The Runic Alchemist

"What do you need from the forbidden section?" the third ranker inquired, cutting straight to the point.

"More spells, enchantments—anything that can help," Reize replied, while Damian silently glared at Worldscribe-he was still pissed about the title, her smug smile revealing her amusement.

"Helps with what?" she pressed.

Reize hesitated, looking at Damian, who nodded. "We're researching ways to improve mana efficiency—or increase mana capacity," she explained.

That piqued her interest. "And how do you intend to achieve that? Do you have any leads, or just empty hopes?"

Reize bristled, "Why does this academy not understand the simple concept of 'if we have an answer we wouldn't be scouring the libraries for it!'"

Damian suppressed a chuckle at her outburst, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"The mana-gathering feature pulls energy from the surroundings," he explained. "The problem is containing it. The only feasible solution I've come up with in theory is creating an artificial core—similar to the cores of monsters and living beings. My expertise with morphing potions might help, but I'd need to study a high-rank beast or monster with compatible anatomy to understand its workings and try to replicate it."

They both stared at him. Reize's eyes were wide with shock, but she wasn't alone in her reaction. Even Worldscribe's immaculate mask of composure cracked slightly, revealing her mage and scholarly side. After a moment of silence, she regained her composure and said,n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"You think that will work? You do understand this field is a scholar's grave. No one has ever found anything concrete, even after wasting years of research—not even the greatest of minds."

Damian shrugged. "It's a concept. Can't say anything for sure without trying."

Worldscribe allowed herself a rare smile as she took a seal and approved their application. "Do it. Just ask if you need anything else."

Damian nodded. "Actually, access to your dungeon would help," he said, seizing the opportunity.

She raised an eyebrow. "Hrm. That's not entirely in my hands. Only the student who ranks first in both the fourth and fifth-year term exams has the right to enter the dungeon with a ten-person team for the whole of second term."

"That's how it is, then…" Damian muttered. "Can you at least look for the monster I mentioned? Even arranging a meeting for an hour or so would be a big help, and I also wanted your advice for spellcrafting - not immediately, when you have spare time of course.." he added, lowering his expectations for the dungeon.

"I'll see what I can do. But you'll have to agree to something as well," she said, her tone serious.

"What?" Reize asked cautiously.

"No contracts with any noble house of any kingdom," she said gravely.

"Why would I do that?" Damian dismissed her concerns with a shrug. "It'll be my creation. No one else will ever have rights over it—not even Highsword."

"Then why should I help you?" Worldscribe asked, feigning ignorance.

"I said Highsword wouldn't have control over it, but that doesn't mean I won't make deals with people I trust," Damian clarified, suggesting she could have access to the product, though not the method of its creation. If he succeeded in inventing something akin to a mana-storing device, he intended it for creation, not as a weapon locked away in his personal arsenal or arsenal of Highswords.

He knew it was increadibly naive of him, but that's just what he wanted to do. He was a creator - if his creation was not used by people, admired by people and inspired them to achieve greater heights - then he was a failure as a creator.

Worldscribe nodded in understanding. "I'll see what I can do."

Damian accepted her answer and took their approved application back to the library with Reize. On the way, Reize was unusually quiet until she finally asked, "Why didn't you tell me you had a plan ready? It's fine if you don't share all your secrets, but a hint would've been nice."

"I didn't plan to reveal it," Damian admitted. "But she needed a push to let us proceed in peace."

Reize nodded, accepting his simple explanation. Damian couldn't say how far he could trust Worldscribe, but most accounts of her painted her as fair and scholarly, though a bit too by the books and strict in her conduct. While her methods of running the academy weren't without criticism, it wasn't surprising; perfection was an illusion. He would have been more suspicious if she was without a speck of dirt on her.

He didn't have anyone he trusted fully here but knew he had to take a chance on someone. Worldscribe's demeanor when he explained his plan suggested genuine curiosity and a scholarly spirit, not the cold calculation and greed he often encountered in the Eldoris elders. No one was above temptation, Damian reminded himself, but Worldscribe, as part of the Highsword organization, was accountable and had to weigh her actions carefully.

The queen and her followers, by contrast, were at war, free from such constraints-they had different priorities. Also he didn't know how to describe it but he just never felt like the third rankers other than Highsword members were… people. They felt more than that. And that feeling, Damian's gut told him, was not a good one.

Would Sam and the others change if they ever transcended to that level? He hoped the world wouldn't become so chaotic that they'd feel compelled to seek that power at any cost.

The library staff accepted their new permissions, and Damian and Reize began combing through the restricted sections in high spirits. It would take days to sort through all the material and even longer to decide which leads were worth pursuing.

They spent the whole evening in the library, leaving only when the staff forced them out for dinner. Frustratingly, the library closed after dinner hours, and they were limited to borrowing one book at a time. Though Damian found some intriguing material, he resolved not to focus too narrowly until he had a clearer picture of what was worth pursuing.