At the village of Zo, the wizard Quorinel walked into a room, the morning sun shining in through the window. He rolled over his teaching board which was on a stand and looked at his only student. He wore a short conical hat and a gown their colors matched, they were purple and a yellow rope ran across his waist.
"Morning young Icarus". He said to the young boy as he stroked his long grey beard.
"Morning Wizard Quorinel, i believe my understanding of the basic concept of alchemy will allow me to progress to more practical lessons". Icarus proposed the notion to the wizard.
Icarus was a nineteen year old academic who enjoyed research and aspired to become an alchemist, he was of average height, had short brown hair, fair skin and large black eyes".
"Well you're going to have to impress me then young Icarus". The wizard told him as he let out a smile.
"What is mana?". The wizard quickly asked.
"Mana is the universal life-energy, the spiritual essence that exists in all living things. It is the fundamental current of reality, connecting body, soul, and the unseen world." Icarus replied.
"Very good Icarus and what is magic?". The wizard asked again.
"The art of shaping it". Icarus quickly responded.
"How many arts of magic are taught in schools?". Quorinel dropped another question.
"Magic is divided into three grand disciplines, each shaping mana through different philosophies and methods which are Arcane Principles, Alchemical Arts and Sorcery".
"There are other considered as expanded traditions but most mages are limited to the three prominent arts". Icarus said out loud with a smug look on his face.
"Good to know you haven't wasted these few weeks". Quorinel said to him as he took a seat.
"I need to learn more about alchemy not just the basics, i didn't leave my town and come all the way here for nothing". Icarus muttered as he folded his arms.
"I understand your disappointment young Icarus that is why today we are going learn the three branches of alchemy". The wizard said to the young boy.
"Yesss". Icarus screamed with joy as he punched the air.
"I am sure you are aware of what alchemy is before you even arrived here". The wizard said to the boy.
"Yes. Alchemy is the scientific application of magic to manipulate matter, energy, and life. Alchemists reshape nature itself — combining mana with physical reagents to transmute reality." The boy replied him.
"Very good and….?". The wizard pressed on.
"It is the basis of potion-brewing, enchantment, and material transmutation. It can alter energy, body, or soul with sufficient knowledge". Icarus said to the Wizard.
"Impressive but now we will learn about the fundamentals branches of alchemy. Material, Biological and Spiritual Alchemy". Quorinel says to his students.
"Finally!". The young Icarus said out as he began writing into his book with a pen.
The wizard smiled and continued.
"Most human alchemists can truly master only one form of alchemy in their lifespan so most decide to focus on one fundamental branch, Knight Guild Alchemists usually lean into the creation of potions and elixirs to help their members and those in need. Many wield biological alchemy also known as vital alchemy believing it is far simpler to master than the others but that is not really not the case".
"How?". Icarus asked with curiosity as he continued writing.
"learning is dependent on the experience of the teacher and the capacity of the student so do not limit yourself my boy". Quorinel said to the boy refusing to lower his spirits.
"Morning Quorinel". Said another wizard who stopped at the door, books in hand. His colors red and his beard black.
"Morning Kearifan my good friend,, have you heard from the Knights?" Quorinel asked.
"Yes, the leader of the alchemist guild was thankful for our new findings from the research and our continued assistance". Kearifan replied his friend.
"Good. Do well to send my greetings to the governor". Quorinel added.
"Of course". Kearifan said to him as they shook hands and he went his way.
"What happened with the knights?". Icarus asked.
"That's a story for another day, son." Quorinel said to get him back on track.
"Let's start with Material Alchemy then".
"Listen quietly young Icarus". Quorinel waved his wand unto the board and words began to appear upon it and he continued to speak.
"Material Alchemy is the transformation of physical matter & substances. It is used for the transmutation of metals, minerals, gases, liquids. The creation of weapons, armor, barriers, tools. The purification & extraction of elements. Potion & elixir creation and the rumoured possiblity to create both a Philosopher's Stone and Alkahest."
"What's a Philosopher's Stone and Alkahest?". The inquisitive Icarus asked.
"Well.."
"These things don't really exist and further research on them have been shut down since the war". Quorinel told the young man as he contemplated stopping there and stared at him. His eyes were wide open.
"Okay..okay".
"A Philosopher's Stone is said to be a magical substance of great power capable of turning base metals, such as lead or mercury, into gold or silver, also sometimes claimed to cure any illness (as panacea) or confer immortality (as elixir of life), among other functions. Many alchemists of old believed it could turn common crystals or stones into precious gems and diamonds. Creating unbreakable, malleable glass. Reviving dead plants and making barren fields sprout life. Producing perpetual burning lamps but no one can really knows cause as soon as the council was formed, the study was deemed too dangerous, rightfully so and was shit down".
"Wow. How come i never heard of this before?". Icarus asked with confusion on his face.
"All information about it was also erased". Quorinel replied the boy and carried on.
"Let's move on then. Next is Biological or Vital Alchemy". He added.
Icarus continued taking notes.
"Biological Alchemy is the alchemy of the body, blood and cells. It is the alchemy of life. It is used for healing, regeneration and disease removal. Biological augmentation (strength, speed, durability). Organ synthesis, cloning via genetic reconstruction. Many believe the Philosopher's Stone allows for vital alchemy and can be used for the creation of homunculi (artificial life) and the Elixir of Life which is rumoured to grant longevity, anti-aging, body evolution. You control Life-force with it. This is one of the reasons the council shut the research down."
"What exactly is an homunculi?". Icarus asked the wizard.
"Homunculi is plural. It's really just an homunculus". Quorinel corrected the boy and continued.
"An Homunculus is said to be an artificial person. Humanlike in most aspects but capable of great things".
"And finally we have Spiritual Alchemy".
"Many consider this the most difficult to learn and tend to stick with the other two".
"Spiritual Alchemy is the transformation of the soul, mind & metaphysics. It contains the study of Rune/sigil/seal creation & manipulation. Soul transmutation & Spiritual empowerment. Soul Binding and the possible achievement of Enlightenment. To be honest it takes longer to completely master than the other two."
Icarus finished writing and lifted his head to listen.
"We will spend the next 3 weeks relearning and further nderstanding these concepts and before you begin practicality in the following month". Quorinel said to the boy as he say atop his desk.
"Yes Sir. Thank you Wizard Quorinel. Today's class was highly informative". Icarus told the wizard as he bowed his upper body in respect.
"Up… up. There's no need for that young one. Go have lunch and later continue your studies at the library". Quorinel advised the young boy.
"Of course Wizard Quorinel". The young boy said to him and quickly rushed out of the room.
He raced through the hall and ran into the streets, greeting the wizards passing through as he returned to his room.
He layed on his bed and flipped his book.
His heart racing in his chest.
"The Philosopher's Stone… the power to creat life itself". Icarus said to himself as he realized the greatness that has been hidden in plain sight without considering the dangers it may bring.