Descending into the alchemy studio within the suitcase world, Lucien began testing the enhancements provided by the advanced Earth Rune.
On the pad of his right index finger, a new ochre marking had appeared—three intersecting triangles layered over one another, resembling a miniature mountain peak.
Unlike the Thunder and Water runes he already possessed, this new mark felt "heavier" and more "grounded."
Lucien could feel the earth elements in the surrounding environment slowly gravitating toward him.
This rune heightened his resonance with the earth. Spells of that nature became significantly more potent, and compared to the Thunder and Water elements he was used to, the Earth element formed a much deeper connection with the physical environment.
As long as his feet were planted on the ground, any magic boosted by the Earth Rune would operate at peak efficiency.
But what Lucien was truly eager to see was how possessing runes for two of the primal elements—Water and Earth—would elevate his Alchemy.
After running a series of comprehensive tests, a look of distinct joy and excitement washed over his face.
Water, Fire, Earth, and Air—the four classical elements—held a pivotal status in the field of Alchemy. Studying the composition, structure, and magical properties of these elements was a lifelong pursuit for any Alchemist.
Each possessed distinct characteristics and played an indispensable role in the transmutation process.
Take Water and Earth as examples:
Water was primarily "Gentle." In Alchemy, it acted as the Mediator and Purifier, responsible for dissolving impurities, nurturing the magical materials, and conducting energy.
Earth was primarily "Stable." It served as the Foundation and the Vessel, responsible for giving the object its form, storing energy, and settling the impurities.
With the Elemental Runes strengthening Lucien's control over these specific forces, he could utilize them with far greater efficacy during the crafting process.
The four elements each had their duties, and the slightest nuance in manipulation could determine the success or failure of a transmutation.
"A qualitative transformation of Alchemy..."
The runic amplification of spell power—the direct boost to his combat ability—was no longer Lucien's primary concern. The enhancement these runes brought to his Alchemy was far more alluring!
The runes increased his affinity with the corresponding elements, sharpening his precision and control. It was like observing the process of Alchemy through an entirely new lens.
Moreover, with the addition of the Earth Rune, Lucien could feel a tangible connection strengthening between the three runes he now held.
If he could collect the remaining Fire and Air runes, the potential synergy was unimaginable. Even setting aside any special combo effects, just the boost in raw manipulation of the fundamental elements was enough to look forward to.
Lucien wanted to probe deeper into the mysteries of Alchemy and master its most arcane knowledge.
"With the boost from the Earth Rune, maybe the long-range communication device can be realized in time for the tournament?"
This Alchemy Exchange was divided into two main sections: written theory and practical application.
The practical section was further split into two tasks. The first required refining a specific magical object, roughly the same difficulty as the N.E.W.T. Alchemy exam.
The second task allowed the champions free rein to craft the work they were most confident in, which would then be scored by the judges.
Originally, Lucien had planned to enter a different alchemical item, as his "Magical Phone"—a device superior to Two-Way Mirrors—wasn't quite perfected yet.
However, with his affinity and control over two of the major foundation elements now significantly improved, Lucien felt he could accelerate the research process.
And the debut of a "Magical Phone" would undoubtedly cause another massive stir in the wizarding world.