Genius.
This man was undoubtedly a genius in magical research.
In Duwei's heart, he had already reached a judgment about the captured mage before him. If allowed to continue his studies unhindered, this man might one day become a legendary pioneer in the field of magic.
But for now, what intrigued Duwei most was the problem of using alchemy to manipulate magic.
The mage, animated with excitement, began to share the results of his tireless research—discoveries that he had never dared reveal to anyone. These secrets, once his life's greatest regrets, now flowed from him unrestrained. His eyes sparkled with pride, and his gestures became almost theatrical as he spoke.
"People like me," he began, "possess sufficient mental strength—what you call magical power—but my perception is flawed. I can barely sense the magical elements in the natural environment. It's as if I were a person with impaired hearing. If the surrounding sounds are faint, I can't hear them. But if the noise is loud—deafening, even—then, perhaps, I can perceive it!"
Duwei's eyes gleamed with understanding. "So... you devised a way to increase the density of magical elements around you using alchemy?"
"Exactly! In fire magic, the foundation lies in 'fire elements.' But even the most brilliant mages don't truly understand what these 'fire elements' are. They only know how to harness them. I hypothesized that combustible substances contain fire elements, and I set out to extract and amplify these elements. If the concentration of fire elements around me were sufficiently increased, then even someone as insensitive as I am should be able to detect them—and thus, wield magic!"
"And... you succeeded?" Duwei asked with a mix of awe and skepticism.
"Yes!" the mage declared solemnly. "I conducted countless experiments. My focus was fire magic, based on the premise that combustible materials contain fire elements. Extracting these elements was painstaking. I left my teacher, retreated to the South, and built a small laboratory with my own hands. After years of effort, I finally succeeded."
Duwei leaned forward, excitement flaring. "You discovered the nature of fire elements? What are they?"
The mage hesitated, a trace of embarrassment on his face. "I still don't know exactly what they are. After over a hundred formulations and more than three hundred extraction methods, I finally created a black powder by synthesizing extracts from various plants. And then... for the first time, I could feel it!"
"You could feel it?" Duwei raised an eyebrow.
"Yes! My magical perception, once so dull, suddenly registered the existence of fire elements when I scattered this powder into the air with a wind machine I had designed. For the first time, I sensed the rhythm of fire elements in nature. When I tried casting a fire spell, I actually succeeded!"
The mage's voice trembled with emotion. "I've been on the path of magic since I was thirteen. For twenty years, I've longed to wield magic. And though the spell I cast—a simple fireball—was the most rudimentary, the sight of it nearly brought me to tears."
Duwei watched the mage's rapturous expression and sighed. "So, the fireballs you launched during our fight at the tavern…"
"Yes," the mage admitted, "I carried sealed bottles of my powdered extract. When I needed magic, I discreetly opened one, letting the powder mix into the air. That enabled me to sense the fire elements and cast spells."
What an ingenious, albeit unconventional, method! Duwei could not help but admire the mage's creativity. Yet, a strange thought crept into his mind, making his expression shift. "Your mage certification... Did you pass by using this technique?"
The mage flushed. "I know it's akin to cheating, but I couldn't suppress my desire to become a mage."
"I understand," Duwei said thoughtfully. "But why, with your natural talent and this method, did you only qualify as a first-level mage? Shouldn't you be capable of achieving higher ranks?"
The mage shook his head with a bitter smile. "My method compensates for perception but introduces a new problem. I've pondered it endlessly, but I cannot overcome it."
"What's the problem?" Duwei pressed. His own dreams of magic hinged on this man's knowledge.
"I found that, even with my extract's high fire element concentration, I can only cast the most basic fireball spell. To use more advanced spells, I'd need to exponentially increase the fire element density. I calculated that achieving mid-tier fire magic would require an environment dozens of times richer in fire elements. Such a concentration could only exist in flames themselves—but entering flames would obviously kill me."
"So," Duwei summarized, "your method unlocked magic for you, but only at its most basic level."
"Exactly."
"And your ability to cast spells without incantations?" Duwei asked, intrigued by this extraordinary feat.
"That's merely a shortcut in alchemy," the mage replied sheepishly. "Ordinary mages summon elements through incantations. I don't need to summon anything—the fire elements are already in my sleeve."
Duwei's expression darkened. If this mage could refine his technique to cast advanced spells without incantations, the potential was staggering—a mage of immense power, capable of instantaneous, high-level magic. Such an individual could reshape the balance of power.
After much conversation, Duwei shifted the discussion to alchemy, surprising the mage with his knowledge and passion for the subject—a rare trait among nobles. As the two exchanged thoughts, the mage's disdain for his captor softened, replaced by a sense of camaraderie. They shared similar struggles: both lacked the natural aptitude for magic but burned with the desire to master it.
Duwei finally broached a pivotal question. "Saulskaya," he said, calling the mage by name, "what drives you to become a mage? What do you hope to achieve?"
Saulskaya pondered. "The ultimate duty of a mage is to seek the mysteries of magic. But I'll never become a great mage, so my goal is simpler: I want respect and the privileges of a mage."
"Fair enough," Duwei said with a smile. "But as a first-level mage, you won't garner much respect. Join me instead. Become my personal magical advisor. I'll give you wealth, status, and everything you desire. You know my lineage—the Rolin family's name won't tarnish your reputation."
The offer made Saulskaya's heart race. Despite their earlier conflicts, Duwei's passion for magic resonated with him. Here was a kindred spirit who understood his struggles. The opportunity to serve the prestigious Rolin family was too tempting to refuse.
"I… I'll accept your offer," Saulskaya finally said. "But I must return to the South for my laboratory, tools, and materials. Only I can handle them safely."
Duwei hesitated, unwilling to risk losing this invaluable ally. Then, he made his decision. "I'll go with you. Together, we'll retrieve your equipment."
Thus, the path of the Roland Demon began.