radicalducati Chapter 142 Farewell and Return
Chapter 142 Farewell and Return
Chapter 142 Farewell and Return
Inside the alchemy workshop, Karen was intently focused on a prototype silver-gray badge on the workbench in front of him. It was an improvement over the previous version, with a rice-grain-sized, specially treated citrine core set in its center, shimmering with a restrained luster under the workshop's stable magical lights. His fingertips gently brushed over the etched rune lines on the badge's surface, feeling the subtle flow of magical energy beneath.
"The connection point between the Fehu node and the Othila loop has improved energy conversion efficiency by 7.3 percent," Karen muttered to himself, his Eye of Truth carefully scanning the internal structure of the badge. "The initial compression structure of the core area is stable, and no stress cracks were found. The energy loss of the Algiz variant rune is 5.5 percent lower than the last test." He picked up the quill pen beside him and quickly jotted down some data in an open notebook filled with formulas and sketches.
Nico sat in the high-backed chair opposite him, holding a cup of warm herbal tea, his gaze gently falling on Karen, and also on the badge that embodied Karen's hard work. Castor stood a little further away by the bookshelf, his back to them, seemingly looking at a thick ancient book, but Karen could sense that part of his attention remained on this side.
"Did the stability test pass?" Nico put down his teacup and asked.
"Hmm," Karen nodded, picked up the badge, and gently placed it on a specially made small base engraved with magical impact runes. "Level three standard impact, five times in succession, one minute apart each time. Shield triggering normally, energy replenishment rate as expected, core temperature rise within the safe threshold, rune structure showing no signs of degradation." He activated the base.
A pale red beam of magical energy shot towards the badge. Instantly, a nearly transparent force field with subtle ripples appeared on the badge's surface. The beam struck the force field, like a drop of water falling on a perfectly smooth lotus leaf, instantly deflected at an angle, hitting the specially designed energy-absorbing plate beside the base, leaving only a faint spot of light. The force field then vanished, the crystal at the badge's core glowed slightly, and quickly returned to calm.
Karen didn't stop and continued recording the data from the base. The same process was repeated four times, and the badge's performance remained consistent.
"Very good." Nico's voice was filled with genuine praise. "From absorption and compression storage to activating the deflection shield, you have mastered the integration and optimization of the entire process very well. Your progress this summer has exceeded my expectations, Karen."
Castor, standing beside the bookshelf, turned around, his gaze sweeping over the badge and Karen's notebook. "Remember, technique is just a tool. The value of a tool lies in whether the user can see the situation clearly and make the right decisions at crucial moments. Your work is already quite perfect, but don't let it lull you into a false sense of security. You must also keep a close eye on practicing and mastering the spells."
Karen nodded solemnly, "I understand, Professor Castor, Teacher Nico." He carefully removed the prototype badge from its base and put it in the box. The badge was still different from his original design, but each step of verification and optimization deepened his understanding of alchemy.
Nico stood up and walked to a storage cabinet against the wall, reinforced with various magical woods and mithril. He opened the cabinet door, took out several items, and placed them on the worktable in front of Karen.
"Your summer studies are coming to an end. Consider this a parting gift from Castor and me," Nico's voice was gentle and kind. He picked up a crystal box no bigger than half a palm, inside which lay a small pinch of fine, shimmering, silver-gray powder. "This is a derivative of the 'Touch of Hermes' surface structure after simplification and stabilization. It cannot create a magic-suppressing field on its own, but it retains extremely precise magic channeling and buffering properties. Studying it might provide new inspiration for optimizing the core runes of your protective badge." With that, he handed the crystal box to Karen.
Next, Nico picked up a delicate mithril spool, around which was wound a ten-meter-long, hair-thin mithril thread. This thread wasn't pure silver; its surface shimmered with an extremely faint, almost living, blue-purple aura. "This thread was drawn from the 'mithril-dragon's blood' alloy that you successfully blended," Nico explained, his fingers lightly tracing the smooth, resilient thread. "It combines the magical affinity of mithril with the active toughness of dragon's blood, making it an excellent material for crafting intricate alchemical circuits. You can keep it for your experiments." He placed the spool in Karen's hand as well.
Finally, Nico picked up a thick, somewhat old-looking notebook. The cover was devoid of any fancy decorations, except for an elegant title in dark blue calligraphy: *Basic Rune Energy Topology*. He gently patted the cover, his eyes filled with a deep appreciation for knowledge. "This is a collection of my insights," he said, "about how rune combinations form 'channels' and 'nodes' for energy flow, and the spatial energy structure effects produced when they connect, overlap, and resonate. It contains many handwritten annotations and comments, which may help you understand the principles of rune matrix construction more systematically. Don't rush; read it slowly."
Karen carefully accepted the three items, feeling their weight—not a physical weight, but the weight of knowledge passed down through generations. "Thank you, Professor Nico! These are so precious!" His voice was tinged with excitement.
At that moment, Castor walked over and placed an inconspicuous little object in front of Karen. It was a brooch made of dark, dull black metal, shaped like a twisted, sharp-edged feather, without any gemstones or intricate patterns, simple to the point of being crude.
"Wear it," Castor said firmly. "It can interfere with most low-level tracking and spying spells. Don't take it off in crowded places, like the Hogwarts Express or the opening banquet." He paused, his gray eyes fixed on Cullen with a cold, world-weary gaze. "The new school year at Hogwarts won't be as peaceful as it has been. Strength is the foundation of your success, but sometimes, being low-key and inconspicuous is another kind of strength. Protect yourself."
Karen picked up the cold, black feather brooch, his fingertips able to feel the extremely subtle yet incredibly complex magical fluctuations within it. "Yes, Professor. I will wear it all the time." He solemnly fastened the brooch to the lining of his robe, the cool touch against his skin like a silent amulet.
The study door was gently pushed open, and Perenel entered, carrying an exquisite wicker basket that emitted an enticing sweet aroma. "It's almost time, dear Karen," she said with a warm smile, handing him the basket. "These are some pastries I baked myself."
There's raspberry jam pie, hazelnut chocolate chips, and your favorite lemon curd tart—take it with you!
"Thank you, Mrs. Perenel!" Karen took the basket, the aroma of the food and the warmth of her elder's kindness filling her heart.
"Alright, child," Nico gently patted Cullen on the shoulder, "go back to Hogwarts and focus on your studies. The exploration of alchemy is a long journey, don't rush it. Classroom knowledge is the foundation; without a solid foundation, even the most brilliant research is just a castle in the air."
If you encounter any problems you really can't figure out, feel free to write to me. Remember, the accumulation of knowledge takes time, just like the best potions need to be simmered slowly over a low flame.
"I will, Professor Nico." Karen nodded earnestly, carefully putting the crystal box, spool, and notebook into his backpack, which was enchanted with a Seamless Stretch Charm.
Castor glanced at Karen one last time, his eyes filled with complex emotions, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he simply nodded slightly: "Go. Remember what I said."
Mrs. Perenel stepped forward and hugged Karen: "Have a safe journey, dear. Please give our regards to your family."
Karen took a deep breath, suppressing the bittersweet feeling of parting that welled up inside him, carrying the pastry basket in his hand. He took one last look around the alchemy workshop, a place filled with knowledge, sweat, failures and successes, and the deep expectations of his elders.
"Goodbye, Professor Nico, Professor Castor, Mrs. Perenel. Thank you for your teaching and care this summer." He bowed deeply.
Nico smiled and nodded, Castor remained expressionless, and Perenel waved gently.
Karen turned and followed Nico out through the other door of the workshop, through the connecting corridor, and into a more formal area of the "Quiet Abode." It was furnished like an elegant reception room, with a tapestry depicting ancient alchemical symbols hanging above the fireplace.
“For international travel, especially involving underage wizards, using a Portkey is safer and more formal. You already experienced it once during Easter, so it should feel much better this time,” Nico explained, walking to a stone table in the center of the room inlaid with a star map. On the table sat an unremarkable-looking old copper pot. “I’ve already arranged the paperwork with the Ministry of Magic. Grab it, Karen.”
Karen put the pastry basket into his bag, freeing his hands to grip the handle of the copper kettle tightly. He could feel a steady, directional magical pulse emanating from inside the kettle.
"Destination: Ministry of Magic, London, UK; International Flyway and Portkey Management Department; Immigration Registration Office A," Nico stated clearly.
At the same time, use your wand to draw a specific rune above the mouth of the pot. The rune disappears into the pot.
Metaphor!
Karen instantly felt as if an invisible hook had suddenly grabbed him from behind his navel! An irresistible, immense force pulled him off the ground. The surrounding scenery—Nico's kind face, the elegant room of the Tranquil Abode—suddenly distorted and stretched, turning into blurry bands of color. In his ears were the howling wind and a strange, humming sound, as if space itself was tearing apart. He felt as if he had been shoved into a giant, high-speed spinning pipe, the world spinning around him, and he could only cling tightly to the handle of the copper kettle.