Chereads / Ouroboros Record: The Infinite Circle / Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: The Art of Alchemy

Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: The Art of Alchemy

"The mystical world holds no secrets about the venomous leopard. I will provide relevant information shortly," Amphisbaena declared, waving his hand dismissively.

As a future leader of the wizarding world, Amphisbaena felt no qualms about sharing magical knowledge for personal gain.

Revealing his secret to the Ministry of Magic could result in his imprisonment in Azkaban. Amphisbaena contemplated the risk, knowing he could become the first magician in England to face the death penalty, leaving behind a name etched in history.

"The poison sac leopard possesses three primary attributes for alchemy: 'Extraordinary Speed,' 'Disease,' and 'Quietness.' This formidable creature provides ample resources to refine three magical items. Amphisbaena, only requires the 'Extraordinary Speed' and the 'Disease' aspect. Furthermore, he taught his techniques openly during the refinement process, even accepting an apprentice, though success is not guaranteed."

Upon hearing Amphisbaena's words, the Prime Minister chuckled, "Downing Street is deeply honored by Mr. Prometheus' dedication. If you require any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask."

With core technology in hand, anything else was negotiable. In this regard, England stood on equal footing with the great powers of the past.

Amphisbaena was straightforward, "Alchemy demands significant amounts of silver and gold. I hope Downing Street can provide the necessary resources."

"No problem," replied the Prime Minister nonchalantly. After all, the first nuclear bomb required a substantial amount of melted silver as a conductor.

The expenditures of a large nation on scientific research should never be underestimated.

"Our collaboration with Downing Street carries great risk. We request access to magic items related to 'secrecy' and 'protection' from the secret library to ensure our safety."

After some contemplation, the Prime Minister nodded, "That can be arranged. Even if you face persecution from the Ministry of Magic, we can provide political asylum."

Amphisbaena understood the political game all too well. At that point, he might have to work for them for the rest of his life. Nevertheless, he grasped the political routine.

Just a small amount trickling from the hands of a powerful nation could sustain ordinary people indefinitely, but he saw no fault in it.

Endless gold and silver, high-quality magical items from the Imperial Collection, the Malfoy family connections, the Room of Requirements, and the knowledge he recorded from the restricted section of the library in Hogwarts—Amphisbaena doubted if there was a happier alchemist in the world.

"What are we waiting for? Let's commence today's alchemy," Amphisbaena directed the researcher beside him, paying no attention to the nearby Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister showed no concern and extended his hand, "It's an honor for us to witness Mr. Prometheus' alchemical skills."

...

"The 'disease' characteristic of the cystic leopard originates from its lungs, its 'extraordinary speed' from its limbs, and its 'silent breath' from its fur," Amphisbaena explained to the researcher while dissecting the creature.

"The leg bones possess inherent runes that provide the 'swift speed' attribute. These runes are the source of their extraordinary power. When crafting magic items, alchemists must always align with the innate characteristics of the material. Harnessing the nature of objects is the pinnacle of alchemy. Beyond that lies the realm of legends."

Amphisbaena showcased the intact runes on the leg bones to the surrounding assistants.

"What is considered higher-level alchemy?" curiously asked one of the assistants.

"Divine alchemy, as recorded in Egyptian, Norse, or Chinese mythology, is said to be the alchemy used to create humankind," Amphisbaena replied.

"For bone materials, if we are not creating weapons, we choose to make bone amulets. It is the simplest and most effective way to utilize them."

Using the magical herbs he brought, Amphisbaena prepared the solution for the initial step.

"For materials with intact magical lines, we advise against splitting or altering them. Plasticity is a method of treatment that damages the magical lines and diminishes the material's maximum value."

"The best treatment method is through solution treatment."

An hour later, the solution had transformed the bones into quarter-sized white pieces, completely preserving the 'swift' rune.

"Mithril, refined from silver, serves as the finest magical base, equivalent to your superconductor." During that hour, Amphisbaena had also refined a substantial amount of mithril.

"Does the wizarding world have a concept of superconductors?" inquired the curious assistant.

"Everything in the world is interconnected," Amphisbaena brushed it off, while instructing his assistant to arrange and refine the formation with mithril and gold.

Forming matrices was the crown jewel of alchemy. Many alchemists had their unique methods of formation or undisclosed secrets, resulting in distinctive effects.

The most widely practiced formations were the 'Almighty Eye' and the 'Almighty Hand.'

The act of forming matrices was equivalent to algebra and geometry in mathematics, serving as the source and foundation of everything.

Though Amphisbaena lacked a unique formation, an abundance of gold and silver could achieve the same effect.

After engraving the 'expanded' runes on the mithril in his hand, Amphisbaena perfectly embedded the processed bones, placing them at the formation's center.

He then produced a crystal ball containing a swirling smoke reminiscent of a twisted panther—the soul of the sacred leopard.

"The souls of magical animals, when combined with their corpses, create a perfect alchemical fusion. However, any magic that binds souls is forbidden in the modern wizarding world. In severe cases, wands can be confiscated and their wielders deprived of spellcasting powers."

The assistant sneered at Amphisbaena's comment, reminded of the environmental protection organizations that often clashed with scientists. These individuals were far from friendly towards them.

Amphisbaena wielded his wand and began casting spells. Gold had a purifying effect, and sufficient gold could purify the specter.

In mortal tales, selling souls to demons in exchange for gold alluded to an implicit term in alchemy.

The cystic leopard's soul, purified within the refining formation, was ultimately enchanted by the 'Almighty Hand' on the amulet, completing the creation of the magic item.

Amphisbaena picked up the Amulet from the formation and nodded in satisfaction. This alchemical endeavor was perhaps his most successful one.

Apart from the semester spent under Voldemort's tutelage, the availability of high-level alchemy materials and an unlimited supply of gold and silver were crucial factors.

Amphisbaena had crafted the [Quickstep Amulet], utilizing the bones of the cystic leopard, its soul, and copious amounts of gold and mithril. This necklace granted the wearer unparalleled swiftness, even surpassing the wind.

Additionally, the second creation is the [Venomswift], a lethal powder made from the lungs, acid extracted from the cystic leopard's stomach, and certain radioactive materials. When deployed, this powder gradually disperses, causing death within a minute for anyone exposed to it. Also Amphisbaena planned to create an antidote for this poison only for himself.

The Prime Minister outside the laboratory was the first to applaud, and the surrounding researchers followed suit. "Mr. Prometheus' alchemy is truly astounding."

Though he did not comprehend alchemy, Amphisbaena's unreserved approach satisfied the Prime Minister. He believed it wouldn't be long before he and others mastered the advanced magical technology of alchemy.

Amphisbaena would sneer if he knew what the Prime Minister was thinking.

Ordinary people could only touch the surface. Without magic, they had no connection to high-end alchemy. This truth was dictated by the nature of the world, even if they mastered the rituals with greater proficiency.

If chaotic magic were so easily tamed, humans would have conquered the galaxy long ago. However, in reality, humans couldn't even leave the solar system.

As long as Downing Street failed to grasp genuine alchemy and potions, Amphisbaena's value would remain indispensable, and Downing Street wouldn't dare betray him.