Chapter 54: Alchemy Equipment

The Alchemy Workshop of Steam and Stars

“Ah, junior, you’ve arrived! The alchemical furnace you ordered might still need a little more time before it’s ready,” said Henry King with a welcoming smile as he watched Merlin step through the doorway. His eyes flicked around the room as he called out loudly, “Allison! Allison! Junior Merlin is here!”

Merlin glanced around, noting the cluttered tables scattered with half-eaten meals. Henry King furrowed his brow slightly. “That’s strange… Allison was just here a moment ago,” he muttered.

“I’m busy crafting the alchemical furnace right now,” came Allison’s calm reply. She had just finished tidying her appearance and adjusted her white lab coat. Yet, for some reason, Merlin felt that the coat didn’t quite fit her properly.

Of course it didn’t—this pristine white coat wasn’t Allison’s at all. It had been freshly laundered by Henry King just yesterday.

Allison walked over to Merlin with a warm smile. “Junior, welcome! Please, have a seat. You’re here to check on the progress of your alchemical furnace, aren’t you? Don’t worry—just a few more days, and it will be completed.”

Henry King’s mouth twitched slightly at this display. So as soon as Junior Merlin arrives, she puts on an act, huh?

“No, senior, senior sister,” Merlin said quickly, shaking his head, “I haven’t come for the furnace today. I’m actually here to purchase some alchemical tools or equipment.”

Ah? Purchase alchemical tools and equipment? Henry King’s interest immediately piqued. “That’s excellent! Junior, what is your current level of magical power?”

“I’m a third-rank novice mage,” Merlin replied.

“Perfect! Then I can recommend some alchemical equipment suitable for your level.” Henry King’s face lit up. Selling alchemical equipment was a steady source of income for the workshop. Even if he hadn’t made the items himself, as long as they passed through his hands for sale, he earned a commission.

Allison leaned closer to Merlin, her voice gentle and attentive. “Junior, what type of alchemical equipment are you looking for? Offensive, defensive, or support-oriented?”

Merlin blinked in surprise. He hadn’t realized alchemical gear was categorized this way. He smiled and replied, “I’m not quite sure… let’s just look at everything.”

Allison patiently explained, “Most students purchase alchemical gear to compensate for their weaknesses. If your offensive abilities are lacking, choose attack-oriented equipment. If defense is your shortcoming, go for defensive gear. And if you wish to grow stronger or enhance your team’s capabilities, support-oriented items are the way to go.”

Merlin nodded thoughtfully. Henry King led him to a separate room, where he retrieved a suitcase from a cabinet and placed it carefully on the table.

Click.

The suitcase opened with a satisfying snap.

Henry King lifted out a staff. “Junior Merlin, take a look at this staff. It’s crafted entirely from magical jade stone, with a handle forged from runed steel. Embedded here is a low-level mana crystal, capable of storing enough energy to cast two spells.”

Merlin examined the staff. Its rich, green hue shimmered under the workshop lights. He weighed it in his hands—surprisingly light. “What spells are infused in it?” he asked.

“Third-rank Gale Blade and third-rank Wild Growth,” Henry King replied. “Gale Blade needs no introduction—it’s an advanced form of the second-rank Wind Blade, faster and more powerful. Wild Growth is a nature-based spell that requires plants to be present; the growing vines can ensnare enemies. It’s a supportive control spell.”

Merlin nodded appreciatively. It had both offensive and control capabilities, and could be charged twice—quite practical.

“Is that all?” he asked.

Henry King, seeing his interest, quickly returned the staff to the case and pulled out a small round shield.

“This shield carries a general third-rank mana barrier, capable of deflecting most third-rank offensive spells.”

Merlin frowned. “It’s a bit too large. I’d prefer something smaller.”

Henry King set the shield down with a serious look. “Junior Merlin, the smaller the equipment, the harder it is to inscribe alchemical runes. The price rises exponentially.”

Merlin’s casual reply was confident: “Money isn’t an issue. Let’s see it.”

Smooth. Henry King couldn’t help but think. This junior is not only talented but clearly well-off. Allison, standing nearby, felt her admiration for Merlin grow. A man who is both capable and wealthy is inevitably the center of attention—and Merlin’s gentle demeanor only added to his allure.

“Then take a look at these.”

Henry King picked up a pale blue necklace. “This necklace carries a third-rank Water Shield spell. It can block nearly all but the most powerful single-target attacks.”

He then lifted a ring. “This one is truly special. It holds the circuit for a third-rank fireball spell.”

“Third-rank… and a half?” Merlin blinked in surprise. He hadn’t known such a thing existed.

“Yes. You know fireball spells have levels from one to three, differing in power. This ring allows casting beyond third-rank strength, though not quite fourth-rank. Additionally, twisting the ring lets you adjust the fireball’s power—first, second, third, or full power.” Henry King demonstrated by twisting the outer layer of the double-ringed piece, revealing a pointer and flame icon indicating the spell’s intensity.

Merlin’s eyes lit up. “This is perfect.”

“Junior Merlin, this ring is more expensive than standard alchemical gear. And since it’s small, it can’t store extra mana. Avoid using it at full power for too long—otherwise, your mana could be depleted quickly,” Henry King warned, noticing Merlin’s keen interest.

“There’s another one,” he continued, holding up a second pale blue ring. “It’s a third-rank Freeze spell.”

Merlin nodded. Freeze was a control spell, like fireball, with varying effects across ranks. First-rank creates ice blocks, second-rank makes ice surfaces, and third-rank immobilizes enemies.

“Take a look at this,” Henry King said, lifting a heavy earth-toned circular bracelet. “I crafted this myself; it’s one of my finest works. I call it the ‘Earth Garden Ring.’”

Merlin felt its weight in his hands—like holding a chunk of solid iron. “You made this?”

“Yes. Its heaviness comes from the three earth-based spells engraved onto it,” Henry King said proudly.

Three spells? Merlin’s eyes widened. Crafting alchemical equipment was impressive enough, but two spells made a piece excellent; three, extraordinary. Such a feat was beyond ordinary alchemists.

“The three spells on this Earth Ring are second-rank Swamp, second-rank Pitfall, and third-rank Earth Barrier,” Henry King explained.

Merlin felt a twinge of regret—it would have been perfect if all three were third-rank. Henry King, knowing his own limitations, had cleverly combined two second-rank spells with one third-rank, a strategy necessary given his current alchemical skill.

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