Since they had left the Pharmacy, Jason had been managing the shop very well, at least that’s the way he bragged about it. Clio and Iris handled most of the day to day operations and for once it was a fantastic sales day for soaps, tinctures, and other products. More specifically the recently produced ice chilled beverages made by Clio. While perfecting her Flash Freezing Technique she inevitably invented a new treat called a Frozen Ice Cream. Using local fruits for sweeteners she managed to make a variety of flavors from cream and ice.

Although it was Clio’s creation, Jason assumed he would take credit for such an ingenious idea. Instead he was scolded by Selene for selling an untested product before it had even been perfected. Master Zoe was not interested in this matter but instead rushed immediately to Iris’ room for her to examine the mysterious mineral Anthony had created during his confrontation in Iasera. Iris was astounded when she first examined the fusion of the broach and amulet. She was beyond amazed that this new mineral even existed as she held it in her hands.

“It can’t be possible?” She whispered, staring at a pale greenish compound with flecks of yellow and blue. “Blacksmiths and Mages have been trying for years to create a fusion of the Elemental Minerals but no one ever succeeded...”

“...until now Ms. Clotho.” Master Zoe said. “All I want to know is how is it even possible?”

“You’re asking someone who didn’t believe it was until just now.” Iris shook her head nervously.

“Surely you have a theory though? You told me your family was very familiar with metalworks, both ordinary and mystical.” Iris held her breath to regain her composure and then thought carefully of her next words.

“Everyone thinks that elemental minerals can only be found in the bodies of sacred animals, but there have been cases where it can also be found in the dirt and mountain regions in great beast gravesites. Ms. Gaia, you told me that everything becomes part of the Earth because it’s part of the natural decomposition of all things.”

“Is it a lesson about animals or minerals?” Jason inquired.

“I’m getting to that farm boy, if you’ll listen to the rest of what I have to say.” She took a breath and began again. “When mages refine raw elemental gems into their purest state, they’re not so much adding to it so much as scripting away the non-elemental properties from a concentrated source, we call elemental gems. In the same way, augmenting gems is just spreading the elemental gems into the entire part of the gem much in the same way the skin or body parts are used in armor and tools. This makes them more responsive but loses their integrity much like how rotten skin becomes worthless if it’s not tanned immediately.”

“Where exactly are you going with this discussion?” Selene asked in suspenseful anticipation.

“I think I know, it’s what I’ve been thinking about on the whole trip back to Gourd.” Anthony had been quiet through this group discussion but felt the time was right to add his own insight. “When I was engaged in combat I felt as if there was life growing from one element to another, in the same way I felt that night at the farm when my blade transformed into its new crystalized state.”

“Can you describe that feeling for me?” Master Zoe asked.

“The first time, it felt like a flame in a furnace.” He described. “The flame seemed to die out, but when it stopped it came back stronger than ever. The second time, it felt like water falling trickling down a stone, smoothing out the edges of a jagged rock.”

“That last part sounds like the life of a river rock...” Iris lit up with a revelation in her eyes. “...Your ring Anthony, were you wearing it that night at the barn?”

“Yes, why?”

“May I see it, please?”

As instructed Anthony took off the mythril ring on his right hand finger and showed it to Iris. Immediately she put down the strange new material and began examining the ring with a loupe much to everyone’s curiosity. In a few seconds she lifted her head like a woman possessed with inspiration.

“I knew it!” She held the ring up for everyone to see. “The quality has diminished since the last time I saw it.”

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“What does that mean? For those of us who didn’t work in the mines?” Jason said.

“Remember when I saw your new knife? I said it wasn’t really a fire gem anymore, that was before you showed me this new mineral but now I think my theory is correct.” She placed the ring and trinket together side by side for all to see in her shop while Anthony placed his knife next to them. “If this new mineral is what I think it is, it’s not augmentation or refinement but a complete transmutation, into a new element. It’s a complete fusion of both Xiangorite and Fortacillium, two complementary forces. In the same way that mythril ring and dagger’s state is a very similar fusion of Orchialcum and Mythirl. For the life of me I don’t even know how it’s even possible.”

“Ms. Gaia, do you have a theory?” Clio asked, having been the quietest of them all until this time.

“I do Clio and it’s something I’ve been theorizing this whole time, but it wasn’t until recently I realized just how much I was truly missing.” She looked at the two elements. “When I was examining Anthony’s body a few nights ago, I took some readings while he was in his trance-like state. What I found was something I’ve never found before.”

“I recall that, the gems broke the moment he woke up, and cost us out of a hundred gold.” Selene objected.

“In medicine I learned that the body is not one part but made up several parts all working together to create life. In the same way organs and muscles regulate magic, they also allow a mage to break into the five circles of magic. However, what if the Ion that I’ve been looking for is not one part of the body but all parts working together in unison. If that were true, that would mean the key to Ion is not a circle but more like a sphere, a sphere that right now is only accessible by someone who can comprehend this circle...like Anthony.”

“You’re saying...I've unlocked a magical ability?” Anthony was almost dumbstruck by this revelation.

“Indeed you have, kid, but not in the way anyone could think.” Master Zoe placed her bony palm upon his shoulders. “Right now it’s raw and instinctive but who knows in time you could not only learn how to use it, but master it like I did all those years ago.”

“W-w-wait, time out.” Jason stopped everyone. “How is magic related to the creation of new elements?”

“It makes perfect sense, ha ha.” Iris began to laugh hysterically. “Elemental Gems are just attached to a natural organ in greater beasts and demons, humans learned to access it by studying them. If this ion exists and it is connected to Anti, it’s possible it’s a natural elemental gem but one that humans have never developed until now.”

“You’re saying he can do this again if wanted.”

“It’s entirely possible with training and testing.” Master Zoe.

“Thank the Kings!” Jason cheered. “This means our shop will become popular, which means now I can get that back pay I’ve been promised for the last couple of years.”

“I wouldn’t celebrate just yet.” Clio cautioned. “People may accept that Anthony is a strange kind of mage, but there are new elements that could be an opening for some serious unwanted attention.”

“She’s right.” Selene said, tapping him on the shoulder. “A new element means new markets, new opportunists and new dangers. If we don’t play this right we’ll be vulnerable to a lot more than just rival groups. We’re talking about people with deep pockets, maybe even Imperial interference. They could classify Anthony and this whole operation as a national secret or a threat.”

“So...no back pay?” Jason moaned.

“Not yet Jason, but with the right business plan you’ll be on the ground floor of major money I can guarantee it.”

Jason was sad but also happy at the promises of riches to come.

“In the meantime, we need to think of a name for these new mineral fusions.” Selene looked at the objects on the table. “While the process will be kept secret for now, we’re gonna need a name to put on the future paperworks I’ll be filing later along the road.”

“Oh, can I do it?” Iris raised her hand enthusiastically. “I’ve always wanted to name a new compound.”

“Typically it’s the discoverer of the metal who gets that honor, what say you Bios?” Master Zoe said much to Iris who was disappointed but understanding.

“I already have one name in mind.” Anthony said, picking up his dagger and holding it in his hand. “I shall use this element Zoiaster, for it reminds of a story of how Master Zoe conjured fire from wind, in the same way this Orchialcum draws strength from Mythirl.”

“...clever.” Master Zoe simply said. “Then how about you name the other one Biotanium because it’s a mix of water of earth, a thing the two of you have a lot in common.”

“I beg your pardon Master Zoe?” Anthony asked in a puzzled state.

“It’s regarding something else I noticed during the examination Bios, although I’d like to reveal it in confidence.” She said as she started to walk outside the room. “Oh...and Ms. Clio, I'd like you to listen closely as well.”

“M-me?” Clio had been practically silent through the whole proceedings.

It was true that Clio was practically an assistant to Zoe, and oftentimes she had to assist her, but when dealing with confidential information she retained a modicum of privacy for the patient. For the life of her, Clio couldn’t understand why she would allow Anthony and her to listen to what Master Zoe had to say. Anthony didn’t know what it was but it must have been important considering that not everyone in the office was allowed to listen in.