This particular query was easy for Luca, even before he stupidly downloaded all of that knowledge into his brain. The person in question was a prevalent being even during the game, at times exceeding those of his peers. Clearing his throat, the young Dragonkin began to speak as if reading from a textbook, "Alchemy was in circulation long before the Sage Era, so its origin is unclear, while the forerunner to our modern alchemy methods was discovered and pioneered by one Paracelsus, a legendary figure who rose to become one of the Four Sages of Magic for his work. Titled as the Alchemy Sage and, later on, the Philosopher Sage, Paracelsus compiled an incalculable number of mostly illegible and garbled etchings into a comprehensive formula that became the basis of what would become alchemy's first formula. Sage Paracelsus's greatest achievement, which exceeded the alkahest, Philosophers' Stone, ambrosia, and panacea, happened in 2:176 Heroic when an experiment accidentally formed a humanoid creation akin to a golem that bore somewhat free will, to the point of being capable of the same growth both mentally and physically as that of mortal species, while having none of the limitations of lifespan. This being was then named as a Homonculus, with the original creation becoming known by her given name of Pandora, the 'First One', bringing about a potentially new, though accidental, species into the world. However, by Paracelsus' own will, he kept the process of their creation only to himself, fearing its potential, and rightly so. Pandora proved herself able to flatten entire armies of Demons during the Heroic Era by herself, a feat matched only by the greatest of fighters. No more than ten were ever known to have existed, and all of them are said to live with the Alchemy Sage to this day."
The old alchemist briefly clapped in a quiet manner as he approved of the boy's answer, "A perfect summary of Sage Paracelsus' work, spot on. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were actually reading from a book. Most impressive, but that is just the first question of three." Casually stroking his singed beard with one hand while the other adjusted his glasses, Grandmaster Edgewick followed his praise with another question, "What is the greatest taboo of the alchemy field? Specifics, while unneeded, will be helpful."
A grim look surfaced on the boy's face as he recalled the aforementioned taboo, an expression that was not unnoticed by the four seated before him. "The greatest alchemy taboo, which is in fact two in one, was discovered three hundred years following the creation of the homunculi, as a collaboration of Dark Faction alchemists endeavoured to recreate the Philospher Sage's work, or, in particular, the unaging aspect of it. By sacrificing 100,000 mortal beings, the dark alchemists attempted to forge an undying body using one of their own. While the attempt went unsuccessful, the discovery was so vile that the world itself struck down the dark alchemists, wiping their souls from existence. Those that walk the path of the greatest taboo, human sacrifice and human transmutation, are called Sacrificers, an 'occupation' so hated that Sage Paracelsus tasked two of his homunculi with tracking down and exterminating these beings without hesitation."
"And you'd best remember that, kiddo." The dark alternative side of alchemy was never a fun topic when brought up, but it was a necessary one. All alchemists were taught of the existence of it and heavily reminded that all living beings, and even a Sage, would hunt them down for performing the greatest alchemical taboo. "Now, the final question is much less grim, thank heavens. What is the most important facet required to perform alchemy?"
Luca smirked a little at the well-worded trick question. Almost all new alchemy apprentices would answer incorrectly, as viewpoints on the process of alchemy were often conflicting for various reasons. Some would answer magic, only to learn that quite a number of alchemists can't even use it. Other common answers included quiet environments, alchemy equipment, or even assistants. The Dragonkin boy, of course, new the real answer. "Unless you are capable of performing the same act as deities and are capable of creating something out of nothing, the most important part of alchemy is the ingredients. Without ingredients, alchemy cannot be performed. Some would disagree, such as those who can draw toxins out of living beings using special techniques, but without the toxins, it would not be possible. The toxins are in fact ingredients for the technique, which was derived from alchemy. Therefore, the most important facet required to perform alchemy is ingredients."
Rather than quiet applause akin to earlier, Grandmaster Edgewick clapped vigorously at Luca's spot-on answer, as did the other three, who were just as impressed at the incredibly accurate explanation for his answer. "Well done, well done indeed. You've certainly passed with flying colours when it comes to my alchemy questions, so you're already a quarter of the way through your first exam. Since that is the case, I shall make my way to the Alchemist License testing lab for your fourth exam, should you manage to arrive there. Good luck, kiddo." Rising to make his way past the boy, the old alchemist gave Luca an encouraging pat on the shoulder before departing.
When the Head Guildmaster turned towards her, Grandmaster Runette's mild smile from earlier was replaced by a calm and calculating expression. "I will be questioning you on the topic of magecraft, following which I will head off to the Enchanter License testing room to prepare for your third exam. You've already managed to impress old Edgewick, but I'm much more critical than he is." The Wood Elf Enchanter asked if Luca was ready to continue. Upon receiving an affirmative, the first magecraft query was pitched to the boy, "Explain the differences between weaponry, armour, and object enchantments and why can they not be applied to each other."