Chapter 17: Alchemist
Date: August 3rd, Year 1412
Time: Around 6 P.M.
Nearly two years had passed since Raven began studying Basic Alchemy. Today, he finally reached a milestone. With the help of his [Instant Memorize] skill, he had just finished reading the 588th book in the vast expanse of the Memory Library. As he stepped out, his face was etched with fatigue—his mind overloaded from the torrent of alchemical theory.
"Zera," he muttered, his voice low but resolute, "I've finished reading every book before the second year ended, just like you said. What now?"
[It's time,] Zera's calm, ever-collected voice replied. [Tonight, you'll reveal your identity as an Alchemist to Shirley and Athena.]
The words hit like a thunderclap. Raven's eyes widened in disbelief. "W-What?! Just like that? Do you think they'll even believe me? And how much should I tell them? Can I mention you?"
[Absolutely not.] Zera's voice was firm. [You'll say you were chosen as a student by an Alchemist Wizard. To make it believable, tell them the Knight Technique book you gifted Athena came from your teacher.]
"But I don't even have a teacher. I can't just toss out a random name—that could come back to haunt me."
[Say the name Charles Nightwind.] Zera's tone became strangely reverent. [He's not from this world. If time flows as I think, he must have surpassed even the Archmage level by now. A true Taboo Existence. Just mentioning his name might even draw his attention.]
Raven paused, puzzled. "Wait… is he the man I saw in those fragmented memories?"
[No. The man you glimpsed is Charles's teacher. Their relationship is... complicated. Let's not get into that now.]
Zera continued, more softly this time. [But listen—if you don't want your family pushing themselves recklessly to protect or support you, now's the time to come clean. Let them know. Give them the Extraordinary Sword Technique you copied too. That should soften the blow.]
Raven remained silent for a moment, staring out the window. The golden hues of twilight painted the sky in gentle tones, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. He took a slow, steady breath.
"Alright," he whispered. "I'll trust you, Zera. I'll tell them tonight."
[Good.] Zera's voice echoed with approval.
Raven got up from his bed, straightened his robes, and headed to the living room. He could hear Athena and Shirley talking quietly, their voices laced with concern. As he entered, they turned to him—Athena's ponytail swaying slightly, Shirley's sharp gaze narrowing as she sensed something serious.
"Raven?" Athena asked. "Is something wrong?"
He nodded, trying to steady his voice. "There's something important I need to tell you both."
The room went still.
With deliberate calm, Raven recounted the story Zera had coached him through. He spoke of being accepted by a Wizard named Charles Nightwind, and explained that the Knight Technique book he had given Athena had been a gift from his teacher.
The reactions were swift—blinking eyes, shifting postures, incredulous silence.
"I know it sounds impossible," Raven continued, "but for the past two years, I've been learning the basics of Alchemy."
"Alchemy?" Shirley's eyes narrowed. "You mean real Alchemy? The magical science of potions, reserved only for Wizards? But you had no known affinity..."
She trailed off, remembering the strange, out-of-place questions Raven had asked over the years—questions no child should've been able to form. Doubt and recognition began to war within her.
Athena frowned. "But how? You've barely left our side. When did you even meet this teacher?"
Before Raven could respond, Shirley spoke.
"No, Athena. Think about it—his behavior hasn't matched his age for a long time. It's like... he's aging faster mentally. Emotionally. At this rate, I'd say he's more like a fifteen-year-old than a seven-year-old."
She turned toward Raven, her expression unreadable. "Can we meet your teacher?"
Raven shook his head. "He doesn't like involving himself in mortal affairs. He only guides me from afar. He won't appear before anyone."
The silence returned—but heavier this time.
Then, Raven added the final blow. "And... he said that unless we find a way to repair my broken soul... I'll die in five years."
Athena's breath hitched, her hands trembling. "W-What?!"
"Gods above!" she cried out. "You can't just say something like that so casually!"
She ran to him, eyes wet with panic, and wrapped him in a tight embrace. "Why? Why do you have to say things like this?! What did I do wrong? Why does this world keep playing cruel jokes?!"
Even Shirley, who rarely showed her emotions, gripped her temples, her usually sharp demeanor lost in despair.
Zera's voice returned, quiet but urgent.
[They're breaking down fast. Tell them there's hope.]
Raven, on the edge of tears himself, sniffed and muttered, "Don't cry, sis. M-My teacher... he said there's still a way to survive."
Shirley snapped to attention. "There's a way?"
Raven nodded. "The first method is making a Life Potion. It can extend my lifespan—but its ingredients are extremely rare, even in big cities. Almost impossible to find here."
In truth, Raven knew the Life Potion wouldn't fix his soul. It could only mask his condition, improving his stamina and vitality at best—for a few more years.
"But there's another option," he added. "If I start concocting Low-Rank Potions and sell them, we could make enough gold to purchase the rarer ingredients from the Royal Capital. Before that, I'll need to check the local black market for herbs... and get basic alchemy equipment."
Shirley, regaining her composure, nodded slowly. "Low-Rank potions, huh? Like the Knight's Stamina Potion? They usually go for five or six coins each. Even if buyers offer us half, it's still a solid way to earn."
"Actually..." Raven corrected her gently, "those are mortal-grade potions. What I'll be making are true Low-Rank Wizard Potions. For example, the base price of a Life Potion is over 100 gold coins. If the purity is perfect, with no side effects, it could sell for more than 300."
The room fell utterly still.
"You're not joking... right?" Athena stared at him, eyes full of conflicting emotions.
"Whether he's joking or not," Shirley interjected, "we'll find out soon enough. But if what he's saying is true, then we need to be very careful."
"Why?" Athena asked.
"Because," Shirley said gravely, "the moment word spreads that we're selling potions of that quality, we'll become targets. Not just of Walkers—but of Wizards, criminals, factions, auction houses, and gods know what else. We don't have the strength to protect Raven's secrets yet."
[Your aunt is sharp, Raven,] Zera mused. [Despite being an Elite Knight, she knows her limits. Your sister, however... she's still a little too proud.]
'Wait... the sword techniques!' Raven suddenly remembered. His eyes lit up.
"Oh! There's something else! My teacher also gave you both a second gift!"
Without waiting for their response, he spun around and dashed toward the bedroom, leaving Athena and Shirley staring at each other in disbelief, caught between hope and uncertainty.