Want to Steal My Disciple?
"Grafton... in the field of Alchemy, do you have a teacher... I mean, someone who inherits your mantle, who gives you true guidance... a master?"
Lance's question seemed to express the common sentiment of all the alchemists present.
While geniuses may grow wildly on their own, Alchemy is a profound and difficult discipline that requires a great deal of knowledge accumulation and trial and error at every step. Without the guidance and instruction of a master at crucial moments, it is hard to imagine that a young person could reach such a height.
Several gazes, almost tangible, focused on Lucien, filled with inquiry, curiosity, anticipation, and even a deeply hidden desire.
Only Nicolas's gaze flickered slightly upon hearing the question, landing on Lance's face.
His brow furrowed very slightly. The expression on this young man's face... it seemed familiar.
Hmm, could it be that she's taken a liking to one of her students?
Lucien glanced discreetly at his teacher, catching the way the teacher was scrutinizing Lance.
With a perfectly balanced expression of apology and firmness, he replied:
"Mr. Lance, yes, I have a mentor in the field of Alchemy." Lucien's tone was sincere and respectful. "He led me into the true world of alchemy, imparting countless invaluable knowledge without reservation. He is my most important mentor on the path of alchemy."
"However, my master is a quiet person and does not like to be disturbed. Therefore, please forgive me for not being able to tell him his name."
As soon as he finished speaking, the last bit of expectation on Lance's face vanished, replaced by undisguised regret. He leaned back in his chair and let out a barely audible sigh.
The several gray-haired masters beside him had similar expressions and postures, with complex emotions such as envy, regret, and even a little "jealousy" of the unknown old man's good fortune flowing in their eyes.
Nicolas watched all of this unfold, her eyelids twitching slightly.
Well, as expected, they wanted to steal his own apprentice!
And it's not just one person who thinks this way!
Fortunately, no one questioned Lucien's statement, and no one was so tactless as to continue asking questions.
Alchemy and potion makers are not lacking in "reclusive" individuals. These wizards would retreat to some mountain or forest and dedicate their entire lives to studying their knowledge. Some would even die without seeking fame or fortune, though they are relatively few in number.
The Alchemy present simply found it absurd. How could a reclusive fellow, who preferred to live a life of seclusion and detachment from worldly affairs, have found such a fine successor Lucien?
Didn't they say they couldn't find it even while holding a candle?
This luck was like Merlin himself had smashed a pie into his own cauldron!
Could spending time in remote, desolate mountains possibly reveal such talented and compassionate children?
With their thoughts in turmoil, no one spoke for a moment, creating a subtly tense atmosphere.
It was Madame Maxime broke the brief silence, "Heh heh, it seems that once ' Instant Whisper ' becomes widespread, those owls in the Wizarding World responsible for delivering messages will probably have to retire early."
He made a harmless joke, naturally steer the conversation back on track, "Speaking of which, Lucien, ' Instant Whisper ' borrows from the Muggle's 'Internet.' Following this line of thought, is there also a similar 'central hub' responsible for receiving, processing, and distributing... um, 'data packets'?"
Upon hearing this question, Lucien's lips curved into a slight smile; the real core topic had arrived.
"Yes, madam, in my complete vision, it is indeed possible to establish a distributed ' Magic Communications Hub ' in the future."
"Currently, the efficiency and stability of ' Instant Whisper ' point-to-point direct connections, especially when transmitting complex audio and images in real time, are greatly affected by distance and the magical environments of both parties... Establishing a dedicated magical hub can greatly optimize the path and improve the efficiency and stability of information flow..."
"Of course," he changed the subject, appearing extremely candid, "From a technical standpoint, there are two main routes to achieve the future goal of ' Instant Whisper 'Instant Whisper Magic Communications Hub itself, enhancing its own magical processing and remote connection capabilities..."
The latter has a longer research and development cycle, and the results are uncertain.
The former requires a large investment of resources and cross-regional coordination for construction, but once completed, its effects will be immediate and scalable.
In Lucien's mind, the loan for the Emerald Tablet Fragment still had six months remaining.
Only by optimizing and improving "Instant Whisper" across borders and even globally within the specified timeframe can its widespread adoption and sales be maximized.
Ideally, the Ministry of Magic of various countries would be involved in jointly building the communication infrastructure for the wizarding world.
This Triwizard Tournament is also an excellent opportunity for showcasing and promoting our schools.
Not to mention the whole world, at least the entire Europe Wizarding World is focused on this.
The renowned alchemists on the judging panel wield significant influence in their respective countries and the international magical community.
If we can "conquer" them first, then the resistance to getting the Ministry of Magic involved will undoubtedly be much smaller.
In addition, Lucien was determined to advance the verification and preliminary construction of the Magic Communications Hub network, while also continuing his research on optimizing the Instant Whisper itself.
Whichever path leads to a key breakthrough first will be a victory for me.