The group continued trekking through the dense forest, swatting away pesky bugs as they went.
Myne was feeling a little anxious, as this was her first time leaving the city and venturing out into the wilderness.
She had never seen so much greenery in her life, and she stared in wonder at the towering trees that surrounded them.
Archibald noticed her unease and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Myne. We'll be there soon enough." (Archibald)
Myne smiled gratefully at him, feeling a little more at ease with his steady presence beside her.
Rumia glanced around nervously.
She was still wary of the strange noises that seemed to be coming from the shadows around them.
"Are you sure we're safe out here?" (Rumia)
Rachel nodded confidently.
"Don't worry, Rumia. The Zephyr alchemy research lab facility is heavily guarded. We'll be okay as long as we stick together." (Rachel)
"It's true. The facility is surrounded by a magical force field that prevents unauthorized entry. Plus, there are alchemists stationed at every entrance." (Lamperogue)
Lutessa's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, Sir Rogue! You really did your research."
"I agree.." (Lirien)
Lamperogue shrugged nonchalantly. "I like to be prepared."
As they walked, Vesta sidled up to Archibald, a sly grin on his face. "Hey, buddy. You ready for tonight?"
Archibald's face twisted in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Vesta chuckled. "Taro and I are planning to sneak into the girls' bathroom tonight. You interested in joining us?"
Initially, Archibald wanted to concur, instead "Nah, maybe next time," he turned down his offer.
Vesta just shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Suit yourself. More fun for me and Taro, I guess."
They marched forward through the forest.
The bugs grew more numerous and aggressive, swarming around them like a horde of bloodthirsty fiends.
Archibald frantically batted them away, squirming uncomfortably as they crawled over his skin.
"Dammit, these bugs are eating me alive!" He cried out in frustration, his face twisted in anger.
"Then I suggest you do the same," Lamperogue suggested dryly, catching one of the pesky critters and tossing it into his mouth without a second thought.
Archibald recoiled in disgust. "Dude, that's gross... How can you even... ugh."
Rumia casually strolled by, plucking one of the bugs out of the air and popping it into her own mouth.
"Eh, they're not so bad. They taste better roasted, though." (Rumia)
"I wonder how they'd taste with some ale.." (Vesta)
Lirien chimed in, grinning broadly. "Personally, I prefer them salted."
Archibald felt like he was going to be sick.
"You guys are insane..." (Archibald)
Lutessa patted him reassuringly on the back, giving him a warm smile.
"Don't worry, Sir Knight. You'll be fine. You're with us, after all." (Lutessa)
Archibald couldn't help but smile at her kind words. "Thanks, Lutessa. You're an angel."
Lutessa giggled softly, smoothing out the elegant white robes that marked her as a Vayetran priestess.
"Oh Sir Knight, you flatterer," she teased.
Rachel shoved Archibald playfully from behind, grinning excitedly.
"So, did you learn the [Spirit Armor] yet?" (Rachel)
Archibald nodded confidently, feeling a surge of pride. "Sure did."
Rachel's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that was fast! You're really talented, Arch."
Archibald brushed a hand over his chin, looking smug.
"Well you're not wrong. I mean... what can I say? They don't call me Arch the Magnificent for nothing." (Archibald)
Rumia rolled her eyes, a hint of sarcasm creeping into her voice. "So humble, too."
...
The Zephyr alchemy research lab facility was an impressive sight to behold.
The building was made of intricately designed white stone and was so big that it practically dwarfed everything around it.
As they approached, Myne felt awed by the grandeur of it all.
"Hey! I see it," Myne exclaimed.
She signaled the others, and they followed her lead in rushing towards the clearing where the lab was situated.
"Wow, it's huge," Lutessa breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the building.
Lamperogue nodded his agreement, but he remained silent, preferring to take in their surroundings in quiet contemplation.
"It's like alchemy really has become a booming industry in the eses continent.." (Vesta)
Lirien nodded in agreement. "It makes sense," she said.
"Really?" (Rachel)
"Yeah, there's so much potential here. With the various herbs, minerals, and other natural ingredients found on this island, they should be raking in a lot of profit." (Lirien)
Rumia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she chimed in. "I've heard they're even producing cosmetics now!" she exclaimed.
"Wait, cosmetics? Like beauty products?" (Archibald)
"It's simply revolutionary! Imagine the power of being able to manipulate the properties of natural ingredients to create beauty products!" (Rumia)
[ Okay that's new... I didn't know they had that here.
Who knew alchemy could be used to make cosmetics?
I mean, I've played my fair share of MMORPGs and I mostly just used it to craft weapons for dungeon raids.
I should consider buying some for Amara when I get home. ] (Archibald)
They drew nearer to the lab.
Now, they could see that the building was divided into several wings.
Each with its own unique symbol etched onto the stone above the entrance.
They could hear the sound of glass clinking and metal clanging, and the occasional lab technician hurrying past them with a sheaf of parchment under their arm.
"Welcome to the Zephyr alchemy research lab facility," a voice said from behind them.
They turned to see a tall, bespectacled man with a thin beard and a white coat.
"I am Dr. Samras, the head alchemist here," he said, extending his hand in greeting.
Rachel took his hand, and introduced herself and her companions.
"Hello. Thank you for your crucial cooperation with the Empire." (Rachel)
Dr. Samras led them inside.
They marveled at the vast array of beakers, vials, and other equipment lining the shelves.
Deeper into the lab, they saw countless technicians hard at work.
Some, measuring and mixing various substances in the name of science.
"This facility is like no other," Vesta noted, admiration in her voice. "The knowledge and technology they possess are both awe-inspiring."
They walked as a group.
Dr. Samras decided to enlighten them on the research that was being conducted in the Zephyr alchemy research lab facility.
"Let me educate you a little on what we do here," he said, adjusting his glasses. "As of recent, we've developed a new type of magic."
"Really?" Rumia widened her eyes in surprise. "That's amazing!"
Dr. Samras chuckled. "It's a secret, but I suppose I can tell you," he said. "The name is [Fusion Magic]."
Myne furrowed her brow. "Fusion magic?" she repeated, curious.
"Indeed." (Samras)
"What's the difference between [Fusion Magic] and [Compound Magic]?" (Myne)
Dr. Samras smiled. "Ah, excellent question," he said.
Right after, he came to a halt.
"The advantage of [Fusion Magic] lies in the combination of multiple spells. By fusing different types of magical power with varying synchronization levels, we can increase the original level of magical power by twenty times the efficiency." (Samras)
Lamperogue nodded in understanding. "I see," he said. "But what about [Compound Magic]? Isn't that basically the same thing?"
Dr. Samras shook his head. "Not quite," he said.
It required further explanation.
"Whereas [Compound Magic] is focused on the combination of the general properties of magical phenomenons, such as [Fire and Water] magic making [Steam Magic], it isn't guaranteed that [Steam Magic] will necessarily be stronger than [Fire or Water] magic. [Fusion Magic] on the other hand, is a connection of the more quintessential molecules of the mana that produces a stronger level of mana." (Samras)
Rachel, who had been quiet the entire time, spoke up. "I'm sorry, but I'm a bit confused," she said sheepishly. "What do you mean by quintessential molecules of mana?"
Dr. Samras chuckled and patted her head. "Don't worry, dear," he said.
Rachel felt like a child.
"In simpler terms, it means that [Fusion Magic] combines the fundamental aspects of magic to produce a much stronger form of magic. It's like making a dish, and [Fusion Magic] is the perfect blend of all the ingredients to create an exquisite taste." (Samras)
The group nodded, and Myne rubbed her chin in thought. "I see," she said.
"So, [Fusion Magic] is like the ultimate combination of magic that focuses on power, while [Compound Magic] is more general, but without power increase as its aim." (Archibald)
"Indeed, but there's something else, [Fusion Magic] can do." (Samras)
"What's that, Sir Doctor?" (Lutessa)
"Let me show you," he said, his voice calm.