Chapter 07 …
Alchemist (2)
It was a dream.
“Your progress is still slow. And yet you ask me to teach you new magic. Do you even know how long it takes to become a proper magician?”
“I don’t.”
“Twenty years. It takes a full twenty years of training to become an advanced magician. Only then can you be properly recognized.”
“I heard there aren’t many advanced magicians.”
“You are learning from me. Though my students are few, every one of them became an advanced magician. You must at least reach that level too.”
The master spoke not as if he were merely confident, but as if it was absolutely necessary.
“How can I become an advanced magician?”
“You must go beyond controlling water and formally enter the study of ice. Only when you reach that stage of mastery will you be recognized as a true magician.”
“Ice…”
He muttered in the dream, and Lael repeated it quietly. The road ahead was still long.
The master said that water magic was only the foundation. It seemed daunting to even imagine mastering it fully and then moving on to ice magic.
Even just the Water Ball technique could take half a year to a year to master.
In other words, learning the next magic would waste at least a year. Through the master’s teachings, mastering proper magic could take decades. It felt impossibly distant.
For now, Lael decided to attend the magic lessons. There was nothing else to do. Mostly, it was theory. When practicing magic, the master would correct mistakes.
Even his dream self was creating water droplets.
When fired forward, they became Water Balls. It seemed simple—just shooting water droplets—but there were several steps. He had to form the droplet, maintain its shape, and launch it forward.
It was a spell where one had to mind several processes and still launch the droplet as fast as an arrow. And this was considered the basic level. It was ridiculous.
The old man added that those without talent usually learned only two or three simple spells before being dismissed or relegated to menial tasks. It made sense.
Creating and maintaining water was manageable, but launching it was another matter. One small mistake and the droplet would lose its form, spilling onto the floor.
Rather than waiting for the next spell, he had to at least make proper progress and improve his skills. He wanted to reach a level where he could actually use magic in combat.
The dream ended there. He opened his eyes. Sunlight streamed through the window. It was a peaceful morning.
“This is the inn room.”
He scratched his head, gathered his belongings beside the bed, and stepped outside with only the essentials. He went down the stairs.
The inn was quiet. He must have woken up earlier than most. The innkeeper was already out, and a pleasant aroma wafted from the kitchen.
“You’re up early. Want some breakfast?”
“Yes. How much?”
“Just three copper coins.”
Lael nodded. It matched the price Dorian had mentioned. If it had been more expensive, he would have refused.
Three copper coins was still a burden. A large black bread could fill him up for one copper coin.
He took out three coins from his pouch.
He wanted a decent meal since it was his own earned money. His mouth watered in anticipation.
Soon, the innkeeper brought out the plate.
The meal was simple:
A crispy grilled herring and a glass of milk.
Lael finished it quickly. It was his first time eating fish. The exterior was crisp, giving it a nice texture, and it smelled faintly of butter.
Just as he finished, Dorian appeared. He ordered deftly and drank water first. Now he realized water was free.
“Shall we leave now?”
“Why?”
“I have somewhere to stop by.”
“Where to?”
“To buy clothes.”
“With the money I gave you yesterday? That might not be enough.”
“Not enough?”
“You might manage if you’re smart about it.”
“What do you mean?”
No answer came. Lael waited silently. Dorian finished the food at the table. No cleanup was necessary. They left the inn and headed to the clothing store. It was nearby.
Outside the store, Dorian suggested going in separately. He wouldn’t say why. Lael went in alone. The shop was quiet. The owner frowned.
“What do you want?”
“Here to buy clothes.”
“Do you have money?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
Lael didn’t want to answer. The more he spoke, the more unpleasant it felt. The owner sounded suspicious. Words didn’t come out politely.
“Show me the clothes first.”
“Fine.”
The owner led him to one side, where smaller garments were stacked. He pointed to one—a fluffy wool coat.
“How much is this?”
“One silver.”
“That’s expensive.”
“Clothes are costly.”
“Anything cheaper?”
“How cheap?”
“Ten copper.”
The owner walked briskly to the other side, where the clothes were inferior. He picked one up.
“How about this?”
“How much?”
“Fifty copper.”
“That’s the cheapest?”
“There’s a thirty copper one, but…”
Lael’s face darkened. He had only twenty-seven copper coins—the total of his savings. It was more than his breakfast would have cost.
The owner noticed and changed his words.
“I’ll give it to you for twenty copper if you buy now.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll take it.”
Lael changed into the wool coat. The owner fussed over how it was made from sheep’s wool. It was warm, and Lael felt pleased to have gotten it cheaply.
Outside, Dorian waited. Lael told him the price.
“You got swindled.”
“No way. The original price was thirty copper.”
“Lies.”
“You asked too persistently, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did ask.”
“He saw how much you had and cut the price. That coat is worth, at most, ten copper.”
Lael’s hands and feet trembled. He had spent twenty copper for a ten-copper coat. He had been cheated by at least double.
“Where are you going?”
“To confront him.”
“Don’t. He might call the guards and kick you out.”
“Then what should I do?”
“Consider it a lesson. You can earn ten copper easily.”
He shivered. This wasn’t just money—it was his first earned money, filled with meaning. That’s why he was furious.
He calmed down slowly. It was his own fault for being deceived. If Dorian hadn’t warned him, he wouldn’t even have known he’d been swindled.
“Did I look naive?”
“You’re young, and your appearance looks shabby.”
“Better now, right?”
He spread his arms to show the coat. Dorian crossed his arms, a faint smile appearing.
“Now it’s acceptable. But in future deals, always haggle.”
“How much?”
“Start by slashing the price ridiculously, nitpick a little. That way, you won’t get ripped off.”
Lael nodded. Dorian’s advice felt heavy, especially after the recent scam.
“The best is to know the market price. Then you’ll know if it’s fair.”
“That makes sense.”
As they talked, his anger faded. Thinking logically, he realized he had gained something. The first money had taught him a lesson; it wasn’t entirely a loss.
They continued on to the alchemist’s house. It was time to get paid for the work spent gathering herbs.
“Welcome. What brings you here?”
“We’re here to sell some herbs.”
At the counter, a well-dressed man stood and greeted them. A strong herbal scent surrounded him.
“May we take a look?”
The man inspected the bag, appearing slightly surprised.
“There’s a lot. We might need to pour it out on the floor.”
Dorian nodded. The man wrapped a cloth around his mouth, wore gloves, and poured out the herbs. He handled them like a professional.
“Oh, these are good herbs. We need these exactly. Just what we were looking for.”
“How much will you pay?”
“Thirty silver.”
“······!!”
Dorian accepted immediately. The advice to always haggle seemed useless here.
Lael was similarly stunned. It felt as if someone had hit him on the head. Thirty silver was an incredible sum.
“Is there much work?”
“Our master has been researching lately, so we’re buying herbs. We grumble because there aren’t proper herb gatherers here.”
“I see.”
The man seemed like an apprentice of the alchemist, probably young.
They left the alchemist’s house.
Normally, they would have assessed the quantity and negotiated, but Lael didn’t even consider it. Buying even unnecessary herbs made it a profit.
Dorian asked, noticing the heavier pouch.
“What will you do now?”
“And you, Dorian?”
“I have no business here.”
Dorian seemed ready to leave. With a large sum in hand, it made sense. His face looked as if he had been drinking heavily, though he hadn’t.
“I’ll go collect herbs.”
“Like when we came here?”
After a pause, Lael added:
“I’ll do mercenary work too.”
“Hunting monsters?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t. That’s too dangerous for a kid like you.”
“I caught some before.”
“Mercenaries rely on their presence. A frail kid like you won’t be hired, maybe in a few years.”
“Just wait.”
Dorian gathered supplies for camping.
“The crossbow?”
“You take it.”
“Really?”
“Yes. You need it more than I do.”
Lael looked at Dorian for confirmation.
“The payment?”
“Payment?”
Dorian evaded the question, slightly disappointing him. Lael had hoped for some extra from the unexpectedly large sum, but Dorian was stingy.
It was never meant to be.
In exchange for gathering herbs, Dorian taught him knowledge. That was the deal.
Dorian turned and left.
Lael expressed his thanks.
“Thank you for everything.”
No response came.
Just as disappointment struck, something flew toward him.
A coin.
The parting gift was a silver coin.
