Lynn had never attended a Muggle university in this life, but how could he not have learned these things during the nine years of compulsory education from his previous life?
"Now that you understand circuit diagrams, it's easy to grasp. You just need to think of the power source of the alchemy array as a battery, the rune center of the array as a switch, and then view the various alchemical runes as electronic components. Once you do that, the alchemical circle won't seem so complicated," Professor Green explained with great enthusiasm.
It was often challenging for formation alchemists to teach their apprentices. Unlike legal alchemy, which was more practical than theoretical, formation alchemy was incredibly demanding in terms of theoretical knowledge. Many talented alchemy apprentices who dabbled in alchemical arrays often complained about their complexity.
Especially regarding the knowledge of alchemy arrays, there were thousands of variations of alchemical formations. Ordinary formation alchemists could only memorize them through rote learning.
But Professor Green and Lynn were different. By understanding the alchemical array as a circuit diagram in Muggle theory, they simplified the arrays' structure to two fundamental types: serial and parallel connections. Other formations could be reorganized into combinations of these two basic types.
After explaining the basic principles of alchemy arrays, Professor Green moved on to teaching the method of engraving an alchemical array.
The engraving process didn't just involve carving patterns onto an object; it required a special alchemical carving knife to permanently infuse the alchemist's magical power into the object. This created a closed alchemical circuit through which magic could flow, completing the array.
Taking a golden carving knife out of his pocket, Professor Green said, "Every alchemist eventually crafts their own carving knife, but for now, you can use mine." He handed the knife to Lynn.
Lynn carefully accepted the tool. It was made of pure gold, intricately etched with hundreds of densely packed alchemical circuits that formed dozens of miniature alchemy arrays. Each array was only the size of a fingernail, highlighting the extraordinary craftsmanship involved in creating such a tool.
Using his wand, Professor Green outlined two peculiar runes in the air. "These two runes represent the power source and the rune center, which are the battery and the switch in the circuit diagram. Based on what I've explained and the alchemical runes you've already learned, I want you to complete an alchemy engraving in front of me. You can enchant any object—oh, except your wand."
Lynn nodded in understanding.
After a brief pause, he hesitated before pulling out a large dungbomb from his pocket.
It was a gift from the Weasley twins after they restocked Zuko's Joke Shop.
"A dungbomb? I just hope you don't make a mess of my office," Professor Green exclaimed in mild shock, then sighed in resignation.
Lynn quickly promised that the dungbomb wouldn't explode.
He sat at the professor's desk and examined the dungbomb carefully.
Its outer shell wasn't very thick, so he had to engrave the alchemy array with caution. If the shell was punctured, Lynn could easily imagine Professor Green hanging him upside down in punishment.
The dungbomb itself was an alchemical product. Aside from the trigger mechanism, the other alchemy arrays were hidden beneath its casing. This allowed Lynn to engrave his new array without worrying about damaging the original mechanisms.
Using the golden carving knife, Lynn carefully engraved a power source rune onto the dungbomb's casing. As he worked, he could feel the knife absorbing his magical energy. When it cut into the casing, his magic was released from the knife's tip, becoming deeply embedded in the shell and forming magical runes.
After completing the power source rune, he etched a rune center onto the dungbomb's original trigger, synchronizing the center with the trigger mechanism. This ensured that activating the trigger would simultaneously activate the alchemical arrays.
Taking a moment to think, Lynn added runes for "Enhancement" and "Diffusion" onto the shell. These runes would strengthen the dungbomb's potency and double the spread of its stench upon detonation.
Finally, he connected the two additional runes to the power source and rune center, completing a closed circuit and forming a functioning alchemical array.
Thus, Lynn finished his first alchemical creation: the enhanced dungbomb.
"Master, I'm done!" Lynn exclaimed, holding up the finished product.
Professor Green approached and scrutinized the alchemical array. After a moment, he extended his hands and said, "In my opinion, the array you've engraved is excellent. Normally, the next step would be to activate the alchemical array and test its effects to deepen your understanding. But for now, let's skip that part—I don't want my office reeking of dungbomb stench!"
"That's enough for today. From now on, you'll come here every Saturday to practice engraving alchemical arrays. And please, no more dungbombs!"
Lynn chuckled awkwardly. He didn't want to admit it, but the only objects he had suitable for engraving were those dungbombs.
While clothing could technically be enchanted with defensive arrays, he hadn't learned defensive alchemical runes yet. And it wouldn't make sense to engrave "explosion" runes onto his clothes—he wasn't suicidal!
After leaving Professor Green's office, Lynn found Fred and George and handed over the enhanced dungbombs.
Seeing the twins' ecstatic expressions, Lynn couldn't help but wonder if what he had done was right or wrong.
The next morning, Lynn heard from Erwin Foley that Mr. Filch had been hit in the face with a dungbomb—and was still reeking hours later.