The days in Profundia were shrouded in eternal twilight, an underground world filled with secrets and mysteries. Despite the darkness, the city pulsed with life and energy. Today, my mother, Lysa, and I were heading to the laboratory of the master alchemist, Halvor, a man who would play a more significant role in my life than she realized.
“Kaion, it’s time to go,” called my mother, her voice echoing through the cavernous streets of Profundia. The dim surroundings were softened by floating spheres of light, strategically placed to illuminate our path.
“I’m coming, Mother,” I replied, adjusting my cloak. The heavy, dark fabric was perfect for the cold, damp temperatures of our underground home.
We walked together along the cobblestone streets lined with buildings of stone and reinforced wood. The inhabitants of Profundia, with their pale skin and eyes adapted to low light, greeted us with respect. The hustle and bustle of merchants and adventurers filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere amid the shadows.
Finally, we arrived at a structure that stood out even in this setting: the master alchemist’s laboratory. The iron-forged doors and narrow, high windows gave it a fortress-like appearance. My mother knocked on the door in a rhythmic pattern, and soon the elderly man appeared, his face wrinkled but his eyes bright with ancient wisdom.
“Lysa, Kaion, welcome,” Halvor said with a smile. His deep and comforting voice resonated from the threshold of the laboratory.
“Thank you for receiving us, Master Halvor,” my mother replied, bowing her head respectfully.
“Ah, Kaion, it seems we meet again under more formal circumstances,” said Halvor, a spark of amusement in his eyes. I couldn’t help but smile.
Lysa looked at us oddly, staying silent and waiting for us to explain.
“That’s right, Master. I’m eager to learn,” I said, bowing respectfully.
“Come in, there’s much to teach and little time to do it,” he invited us inside, and we followed him into the laboratory.
The interior of Halvor’s laboratory was a spectacle of alchemical wonders: jars and bottles of all sizes and colors lined ancient wooden shelves, while a worktable in the center held an array of tools and leather-bound books worn from use. The air was thick with the scent of exotic herbs and chemical compounds, a blend of aromas that suggested mystery and knowledge.
“Kaion, this old man here is much more than a mere seller of materials,” my mother said, breaking the silence. “Master Halvor is one of the most renowned alchemists on our continent.”
“Oh, Lysa, don’t exaggerate. I’m just a humble alchemist who’s lived long enough to pick up a few tricks,” Halvor replied with a modest smile.
“How did the two of you meet?” my mother asked, looking at the elderly man curiously as she surveyed the laboratory.
“Well, young Kaion and I met by accident—but a fortunate accident,” Halvor began. “I was outside my shop, preparing to gather rare ingredients, when I came across him hunting Deep Moths near Triumph Hill. After helping him, we began talking, and I discovered his interest in alchemy.”
“So, I decided to buy his moths at a fair price,” he added with a guttural laugh.
My mother frowned and turned to me with a reproachful look.
“Kaion, you’ve been selling Halvor materials?” she asked sternly. “And at a fair price?”
Before I could respond, Halvor intervened.
“Lysa, don’t be too hard on the boy. In fact, he’s shown great interest and understanding for alchemy. It was his curiosity that brought him to me, not the intention of making a profit.”
My mother raised an eyebrow, putting two and two together. “So that’s what you were doing when I had to work in the afternoons?” She pinched my cheek. “I’ll tell your sister.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. “Mother, I only wanted to learn more, and Halvor has been very generous with me.”
“Well, I hope so,” my mother replied, her tone softening a little. “In any case, Kaion, I want you to pay close attention. Alchemy is not something to take lightly.”
“Yes, Mother,” I nodded, though I couldn’t help but smile at Lysa’s concern. Her severity always came from a place of love and protection.
Halvor led us to a worktable where he’d laid out various ingredients and tools. He began explaining the basics of alchemy, from the transmutation of elements to the creation of potions and elixirs. As he spoke, his agile hands handled jars and vials with the practiced dexterity of years of experience.
“Kaion, alchemy is as much an art as it is a science,” said Halvor, mixing some ingredients in a small cauldron. “It requires precision, knowledge, and above all, patience. It’s not just about following recipes; you must understand the principles behind each reaction.”
I watched each movement carefully, memorizing the steps and proportions. I felt a growing fascination with the process, a sense of discovery that reminded me why I had wanted to learn alchemy in the first place.
“Now, let’s start with something simple but essential: a basic healing potion,” Halvor said, preparing the ingredients. “In healing magic, one can stop bleeding or prevent immediate harm, while in alchemy, we heal wounds over time. One complements the other.”
He handed me a mortar and several ingredients: dried herbs, crushed roots, and a vial of clear liquid.
“First, grind these herbs into a fine powder. Then mix the powder with the liquid in equal parts,” Halvor instructed, watching me closely.
“I understand,” I said, beginning to work carefully.
As I ground the herbs, Halvor continued speaking.
“The healing potion is one of the foundations of alchemy. You must learn to feel the energy of each component, how they interact. This isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about understanding the essence of each one.”
I poured the herb powder into the liquid and began to stir. A slight vibration in the air indicated that the ingredients were reacting correctly.
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“Well done, Kaion. You have good instincts,” said Halvor, nodding in approval. “But there is still much to learn. Alchemy can be dangerous if not handled carefully. You must respect the limits and understand the consequences of each action.”
I nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. Alchemy was not merely a means of creating things; it also required a deep understanding of natural forces and how to manipulate them without causing harm.
Halvor looked at me seriously as he placed a small portable furnace on the table.
“Kaion, there’s something you need to understand about alchemy,” he said. “In this world, controlling the furnace and fire is essential to properly synthesize ingredients. Those with an affinity for fire, whether through Mana or Qi, have a significant advantage. They don’t need to invest in costly Mana Furnaces or calcifiers because they can use their own power to control the necessary temperatures.”
I thought about that. I had no fire affinity, which meant I would need these tools to advance in alchemy.
“So, those who lack a fire affinity must buy these devices to create pills, potions, and more,” I concluded.
“Exactly,” Halvor nodded. “But don’t worry, Kaion. There are many ways to compensate for that lack. Alchemy is an art that adapts to its practitioners.”
As I finished preparing the potion, Halvor leaned over and took a small ring from a wooden box. The ring glowed with a faint, mystical light.
“Kaion, I want to show you something else that’s vital for any alchemist: a dimensional ring.”
image [https://i.postimg.cc/RFJXhKnq/Whats-App-Image-2024-07-07-at-02-21-39.jpg]
“What’s a dimensional ring?” I asked, observing the ring with curiosity.
“It’s a magical object created by a user of the Edict of Space, often someone who’s also a jeweler by trade,” explained Halvor. “This ring contains a small dimension within, about the size of a room—though they vary in size—and it’s used to store ingredients and tools. It’s activated with the user’s Mana or Qi, making it an extremely valuable item.”
I was awestruck at the idea of having a portable inventory at my disposal. I imagined how useful it would be for an alchemist or a mage to be able to carry all their ingredients, weapons, and tools effortlessly.
“That sounds incredible. Is it very difficult to obtain one?” I asked.
“They’re rare and costly, but not impossible to find,” Halvor replied. “With time and dedication, you’ll be able to acquire one. For now, focus on mastering the basics of alchemy. All in due time.”
I nodded, realizing that I was at the start of a long and challenging journey. As I looked at the potion I’d created, I felt a mix of pride and determination. I knew there was much more to learn, but each step brought me closer to my goal.
“Kaion, always remember this lesson,” said Halvor, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Alchemy is a powerful tool, but it requires wisdom and responsibility. Use your skills for good, and always seek to learn more.”
“I will, Master. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me today,” I replied sincerely.
As we left the laboratory, my mother looked at me with pride. I knew this was only the beginning of my journey into the world of alchemy, but with the support of Halvor and my mother, I was ready to face any challenge that came.
The magical minerals began to tint the underground sky in shades of orange and pink as we returned home. I felt a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction—a sign that it had been a day well spent. I knew I had taken an important step in my new life, and with each new skill I acquired, I came closer to unraveling the mysteries of my soul.
“I’m proud of you, Kaion,” my mother finally said. “You showed maturity and dedication today.”
“Thank you, Mother. I’ll do everything I can to live up to your expectations,” I replied, smiling.
“It’s not my expectations you need to fulfill, son,” she said, looking at me tenderly. “It’s your own destiny that you must forge.”
I nodded, understanding the wisdom in her words. My journey was only beginning, and with each step, I grew closer to facing the challenges that Profundia presented to me.
Lysa and I walked, laughing and chatting about the day’s events, enjoying our time together after a day of learning at Master Halvor’s laboratory.
Suddenly, we encountered a crowd gathered in the central square, a buzz of voices and palpable curiosity filling the air.
“What’s happening?” I asked, trying to see over the people’s heads.
“Let’s find out,” my mother replied, guiding me toward the source of the commotion.
We made our way through the crowd until we reached the front, where an imposing figure stood out. Eldric, a tall and robust man known for his leadership and bravery, was standing beside an elderly woman with a noble bearing. Lysa recognized her immediately.
“That’s Eolka, the leader of the neighboring village of the Ancients,” my mother murmured, leaning close. “A few days ago, I received a letter saying she would be visiting Draconia with the leader of the Clan of the Ashes of Honor and his third daughter.”
“The leader of the neighboring village?” I repeated, surprised. “What are they doing here?”
“It must be an important diplomatic visit,” my mother replied, watching the scene intently.
My gaze shifted to the people accompanying them, and my eyes met those of a young woman at her side. She looked slightly older than me, with an aura of toughness and pride that emanated from her bearing. Her dark scarlet hair was tied in a ponytail, and her sharp, determined eyes reflected an impressive inner strength. She wore a sword at her waist, and her stance was that of a seasoned warrior.
We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. There was something in her gaze that both challenged and intrigued me. I felt a strange warmth in my chest, a mix of curiosity and nervousness. I decided to look away, aware that it might seem rude to keep staring at her.
“Kaion, let’s go,” said my mother, touching my shoulder gently. “We don’t want to intrude on their affairs.”
I nodded, and we began to move away from the crowd, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of a presence behind me. Even as we walked, I could sense a gaze fixed on my back, as though the young warrior’s eyes followed my every step.
“Mother, who do you think that girl is?” I asked as we walked away.
“She must be the third daughter of the leader of the Clan of the Ashes of Honor,” my mother replied thoughtfully. “I’ve heard of her. She’s known for her skill in combat and her strong character. A true warrior.”
“She seemed very... intimidating,” I murmured, still feeling the weight of her gaze.
“It’s natural to feel that way. People with such a strong presence can have that effect,” said my mother with a smile. “But don’t let that discourage you. You’re strong in your own way, Son.”
We walked in silence for a while, my thoughts still spinning around the mysterious young woman. Why had she looked at me that way? What would she think of me? Though I tried not to dwell on it, curiosity and a desire to understand more about her lingered in my mind.
“Kaion, don’t worry too much about that,” my mother said, noticing my distraction. “Life is full of unexpected encounters. The important thing is how we handle them and what we learn from them.”
“You’re right, Mother,” I replied, trying to set aside my concerns.
We arrived home, and the warmth of home enveloped us. As I prepared for dinner, my thoughts kept drifting back to the young warrior and the gaze we’d shared. There was something about her that called to me, a force I couldn’t ignore. I knew that, somehow, our paths would cross again. And when that happened, I would be ready to face whatever fate had in store.
That night, as the light from the magical lamps filled our room, my mother spoke to me more about the situation.
“Kaion, there’s something you need to understand about our society and its leaders,” said Lysa in a serious tone. “The Great Elder Eolka from Pyros Village and the Clan of the Ashes of Honor are powerful forces in Profundia. Their actions and decisions affect all of us.”
“What do you think they’re planning?” I asked, intrigued.
“I’m not sure, but a joint visit of such magnitude suggests that something important is underway,” my mother replied thoughtfully. “They may be seeking an alliance or some type of cooperation that benefits both sides. Whatever it is, it could shift the balance of power in Profundia.”
I nodded, grasping the gravity of the situation. Politics and alliances in Profundia were as complex as the underground world itself, and any change in the balance of power could have significant consequences.
That night, I went to bed with my mind full of questions and possibilities. What role would I play in these future events? What did that encounter with the young warrior mean? As the shadows of the night enveloped me, I promised myself I would be ready for any challenge that might arise. Life in Profundia was filled with mysteries and dangers, but also with opportunities to grow and learn. I was prepared to face whatever destiny had in store.