"Want to learn alchemy?"
On Dragonspine, Albedo looked at Koji with mild surprise.
Alchemy has an ancient history. Much of it is lost. The surviving techniques are patchwork. Few people truly pursue alchemy beyond casual interest.
"Yes, Albedo. Just explain it or show me a demonstration," Koji nodded.
Albedo was created by Golden Rhinedottir. Rhinedottir was both Albedo's teacher and his maker. Rhinedottir taught Albedo much alchemical knowledge. In Teyvat, apart from Rhinedottir, few dare claim superiority over Albedo in alchemy. That is authority.
"'The cosmos — the true starry sky's dark essence. The strata — the memory of time and life piled up. I am chalk. Black earth is the etymon of alchemy and the root of life…'"
"That is the alchemical secret my master told me. If you wish to learn, it will take a long time and focused effort."
Koji asked, "What about creating life?"
"Alchemy can do that, but not for beginners," Albedo shook his head. It also depends on the lifeform. Ordinary creatures are relatively simpler.
"I'll demonstrate alchemy for you."
Albedo performed. Koji watched a stone become a flower. Physics could not explain it. Inorganic turned organic. Alchemy lived up to its name. Most of the Akademy pale in comparison to Albedo. If Teyvat were to advance, alchemy would help.
"Alchemy can do many things. That was only a trivial example," Albedo said calmly, without pride. Many call him a genius. He did not call himself that.
"Thanks. Seeing alchemy changed my worldview." Koji thanked him.
"Your power is unusual. Not elemental. Something more primitive and mysterious," Albedo mused, watching Koji.
"Have you heard of the power of Blessings?"
As expected, Albedo could perceive such things.
"No, I haven't heard the term, but I understand the idea. You are favored. You're more fortunate than even some gods." Albedo sighed.
Koji smiled without answering. Gods, huh. Want to see a god-slaughtering Blessing?
"This is my notebook. You can borrow it."
Albedo produced a notebook on alchemy he filled in idle hours. Not a unique relic. For those with talent, it would be priceless. For others, it would be an unreadable scripture.
"Perfect. Thanks."
Koji left with the notebook. With that knowledge and his Alchemy Blessing, his alchemical skill would soar.
"Visitor from beyond the world… Master, is he the kind of Descendant you spoke of?" Albedo murmured. A being rivaling the world's will often foreshadows great upheaval in Teyvat. No one would remain untouched.
…
"Where did you sneak off to eat by yourself again?"
Lumine put her hands on her hips and stared at Koji with no emotion. She'd seen a pretty girl and he'd not bring her along. Selfish.
"Learned some alchemy," Koji said and handed the notebook to Lumine.
"Can't read this. What is all this — black earth, chalk?" Lumine returned the notebook.
Darn. Those concepts slipped into her head in a sneaky way, but she still couldn't parse them. She knew many characters but not their combinations.
"If you could read it I'd be surprised. By the way, Lumine, did you go to school?" Koji suddenly asked. He didn't know whether Lumine and Aether had formal schooling before coming to Teyvat.
Lumine hesitated. School? She knew the word, but had no memory of attending.
"I see. You and Aether are escaped from nine-year compulsory education — illiterates," Koji clapped, teasing.
"Rude. I can read," Lumine rolled her eyes. She might not have formal schooling, but 'illiterate' was harsh.
"You went to school?" Koji nodded. "Not a top university, but I did graduate." He fell into thought. Before transmigration he made short videos. His degree was never used. What was its value?
"Oh, a college grad. But in Teyvat power matters more than diplomas," Lumine said. Traveling many worlds taught her that strength rules. Degrees mean little across worlds. Currency too. Paper money is worthless outside its origin. Only true hard currency like gold retains universal value.
"Impressive insight," Koji agreed. In Sumeru, an Akademy diploma might carry weight, but here, force matters.
"So what if I don't have a diploma?" Lumine puffed proudly. Her unsheathed sword was worth more than any certificate.
"Sigh. I sometimes feel out of place with you two," Paimon sighed. She should be friends, but she couldn't follow their talk.
(End of Chapter)
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