Angel's first attempt ended in failure.
What was more, it had failed not long after the start.
The reason was not a flaw in the refinement process, but entirely Angel's own fault. There had been an error in his control over his strength, causing him to crack a Fire-Passing Stone fragment that was meant to be fused.
Though it was only a tiny crack, and Angel could have simply replaced the Fire-Passing Stone fragment with another, he chose to extinguish the fire first and temporarily discard the materials already consumed.
He had been so decisive in order to avoid regretting it later, after using up precious materials.
Though control over one's strength had never been placed in the most important position by alchemists, it was like how humans needed air to breathe—a kind of instinct. It seemed unimportant, yet it had long seeped into the marrow and was indispensable.
Thus, Angel stopped.
Fortunately, he had noticed early, and not many materials had been consumed. He still had room to be willful.
After pausing, Angel did not resume the refinement. Instead, he began targeted strength training, hoping to quickly gain control over the upgraded power of his physical body.
Two days soon passed. During those two days of training, Angel had basically stabilized his control over the strength in his hands. Only then did he realize just how great the increase in his physical strength had been.
Compared with his past self, it was utterly beyond measure. Before, his spiritual force had surpassed his body, though the gap between them had not been large. Now, however, his physical strength far exceeded his spiritual force, the distance between them immense.
Converted into energy levels, Angel estimated that he had at least reached the standard of a bloodline-side wizard!
Still, he had merely