After allocating some space slots, Roy noticed that the others were still clearing the site.
He summoned them over and instructed amidst the ruins, "Once the mercury vapor and Blackening Potion are cleared, requisition laborers from Scarto City to rebuild the camp.
If possible, contact some livestock owners and requisition a batch of cattle or sheep."
"Are they for making Flesh Fossils?"
"Yes. Also, if there are existing rock passages or spaces within the mountain, make use of them."
Andov and the others followed closely, jotting down his requests.
Feeling powerless during the battle, they could only strive to contribute more in ordinary times.
"This war won't end easily. Sturdy fortifications will be our lifeline!"
They deeply understood this point.
"Beyond that, reset the guard posts and stay vigilant. Eliminate any risk of being ambushed or suddenly attacked!"
Roy added further instructions.
At this moment, he also became aware of his shortcomings as a newly advanced Wizard.
But Rome wasn't built in a day.
There was no use rushing this matter; he could only try his best to find solutions.
...
Over the next few days, Roy appraised and studied the equipment from the Arcane Empire.
He then dismantled and smelted two sets of warrior armor and weapons, extracting the materials.
Thanks to the [Eye of Hermes], as well as talents like [Proficient] and [Inspiration], he unexpectedly gained something during this process.
"'Fireball Spell' scroll crafting technique…
Huh!
Does scroll crafting also fall under the Art of Alchemy?"
After analyzing it, Roy suddenly realized that, as a whole, it belonged to the "Magical Artifact" category within the "Arcane Domain."
However…
The engraving of runes, the preparation of ink and materials, and the parts involving incantations and enchantments were undeniably intertwined with Alchemy.
It could be said that at least 80% of its foundational principles overlapped with [Creation Studies].
No wonder he could derive knowledge from it.
"If I master these, I might even teach myself the scroll-crafting techniques of the Arcane system!
At the very least, it'll help with mastering Wizard Arrays!"
The sudden inspiration that led him to send Winter and the others treasure-hunting had ultimately transformed into the gain of [Inspiration]…
This was an absolute win!
And when Roy used [Equivalent Exchange] to attempt extracting essence and soul power from the two warriors,
Another unexpected reward emerged.
A tiny, gleaming Talent Seed, the size of a grain of rice, resembling a small gem,
Materialized before him!
"This isn't Alchemy Talent, yet it can still be refined by a [Transmutation Circle]?"
Just as he was still stunned, the next moment, within the vision of the [Eye of Hermes], a green Magical Aura radiated, accompanied by a metallic sheen resembling iron.
He immediately appraised the related information.
"Bronze-tier talent…
[Charge Strike]…
[Charge Strike] skill level +1…"
Roy was momentarily dazed, then a look of pleasant surprise crossed his handsome face.
"So this is it! The Talent Gem I've been longing for has been refined just like this!"
To be precise, it wasn't yet the final form of the Talent Gem.
But the Source Essence had already been extracted and could be identified and appraised by his [Eye of Hermes].
This indicated that he was just one step away from true alchemical completion.
"Legend has it that the ultimate goal of Potion Studies, the Panacea Azoth, is crafted using the Philosopher's Stone as material...
And the Philosopher's Stone is essentially crystallized Source Essence, a 'seed'...
The same material can be applied in Creation Studies to forge Wizardry Artifacts, Arcane Objects, and Magical Equipment..."
Roy pondered the differences between these applications and quickly made a decision.
"Let's craft it into a ring!
This ability isn't compatible with the Art of Alchemy system, so there's no need to integrate it into the destiny wheel framework to avoid conflicts...
As an external object, it would offer greater flexibility!"
Of course, its operational efficiency wouldn't match something engraved upon the soul.
But for daily use, there wouldn't be much difference.
The advantage of flexibility would become apparent.
...
Several hours later, Roy arrived at the small courtyard in the backyard and instructed Atedia: "Set up a target over there."
"Are you planning to practice archery or something similar?"
Atedia complied while asking.
Suddenly, Roy's figure darted forward like lightning.
Boom!
Amidst a loud crash, the target was cleaved apart by a sword strike, shattered into fragments.
At first glance, it appeared to be a simple dash forward followed by a fierce slash.
But in reality, maintaining balance between defense and offense, achieving precise targeting while sprinting at high speed, and even enhancing the power of each strike—none of these were simple feats.
They required rigorous training, sweat, and effort.
Now, on the index finger of his left hand, he wore a Talent Gem ring.
This was the equivalent of that sweat and effort!
[Equivalent Exchange]—established!
Roy felt as though a star had been ignited within him, bringing a sudden clarity.
"This is the power of innate talent—mastery without a teacher!"
Roy was extremely satisfied.
Atedia also vaguely sensed the extraordinary nature of that strike and watched in astonishment.
Roy paid her no mind, simply stretching his limbs and loosening his joints.
Then he activated the Flash Ring once more...
"Whoosh!"
His figure flickered in place.
In an instant, he appeared over ten meters away, thrusting his chain spear forward!
With a thud, it embedded itself into the stone.
Roy contemplated the differences between using a "skill" and the "enhancement of innate talent," nodding to himself.
"Indeed, talent can grant me certain intuitive knowledge or abilities, even altering my physical state.
It's like growing wings and learning to fly...
Whereas the Flash Ring feels more like pulling a trigger or riding in an airplane.
The fundamental nature is quite different."
With these thoughts, he turned and walked away.
Atedia hurried after him.
Roy's new body was that of a youth, short and slight in stature.
Atedia, after consuming the Behemoth Bloodline Potion, though an ordinary Behemoth, had taken on a rather towering and imposing presence.
Yet she remained deferential and docile, even more fervently devoted than before.
...
Not long after, in the quarry's prison.
Roy arrived at the cell where Planche was held.
Though called a prison, this was merely a temporary room constructed from Flesh Fossils and Enchanted Stone Slabs, reinforced with iron materials on all sides.
Planche wore a garment resembling Silver Battle Armor, but it was many times thicker, like a flesh-devouring monster swallowing her body whole.
This made her figure appear extremely bloated, with her lower half entirely sunken into petal-like Flesh Chunks, rendering her completely immobile.
(End of Chapter)