The Secrets of Alchemy

Wizards had always been good at making things that defied reality.

Like the door Nicolas Flamel had just opened.

By all logic, opening it should have led straight outside, but after a bit of manipulation from Nicolas Flamel, there was actually an enormous space beyond it.

Only upon arriving here did Nicolas Flamel truly seem like an alchemist.

Eli could swear he had never seen any of the things here before.

All sorts of scents filled the air, and parchment scrolls were scattered everywhere, making it convenient to record things at any moment.

"This is where I usually conduct my research. From now on, it'll also be where you study."

Eli could swear there was no place more suitable for studying alchemy than this.

Just standing here made Eli feel as though he had become a master alchemist himself.

Nicolas Flamel was different from usual. In his most specialized field, he was extremely serious.

"Eli, tell me what you think of alchemy."

This was Nicolas Flamel's first lesson.

Eli pondered for a moment. In truth, he did not know much about alchemy at all.

The only alchemical creation he knew of was the Philosopher's Stone.

He had even protected the Philosopher's Stone, though he had only caught a brief glimpse of it in the end.

"Alchemy... turning decay into wonder, creating precious metals?"

He was not certain at all.

Nicolas Flamel nodded slightly. "Actually, that is what many people think, including many alchemists. From a certain perspective, it isn't wrong."

He rummaged around on a nearby table for a while and pulled out a thin book.

Eli looked closely and immediately felt as though time and space had become muddled.

What Nicolas Flamel held was actually a journal—Nature.

Muggles would definitely be familiar with this magazine. It was a highly authoritative scientific journal with a long history.

Founded by the British Sir Joseph Norman Lockyer, it contained cutting-edge research in physics, biology, and many other fields.

"Alchemy is actually very similar to Muggle science. It is an extension of human wisdom, capable of helping us accomplish things that individuals cannot accomplish alone."

"However, Muggle science is entirely based on the laws inherent to all things, while alchemy involves magic. Turning mercury into gold, for example, is absolutely unscientific in Muggle terms. But in alchemy, it is entirely possible."

"Science and alchemy ultimately lead to the same destination by different paths. Many wizards consider Muggles ignorant, but from the Muggles' perspective, are wizards who do not understand science not equally ignorant?"

Eli was stunned by the master's wisdom. Perhaps in Nicolas Flamel's eyes, everything converged upon a single point.

Nicolas Flamel did not stop. "What you said earlier was not wrong. The core of alchemy is altering matter—what is called turning decay into wonder."

He pointed at a device beside them that resembled a robot. "Mechanical objects like this are actually extensions of alchemy. The crafting of magical items and even wandmaking can all be classified as alchemy, but they are not its essence. Alchemy's original purpose was the transformation of matter, which sounds very much like Muggle chemistry."

Clearly, this mysterious alchemist had an impressive understanding of Muggle science.

Eli was already captivated. To him, this knowledge of turning decay into wonder was in no way inferior to spells.

Nicolas Flamel took out a thick book that seemed to have years solidified upon it.

It did not appear to be made of paper, but rather compact bark, with a brass band tightly encircling its cover.

Nicolas Flamel opened the book. Its pages came in sets of seven, and the seventh page of every set contained only an image of a giant serpent devouring a wand.

"This is the source of my knowledge, and the source of alchemy itself—the Book of Abraham the Jew!"

A look of deep longing appeared on Nicolas Flamel's face.

He looked at Eli, his cloudy eyes filled with hope.

He held the book out to Eli. "I have never taken an apprentice, and I will not be your only teacher. But I hope you can pass down everything I have learned in my life. Only you can do it."

Eli froze for a moment, not daring to reach out and accept such a book, one that could be revered as a sacred object and symbolized the legacy of a master alchemist.

After a long while, he seemed to have finally prepared himself. He steadily accepted the book, and the burden upon his shoulders grew heavier still.

A relieved smile appeared on Nicolas Flamel's face, carrying both hope and release.

"But what I don't understand is, why did you choose me?"

Eli could not understand it. There had been no trial; they had seemingly only met by chance, yet Nicolas Flamel had entrusted his legacy to him.

Nicolas Flamel gave him a deep look. "Some people are born carrying a unique mission."

After leaving Eli with those cryptic words that made no sense to him, Nicolas Flamel's expression changed again.

"Learning alchemy is like learning anything else. You must begin with the most basic things. The essence of alchemy is transformation, while its most basic form is creation. Handcrafted items and mechanisms alike all fall under the act of creation."

Eli suddenly thought of something. "Then are all magical items basic alchemical creations?"

Nicolas Flamel shook his head. "No. It cannot be divided so simply. Take the legendary Deathly Hallows, for example."

Eli's expression turned grave.

"The Elder Wand, the Invisibility Cloak, and the Resurrection Stone are collectively known as the Deathly Hallows. Legend says they all originated from Death, but that is not quite right—or rather, not entirely accurate."

"They are all alchemical creations. Though they may look like magical trinkets sold in shops, these three are anything but simple. They have been bestowed with the most powerful and mysterious forces."

"The Elder Wand is invincible and serves the strong; the Invisibility Cloak can almost erase someone from the world, silent and unseen; the Resurrection Stone can bring the dead back to life. None of this can be achieved through ordinary alchemy."

A gleam flashed through Eli's eyes. He had never heard of this before.

He had also read the legend of the Deathly Hallows. They were said to be the spoils gained by three brothers after escaping Death's pursuit once.

The eldest brother wanted the most powerful wand, the second wanted an object that could revive the dead, and only the youngest wanted something that would allow him to escape Death.

Nicolas Flamel continued, "There is another legend. The three brothers desired to inherit Death's position, so they created three alchemical objects in Death's image. The Elder Wand symbolized Death's power; the Resurrection Stone symbolized Death's ability to control life and death; the Invisibility Cloak symbolized Death's immortality. These three represent Death's authority!"

Nicolas Flamel suddenly stared directly into Eli's eyes. "Whoever possesses all three Deathly Hallows possesses Death's authority. He will become Death!"

Nicolas Flamel's stare made Eli's skin crawl, but fortunately, Nicolas Flamel soon reined in his expression.

"These things are exceedingly profound, but you will touch upon them eventually. For now, you should focus on learning the fundamentals."

Nicolas Flamel took out a massive tome and slammed it onto the table with a bang, as though it had struck Eli's heart.

"These are the alchemical runes I summarized based on the Book of Abraham the Jew. Your task is to memorize them. Once you have done so, you can begin learning how to create things."

Eli's jaw nearly dropped. "This thing... I have to memorize it?"

He looked at the book, which was as large as his head, and his teeth ached.

A sly glint flashed through Nicolas Flamel's eyes. "Some people are born carrying a unique mission. Come on, hurry up and fulfill your mission! Young man, this old fellow thinks highly of you!"

With that, he slipped out, then slammed the door shut behind him.

Leaving Eli staring blankly at the massive tome on the table.

I think this book is mocking me.