Chapter 645: Becoming An Alchemist?

Shūren’s expression immediately became more serious.

"Of course."

"You said there are only three remaining. I want all three."

The president did not appear surprised by the demand, though his ears shifted slightly.

"As we discussed, those pills are exceptionally rare. They cannot be replaced once consumed, and their value extends beyond their immediate effects. Each one represents the remaining work of an alchemist whose techniques we have been unable to reproduce."

"I understand their value. I also understand that your association gave one to Laura specifically to bring me here."

Shūren lowered his head.

"That is true."

"Then let us avoid pretending that this is an ordinary commercial transaction. You want me to help you return to Velmora. I want a reliable means of managing the damage to my soul. We should structure an agreement that benefits both sides."

The president exchanged a brief glance with Laura before speaking.

"We are prepared to hand over the remaining three Soul Fortification Pills, provided you agree to become an independent alchemist affiliated with the association."

Damian stared at him.

"An alchemist?"

"An independent alchemist," Shūren clarified. "You would not be required to join our permanent staff or take orders from our leadership. Instead, you would be registered as an affiliated practitioner and contracted to provide services when you choose to accept them."

"What kind of services?"

"Refining pills, assisting with difficult formulas, examining unusual ingredients, or helping us develop medicines that require your particular abilities. We would negotiate each contract separately. You would be free to accept or decline the work."

"And the payment?"

"Whatever form you prefer. Money, pills, rare ingredients, equipment, magical items, or other resources available to the association. We would agree on the compensation before each contract begins."

Damian’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Normally he would say no but he is the only one who can refine the soul fortification pill with his samsara and soul lantern flames. He had a reason to learn.

That plus the arrangement was considerably more flexible than he had expected. He would not be expected to spend his days standing before a furnace, nor would he have to submit to the association’s hierarchy. He would simply be recognised as an independent alchemist capable of accepting contracts in exchange for payment.

There was, however, one obvious problem.

"I don’t know how to refine pills."

Shūren nodded as though he had anticipated the objection.

"We are aware that you have no formal training in alchemy. That is precisely why we are willing to provide you with access to our facilities, instruction, and resources. You possess the Samara Flames, Your Highness. That alone makes you an extraordinary prospect."

Damian’s expression became more guarded.

"You’re interested in my flames."

"We are interested in what you could accomplish with them. The Samara Flames are among the most valuable refining flames known to our profession. With proper training, you could produce pills that even our senior alchemists might struggle to replicate."

"And you expect me to spend years learning alchemy?"

"Not necessarily years. Your natural abilities may allow you to progress more quickly than an ordinary practitioner."

Damian leaned back.

"There’s a problem with your proposal. I’ll be travelling to the Dark Continent."

For the first time since the discussion began, Shūren looked genuinely disappointed.

He had hoped that Damian’s interest in the Soul Fortification Pill would provide an opportunity to introduce him to alchemy immediately. With the Samara Flames at their disposal, the association might eventually recover the techniques it had lost after Lin Qui’s death. Having Damian as an affiliated alchemist would also strengthen its standing in Velmora and the capital.

Yet the Prince had other priorities.

The president considered his options before answering. "Then we shall wait."

Damian looked at him.

"Wait?"

"Yes. Your Highness, we are not asking you to abandon your current responsibilities. If you intend to travel to the Dark Continent, then go. Complete whatever business requires your attention. When you return, we can resume the discussion."

"And if I don’t return for a decade?"

"Then we shall wait a decade."

Damian’s gaze sharpened.

Shūren smiled faintly.

"We have survived for generations. The association has endured political upheaval, the loss of important members, and the relocation of its entire headquarters. We can afford to be patient when the potential reward is worth the wait.Even if you require a century, we will still be here when you return, provided our association remains standing."

Laura looked between the two men, apparently surprised by the president’s willingness to wait so long.

"What exactly would I receive beyond the three Soul Fortification Pills?" Damian asked.

Shūren immediately opened his document case again.

"An initial package of quality pills from our existing stock. We can provide medicines that replenish energy, strengthen the body, improve cultivation, and assist recovery from injuries. We also have several varieties of pills that support spiritual and soul cultivation, though their effects are not as specialised as the Soul Fortification Pill."

"How many?"

"We can negotiate the exact quantities, but we are prepared to provide a substantial batch. You would be free to choose from the varieties available in our inventory, subject to any restrictions imposed by the ingredients used in their production."

Damian considered the offer.

"Continue."

"The association will also provide you with the ingredients necessary to refine the Soul Fortification Pill yourself. We possess records of its formula and have retained some of the materials used in previous batches. We cannot promise an unlimited supply, but we can allocate enough ingredients for an initial series of refinements."

"And the pills I produce?"

Shūren’s seven tails fanned out slightly.

"We propose that you retain fifty percent of the pills you successfully refine, while the association receives the remaining fifty percent."

Damian regarded him silently.

The president continued, "We will supply the ingredients, provide access to our facilities, and make our records available to you. In exchange, the association receives a share of the finished products. You may keep the rest for your own use or negotiate additional contracts to produce other pills."

"Fifty percent of every pill I refine?"

"Of every pill produced using ingredients supplied under this arrangement. If you provide your own ingredients, we can negotiate a different agreement."

"Put that in writing," he said. "The fifty percent applies only to pills refined using ingredients supplied by the association under this agreement. It does not grant you ownership of my knowledge, my flames, or any techniques I develop independently."

"Agreed."

"And the initial batch of pills will be transferred to me without any additional payment. It forms part of the compensation for becoming an affiliated alchemist."

"That is acceptable."

"Then we have a deal."

Shūren’s expression brightened, though he was careful not to appear too eager.

"Your Highness, does that mean you agree to join the association?"

Damian looked at him for a moment before nodding.

"Yes. I’ll become an independent alchemist affiliated with the Alchemy Association. However, I won’t begin training until I return from the Dark Continent, and I won’t accept any contracts until I decide that I have the time to fulfil them."

"That is perfectly reasonable."

"Furthermore, our agreement concerning Velmora is separate from my personal contract. The association’s return must proceed according to the terms we discussed, regardless of when I begin practising alchemy."

"Naturally. We would never presume to make the association’s independence dependent upon your personal availability."

"Good."

Damian extended his hand and Shūren took it, sealing their agreement with a firm handshake.

Laura released a breath she had apparently been holding.

"So it worked," she said.

Damian glanced at her and rolled his eyes. Shūren cleared his throat and said.

"I will have the preliminary agreement prepared immediately. Once the terms have been reviewed and formalised, we can arrange the transfer of the three remaining Soul Fortification Pills and your initial batch of medicines."

"Send the documents to my residence," Damian said. "I’ll have them reviewed before signing. I want the terms concerning Velmora’s independence clearly stated, along with the profit share, annual quota, and restrictions on government interference."

"Of course."