It was a few days later at the Black Onyx mansion. Gerald was standing in front of a blackboard he had 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…?"
"As for what I mean with this, it is what you can become if you follow me and study hard! In time you will become more powerful than you can imagine!" Even explaining his ideas grandly, some of the girls didn't seem convinced.
"Are you sure you are not exaggerating? How can a Dark Elf like me possibly control the weather?"
Elly also chimed in, "No offense Gerald, but I don't think I am suitable to be a healer… I'm already nineteen this year and I don't think spending another decade studying the human body will do me any good…"
Gerald listened to their words and rolled his eyes. He pinched his glabella in frustration and quietly sighed.
"Can you girls stop sounding so depressed and pessimistic all the time? What is this, an elderly home or a mansion full of young people?! You need to be more aggressive if you want to achieve anything of value in your short miserable lives!"
"You need to get some ambition! Shoot for the moon, so even if you fail you will still end up on top of a mountain!
Gerald rumbled on, "If you don't think you can make it, then what's the point in staying here, just go do whatever you like and stop wasting my time! But, if you want to become somebody, and you are prepared to get down and dirty, wrestling for any possible advantage, then you are free to stay! I have no need for lazy people or cowards…"
Looking around the room, Gerald noticed nobody moved or made a sound. They all looked determined to stay and learn even if they didn't think it was possible to achieve his crazy ambitions.
"Good, since you decided to stay, I have a small gift for each of you…" He opened his Space Pouch and took out four freshly made books.
A book about alchemy and medicine for Qiona! A book about liquids and solids for Sera! A book about liquids and gasses for Xilia! And lastly, a book about light and liquid for Elly!
"Why did you give me a book about liquids? You know I can't use Water magic, right?" Elly asked with a raised brow.
"I know," Gerald answered plainly. "That's exactly why I gave it to you. For healing magic you need to master it, so get to it!"
Then he directed his attention to the rest, "The rest is up to you now, study what I have given you. I will test your theoretical and practical knowledge next week to determine the method most suitable for you… Work hard!"
***
Today was the day of the grand auction at the Auction House.
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.