I Became the Only Non-mage in the Academy

Chapter 145: Alchemy (4)

Many ridiculed the Church of Veritas for their absurd appearance and ignored them.

This was because their actions, proclaiming a real figure named Veritas as a god, culminated in nothing more than flocking to internet communities to commit acts of terror.

This attitude persisted because most alchemists preferred to avoid external affairs, spending their days holed up in workshops or homes, crafting potions as their sole endeavor.

However, those who underestimated the Church of Veritas were unaware of the impact it had on the world’s affairs.

“Fools.”

Alchemy, as a field of study, devoured and regurgitated vast amounts of money in the modern age.

It was incomparable to magic. The failure in alchemy meant the loss of all ingredients. However, the perception of alchemy began to change with the appearance of one individual.

Despite being overshadowed by the misdemeanors of the Church of Veritas, it was thanks to Veritas that a new era of alchemy was ushered in.

With his emergence, alchemy became a field where even a slight failure could yield profits, primarily because the quality of potions significantly improved.

The improvement in potion quality amusingly led to a reduction in potion prices, thanks to a massive number of alchemists dedicating themselves to potion development in a short period.

Potions became so widely available that even moderately wealthy citizens could easily acquire them.

As a result, fewer people suffered from illnesses, naturally boosting economic activities.

The vice guild leader of Changcheon slowly closed his eyes.

His revered father, known as the Thousand Sorcerer, did not notice this trend. His focus was on beings far too advanced for such trivial matters to concern him.

Thus, observing these minor trends was his duty.

He thought of his adopted daughter, Kim Seo-hyun.

She was exceptionally talented. In terms of raw talent, she was akin to a diamond.

Those who taught her were either jealous of her talent, felt inferior, or were in awe.

“She used to dress as a man because of a trauma from her childhood.”

But even that was trivial compared to her talent. She always humbled herself and wished to be part of the forces of good. Her character was beyond reproach.

And she had a solid connection to the Church of Veritas.

“Was his name Lee Seo-ha?”

Kim Seo-hyun mentioned that her friend was skilled at making potions. And she saw the potions he made, which were of astonishing quality.

The vice guild leader of Changcheon, having nothing but money, secured a contract with a hefty sum. However, if one was an alchemist, they naturally coveted a workshop.

“Heh, I must prepare an unforgettable fantastic gift.”

The vice guild leader of Changcheon mulled over the negotiations with his daughter’s friend.

Unaware that the Emperor had already passed on most of these items and that his most cherished daughter had fallen for him…

Inside the penthouse’s training area.

This place, equipped with various magic devices and a mana concentration device, offers excellent conditions for training.

“Useless to me, though.”

Because I didn’t use mana.

Still, the high-quality materials used here withstand considerable shock, making it my preferred training ground.

Currently, I was meditating with Black Heaven placed on my legs, tapping into a new ability of Black Heaven I acquired while fighting a heretic.

Immortal Soul.

This power maximized Nyeom (念), a special stat, providing a tremendous synergy effect.

Though Nyeom was weak on its own, when mixed with other powers, it became a crucial condition for reaching higher realms.

From the upper rank onwards, it allowed the proper use of the power of destruction, Sword Spirit.

Converting Qi into a destructive force that cuts through everything! Those familiar with Sword Spirit can even use Sword Flames, which was considered an incomplete sword aura.

Hwak!

A dark-colored sheen formed along Black Heaven, measuring 1m. This was my power without using the Immortal Soul.

“And when that is added.”

Ssweaek!

As immense Nyeom gathered in the Sword Breath, its length increased further, exceeding 5m.

“It’s absurd.”

It amplified Nyeom to an extreme degree.

What’s even more absurd was that this is included in the training process. Having acquired the Conceptual Stat Energy of Defying Heaven, I was able to determine the maximum limit of my Nyeom, which, albeit slightly, increased every time I used Immortal Soul.

“Status Window.”

[Name: Lee Seo-ha]

Strength: 45.

Agility: 45.

Stamina: 45.

Special Stats.

Struggle: 10.

Conceptual Stats.

Energy of Defying Heaven: 95.

Alchemy: 15.

◈Talents.

"Reading(-)", "Sword Demon(S)", "Infinite Stamina(S)", "Midas's Touch(A+)", "True Heart(A)", "Inscrutable Talent(A-)", "Seducing Demon(A)", "Martial Arts Master(B)", "Spirit Ability Shield(B-)"

◈Skills.

"Black Flame Star God(?)", "Divine Sight(S)", "Black Flash Step(B+)", "Soul Absorbing Sword Technique(B)", "Hero's Advanced Spirit Power Strengthening(B)", "Black Shadow Step(C+)", "Black Flash Sword Technique(C+)", "Lecture(D+)"

◈Physique.

"Heaven Defying Body(S-)"

The status window had undergone many changes.

From the basic stats changes, Black God Martial Arts(?) evolved into Black Flame Star God(?). The Black Flame Star God I created potentially surpasses Black God Martial Arts.

“After all, it has consumed quite a few things.”

The Talents, the Seed of Origin(S-) and Skill, Spirit Flames(S) were absorbed.

Nevertheless, the ability itself was quite excellent, although it had become harder to manifest due to the larger conceptualization.

I shifted my gaze to the Sword Demon in my talents.

“I’ve thought about raising the rank of Sword Demon with the points I’ve accumulated so far, but it doesn’t seem like a good method.”

Sword Demon was enveloped in a strange sensation that it would evolve with just a bit more effort.

If anything, Inscrutable Talent(A-) which has helped my spiritual talents so far, seemed better. However, Inscrutable Talent(A-) felt like a downgrade compared to the Conceptual Stat Energy of Defying Heaven, so I had left it untouched.

“The most certain way to become stronger is to raise the Energy of Defying Heaven to 100.”

As the Energy of Defying Heaven increased, new functions arose, making it the correct answer.

“Or perhaps buying some other talent.”

I opened the multi-dimensional shop and looked at a talent that caught my eye.

[Controlled Blade(S)-3,000,000p]

Talent: Controlled Blade.

A talent that allows for controlling a sword by activating willpower as desired.

It enables the creation of a sword's avatar with willpower and instantaneously enlarging it, making it a versatile talent for both dueling and group battles.

Due to the Energy of Defying Heaven, I couldn’t properly wield the Sword of Spring and the Sword of Winter, making it a suitable talent for me, whose volume of power had tremendously increased while using Immortal Soul.

“Or I could go towards magic.”

I turned my attention towards magic. I could use spells with the help of Eternal Heaven, but integrating magic with the Energy of Defying Heaven was also a method.

The Black Flame Star God, being a vessel that could contain anything, made this possible.

“Being too talented makes it harder because there are too many methods.”

Both magic and swordsmanship could be learned, making it difficult to decide. Delving deeper into martial arts to become stronger was one method, and learning magic to increase utility or unpredictability was another.

It seemed I’d have to ponder this a bit more.

After completing the usual training routine,

-Huaaaang♡

I diligently cleaned Black Heaven as usual.

“What kind of exercise should we do today?”

“It’s time for the lower body today. But why does it feel particularly clingy today?”

“That’s how you’re supposed to exercise.”

I exercised with Kim Seo-hyun.

“Lately, you haven’t been paying much attention to me, have you?”

Ershil pouted as she spoke.

It was an act of cuteness, but genuinely adorable, so I let it slide.

“I’ve really been busy lately.”

“Well, the Church of Veritas has been quite rampant these days. It’s somewhat a relief they only cause a stir on the internet, and not in reality unless it involves you, Seo-ha.”

I wondered about that too.

Why did they cause a stir only on the internet?

“Speaking of which, is that rumor true?”

“Which one?”

“That you’ve become the god of alchemy.”

It had already spread, huh.

Well, after I bestowed them with runes through my power, they had been quite docile.

“Yeah, it’s true. Even the god of struggle and the Hundred Temple acknowledged it.”

“…Should I call you a god then?”

“No need, just call me as you always do.”

“Well, our relationship isn’t ordinary, after all.”

Ershil subtly moved closer to me, showing off her familiarity.

It was understandable. After I said to take care of the Merchen family, alchemists had been favoring the Merchen family.

Thanks to this, Ershil’s position was becoming more and more solid as days passed.

-Seo-ha, you truly exemplify the phrase ‘like father, like son’. Your dealings with women are beyond even the Heavenly Demon…

-It’s only natural. The odd one was the previous master who got quartered by 25 women for being obsessed with them despite being a woman.

-It’s good that you’re aware of it.

-?

Black Heaven still didn’t know it was considered a fragment of the Heavenly Demon.

After discussing business with Ershil.

“You seem very busy these days.”

“…There’s been a lot going on.”

Come to think of it, I hadn’t paid much attention to Seo Ga-yeon recently, compared to how much I needed her.

‘Even if Ga-yeon is kind, I’ve neglected her too much.’

They said it was harder to take care of someone the closer you were to them. And those who did take care in those times were the ones who truly mattered.

I decided to invest more time in Seo Ga-yeon.

“…Hello.”

I greeted Seo Ga-yeon’s parents with an awkward smile.

‘What’s this?’

For some reason, Seo Ga-yeon’s father was glaring at me, while her mother looked at me with kind eyes.

Somehow, the atmosphere turned as if it was a meeting between prospective in-laws.