The Philosopher's Stone is also called the Red Elixir, the Stone of the Wise, or the Celestial Stone. Most of the time it exists in the form of red gemstone crystals.
It's a very unique existence in Fullmetal Alchemist. Alchemy in FMA must follow the principle of Equivalent Exchange, but there's one thing that can break this rule—the Philosopher's Stone. It's an amplifier imbued with the power to ignore the principle of "Equivalent Exchange" and transmute any substance.
In a sense, an alchemist possessing a Philosopher's Stone is equivalent to half a deity.
Actually, the Philosopher's Stone in the Harry Potter world is also called the Sorcerer's Stone, but their functions are different. The Sorcerer's Stone is the main ingredient for making gold and elixirs of life, while the Philosopher's Stone is the ultimate auxiliary treasure for alchemy.
If they were the same thing, getting hold of that large chunk in Neville's hands would allow one to crush even a resurrected Dark Lord.
The method for creating a Philosopher's Stone is also quite simple. Sacrifice large numbers of people.
Though the proper process for refining a Philosopher's Stone requires sacrificing the person's body as well, the real key point is actually the soul. The components that make up the human body are worthless to alchemists.
It's just that souls in the FMA world cannot exist independently, so they sacrifice the person's body along with it.
This world is different—that Voldemort before him was a pure soul. As for the body, Dudley pulled out half a side of pork. The composition of human bodies isn't much different from pigs.
"Wait! Surely we can reach an understanding. Spare me, and I can give you anything you desire. I know the locations of countless treasures, and I possess vast magical knowledge..."
Amid Voldemort's constant temptations, Dudley turned a deaf ear, gradually bringing his hands together. The transmutation circle emanated an enchanting blood-red color.
"I will not... be destroyed like this!"
As his soul dissolved piece by piece, Voldemort let out an unwilling roar of rage.
Actually, besides needing souls as the main ingredient, the Philosopher's Stone also requires resentment, hatred, and anger as auxiliary materials. However, these things perfectly matched Voldemort's remnant soul's current state of mind. It was simply the most perfect sacrifice for a Philosopher's Stone.
The blood-red light gradually faded, leaving behind the legendary Philosopher's Stone in the transmutation circle.
Philosopher's Stone (Perfect)
"Killed Voldemort's remnant soul once, obtained—"
Dudley didn't look closely at the system notification, but walked to the transmutation circle and picked up the glittering red gemstone. It felt cold to the touch and at first glance looked no different from an ordinary ruby.
However, in an alchemist's eyes, this crimson Philosopher's Stone emanated an intoxicating radiance. Voldemort truly lived up to being the ultimate antagonist of the HP seven-book series—even just a wisp of remnant soul could be refined into such a high-quality Philosopher's Stone.
Don't underestimate this small amount. In other worlds, sacrificing an entire city or country might not yield such a piece.
Honestly, if you asked Dudley to actually sacrifice a city or country's worth of living people for a Philosopher's Stone, he would definitely reject it. It wasn't being saintly—this was his bottom line as a human being.
But using Voldemort's remnant soul to make a Philosopher's Stone? He would absolutely support it with both hands. From the moment he was killed by the rebound of the 'love' protective charm, Voldemort was no longer human, but a soul unwilling to face death and clinging to existence. Voldemort's soul would need to be destroyed eventually anyway—might as well make use of the waste.
"Hm?"
Just as Dudley was about to leave, he suddenly discovered another object in the center of the transmutation circle. This object was covered in dust—if not for his enhanced perception, he would have missed it.
Brushing away the dust revealed what lay beneath. It was a sapphire-blue gemstone the size of a fingernail.
"What is this thing?"
Dudley carefully picked it up.
Magic Crystal
The system displayed this object's name. Magic...? Dudley suddenly understood.
Yes, magic. The world of Fullmetal Alchemist didn't have such a thing as magic power. Alchemy's energy didn't come from magic power within the alchemist's body, but from the earth's pulse or something else.
The transmutation circle had not only refined Voldemort's remnant soul into a Philosopher's Stone, but also refined the magic power contained in his remnant soul into this magic crystal.
However, now wasn't the time to study these things. Dudley quietly pocketed the magic crystal.
"Professor Dumbledore, how much longer do you plan to stay there watching?"
Dudley suddenly turned toward a corner of the room.
"Dudley, your perception is very acute."
The Disillusionment Charm was lifted, and Dumbledore revealed himself.
"Then eat fewer sweets. The sickeningly sweet honey scent on you—I could smell it from a hundred meters away."
"That's about my only hobby left."
Make Dumbledore quit sugar? You might as well expect pigs to fly—oh wait, with magic, pigs flying would obviously be much easier.
"Professor Dumbledore!" Neville's voice was shaky with relief and residual fear. The greatest white wizard's presence was a stark contrast to the terror Voldemort had inspired. Neville gestured with a trembling hand toward the putrid remains of Quirrell: "That was... that was really..."
"I understand, Mr. Longbottom," Dumbledore said gently, his voice carrying a calming warmth that seemed to ease the boy's distress. "You have shown remarkable courage tonight."
"I believe Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley are waiting anxiously beyond these chambers. Perhaps you might escort Mr. Potter to Madam Pomfrey? He will need to be examined after such an ordeal."
"There are matters I must discuss with Mr. Dursley."
Neville glanced uncertainly at Dudley, who gave him an encouraging nod. With careful movements, Neville helped support the unconscious Harry as they made their way toward the door.
Before leaving, he handed the Sorcerer's Stone in his hand to Dudley.
"So this is the Sorcerer's Stone? The legendary treasure that can create elixirs of immortality?"
Dudley looked at the gemstone in his hand, which was a different shade of red from the Philosopher's Stone. If the Philosopher's Stone was like a brilliant ruby with enhanced special effects, then the Sorcerer's Stone was like an uncut, rough ruby stone.
"Professor, I remember this gemstone belongs to Master Nicolas Flamel. I didn't expect it to be kept at Hogwarts and nearly stolen."
"You should store it properly."
With that, Dudley returned the barely warmed Sorcerer's Stone to Dumbledore.
Throughout the entire process, Dumbledore watched Dudley closely. When he saw no trace of reluctance or attachment, a flash of approval passed through his eyes.
Actually, Dudley didn't think much of the Sorcerer's Stone. Was the Sorcerer's Stone's ability to turn stone to gold impressive? The Philosopher's Stone could do that too. Was the Sorcerer's Stone's ability to grant immortality impressive? The Philosopher's Stone could do that too.
Moreover, the Philosopher's Stone could also be used to amplify alchemy and ignore Equivalent Exchange. For Dudley, the Sorcerer's Stone was something he could have, but didn't necessarily need.
"Professor..."
Dudley's expression became serious as he looked directly at Dumbledore: "I think we should discuss a very serious problem."
"Hogwarts is not safe at all now."
This was the second time Dudley had raised this issue.
[Chapter Complete]
***
Want more? Check out my Patreon for:
✓ Advanced chapters of all my stories
✓ Exclusive novels & fanfics
✓ Early access content www.p@treon.com/meowthtl
💪 Community Goal: 500 Power Stones unlocks a bonus chapter!
Thanks for reading and supporting the story!
Want more? Check out my other stories!