Chapter 452: The Hereditary System of the Alchemical World

Wizards of all kinds walked through it, many of them of different skin tones conversing in English.

The complex consisted of seven buildings entirely, each with domes engraved with different symbols.

These symbols seemed to carry specific meanings, given that the materials used to form them varied greatly.

Wizard Sean Green observed carefully, as if grasping something profound:

“In alchemy, the seven planets are each assigned unique symbols or inscriptions.

A circle surrounding a point symbolizes the Sun, a symbol first used during the Muggle Renaissance;

the Moon is a black crescent; Mercury’s symbol derives from the serpent coiled around the caduceus; Venus is a small circle with a cross beneath it, representing femininity; Mars is a circle with an arrow, representing masculinity;

Jupiter is the Greek letter ‘zeta,’ representing Zeus; Saturn’s symbol was once a sickle, derived from the Greek letter ‘eta’…

The seven planets correspond to seven materials:

the Sun to gold, the Moon to silver, Mercury to mercury, Venus to copper, Mars to iron, Jupiter to tin, and Saturn to lead.

Which matches precisely the symbols and materials of this complex.”

Wizard Sean Green recalled the contents of Professor Terra’s book.

“I’m beginning to believe you’ll succeed—at least more than those merchant students who say, ‘I’m willing to swim in an ocean of gold.’”

The young witch exclaimed.

“I’m not a merchant. Could you tell me where Professor Terra is?”

Wizard Sean Green explained again.

“I believe you.”

The young witch declared firmly, then suddenly giggled and took the young wizard’s hand,

“Having dreams is always good. But remember: truth is real. Never lie, and truth will follow.”

“As above, so below; thus is accomplished the miracle of the One.”

Wizard Sean Green naturally continued, quoting from the Emerald Tablet.

“All things originated from the One, separated and formed from it.

The Sun is father, the Moon is mother, conceived by the Wind, nourished by the Earth.

The source of all perfection lies here; its power is most complete upon the Earth.”

The young witch’s eyes lit up.

“Separate the Earth from the Fire, refine the essence from the crude, proceed with care.

Ascend from Earth to Heaven, then descend again, gaining power over above and below.

Thus you shall attain the glory of the world and escape darkness and ignorance.”

Wizard Sean Green reluctantly went along.

“You have great potential!”

The young witch marveled—she had just described it in runes.

“Thank you. Do you know where Professor Terra is?”

Wizard Sean Green asked.

“Oh, don’t rush. My name is Suya, Suya Terra.”

The young witch extended her hand.

She shook it vigorously, making Wizard Sean Green wobble.

“Suya, let go of my dear student.”

At that moment, a familiar voice came.

“Aunt Terra—”

Suya instantly shrank back, looking nervous.

“You two get along well?”

Professor Terra smiled, her presence commanding without a word.

“I believe so, Professor.”

Wizard Sean Green said.

“Come, let’s go to your portion.”

Professor Terra turned.

“My portion?”

Wizard Sean Green frowned.

“Let Suya explain.”

Professor Terra looked at the nervous witch.

Wizard Sean Green tilted his head slightly; the young witch still looked dazed.

Student… Did Aunt Terra just call me student?

But Aunt Terra only ever had one student!

And that student was only found recently—before, wizard merchants had teased her about it endlessly.

But everyone fell silent later, because her Chocolate Frog card had been added twice within a single year.

In the alchemical world, master-apprentice relationships were often natural: apprentices inherited their master’s honor and part of their wealth.

But in her teacher’s case, this relationship had undergone an almost impossible reversal:

Flora Olivia Terra, on her Chocolate Frog card, bore the title—

Making Guide to the Thrice-Great Hermes, the Undisputed Master of the Wise.

“H-H-H…”

Her lips trembled.

Outside the alchemical world, wizards had no true grasp of this future greatest witch’s achievements;

but within alchemy, she gazed upon dear Hermes as a tiny mayfly gazes at the blue sky—she couldn’t even comprehend his magical circuits, let alone his flawless, intricate alchemical rituals.

“I never heard you had a speech impediment, dear Suya?”

Professor Terra still teased.

“Could you explain it to me?”

After a moment, once Suya had calmed slightly, Wizard Sean Green asked softly.

“Of course—”

Suya snapped back to awareness.

So young, far too young—no, too young a wizard—who wouldn’t believe he would change the entire magical world?

“The alchemical world has always held an ancient rule: a master’s alchemical workshop is typically inherited by the apprentice. Only a portion is left to family descendants.

The reason isn’t complicated…”

Suya explained.

As they walked toward “Jupiter,” they spoke.

Wizard Sean Green quickly grasped the key point.

True, magic requires certain talent.

But alchemy as a branch of magic remains rare.

Even in Transfiguration, a wizard, with proper training and study, can at least learn the basics and some intermediate techniques.

For example, Harry and Ron both performed decently in Transfiguration;

likewise, Jia Jia Siting, though he never took Transfiguration seriously, still ranked among the top.

But alchemy was entirely different.

Only wizards with talent could enter alchemy; only those with extraordinary talent could master even the basics.

In other words, if you can’t do alchemy, you simply can’t.

Diligence and effort counted for little in this branch of magic.

Thus, rather than entrust the core of an alchemical workshop to family members who might not even be able to maintain it, most alchemists—especially those of great achievement—chose to pass it to their apprentices.

Precisely because of this, the alchemical world placed extraordinary value on succession;

and precisely because of this, Emerald Workshop was always visited by Professor Terra’s students.

“A complete alchemical workshop, with its broad network, will save you precious time even after I’m gone.”

Professor Terra seemed in good spirits; she handed Wizard Sean Green the land deeds and other documents,

“I doubt I’ll be able to help you review the magical contract this time, but I made several copies with a duplication charm—they should now be on Minerva’s and Severus’s desks.”

Suya gazed enviously at the contracts; she too would inherit a portion, but as an alchemy apprentice here, she understood better than anyone.

Giving them to her would be a waste of heaven’s gifts.

“Professor, this… is too precious.”

Wizard Sean Green stared at the crystal dome, overwhelmed.

“Oh, my dear student, when will you realize I’ve already received the far more precious gift?”

Professor Terra’s brows relaxed.