Preparation

"Gilan."

Pala suddenly called out.

"Yes, Teacher. Please speak."

Gilan hurriedly looked up and responded.

The old man's gaze was profound as he said solemnly:

"As my student, I hope you can inherit the alchemy I am most skilled in. But you are not proficient in either mysticism or alchemy—you could even be called a complete outsider."

"I'm sorry, Teacher." Gilan felt somewhat embarrassed.

"Before studying under me, you should first build a solid foundation in these fields. Otherwise, you will not even be able to comprehend some of the things I say."

Pala instructed him.

"Mysticism and alchemy are profound disciplines. Ordinary people may devote their entire lives to studying them without fully grasping them, so I fear you will not be able to master a sufficiently solid foundation in a short time."

"And I do not have much time left. I cannot wait."

"I'm sorry... Teacher."

Hearing the old man's low voice, Gilan apologized again, his tone growing heavier.

Pala slowly took out a black film reel from his person and handed it over under Gilan's astonished gaze.

"Take it and watch the film."

"This is..." Gilan took it and looked down.

On one corner of the reel's surface was a familiar label, bearing the film's title in black cursive lettering:

Silver Bottle

"This is a film about alchemy. It will be enough to help you lay a foundation in the relevant knowledge."

Pala explained.

Gilan raised a brow, quite surprised.

"The film's protagonist is named Maikala Meilasi Kesi. She was active in the early twelfth century and was a legendary alchemist... In later generations, she ascended and became one of the apostles under September Director Snow Lady—the Silver Bottle Lady."

Pala continued.

"You can find a way to learn mystical knowledge from Lady Maikala within the film,