Chapter 20

With a large amount of oil in hand, it was time to restart the experiments.

If the concoction of the magic marrow liquid succeeds, there will be many more things I can do.

Incidentally, I used to do this kind of concoction in my previous life.

I would buy cheap materials from the market and use the school's laboratory to mix catalysts.

There is a room in the castle that could be used for experiments, but if I did it there, it would be too noticeable.

I have no choice but to do it without dirtying my room.

"First, I'll set up a barrier."

I used 'Waterfall Canopy' to enclose a one-meter square corner of the room as a makeshift laboratory.

A water barrier is highly effective at blocking sound and impact.

This way, even if there's a small explosion inside, it will be fine.

The materials for the concoction are ready.

A large amount of oil, a dungeon core, and plenty of silver coins given as pocket money.

I've never felt more grateful for being a royal than today.

"Next, I'll melt the silver."

First, I used 'Stone Form' to create a stone vessel and placed the silver coins inside.

The melting point of silver is surprisingly low, so it will melt with a flame.

Just to be safe, I overlaid another 'Waterfall Canopy' and cast 'Blazing Fireball' inside.

If I leave it for a while, the silver should melt.

"While that's happening, I'll crush the dungeon core."

I created another stone vessel and used 'Water Blade' to chop up the core.

Then, I added a shape-changing spell to the 'Water Blade' to increase the number of blades.

I pressed it against the core and added a high-speed rotation spell.

With a grinding sound, the core began to break down.

Good, it's turning into powder.

This completes the red magic powder.

"…Lord Lloyd, how many spells are you casting at once?"

Grimo, who was watching, asked in a bewildered tone.

"Hmm? Including those on standby, about twenty…"

"R-really?"

Grimo was taken aback for some reason.

I've never tested how many spells I can cast simultaneously, so I don't know.

For lower-level spells, I can cast countless numbers at once, so there's no point in giving a serious answer.

"Oh, the silver should be melted by now."

Let's start the concoction.

The melted silver can be moved like water droplets.

However, just putting it in the oil won't mix them, so this is where it comes in.

I opened my right hand.

The water magic 'Water Fusion' and the earth magic 'Earth Fusion'.

Each of these spells fuses liquids and solids to create new substances.

By casting them in a double incantation, it's possible to combine any objects—

The oil and melted silver in the vial began to mix.

The yellow oil turned into a shiny, silver-tinged liquid.

"Lord Lloyd, isn't this Moon Silver Elixir?"

"Yes, it looks very similar."

The Moon Silver Elixir is a reagent sold by the Mage Guild.

It's used for drawing magic circles and summoning familiars, among other things.

It's very expensive and rare, making it almost impossible for ordinary mages to purchase.

I wondered how they made it, but now I understand.

Theoretically, a double incantation can be performed by two mages if they are in sync.

However, 'Water Fusion' and 'Earth Fusion' are both high-level spells, and there are few mages who specialize in synthesis magic, which is non-combat related.

It's no wonder it's so rare, given that it requires two such skilled mages.

It's lucky to discover the recipe here.

It might be useful for something, so I'll stock up a bit.

"Well, all that's left is to add the red magic powder to complete it."

I sprinkled the red magic powder into the Moon Silver Elixir.

The powder mixed with the silver-tinged oil, creating a red smoke that colored the water.

Stirring it around, I produced something almost identical to magic marrow liquid.

"Wow! Amazing, Lord Lloyd! It's incredible!"

"It looks good, but we won't know the effect until we use it."

That said, my dagger is already enchanted, and I hardly have any opportunities to use it as a weapon.

There's also a risk of failure, so I can't just test it on any weapon lying around.

I wonder if there's a place with a surplus of weapons… It would be even better if someone could use them.

"…Ah, right."

As I was thinking, a good idea came to mind.

I should go see Albert.

***

Searching the castle, I found Albert in the middle of horse training.

He stopped his horse and came down when he saw me.

"Good morning, Albert."

"Hey, good morning. It's nice to see you, Lloyd. …Hmm, do you have something to ask me?"

My heart skipped a beat. How did he know?

Seeing my stammering, Albert laughed.

"Haha, Lloyd, you're so cute. It's fine, go ahead and tell me. I'll listen."

"Thank you. Well, I've been studying enchantment magic recently. I want to try it out, so I need a lot of weapons. Could I borrow the weapons of your guards, Albert?"

Upper princes like Albert have about a dozen guards each.

They are all skilled and likely own several swords.

Since they train daily, it's easy to get their feedback, and as Albert's guards, they are less likely to leak information.

"Enchantment magic, huh? It's a rare skill, but it's impressive that you can learn it."

"I just started. I might fail, so it doesn't have to be expensive weapons…"

"I see. You need experimental materials, huh?"

I nodded in response to Albert's wink.

"Thanks for understanding."

"Haha, I can read your mind, Lloyd. The guards have been wanting enchanted swords, so they won't complain even if some weapons are wasted. I'll talk to them."

"Thank you."

I thanked Albert and left the area.