Silver Bottle VIII

"Most alchemists in the world are either half-trained dabblers or lowly frauds who use it to swindle people."

Madam Macara explained to the apprentices.

"They have barely mastered the most basic alchemical arrays, yet they attempt alchemy with erroneous, flaw-ridden 'alchemical catalysts'... In the end, they merely dye the surfaces of base metals, like crude coloring work, and pass them off as gold to cheat people out of money."

"Based on materials I collected at random, there are more than 260 folk formulas for making convincing imitation gold, artificial pearls, and fake jewelry."

As she spoke, Madam Macara shook her head.

"This is not the proper path. Remember that well."

"At the same time, this is the first major branch I will discuss with you today: 'metal alchemy.'"

"The core of it is the 'mercury-sulfur theory.' This theory was first proposed by an unnamed alchemist. It holds that all things in the mortal world are composed of two substances spewed forth from the earth's core: dry as smoke, 'sulfur'; moist as vapor, 'mercury.' When they combine underground in different proportions and concentrations, different metals and stones emerge."

"However, during an incident two hundred years ago, an ancient cult known as Midnight Rose attempted to bypass the principle of 'equivalent exchange' and mass-produce gold, thus incurring the wrath of Snow Lady, the Hour-God of September, who sent down punishment."

"At that time, the cult's leader, Ibn Hal, along with the vast majority of alchemists, paid with their lives... From then on, the important role of salt was added to the 'mercury-sulfur theory.'"

"This is both reverence for Snow Lady and proof of one's faith."

Madam Macara flicked her hand again.

Seven kinds of metal floated in midair. At the center was the golden sphere on the table, while farther out were