[Third Person's PoV]
"Alright then, since you want to get started on this idea of yours, let's first go over the basics of Alchemy. What do you think?" Nicholas asked, raising an eyebrow.
Arthur nodded. "That is fine with me. Consider this a review, so to speak."
"Start by stating the three primary sequences of Alchemy," Nicholas Flamel instructed. "Without looking through your notes. Then, follow that with the seven-step process."
Arthur took a deep breath before answering.
"The three sequences are as follows:
First, Comprehension—understanding the inherent structure and properties of a material at the atomic or molecular level, including the balance of potential and kinetic energy within it.
Second, Deconstruction—using energy or magic to break down the material's physical structure into a more malleable state, allowing it to be reshaped.
And finally, Reconstruction—channeling energy to reform the material into a new shape."
Arthur paused for a moment before continuing.
"As for the seven-step process:
The first step is Calcination. It represents the burning away of impurities. In material terms, it involves heating a substance until it turns to ash, reducing it to its purest, most basic form. This step breaks down rigid structures, allowing transformation to begin.
Next is Dissolution. Once reduced to ash, the material is dissolved in water. This allows for deeper analysis and purification. Scientifically, this is the breakdown of compounds into their liquid components.
The third step is Separation. Here, the pure is isolated from the impure. After dissolution, the useful components are extracted while the unnecessary elements are discarded.
Once impurities are removed, Conjunction occurs. This step recombines purified elements to form something new. Scientifically, it represents the union of elements to create a more stable and potent compound.
Fermentation follows, where true transformation begins. It introduces an external agent—such as yeast in brewing—to stimulate change. In alchemy, this step involves external forces, like magic, to push the process forward.
The sixth step is Distillation. This stage involves repeated purification through heating and cooling, concentrating the essence of the substance. Chemically, this removes impurities and enhances the final product's potency.
Finally, Coagulation. This is the culmination of the process, where the purified essence solidifies into its perfected state. In alchemical terms, it means creating something stable and enduring—a true transmutation."
Nicholas nodded in approval. "Good. Now, in what ways can an Alchemist transmute various substances within our world?"
"Through the Five Classical Elements: Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, and Spirit—also known as pure magical energy. Additionally, transmutation can be performed through the Three Principles: Salt, Sulfur, and Mercury," Arthur answered without hesitation.
"Excellent. Now, I'm sure you're familiar with the Law of Equivalent Exchange. What are the two hidden laws within it?" Nicholas asked.
Arthur responded promptly.
"The Law of Conservation of Mass states that energy and matter can neither be created from nothing nor destroyed to the point of nonexistence. In other words, to create an object weighing one kilogram, at least one kilogram of material is necessary. Similarly, destroying an object of the same mass would simply break it down into constituent parts whose combined mass would still total one kilogram.
The Law of Natural Providence dictates that an object or material made of a particular substance or element can only be transmuted into another object that retains the same fundamental properties. For example, a material primarily composed of water can only be transmuted into another form that retains the essential attributes of water."
Arthur stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Which means that if I want to create this chalk infused with magical properties, I'll need materials aligned with the Element of Spirit—objects or matter imbued with magical energy. That should be our first step."
"I've got a question—does it necessarily have to be chalk?" Nicholas asked curiously.
Arthur shook his head. "Not necessarily. I was just using it as an example. It could be ink or any other drawing tool. Chalk was just the first thing that came to mind. Ink is an option, but I'd prefer chalk for the simple reason that it can be erased, corrected, and redrawn."
"Ah, I'm starting to see your line of thinking. But wait… now that I think about it, one of the main reasons Magic Circles were mostly abandoned was the difficulty of understanding Runes. That's going to be a big—" Nicholas suddenly stopped mid-sentence, staring at Arthur's wide grin.
"Trust me," Arthur said, his confidence evident. "Runes are one thing you don't have to worry about with me. It's a branch of magic that doesn't require a wand, and it happens to be one of the subjects I've studied extensively. I'm very proficient in the language of Runes." He puffed out his chest, clearly proud of himself.
'One doesn't become a student of the great Merlin without learning Runes. Arthur thought to himself. It was one of the first languages she made me master. It's also why she was so strict about my handwriting—everything had to be precise.' He absentmindedly rubbed the back of his hand, recalling the phantom sting from the many times Merlin had smacked it with a ruler.
"Are you serious?" Nicholas asked, skeptical.
Arthur nodded. "Yes. The art of Runes has been part of my discipline since childhood. I learned it as naturally as one would learn to read or speak properly."
"You know… I'm finding that a little hard to believe," Nicholas said, eyeing him doubtfully.
Arthur's grin widened. "ᚱᚢᚾᛖᛋ ᛁᛋ ᛏᚩ ᛚᚨᚾᚷᚢᚪᚷᛖ ᚩᚠ ᛗᚪᚷᛁᚳ."
"Eh?" Nicholas blinked in confusion.
"It's Runic for 'Runes is the language of magic,'" Arthur explained with a charming smile. "As a great enthusiast of magic, I simply had to learn it from a young age."
Nicholas let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "You're just full of mysteries, aren't you?"
"It's one of my many charms," Arthur said with a wink, earning a chuckle from Nicholas.
"Alright, so Runes won't be a problem for you. That just leaves gathering the magical materials for the chalk," Nicholas concluded.
"Looks like I'll have to go to Gringotts after all," Arthur muttered to himself, realizing he was wrong about not needing any funds for his studies.
"Oh, there's no need," Nicholas said dismissively. "I'm your teacher—what kind of teacher would I be if I made you pay for your materials?"
"A normal one?" Arthur tilted his head in confusion.
Nicholas facepalmed, laughing. "Arthur, are you forgetting who I am? I've lived a long life—I have plenty of magical materials to spare. Hell, Perenelle even grows some herself. Just grab a bit of her magic fertilizer or a few leaves or roots from one of her mandrakes, and we'll have everything we need to create the chalk."
"Eh? Really?" Arthur asked in surprise. But after thinking it over, he nodded. 'I guess it really is that simple, isn't it? It's not like I'm trying to create the cure for cancer or something…'
"Actually…" Nicholas murmured as he leaned back, pulling open a drawer in his desk. He began rummaging through its contents, the sound of rustling paper filling the room.
Arthur watched curiously as Nicholas shut that drawer and opened another, continuing his search.
"I know I left some discarded enchanted items around here somewhere…" Nicholas muttered to himself, still sifting through his things.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Oh, that's right!" he exclaimed, standing abruptly. Without another word, he rushed out of the room, leaving Arthur puzzled by his sudden excitement.
A few minutes later, Nicholas returned, beaming triumphantly with his wand in hand. Behind him floated a dirty, dust-covered treasure chest.
"Apologies for the wait. Since we haven't been here long, I had trouble finding it," he explained, setting the chest down in front of Arthur.
Arthur leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "What's this?"
Nicholas smiled, tapping the chest with his wand. It creaked open to reveal a collection of dull, gray gems and oddly shaped rocks inside.
"These are my prototypes—my failures, so to speak, with the Philosopher's Stone. They didn't turn out as true Philosopher's Stones, but they still hold residual magic. The magic within them might not be potent, but through Alchemy, we can combine them to create the chalk we need," Nicholas said, pride evident in his voice.
Arthur chuckled. "Why do you still have these?"
"They were my motivation," Nicholas admitted with a shrug. "I didn't want to waste the material."
"How many times has Ms. Perenelle told you to throw these out?" Arthur teased.
Nicholas rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "More times than I'd like to admit. But it's a good thing I didn't, right? I knew they'd be useful someday. Look who's laughing now… Just don't tell her I said that last part."
Arthur mimed zipping his lips, grinning playfully.
Nicholas chuckled, rubbing his hands together as he selected a few of the gray gems. "So, shall we get started?"
Arthur's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Absolutely."
And so, the two of them embarked on the meticulous process of Alchemy, carefully following each of the seven steps.
After three long hours, their creation was complete. Arthur gently scooped up the faintly shimmering white chalk, his face alight with triumph.
"One small step for Alchemists, one giant leap for Wizardkind," Arthur declared with a broad grin.
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