While the Magical Forging class was ending, Logan watched Blake, who was talking animatedly with Nyx and Darian, explaining details of the rune inscription process.
"You seemed born for this," Kassia commented, joining the group.
Blake smiled, but there was a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. "I don't think I've ever felt anything like it," he admitted. "It's as if the metal and mana speak to me. When I inscribed the second rune, it was almost… easy. Like I knew exactly where to channel the energy."
Nyx, the elf from Luminia, tilted her head curiously:
"Have you forged before?"
"No, I only watched my grandfather a few times," Blake replied. "But I never really tried. Today… was different. I felt I could go further."
Marcus approached, his voice laden with pride and challenge:
"Don't think this makes you better, Frost. In Eryndark, we learn to inscribe from childhood."
Blake faced Marcus, without hostility: "So, how about a challenge at the next forging session?"
Marcus smiled, accepting the silent invitation.
***
After a brief interval, the trio headed to the Alchemy laboratory, a space that transcended any common concept of a classroom.
The main building rose like a tower of white stone intertwined with crystallized vines that pulsed with bluish mana. The tall, arched windows filtered sunlight through stained glass that depicted ancient alchemist masters in their moments of discovery.
Logan stopped at the entrance, absorbing the magnitude of the complex. Around the main tower, specialized sheds and greenhouses extended like a small city entirely dedicated to the art of Alchemy.
To the right, orderly rows of raised beds housed herbs that glowed with supernatural hues—some with leaves that changed color according to the time of day, others whose roots extended in perfect geometric patterns.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Kassia murmured, her golden eyes capturing every detail of the plantations. A completely sealed shed, painted absolute black, caught Logan's attention. No light escaped its crevices, and a plaque engraved with ancient runes warned about the cultivation of ingredients that require little or no light.
"Shadow fungi," Nyx explained, noticing his interest. "In Luminia, we have similar gardens. Some alchemical components only flourish in total absence of light, absorbing mana directly from the depths of the earth."
Further on, translucent crystal structures housed the most precious plants. Through the transparent walls, Logan could see dozens of blue and white magical crystals suspended in complex arrangements, their glows nourishing herbs that seemed made of solidified light.
"Those are high-mana concentration plants," Blake observed, amazed. "They must cost a fortune to maintain."
The interior of the main laboratory proved even more impressive. The vaulted ceiling rose three stories high, with circular walkways connecting different levels of shelves that held thousands of vials, ampoules, and bizarrely shaped containers. Each vial was labeled with ancient elven script, and many glowed with their own lights—some pulsating, others in constant motion like tiny captured storms.
The workbenches, carved from black moonstone, radiated a coldness Logan felt even from a distance. Cauldrons of various sizes occupied the stations, some still bubbling with remnants of previous experiments, releasing colored vapors that dissipated in hypnotic spirals.
Professor Mirielle Starbloom awaited in the center of the laboratory, and Logan needed a moment to fully process her presence. The elf possessed that ethereal beauty typical of her race, but there was something older in her violet eyes—a depth that suggested centuries of accumulated knowledge.
Her silver hair fell in waves to her waist, intertwined with small crystals that swayed gently with each movement. She wore a black leather apron over green silk robes, and her long, elegant hands displayed multicolored stains that testified to years of work with powerful reagents.
"Welcome to Alchemy," she announced, her voice carrying a musical accent. "The art of transforming the common into the extraordinary, the inert into the living, the mortal into the immortal."
***
Logan positioned himself at one of the central tables, next to Blake. The environment intimidated him in a way Magical Forging had not. Here, everything seemed more… dangerous. The vapors emanating from nearby cauldrons made his eyes sting slightly, and he could feel different types of mana floating in the air like invisible currents.
The professor gestured to a shelf filled with basic ingredients.
"Alchemy," Starbloom continued, walking among the tables with measured steps, "is not simply mixing components and hoping for miracles. It is the science of transmutation, the art of understanding and manipulating the fundamental properties of matter and energy. Each ingredient possesses a unique magical signature, a frequency that must be harmonized with others to create desired effects."
Logan watched as she picked up a vial containing a golden powder that seemed to pulse with life.
"Take, for example, this golden dragon scale powder," she said, holding the vial to the light. "Alone, it is merely a keratinous residue with a high concentration of igneous mana. But when properly combined with moon oak sap and essential oils from phoenix petals, it becomes a catalyst capable of amplifying healing magics by up to three hundred percent."
Blake whispered in his ear:
"That explains why potions are so expensive."
Logan nodded, trying to process the complexity of what they were learning. In Magical Forging, the concepts seemed more direct—metal, mana, form. Here, there were layers upon layers of subtle interactions.
"Potions," the professor continued, "are just one application of Alchemy. We can create oils that preserve objects for millennia, unguents that accelerate wound regeneration, essences that purify contaminated water, or…" her voice took on a darker tone, "poisons capable of killing with a single drop."
***
Kassia absorbed every word with an intellectual hunger that surprised her. Unlike Logan, who seemed slightly overwhelmed, she felt an instinctive connection with the concepts presented. Perhaps it was her natural affinity for different forms of mana, or simply her ability to see patterns where others saw chaos.
"The dark side of Alchemy," Starbloom continued, "should neither be ignored nor feared, but respected. Poisons teach us about toxicity and antidotes. The study of decay reveals the secrets of preservation. There is no light without shadow, nor healing without the possibility of harm."
Kassia noticed how Nyx leaned forward, clearly fascinated. The elf from Luminia had an expression of recognition, as if many of the concepts presented were familiar.
"In Luminia," Nyx murmured, "our basic education includes identifying poisonous plants. It's a matter of survival when you live in ancient forests."
Starbloom smiled, evidently pleased with the students' interest. "Precisely, young Moonshadow. Alchemy is, first and foremost, a matter of refined survival. Now, let us proceed to practice. Today you will learn to prepare a Potion of Mental Concentration—an elixir that temporarily enhances focus and clarity of thought."
***
Logan watched nervously as the professor distributed ingredient lists. The recipe seemed deceptively simple: ethereal sage leaves, pulverized blue magical crystals, three drops of moon dew, and a pinch of pearl of knowledge powder.
"The secret," Starbloom explained, "lies not only in the ingredients, but in the sequence, temperature, timing, and magical intention. A single mistake can transform a beneficial potion into a powerful sedative… or worse."
Logan felt a shiver. He carefully picked up the sage leaves, noticing how they seemed to whisper when touched. Blake, beside him, looked equally cautious.
"First, we must purify our cauldrons with mana-enriched distilled water," the professor instructed. "Logan, Blake, observe how Kassia is doing it."
Logan looked to where Kassia was working and felt inadequate. She moved with natural grace, her fingers tracing purification runes over her cauldron as she channeled mana as easily as she breathed. The steam rising from her equipment glowed with a perfectly stable, silver-blue light.
Logan tried to imitate her movements, but his mana channeling wavered, causing the steam to flicker irregularly.
"Focus on the intention, Mr. Black," Starbloom guided, approaching. "Mana responds to mental clarity. Anxiety and doubt create interference."
Easier said than done, Logan thought, trying to control his breathing and stabilize the energy flow.
***
Kassia observed the ingredients with analytical eyes. Each component radiated a distinct magical signature that she could perceive as colors and textures at the edge of her vision. The sage leaves pulsed with a tranquil silver-green, while the crystal powder shimmered with a piercing mental blue.
"Second step," Starbloom announced, "add the sage leaves to the purified water. The temperature must be exactly seventy degrees Celsius. Too hot will destroy the ethereal properties; too cold will not activate the active compounds."
Kassia didn't need a thermometer. She could feel the temperature through the interaction between the fire mana and the water. Her sage leaves hissed softly upon touching the surface, releasing an aroma that immediately cleared her thoughts. Beside her, Nyx worked with equal competence, her movements fluid and precise.
"How long have you practiced Alchemy?" Kassia asked in a low voice.
"Since I was ten," Nyx replied, adding her crystal powder in perfectly synchronized circular motions. "But I've never seen anyone work with such natural intuition as you."
Kassia felt a warmth of pride but maintained her focus on the task. The potion was taking on a milky-blue color, exactly as described in the manual.
"Third step, the most critical," Starbloom continued. "The moon dew must be added drop by drop, while you maintain a specific stirring pattern. Three clockwise turns, pause, one drop, two counter-clockwise turns, pause, one drop. Repeat until all three drops are used."
***
Logan felt sweat trickling down his back. The stirring pattern was more complex than it seemed, and he needed to coordinate physical movement with constant mana channeling to maintain the temperature. On the second drop, his concentration wavered, and he stirred four times clockwise. Immediately, his potion took on a worrying yellowish hue.
"Damn," he muttered, seeing Blake facing similar difficulties.
"Do not despair," Starbloom said, materializing beside him like an apparition. "Mistakes are part of learning. Your potion is not ruined, merely… altered. Instead of increasing concentration, it will likely induce mild drowsiness. Still useful, just different."
Logan nodded, trying not to feel completely incompetent. At least he hadn't blown anything up. Blake was having trouble with mana channeling, his natural energy leaning more towards physical aspects than subtle ones. His potion constantly changed color, as if it couldn't decide which properties to develop.
***
While Logan and Blake struggled with their cauldrons, Kassia was finishing adding the moon dew. Each drop created perfect ripples on the surface of her potion, which now glowed with a deep, tranquil blue. The fragrance emanating from it was clean and invigorating, like mountain air after a storm.
"Final step," Starbloom announced, "a pinch of pearl of knowledge powder. This ingredient is extremely reactive. Too little and the potion will be ineffective. Too much and it can cause mental overload. The correct amount is… instinctive."
Kassia picked up a pinch of the iridescent powder, feeling it vibrate between her fingers. She could perceive that each grain carried compacted information, like crystallized memories. Instinctively, she selected only a few grains, letting them fall into the potion. The reaction was instantaneous. The potion's surface radiated golden light before stabilizing into a deep blue with silver veins that moved slowly like miniature clouds.
"Excellent, Miss Grey," Starbloom praised, examining the potion. "Perfect texture, ideal coloration, harmonious aroma. This is a professional-level Potion of Concentration."
Kassia felt a wave of satisfaction. Looking around, she noticed Nyx had also managed to produce a potion almost identical to hers.
***
Logan watched with a mixture of admiration and envy as Starbloom praised both Kassia and Nyx. His own attempts had resulted in something that looked more like dirty water than a functional potion. Blake had managed to slightly improve his mixture, but it was still far from ideal.
"Do not be discouraged," Starbloom said, addressing the class. "Alchemy requires not only technical knowledge but also refined magical sensitivity. Some are born with this aptitude; others develop it with years of practice."
Marcus, a few tables away, had produced a functional potion, though not as refined as Kassia's and Nyx's. His expression suggested frustration at not being the best in class.
"For homework," the professor continued, "I want you to read the first three chapters of 'Fundamentals of Alchemical Transmutation' and write an essay on the differences between Restorative Alchemy and Destructive Alchemy."
As the students began to clean their stations, Starbloom approached Kassia and Nyx.
"Misses Grey and Moonshadow," she said, her voice filled with genuine interest, "would you care to stay during the afternoon period? I have some more advanced experiments that might interest you."
***
Starbloom's invitation sent a wave of excitement through Kassia. The opportunity to learn advanced techniques was exactly what she had hoped for from the Academy.
"It would be an honor, Professor," she replied, trying to maintain composure despite her enthusiasm. Nyx nodded vigorously beside her.
"Excellent," Starbloom smiled. "Meet me in the Advanced Experiments Room after lunch. And bring extra protective aprons—we will be working with advanced reagents."
***
Logan watched the exchange with mixed feelings. Part of him felt proud of Kassia's exceptional aptitude, but another part couldn't help a twinge of jealousy. In Magical Forging, he had done reasonably well. Here, he felt completely lost.
"Don't sweat it," Blake said, approaching as they cleaned their equipment. "Everyone has their strengths. You saw how I did in forging, right?"
Logan nodded, grateful for his friend's support. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was falling behind in crucial aspects of his magical education.
***
After class, as they walked towards the dining hall, Kassia couldn't contain her excitement. Logan smiled, trying to share her enthusiasm despite his own insecurities.
"Just… be careful, alright?" he said. "The professor mentioned some experiments can be dangerous."
"I'm always careful," Kassia replied, though the light in her eyes suggested she was willing to take calculated risks in the name of knowledge.
As they walked down the corridor, Logan couldn't help but feel that their individual specializations were becoming more defined and distant. Blake dominated Magical Forging, Kassia was born for Alchemy, and he… well, he was still figuring out where he truly fit in the vast world of magic.
The Alchemy laboratory had revealed not only the complexities of magical transmutation but also the different natural aptitudes of each student.
The afternoon held advanced experiments for some, reflections on limitations for others, and for everyone, the growing understanding that Aldaria Academy was much more than just a school—it was a place where everyone's potential would be tested to its utmost limits.