https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-758-The-Method-of-Creating-the-Philosopher-s-Stone/13454607/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-760-The-Start-of-School-and-the-Prefect-Badge/13454609/
Chapter 759: Eternal Youth and Immortality
Chapter 759: Eternal Youth and Immortality
Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and Ivan successfully mastered the Magic Guidance Alchemical Array before Hogwarts opened its doors. However, his practice with Enchantment Magic wasn't as smooth; even now, he still couldn't enchant an object in a single second.
But creating the Philosopher's Stone wasn't something that could be rushed, so Ivan remained relaxed. If necessary, he could always practice more at school.
On September 1st, the first day of school, Ivan woke up early, grabbed his trunk, and hurried downstairs.
Perhaps because of the impending farewell, today's breakfast was especially lavish, with the table laden with a variety of dishes. The diligent Alchemical Creatures bustled about, and when they saw Ivan, they warmly combined to push a chair out for him.
This was the first time Ivan had been treated with such warmth, and he was a bit taken aback. He looked at Nicolas Flamel, who simply smiled and gestured toward the food.
Ivan smiled back, put aside his thoughts, and began to eat heartily with his fork and knife. Nicolas Flamel also joined him, taking a few bites.
After about fifteen minutes, as the departure time drew near, Ivan, feeling full and satisfied, put down his utensils and turned to the white-bearded Nicolas Flamel, speaking with solemnity.
"Master, thank you very much for your guidance during this time. I'll come to visit you again next summer."
Ivan knew that for someone like Nicolas Flamel, a Master of Alchemy, material rewards held little significance. The best he could do was to spend more time with him.
However, after Ivan spoke, Nicolas Flamel shook his head. "You are the most talented student I have ever seen, Hals. In just a month and a half, you have completed all the courses I prepared for you. I believe there is nothing more I can teach you..."
"Don't say that, Master. My alchemy is still at the beginner level, and I have much to learn from you..." Ivan quickly responded.
The deeper Ivan delved into alchemical knowledge, the more he realized how profound and complex it was. At his current seventh-level proficiency, he had only just begun to touch the most advanced alchemical knowledge. Understanding and mastering it would likely take another decade or more, even with a Master's guidance and the help of the System.
So, hearing Nicolas Flamel's words, Ivan felt a mix of anxiety and unease.
"Do not undervalue yourself. With your current alchemy level, you are worthy of the title of Alchemical Master. The path ahead must be found on your own; no one can help you further..." Nicolas Flamel's expression remained calm as he spoke slowly.
Ivan was eager to say something but was interrupted by Nicolas Flamel again. "Do you remember the question you asked me a few days ago?"
Question?
Ivan recalled that a few days ago, he had asked Nicolas Flamel why he had destroyed the Philosopher's Stone he had worked so hard to create, but he hadn't received an answer then.
"Now I can answer you... it's because I no longer need that Philosopher's Stone!" Nicolas Flamel said with a sense of liberation.
No longer need it? Ivan looked at the Alchemical Master in front of him, finding it hard to understand.
If it were him, he would never give up such a precious treasure unless he was on the brink of death.
Wait... death?
Ivan suddenly realized something.
"You're right, Hals. Everything has its limits. The power of the Philosopher's Stone can grant eternal youth, but not immortality..." Nicolas Flamel nodded, revealing the answer directly.
"So... you mean to say... you're about to..." Ivan stammered, unable to bring himself to say the words.
"Actually, I should have faced death long ago, but I used the power of the Philosopher's Stone to delay this outcome for over five hundred years... it has been enough!" Nicolas Flamel said with a sense of reflection, a hint of a smile on his face, showing no fear of death.
From the moment he used the Philosopher's Stone to create the Elixir of Life, he had never stopped drinking potions, and his resistance to them had grown stronger over time.
At first, he only needed to drink one potion every three years to maintain his bodily functions, but recently, his resistance had become so strong that he had to drink a potion every few days just to keep going. His body was far from its former state.
While Nicolas Flamel could technically survive for a few more years, the potion's ability to slow aging had lost all its effect on his wife, who had been by his side for over six hundred years. Living longer alone was meaningless.
That was why he had lent the Philosopher's Stone to Dumbledore to help in the fight against the Dark Lord, and afterward, he had completely destroyed the Philosopher's Stone he had worked so hard to create.
After all, the last reason for his continued existence was gone. If it weren't for Ivan's appearance, which sparked in Nicolas Flamel the desire to cultivate a worthy successor, he would have long since stopped taking potions and joined his wife in death.
Now, Nicolas Flamel was certain that this exceptionally talented and hardworking young wizard in front of him would surpass him in the future and might even reach the pinnacle of alchemy.
With his final wish fulfilled, he could finally face death with peace of mind...
Upon learning that Nicolas Flamel's time was near, Ivan felt as if something had blocked his heart, and his vision became blurry.
He had only been here for less than half a year, but he had already grown to love this secluded haven far from the world, and he had come to regard Nicolas Flamel as a respected elder...
His ten days of continuous, tireless study were both to quickly master the method of creating the Philosopher's Stone and to avoid disappointing him...
"Death is nothing to fear, Hals. It is a part of life, a long and peaceful rest that everyone must eventually experience", Nicolas Flamel said, trying to comfort the emotionally low Ivan. Then, he handed over two thick books.
Ivan instinctively took them and glanced at the titles: The Book of Jewish Abraham and The Book of Hieroglyphs.
"The first book I obtained by chance in my early years. It contains many advanced alchemical knowledge, and it took me 21 years to decipher it and delve into the creation of a Philosopher's Stone", Nicolas Flamel murmured, his gaze lingering on The Book of Jewish Abraham with a hint of nostalgia. He stood in a daze for a while before snapping back to reality.
Next, he introduced The Book of Hieroglyphs to Ivan. This was his personal manuscript where he recorded runic inscriptions and alchemical arrays, and it should provide Ivan with some assistance...
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(End of Chapter)
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