Nicolas: Do You Want to Be My Student?
In Nicolas's studio.
Under the guidance of a legendary Alchemy, Lucien corrects the imperfections of the doll.
"Yes, remove one ring of energy-gathering runes here and replace it with one and a half rings of mana-conducting runes, then forge the parts using Mithril, which has good mana conductivity..."
Once Nicolas offers guidance or advice, Lucien is able to quickly understand his meaning and put it into action.
"Then, at the end of the transmission, in the thinner magic conduit, should I reduce the stacking of runes, and consider the properties of the materials...?"
Lucien was very satisfied with Nicolas's ability to think critically and apply his knowledge to new situations. He didn't just mechanically learn and copy; he kept his mind active and incorporated his own ideas into the experiments.
"Very good, very good, Lucien, you learn very quickly. What alchemy books have you read before?"
There aren't many alchemy books available on the market; I found them all in the Hogwarts Library, including "Introduction to Alchemy," "The Principles of Matter Transformation," and "The Magic of Equivalent Exchange"...
Lucien submitted more than twenty book titles. His focus last year was not on Alchemy, so he didn't read many related books.
"It's right to lay a solid foundation first. Most of the books were recommended by Albus, right?"
Lucien nodded.
"Yes."
Nicolas told Lucien to put the doll away, then opened her mouth and uttered a word, but Lucien couldn't recognize it at first; the word's pronunciation was obscure and strange.
Just as Nicolas finished reciting the words, glowing runes suddenly appeared on the floor beneath their feet, and beams of magic surged upwards and enveloped them.
After the magical light disappeared, Lucien found that the scene before him had changed.
The original magical spacesuits have disappeared, replaced by rows of towering bookshelves displaying books that are either old or brand new.
Teleportation magic?
The runes formed a magic circle in that instant, faster and more comfortable than using Floo Powder.
Could it be some kind of Ancient Magic? Nicolas, this ancient wizard who is practically history itself, possesses such vast and profound knowledge.
"Want to learn? The magic circle from before."
"Think!"
Lucien answered without hesitation, making no attempt to hide his yearning for knowledge.
Nicolas smiled, thinking that this child was not only talented but also maintained a thirst for learning, unlike his peers who became arrogant and lazy after showing some talent. This was truly rare.
He reached out and beckoned, and a beautifully covered book Accio from one of the bookshelves.
Lucien looked at the library, which was even more spacious than the Hogwarts Library and could be described as a sea of books.
He sighed inwardly, thinking how someone who had lived for hundreds of years could collect so many books.
"Let the book hover in front of Lucien, "Nicolas whispered.
"This is ancient Hebrew. You should read this book and learn it first."
"These are the foundations for learning that kind of teleportation array, and also commonly used texts in some ancient Alchemy."
Lucien took the book and thanked Nicolas.
Don't be fooled by the fact that this is just a book Nicolas picked up casually; it's an absolute gem.
Alchemy is a difficult subject to learn, not only because of its high resource requirements (which are very expensive), but also because some wizards can only truly attempt it after reaching adulthood.
Another challenge is the written language. Alchemy is difficult to learn, and few people study it, resulting in a limited number of its lineages. It often dates back to ancient times, and the written language used is naturally Ancient Runes, which modern languages often cannot clearly explain.
Nicolas could conjure a blackboard and a table and chairs, and there he began to explain Alchemy to Lucien, filling in the gaps in his knowledge and solidifying his foundation.
If Nicolas needed any teaching materials along the way, he could simply summon them from the library.
Lucien also studied with all his might, like a dried-up sponge, constantly absorbing knowledge and nourishment.
Opportunities to learn from a legendary Alchemy like this are rare.
Although he had lived for over six hundred years, Nicolas's lectures were by no means rigid; he drew on a wide range of sources while explaining the knowledge points in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
As Nicolas continued to teach, he became increasingly satisfied with Lucien's performance.
He hadn't taught anyone like this in a long time.
The last one probably dates back more than a hundred years.
It was during this teaching process that Nicolas gained a clearer understanding of Lucien's alchemical talent.
This child is absolutely a genius!
But what surprised Nicolas even more was that Lucien also performed exceptionally well in other areas.
Alchemy involves multiple magical fields, and aptitude is an insurmountable hurdle for those who want to pursue true and comprehensive Alchemy.
This is both frustrating and very real.
Nicolas had originally prepared himself to spend extra effort helping Lucien improve his skills in spells and potions if he was lacking in those areas, but reality proved him wrong.
Lucien stayed with Nicolas for the time being, and his daily schedule was quite regular.
In the mornings, he would write papers on Transfiguration or develop alchemical tools and potions; in the afternoons, he would learn Alchemy from Nicolas; and in the evenings, he would either continue his work or accompany Nicolas and Perenelle to enjoy leisure activities such as opera.
The more fulfilling your days are, the faster time seems to pass.
Lucien also stayed with Nicolas for more than half a month.
One day, Lucien played Wizard's Chess with Nicolas.
"Beauxbatons is offering Alchemy Class in third grade? That early?"
Beauxbatons is a magic school located in France, and along with Hogwarts and Durmstrang, it is one of the three largest magic schools in Europe. Its prestige in France is similar to that of Hogwarts in England.
Nicolas just mentioned that students at this school can take Alchemy Class as early as their third year, and it's a compulsory course; at least until the higher grades, no specific learning conditions are required.
At Hogwarts, students can only choose Alchemy Class from their sixth year onwards, and they need to achieve sufficient grades to be eligible.
In some years, if too few students meet the requirements or are willing to take the course, it will not be offered at all.
Nicolas frowned as he thought about the game of chess.
"Yes, I funded Beauxbatons and provided some assistance and guidance in alchemy, so I was able to conduct popular education in alchemy. Of course, the actual learning threshold is still quite high."
Hearing Nicolas's words, Lucien was no longer surprised. With Nicolas Flamel's support, Beauxbatons ' Alchemy Class was probably the best in the world.
"So, Lucien, how about transferring to Beauxbatons? The Alchemy Class is definitely better than Hogwarts, and..."
Nicolas glanced at Lucien's reaction, then looked at the chessboard, wondering if there was any chance to cheat out of a piece.
"There are also many pretty young girls in Beauxbatons. I built a beauty fountain there, it's really useful, hehe, you'll definitely be in for a treat when you go."
"It's not just about looking. You're a handsome young man; you'll definitely have no shortage of suitors there. Speaking of which, have you found a girlfriend at Hogwarts?"
During his time with Nicolas, Lucien was no longer as reserved as he had been at the beginning. He learned that Nicolas would occasionally act "unrespectful of his age," which he explained was to maintain his mindset so that he wouldn't be worn down by the years.
"I think the atmosphere at Hogwarts is fantastic, and now is the perfect age to start learning. By the way, what's the principle behind the beauty-enhancing fountain you mentioned?"
Seeing that Lucien was still intently focused on the chessboard and hadn't been distracted, Nicolas subtly curled her lip.
"Finish this game first, and I'll teach you tomorrow."
"By the way, Lucien, would you like to be my student?"
(Here I am, sorry, something came up, I'm updating too late (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄)
"Would you like to be my student?"
Lucien, sitting across the chessboard, looked up in astonishment upon hearing Nicolas's words.
Nicolas spoke in a relaxed and natural tone, as if she were asking Lucien what he wanted for dinner.
But those deep eyes were filled with seriousness, without a trace of joking.
When was Nicolas's student?
Follow this living legend, through six centuries of ancient sorcerer, the pinnacle of alchemy in the world...
Learning from Nicolas Flamel?
Even with Lucien's composed nature, he couldn't help but be shaken after Nicolas's question, his thoughts churning.
Seeing Lucien's astonished and complicated expression, and understanding his incredulous reaction, Nicolas smiled gently:
"Don't be nervous. We're just teacher and student; there's no need to be as serious as the master-disciple relationship in ancient times."
"I can see that Lucien has a lot you want to learn, and a lot you're capable of learning; it's not limited to alchemy. I just..."
Nicolas paused, his eyes filled with melancholy.
"I just want to pass on my knowledge."
Nicolas has been thinking a lot these days. He plans to fly into that place that Muggle have named "space," hoping to go to the moon like those Muggle.
But there was one thing he could never let go of: the Alchemy he had studied all his life.
Over the centuries, Nicolas had children and descendants, and also took on many disciples and students.
Alchemy requires a great deal of talent, and the requirements for aptitude are even demanding if one wants to reach the pinnacle on this path.
It's far more difficult than in other fields!
Therefore, Nicolas has never found a suitable successor, but even with his unreserved training, those young people could not live up to his expectations.
However, just as Nicolas was preparing to give up and focus on flying to the moon, no longer concerning himself with worldly affairs...
A "surprise" occurred.
The boy Lucien possessed a talent that moved Nicolas, and their time together allowed Nicolas to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the boy's character.
The more Nicolas looked at Lucien, the more he admired and was satisfied with him; he saw hope in Lucien.
They saw hope in passing on their mantle.
Nicolas is now very grateful that Albus and Newt wrote to him, mentioning and recommending the child.
I'm also glad that the curiosity and interest that arose in that moment made me want to meet this child I'd never met before.
Nicolas looked at Lucien with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. He believed himself to be unparalleled in alchemy and the best Alchemy mentor in the world, capable of providing the best resources and guidance.
He also realized that Lucien was a boy with an extreme thirst for knowledge and would probably not refuse his offer.
But Nicolas was still unsure.
Lucien was also thrilled, never expecting that Nicolas would actually take him on as a student.
Although I've been studying with Nicolas for a while now, I'm sure I'll learn even more once we have a formal teacher-student relationship!
In the path of Alchemy, Nicolas is the known end, the pinnacle!
Regardless of one's own talent, a mentor is very important.
Alchemy is even more so; this discipline demands far too much: financial resources, aptitude, lineage...
Without a good teacher to guide you, you'll just wander around like a headless fly, taking many detours and going astray.
Therefore, there is no doubt about Lucien's choice.
"It's my pleasure."
"Teacher."
Upon hearing the word "teacher, "Nicolas felt a sense of relief and satisfaction.
"Alright, alright, let's finish the game first, then go eat."
Nicolas was very pleased, thinking that perhaps the moon landing plan could be postponed slightly, and he wanted to train Lucien first.
Anyway, he has plenty of time, so waiting a little longer won't be a problem.
Now that Lucien had become his student, Nicolas could teach him everything she knew without reservation: the secrets of the Sorcerer's Stone, the concoction of the Elixir of Life, ancient lost magic...
Lucien also looked down at the chessboard, preparing to continue the game.
Um...
Isn't this chess piece... a little off?
I don't think it was arranged like this just now...
"Principal Maxime, is this really the right thing to do?"
A tall, slender girl spoke nervously. She had beautiful golden hair and was truly stunning, even breathtakingly so. What was even more peculiar was that she was radiating a faint silver light.
"Phoebe, you've met Mr. Flamel before, and you left a very good impression on him."
Standing next to the young girl, Phoebe, was a tall, extremely tall woman.
The already tall girl looked like an adorable rag doll next to her.
This tall lady is Olympe Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
Seeing that Phoebe was still a little nervous, Maxime comforted her:
"The chances of this attempt are quite good. You are the most alchemically gifted student Beauxbatons has had in a century. Just do your best to show Mr. Flamel your excellence."
Maxime had something else to say, but he didn't, afraid of affecting Phoebe's confidence.
Even if Phoebe could not become Nicolas Flamel's official disciple, being a nominal one would be enough to make everyone envious.
None of the wizards Nicolas personally taught were unknown.
Moreover, opportunities to become an apprentice like this will probably not come again in the future.
Maxime looked up at the silver spaceship disappearing into the clouds and couldn't help but marvel at Nicolas Flamel's "outlandish idea."
A beam of light enveloped Maxime and Phoebe, slowly guiding them into the silver spaceship.
The two had just boarded the spaceship when they met Nicolas Flamel and a boy.
Nicolas was patting the boy on the shoulder, looking very friendly.
Seemingly sensing someone's presence, the boy turned around and looked in their direction.
Phoebe only noticed that he had a pair of dark green eyes, and then she saw him being teleported away.
A hint of curiosity arose in her mind about the boy, but Phoebe still followed behind Principal Maxime and politely greeted Nicolas Flamel.
After exchanging greetings and pleasantries, Maxime and Nicolas casually asked:
"Mr. Flamel, who was that child just now?"
A smile appeared on Nicolas's lips.
"That was my student, my last student."