You're lucky.

The streets of Maple City are very wide, and under normal circumstances, it is not difficult for four carriages to travel side by side. According to the street plan, the sidewalks and the main roads for carriages are strictly separated. Usually, carriages travel on the planned main roads and will never wander onto the sidewalks.

But there are always exceptions. After arriving in Maple City, Du Lei first encountered a kind vendor, but soon encountered an exception: an out-of-control carriage rushed onto the sidewalk and charged aggressively towards him. Normally, with his skills, he could easily dodge it.

After all, let alone in the snow-capped mountains, even just a day ago when he was trapped in the snowfield on the train, he fought with the snow wolves. The snow wolves were not much faster and more agile than the carriage, and he still managed to dodge them. But Du Lei knew very well that he couldn't dodge now.

He clearly saw a little girl, who looked to be only ten years old, squatting down not far ahead, picking up a doll that had fallen to the ground. She was completely unaware of the approaching carriage, and even if she knew her location, she wouldn't be able to avoid it on her own.

"Get out of the way, get out of the way! All you commoners, get out of the way! Stop it! Stop it!" On the carriage, the driver whipped the tall horse pulling the carriage, its wild galloping making the carriage bounce. He whipped the horse and shouted at the same time.

"I found it! This is such an important thing, I can't lose it! It's my birthday present from Daddy!" The little girl hurriedly ran to the roadside, picked up the doll, and carefully held it in her hands. Just then, the out-of-control carriage was almost upon her, about to hit her.

"Watch out!" Just as her fragile body was about to be knocked to the ground by the carriage, a figure swiftly rushed out from the fleeing crowd, lunged forward, and pushed the little girl away before the carriage could hit her. The two rolled on the ground, accompanied by a long neighing of the horse.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, my baby! Hey, what's wrong with you? Why did you bump into me like that? It hurts so much!" The little girl rolled on the ground several times, but luckily she was held tightly in the other person's arms and was not hurt. After she came to her senses, she rubbed her body.

Although she was young, she was not shy. She originally wanted to scold the strange guy, but at this moment she noticed the carriage that had stopped in fright not far to her right. She bit her finger and thought carefully, then tilted her head, as if she was recalling what had just happened, deep in thought.

"What's going on? Who bumped into my carriage driver? Do you want to lose your head?" After the carriage stopped after a bumpy ride, someone got out of it. It was a girl who looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old, wearing a gorgeous long dress.

Her hair was styled in twin ponytails and cascaded over her shoulders. She had a slender waist and fair, delicate skin, as white as milk. She was an absolute beauty. At this moment, she was pointing at the panicked coachman and scolding him sternly, her attitude extremely arrogant. This terrified the coachman.

"Miss, I, I, I don't know what happened either," the coachman said, knowing the young lady's temper, and dared not breathe too loudly.

"Hmm, did someone bump into the carriage? Otherwise, Xueke is so gentle, she wouldn't do that. Hmm, is that you, that black-haired country bumpkin?" The girl got off the carriage, her gaze shifting from the coachman. She gently stroked the snow-white horse, showing it affectionateness.

After calming the horse down, she turned to look at Dure, who was lying on the ground in front of the carriage, just getting up and covered in dust.

"Hey, are you the owner of the carriage? This is a sidewalk. Do you know how dangerous this is? I almost fell over just now." After confirming that the little girl was alright, Du Lei breathed a sigh of relief. In the process of falling over, he had aggravated the wound that the snow wolf had torn open on the snowfield.

He grimaced in pain, and feeling depressed, he saw a young lady walking towards him. He couldn't help but feel a bit resentful, and his tone became somewhat harsh.

"How dare you ram my carriage! Do you even know who I am? Or do you think you have more heads than you can handle? You lowly country bumpkin!" The beautiful girl suddenly swung her whip at Du Lei, who instinctively dodged.

But a whip is not like a sword. Even though he dodged the direct lash, the tip of the whip still struck his face with a crisp "smack." Du Lei touched his cheek and felt a burning pain, which instantly ignited his anger.

"Not only did you allow the carriage to drive recklessly on the sidewalk, but you also assaulted someone!" Du Lei was furious. Although he had reminded himself before coming to Maple City to keep a low profile and avoid trouble, now things had deliberately come his way.

"What? Do you think you can come up and teach me a lesson, you lowly country bumpkin? I'm ordering you to apologize to me right now. If you apologize now, I might spare your life. Otherwise..." The beautiful girl showed no remorse for her actions and remained extremely arrogant.

"I'll apologize to you, okay, okay, then I'll apologize to you." Du Lei bent down, touched the dagger hidden in his boot, looked around and found that many people were watching, which made him change his mind. He moved his hand away from the dagger and touched the bag at his waist.

The bag was filled with a lot of powder. When he saw the other person's pretty face, a thought popped into his head, and he smiled coldly.

"Oh, right, miss, aren't we in a hurry? We're going to be late soon." Just then, the coachman, who had just been scolded, suddenly remembered this and immediately reminded him from behind.

"Oh right, there's something very important I need to do. I almost forgot. It's all your fault. You almost delayed my important business. Well, you're lucky today, I'll spare your life. Let's hurry over, we absolutely can't be late." The girl checked the time and remembered what she needed to do.

After glaring at Dure, she turned and got back into the carriage. The coachman immediately led the tall, white horse back to the main road. With a clatter of hooves, the carriage quickly left the street and gradually went further and further away, leaving behind only a crowd of onlookers and a gloomy-faced Dure.

"Whether it's good luck or not, I don't know who's lucky. I hope I don't see you again next time, otherwise..." Du Lei was very angry. He slowly loosened his hand from the bag at his waist. He stared at the carriage until it completely disappeared before he looked away.

"Well, I'm a little confused about the situation, but you definitely saved me just now, right? My name is Sherry, what's your name?" Just then, a voice came from behind Du Lei, and he turned around in a daze.

The little girl he had just rescued was looking at him with a smile.

094 Deadline

Having just arrived in Maple City, Du Lei was deeply impressed by the local customs and culture. There were vendors who enthusiastically gave him tomatoes and wished him success in his studies, as well as spoiled young ladies who openly whipped others in the street. It was quite an eye-opener for him.

Although he had gotten involved with the unknown young lady because he saved the little girl, after noticing that many people around him were looking at him, he picked up his luggage and left in a hurry. Only then did he begin to regret his impulsive actions.

As an outsider, he was worried that if he caused trouble upon arrival and offended the local powerful figures, his life would be in trouble. No matter how the little girl called to him from behind, he ignored her and quickly headed towards Maple Leaf Academy, following the route the vendor had given him.

"Turn left at the second intersection, then go around two blocks. This should be the second block. Let me see if Maple Leaf Academy is there. Oh, I see it, that's it. As expected of the famous Magic Energy Research Academy in the Snow Country, it is truly magnificent."

After walking for more than half an hour, Du Lei finally saw a tall and magnificent building not far ahead. He roughly counted the floors and found that it had nine floors. There was also a fountain swaying in front of the building. All of this made him feel very novel, and he immediately went into the building.

"Hello, my name is Du Lei, and I am a student here at Maple Leaf Academy. May I ask what's wrong?" This was Du Lei's first time in such a place. After entering the building, he felt a little uncomfortable seeing everything so magnificent, especially the crystal chandelier on the ceiling that emitted a dazzling light, exuding an air of elegance and luxury.

"Oh, are you a student here to register? Why are you so late? Our registration closed yesterday." On the first floor of the building, a kind-looking, middle-aged, portly man said with some regret, which surprised Du Lei.

"What? It's already over? Shouldn't the deadline for Maple Leaf Academy's registration be the 2nd? Today is only the 1st, there should still be one day left." Du Lei was a little anxious and immediately argued. He had come all the way to Maple Leaf Academy to study, and he didn't want to get this result.

"Don't worry, it's just that the reception period has ended. Since the students all arrived about a week in advance, you should still be able to register if you get to the Academy Mountain now," the chubby uncle said with a smile, checking the time.

Du Lei was a little confused by what he said about "Academy Mountain" and didn't understand it at all.

"Young man, this is just the reception area for Maple Leaf Academy, used to receive new students who come to register. However, the reception here has already closed. If you want to register, you'll have to go to the other side of Academy Mountain now." The chubby uncle pointed to the other side outside the gate.

"Oh, is that so?" Du Lei followed the fat man's pointing finger. In the area he could see, everything was lush and green; there was no academy in sight.

"Yes, if it were yesterday, we could have used the imprint points on the magic teleportation device to send you there directly, but now the imprint points have been erased, so you'll have to run there yourself. Well, time might be a bit tight. Good luck, buddy," the chubby uncle said with a smile.

"I understand now that it took a whole day to get to the mountains, thank you." After thanking the man, Du Lei finally understood what was going on. He immediately rushed out of the building and headed towards the deep mountains opposite, following the direction pointed out by the middle-aged fat man.

Shortly after he left, a girl who looked only thirteen or fourteen years old, wearing a dark red, black-trimmed, classical court-style dress, came down from the second floor of the reception area, yawning. She had overheard Dure and the fat man's conversation on the stairs, but she stopped there.

"Fant, is it really okay for you to deceive others like this? Don't you feel any remorse?" She glared at the middle-aged, overweight man, quite displeased.

"Teacher Owl, are you finally awake? What were you saying? I couldn't understand a word you were saying," the middle-aged, chubby man said with a smile.

"You're clearly the space magic teacher responsible for sending students to Academy Mountain, and it's your duty to send that boy there. But you lied to him, saying there was a deadline, and made him run there on his own. Putting aside how long and far the journey would be, just the level of danger..."

The girl, nicknamed "Owl," paused here, as she knew the Academy Mountain all too well.

"Oh dear, did you find out, Owl Teacher? Actually, it's not entirely my fault. People tend to become lazy as they get older, and teleporting consumes a lot of magic energy. If you could give me a crystal bottle to replenish my magic energy, Owl Teacher, I wouldn't mind using it."

The middle-aged, overweight man spoke with an air of self-righteousness, and he seemed to always have a smiling face, appearing harmless.

"Don't even think about taking my crystal bottles. What a pathetic boy. He was so grateful to you when he left, but he didn't know that he had been completely deceived by you. I really don't know how the academy could have arranged for someone like you to be here doing reception work. It's outrageous."

The owl commented on the middle-aged, overweight man: "She's a very straightforward person, not just to him, but even to the dean of the academy."

"Teacher Owl, I'm really heartbroken by what you're saying. But then again, why aren't you staying in the mountains? Why are you coming down here?" The middle-aged, chubby man said with a smile, his face showing no sign of anger.

At the same time, he was curious as to why this reclusive girl would voluntarily come down the mountain; it was really too strange.

"I have some personal matters to attend to. She should be arriving soon," the owl yawned, looking like she was still half asleep.

"Oh, we're here! We've finally seen you, teacher! It's been so long!" Just then, someone ran into the hall. She saw the owl and came over to greet her. She looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old, a little older than the owl.

"I've told you so many times, I'm not your teacher. So, have you found what I asked you to find?" The owl flatly denied being called a "teacher." Although the middle-aged, chubby uncle Fant also called her a "teacher," there was still a difference between a teacher with a prefix and one without.

"Even if you don't admit it, you are still my teacher. I found it! This is the calming flute you wanted. How about it? Now you can take me as your disciple, right?" The girl handed her a flute and said excitedly.

“I never said I wanted to take you as my disciple, but the academy is currently recruiting students, so you could try applying.” The owl took the flute.

"Oh, I want to be your disciple, teacher. I don't want to go to the academy." The girl was a little unhappy about this.

"Miss Euphemia, Teacher Owl is a teacher at the academy. To become her disciple, you must first enroll in the academy," the middle-aged, portly man reminded her.

"Oh, is that so? I understand. I'll go to the academy to register right away," said Yuffie, overjoyed.

If Dure had stayed a few minutes longer, he would have recognized the girl as the one who had allowed the carriage to run over her.