The next morning, Donald and Clinton climbed into a carriage and set out from the estate for Giant Stone City, bringing fifty bottles of two kinds of wine—wines with wondrous effects never before seen on the continent.
These restorative products were very popular among professionals. Alchemical potions that could instantly restore mental energy, in particular, were practically a second life for mages. They had always been worth a fortune and impossible to buy.
And for nobles who sought pleasure, the superb taste and flavor of wine blended from these ingredients were an irresistible temptation!
Donald could imagine that if he sold this superb wine, which could restore small amounts of vitality and mental energy, it would surely set off a buying frenzy among mages and nobles.
Three hours later, the carriage arrived at the entrance to the Mage Association in Giant Stone City. It was Donald's first destination.
To avoid breaking them on the journey, Donald had temporarily stored all the fragile crystal wine bottles in his storage space. He took them out again once they arrived.
After getting out, Donald told the coachman and attendants to watch the carriage, then took two sample crystal bottles filled with red and white liquid and entered the association.
As he entered the reception hall, Donald saw an unfamiliar face and felt puzzled. William had always handled reception in the past, but now the job had been given to a middle-aged man with a narrow, beady face and a sleazy appearance.
"Welcome, Mage!"
Donald wasn't pleased by the middle-aged attendant's fawning greeting. "Are you new here? Where's William?"
The attendant's smile stiffened, but he quickly recovered and said, "You mean the former receptionist, sir? I heard the association dismissed him. I don't know the details."
Donald frowned. William had been humble and courteous, yet still possessed the pride of a mage. He was as capable as the steward of an ordinary minor noble. At least in Donald's eyes, William had done an excellent job. Why would he be dismissed for no reason? If the matter wasn't too serious, Donald should help him. After all, William had helped him a great deal, and Donald ought to repay that kindness.
The new attendant's manner was unpleasant, so Donald waved him away when he tried to lead him inside and went in on his own.
Donald was now a full-fledged mage, and the association had provided him with a lounge like those of the other mages. He no longer needed an attendant to show him around as he had when he was an apprentice.
Rather than go to his own room, Donald went to the door of his teacher, Messer. He knocked lightly and, after hearing permission from within, pushed the door open.
The room served not only as a lounge but also as Master Messer's private laboratory. The old mage was at the workbench on the other side of the room, concentrating on crafting a small alchemical item.
Seeing this, Donald didn't dare disturb him. He simply stood quietly to one side and waited patiently, observing the application of alchemical knowledge. It would be useful when he explored the field himself in the future.
Spell items and alchemical devices were essentially the same kind of thing: magic items. They were divided into two categories only because they were made by different methods. In practice, their functions were much the same.
Spell items were generally made through enchantment. Materials with an affinity for the elements and the mind were imbued with spell structures and suitable spells, creating a tool that could produce magical effects without requiring a mage to cast the spell personally.
Alchemical devices served the same purpose, but alchemists usually made them with wondrous recipes and materials. They then engraved an alchemical array and fitted it with an energy core to power the spell, achieving the same magical effect.
Alchemical devices had the advantage of requiring no spellcasting power from the user; they could be made with nothing but sufficient materials. That was why mages generally preferred alchemical products, and many learned a few simple alchemical techniques to avoid the expense of making spell items themselves.
More accomplished master spellcasters could combine the two methods, compensating for each one's weaknesses to create powerful magical equipment. Master Messer was one of the few renowned alchemical masters in Celt.
To Donald, alchemy was much like a combination of chemistry and physics from his previous life. The creation of alchemical potions, in particular, was almost identical to conducting chemical experiments, while engraving arrays was like applying knowledge of electrical circuits. The ways alchemical materials and recipes were processed were a perfect blend of industrial chemistry and physics.
Although Messer wasn't a professional alchemist, he was deeply interested in the subject and had a gift for it. Drawing on his knowledge of related fields, and with his strength already on the verge of the Silver Mage ranks, he had reached the level of an ordinary orthodox Silver alchemist in both alchemical device crafting and enchantment. His immersion in alchemy and frequent use of enchantment had also held back his advancement as a mage. He had yet to master a seventh-level spell and become a true Silver Elemental Mage.
Watching this master craft an alchemical item was a valuable experience for Donald, who had only learned the basics of alchemy.
After a full half hour, Messer finally finished crafting the item.
It was a small, plain hair ornament with no precious jewels set in it. That was because the light shining from the ornament itself outshone any gem that did not emit light. The glow came from the cleansing spell placed upon it. Though faint, it was enough to make whoever wore it stand out.
There was no doubt the ornament, which was made for a woman, hadn't been intended for the old mage himself. It was probably a gift for some noblewoman or lady.
Donald briefly let his mind wander to the possibilities, then put a stop to his gossiping about Master Messer and respectfully bowed to him.
"Ah, little Donald, you're here! Sorry to keep you waiting!"
The old mage's voice carried the affection he felt for his junior. Donald quickly smiled and said:
"Getting to watch you craft an alchemical item is an opportunity many mages would never get. I wouldn't pass up such a wonderful chance!"
"Your eagerness to learn is heartening! Many apprentices lose their determination and perseverance after becoming full-fledged mages. In the end, they spend their whole lives unable to break through the threshold of third-level spells and become Bronze Mages!"
Seeing Messer sigh with feeling, Donald smiled and changed the subject. "I'm sure you'll enter the Golden ranks, teacher. I hope to follow in your footsteps and become a Golden powerhouse myself!"
Messer shook his head with a smile. "I really am getting old! I appreciate the encouragement. Let's keep working hard and improving together!"
After they exchanged a few words in tacit understanding, Donald finally brought up the real reason for his visit.
Seeing Donald take out two crystal bottles that clearly contained wine, the old mage asked in confusion, "Is there something to celebrate? It's not even dinnertime yet. Why have you brought out wine?"
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