Chapter 267: An Attempt

Chapter 267: An Attempt

Whispers of rumors fluttered between apprentices, but Eve had long grown accustomed to such furtive glances and murmurs. She strode calmly into the lecture hall, settling into the designated seat at the front row.

Franca positioned herself at the side, standing by for any preparation needed, while two towering colossus automatons hovered midair, maintaining a watchful vigilance.

Time ticked by. The air grew heavier with tension.

At the precise moment the Mana Cursor illuminated the ninth hour, the lecture hall doors sealed shut in utter silence.

A crystalline screen slowly ascended from the podium, projecting a massive, intricate magic array diagram. The complex knowledge transmission formation ensured the lecturer’s voice and demonstrations would reach every corner of the room with flawless precision.

Suddenly, the atmosphere thickened. A surge of pure, powerful mana rippled through the hall, involuntarily straightening the spines of every apprentice present.

Luo En appeared on the stage. Dressed in a sleek, formal black mage’s robe adorned with the insignia of a Crystal Spire assistant professor, he eschewed the flamboyant displays typical of most full mages. Yet his quiet presence, radiating an unspoken authority, drew every gaze like a magnetic force.

“Today’s lecture: Advanced Potion Theory and Practice, Lecture One.”

Luo En’s voice, though measured, carried with crystalline clarity to every corner of the hall. The quiet potency in his tone compelled instant focus:

“I am Luo En Lalf, your instructor for this course.”

After a brief self-introduction, his gaze swept over the sea of apprentices. It lingered briefly on Eve before continuing:

“Alchemy is often dismissed as the most fundamental, even simplistic, branch of magecraft—deemed suitable only for apprentices with weak spiritual aptitude. This belief is a foolish and dangerous misconception.”

His blunt critique startled many, but he pressed forward without pause:

“True alchemy is not merely stacking formulas, mechanical chimera of ingredients, or repetitive procedural steps.”

His voice gained momentum, weaving an infectious energy:

“It is the study of life essence, the analysis and reorganization of matter’s deepest structures, and the most precise, flexible manipulation of manaform.”

With a flick of his hand, a row of transparent crystal vials materialized on the podium. Each contained liquids of vivid hues, shimmering under the mana crystal lamps.

“Today, I won’t recite formulas and steps you could find in any foundational textbook. Those are freely available in any entry-level manual.”

He selected a deep blue vial, swirling its contents into a strange vortex:

“Instead, I’ll demonstrate alchemy’s true allure and depth—how understanding life mana can birth unprecedented possibilities.”

Pouring the elixir into a specialized crystal vessel, the liquid began to boil, releasing a wisp of azure vapor.

“This is my modified ‘Lucidity Elixir.’ Unlike standard formulas, its innovation isn’t about adding rare materials or adjusting ratios. It’s a fundamental reimagining of its mechanism.”

Guiding the mana flow within the potion with precise control, the mana pathways became visible—like a living instructional diagram.

“The standard formula stimulates specific brain regions via ‘flame powder’ mana, contracting under pressure to alleviate fatigue. But this method is inefficient, often causing headaches or dry mouth.”

His fingers traced the liquid’s surface, redirecting the mana flow:

“The real issue lies in mana pathway disharmony. By adjusting the flow into a closed loop rather than a unidirectional stimulus, we enhance efficacy and reduce side effects—without extra materials.”

Each movement was elegant yet purposeful, a delicate dance of artistry and profound mastery.

“A potion master’s true value lies not in material acquisition or mechanical repetition, but in understanding and innovating formulas. A truly outstanding potion master, even with limited resources, can craft extraordinary elixirs through deep comprehension of mana principles.”

For two hours, Luo En dissected conventional potion mechanisms and explored the core principles of mana transformation, emphasizing creativity over rote adherence.

During the practical demonstration, he chose the “Spirit Stabilizer”—a formula typically reserved for senior apothecary apprentices.

“The Spirit Stabilizer’s core purpose is to reduce external spiritual interference without dulling cognitive abilities,” he explained, his voice steady and magnetic.

“Yet, the standard formula’s ‘moonshadow dandelion’ and ‘ice crystal heartstone powder’ inherently repel each other, destabilizing the potion and limiting its duration.”

He laid out a series of ingredients—some common, others rare but still accessible to high-tier apprentices.

"Observe the mana pathways of these herbs. Feel their interactions. Adjust ratios and procedures according to need—that is the true art of potion-making."

His fingers hovered over the mortar, guiding attention to the precise sequence of combinations. Every step was meticulously adapted, responding to real-time reactions rather than rigid protocols.

When handling the ice crystal heartstone powder, he deviated from tradition: softening it with a special solution, crystallizing it at low temperatures, then grinding it into powder. This novel approach significantly reduced its repulsion to moonshadow dandelion, allowing better fusion.

As the final drop fell into the vessel, the potion emitted a soft silver glow before stabilizing into a clear, pale violet liquid.

“This is the improved ‘Spirit Stabilizer.’ Its efficacy is 1.6 times the standard formula, with a 35% longer duration and nearly 60% fewer side effects.”

He paused, emphasizing:

“Notably, no rare materials were used—only optimized ratios and refined techniques.”

The hall fell silent. Apprentices sat frozen, eyes wide, as if their minds and fingers refused to believe what they’d witnessed.

“This is… incredible,” Jack whispered, his voice trembling with awe. “He adjusted ratios and sequences based on real-time reactions! Many senior lecturers couldn’t match Professor Luo En’s skill…”

Beside him, Lise ignored her companion entirely. Her mana-powered scribe quill furiously recorded Luo En’s words as she desperately processed the demonstration.

Even Eve, usually composed, watched with rare, rapt attention. Her amethyst eyes locked onto every motion of Luo En’s hands.

“Next, I’d like a volunteer to assist a simple experiment.”

Luo En’s gaze swept the hall, settling on Lise. The earnest curiosity in her brown eyes had drawn his notice from the start.

“You, the apprentice with the silver hairpin—would you mind joining me?”

Lise blinked in surprise, pointing at herself. After a nod from Luo En, her heart raced. Under countless stares, she ascended the stage.

“Don’t worry. It’s just a simple demonstration.”

His voice carried a natural calming power, easing her nerves. He held out a small vial of the newly brewed Spirit Stabilizer:

"Tell me, what's the greatest difficulty you usually encounter during meditation?"

Lise swallowed hard, her voice trembling with nervousness:

"My spiritual energy isn't focused enough. It's easily scattered by external distractions, and I can only maintain deep meditation for about ten minutes at most."

Luo En nodded thoughtfully—he could empathize completely, recalling his own struggles back in the Black Mist Jungle:

"A classic issue of beginner concentration deficiency. Very common among apprentices. It's mainly due to your spiritual energy pathways not being fully cleared, causing obstructed mana flow."

He retrieved a small crystal cup from the podium, added three drops of the potion he'd prepared earlier, then diluted it with spring water:

"This is a diluted version of the improved 'spirit stabilizer.' Its effects are mild but sufficient to demonstrate the underlying principles. Would you like to give it a try?"

Lise hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement.

She understood that a Treasure Grade genius wouldn't recklessly endanger others during a public demonstration.

More importantly, personally experiencing the effects of such a high-grade potion was a rare opportunity for an ordinary apprentice like herself.

Accepting the crystal cup, she carefully drank the pale purple liquid.

As the potion touched her tongue, a cool surge of mana radiated from her throat through her entire body.

It felt like tiny electric currents flowing along her meridians, awakening dormant mana at every node.

The sensation was both unfamiliar and marvelous—neither stimulating nor numbing, but an indescribable clarity.

It was as if someone had gently wiped away the dust from the mirror of her mind, making everything sharper and more distinct.

Her gaze suddenly sharpened, her thoughts crystallizing with unprecedented clarity.

The ambient mana flow became visible—like flowing ribbons of color dancing gracefully through the air.

"Now, attempt a brief meditation and notice how it differs from usual", Luo En instructed.

Lise nodded, closed her eyes, and began channeling spiritual energy using her familiar techniques.

To her astonishment, the usual chaotic thoughts and distractions vanished completely.

The spiritual energy flowed exceptionally smoothly, like a clear stream without obstacles or eddies.

Within just thirty seconds of meditation, the spirit condensation effect surpassed what she'd normally experience in ten minutes—an entirely new realm of sensation she'd never encountered before.

"This is incredible!"

Lise's eyes flew open, her face radiant with surprise and gratitude. Her hands trembled slightly from excitement:

"I've never felt anything like this—it's as if I've suddenly gained a higher tier of spiritual aptitude!"

Luo En smiled, satisfied with the young woman's reaction:

"This is precisely alchemy's greatest charm—it can compensate for innate talent deficiencies, allowing everyone to access higher spiritual states."

As the class neared its conclusion, Luo En briefly summarized the day's core content and assigned a small research task—analyzing the mana structure of a common potion to explore potential improvements.

"Remember, true alchemy isn't about memorizing formulas—it's about understanding principles."

His final words settled like seeds in every apprentice's heart:

"Only when you truly comprehend mana's flow and transformation can you transcend existing limitations and create your own miracles."

When the mana cursor reached 11 o'clock, the first class officially ended.

Yet the apprentices remained, buzzing with enthusiastic discussions about what they'd just witnessed.

Excited murmurs filled the classroom.

"Absolutely mind-blowing! It completely overturned my understanding of alchemy!"

"That improved 'spirit stabilizer' was unbelievable! Achieving such effects with common ingredients?!"

"This is real alchemy—not mechanically following formulas, but truly grasping the underlying principles!"

"I'm definitely signing up for the formal course—even 100 mana shard fragments would be worth it!"

Eve gently stroked the mana-isolation bracelet on her wrist, thoughts churning in her mind.

While the apprentices remained captivated by Luo En's class, she felt an undeniable sense of disappointment.

"An impressive lecture", she mused silently, "but insufficient to solve my fundamental problem."

Her violet eyes shimmered with complex emotions.

Franca leaned closer, whispering: "Prince, what's your impression?"

"A bit disappointing, though expected", Eve shook her head lightly. "Alchemy is certainly his strength, but there's still a vast distance between his level and what I require."

Watching the animated apprentices discussing their experiences, Eve's gaze carried deep envy.

For them, this was an eye-opening opportunity.

For her, just another ordinary attempt—yet another failure among countless others.

"Still, I'll complete his 'Bloodline Formulation Foundational' course", she decided. "His lecture did offer some rare inspiration."

Adjusting the intensity of her mana-isolation bracelet, she stood:

"After all, I shouldn't leave unfinished what I've started."

The unexpected inspiration from the lecture might even offer some boon to the other party...

Wait—boon?

The black-haired princess suddenly seemed struck by inspiration, her violet eyes blazing with realization.

Meanwhile, Lise remained on stage as the spiritual clarity gradually faded, though not completely disappearing.

The potion's effects receded gently rather than collapsing suddenly like ordinary elixirs, leaving no discomfort.

"Thank you, Assistant Professor Luo En", Lise bowed deeply, her gratitude evident. "This was my first experience achieving such profound meditative clarity."

Luo En nodded slightly, his lips curving into a warm smile:

"There's potential for improvement in everyone—the key lies in finding the right method. If you're interested in advancing further, my course will always welcome you."

Lise hesitated, thinking of the exorbitant tuition fees, then summoned her courage:

"Assistant Professor, are there any apprentice assistant positions available in your course?

I—I don't have enough mana stones, but I'm willing to trade time and labor for the learning opportunity."

Before Luo En could respond, his gaze shifted to Eve standing among the audience.

Those violet eyes locked directly onto his.

And he sensed a faint yet remarkably pure "Boon" emanating from her direction.

"Interesting. This level of pure Boon even surpasses Liliya, who possesses second-tier innate talent."

Luo En felt a flicker of surprise.

He turned back to Lise with a gentle smile:

"An excellent idea. Visit the faculty lounge after class tomorrow—we can discuss assistant arrangements in detail."

Lise's face blossomed with joy as she thanked him repeatedly before heading to her next class.

As the apprentices gradually dispersed, Luo En noticed the black-haired princess hadn't left but was walking steadily toward the podium.

"Assistant Professor Luo En, I'm Eve Saintmane", she introduced herself directly, her voice soft yet deliberate. "Your lecture was truly exceptional, especially your insights on optimizing mana pathways."

Luo En inclined his head in polite acknowledgment:

"Thank you for your kind words, Prince Saintmane. It's an honor having you attend my class in person."

"I'm even more eager for your upcoming 'Bloodline Formulation Foundational' course", Eve continued, her gaze probing. "Particularly the sections on mana transformation across different biological systems."

Luo En caught the subtle implication in her tone:

"Bloodline studies indeed hold immense possibilities—especially when addressing... unique circumstances."

Their polite exchange masked careful probing of each other's intentions.

"Additionally", Eve suddenly shifted topics, cutting straight to the core, "I've heard about your uniquely pure 'Boon'—rare even among Full Mages. Would you consider participating in a small experiment with me?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end