Chapter 162: By Chance

Chapter 162: By Chance

It was a few days later at the Black Onyx mansion. Gerald was standing in front of a blackboard he just recently bought and was currently teaching his students about the chemical bonds and reactions between molecules.

A floating piece of chalk was drawing on the blackboard behind him, exactly as he wanted.

After what happened a few days ago, the atmosphere became a bit more serious, with the girls taking studying magic much more seriously.

Sera became especially diligent and engaged with his teachings.

Although she was incapable of replicating the magic she did in a moment of absolute rage, she was finally able to come to terms with her past, and used that anger and hate to motivate herself and move forward.

She was now able to cast spells at will, although she still had to use spoken words as the trigger.

"Qiona the Alchemist, capable of making any compound in existence, both potion and poison," Gerald pointed at Qiona.

"Elly the Lightbearer, a healer of legendary capabilities, capable of snatching life from even death's grasp," he said, pointing at Elly.

"And lastly, Sera the, hmm Ice Mage, capable of freezing space and time itself."

Xilia lifted her hand and said, "I have two questions."

"Ask away," Gerald answered with a smile.

"Okay, then first: What the fuck are you talking about? And second: What about me?!"

"Oh," Gerald scratched his head awkwardly, "I forgot about you" He rubbed his chin and murmured under his breath, "Hmm, let me think.

"Ah-ha!" he exclaimed. "Xilia the Windstorm, tempest carrier, with her Wind magic, capable of controlling the weather!"

"Eh?"

Many famous and wealthy people would be attending it and the treasures that would be sold there would not be something trivial.

Gerald decided to pay them a visit a few hours earlier. Specifically, he went to visit the old alchemist Ashbrew.

It was no surprise that he was almost immediately rejected by the old man, especially after he expressed his desire to exchange knowledge on the topic of poisons.

However, taking out a few vials of the Potion of Focus, the old alchemist made a complete turnaround in his personality, and welcomed him warmly. Gerald even suspected it was all a ruse just to get his potions.

The old alchemist became ecstatic after drinking the potion and he answered any and all questions that Gerald posed.

'By chance' the conversation shifted to the topic of many kinds of potion-making and Gerald casually offered to demonstrate his own ways.

It was no surprise that his magnificent liquid manipulation was something that completely captivated the old man's attention, and the latter was soon begging Gerald to teach it to him.

Gerald, as a 'kind and generous' young man, of course, couldn't decline the request and instead did his best to guide the alchemist on the road of liquid-manipulation.

With the help of the Potion of Focus, Master Ashbrew quickly understood the simple principles Gerald spoke about, however putting them into practice without weeks of training was not that easy.

He didn't have years of experience and examples from movies and video games as Gerald had. The only example was Gerald himself, and without any prior knowledge, the old man had to simulate his own way of magic inside his mind.

Luckily he was quite experienced with magic, so he figured he would be able to succeed in just a week or two.

Making potions and poisons without touching the ingredients was way more efficient and safe. He could have more precise control over the chemical reactions and combining processes. Many such new ideas were already born in his mind.

"Master Ashbrew, should we take a look at the auction? I am interested to see what kind of goods will be there to buy" Gerald voiced his intent.

"Ah?" The alchemist almost dozed off, lost in his thoughts, and completely forgot about the time. "Oh, it's today? Sure, let's go, follow me! I have a special room that gives a great view of the action!"

He led Gerald up the back stairs and they arrived at the first floor where fancy rooms overlooked the auction stage below. It was still a bit early, so many distinguished guests had yet to arrive. Only the people of a lower standing, such as simple merchants and low-ranked nobles, sat around fancy tables below, waiting for the party to start.