Bear School Astartes

"Will the rising significance of anti-magic metal in the market affect the Warlocks?"

Lann slightly frowned.

Having been influenced by the experiences of the Sons of the Emperor and accompanied Alia through the conspiracy scripts of the capital, Lann had learned to be cautious of situations that appeared to be mere market fluctuations.

Significant transformations often begin with inconspicuous events.

Tishaya answered calmly.

"Although anti-magic metal significantly restrains Chaos Magic Power in function, so far, the impact on Warlocks... well, it's been positive."

"Although the Kings have begun to realize how terrifying a Magic-wielding assassin can be, they have also started to value Magic itself. Many Warlocks benefit from this trend. The influence of the entire Warlock community is also increasing, and research achievements are gaining recognition."

"So, even though the mining of this so-called 'Warlock's Bane' ore has greatly increased, the interests of Casters have indeed been enhanced."

Lann pondered this information but couldn't discern any credible trend due to the lack of data.

He could only nod for the time being.

"Let's just hope these anti-magic metals continue to not cause trouble."

With that topic set aside, Tishaya examined Lann up and down.

"You wish to join my crystal cultivation project group, but I must first inform you that this project represents an exploration of the frontier of Alchemy. I can't allow you to join just because you can fight."

Lann had anticipated this, and he took out an improved version of [Maribo Forest] from his Alchemy Pouch.

Joining an academic project requires some achievements.

"The improved version, and the original. Both are here."

The two Magic Potions were placed symmetrically on the table.

"The efficacy is to increase physical recovery speed. The original has the side effect of muscle spasms, while the improved version eliminates this side effect, but the inherent toxicity of the potion will have a short-term outbreak without a buffering period."

This counts as a demonstration of academic results.

Tishaya glanced lazily at Margaret lying on the couch.

The current headmaster didn't even raise her head, only gestured with her hand.

"Don't look at me, teacher. I wasn't around during the improvement, only Merigold and Keira were. You know their level in Alchemy."

Tishaya did know. During their time in school, these two were not outstanding in Alchemy classes. The Demon Hunter's knowledge of Magic Potions came from deep complex heritage and continuous updates. They weren't capable of making improvements in this area.

She first picked up the original, opened the stopper, and sniffed lightly.

By the thoughtful look on her face, it seemed she already understood the basic properties of the potion.

Then she placed it back in position and picked up Lann's improved version.

Just before sniffing, Tishaya casually asked.

"How long did you spend conceptualizing the improvement of the experimental procedure?"

"I memorized the original formula and the fundamentals of Alchemy."

Lann's answer made Tishaya nod, as this was the standard procedure for the practical-minded Demon Hunter Alchemy.

There are even many Alchemists who specialize in one technique, memorizing only one ancestral recipe for a lifetime without knowing what the fundamental world view of Alchemy is.

However, Lann's next sentence made Tishaya involuntarily take a deep breath.

"I created this improved version first; the original was made strictly according to the formula afterward."

"Gasp—cough cough!"

After taking a sharp breath, a slight toxic black stripe appeared on Tishaya's face, and then a ring on her finger glowed slightly, dissipating the black stripe.

Lann raised an eyebrow at the ring, presuming it carried a toxin-dispelling Magic.

Tishaya elegantly covered her mouth and placed the Potion back in its symmetrical position.

"Are you saying...you naturally completed the formula improvement and process refinement during this Potion's first practical Alchemy?"

"You don't believe me?"

Lann retorted, and Tishaya shook her head.

"No, I know you're not one to exaggerate, but...this is somewhat unprecedented."

"But if your description of your talent is not exaggerated, then our research truly needs such insight and inspiration."

Tishaya stood up, gesturing Lan to follow.

"Rita, are you coming?"

As the Demon Hunter passed by the couch, she asked casually.

The Female Warlock headmaster turned over on the couch, her full and rounded waist and hips stretching her luxurious attire tightly.

"No, I'll just rest properly."

Lann shrugged, paying no more mind to the laziness of Margaret.

Tishaya led Lann to a classroom he had once temporarily rented and opened a door for him.

Upon entering, Lann saw several large blocks of pure crystal lying flat under several hemispherical glass covers, covered with creeping blood vessels and muscle fascia.

They looked slick, disgusting, and evil, aligning perfectly with the public's witch imagery.

The table supporting them was crisscrossed with long strips of cloth, with vaguely visible glowing runes on them.

As the Demon Hunter's necklace buzzed as he entered.

Lann took a look around and didn't feel the cleanliness and rigor of the top biological laboratories of his homeland.

Although Tishaya's personality was organized enough, compared to his homeland's laboratories that have been refined with millions of lives over hundreds of years, there was still quite a difference.

In summary, this was a Magic workshop-style laboratory fitting Lann's expectations and the era's background.

"This is my workstation, where all data and inspiration recording is completed,"

Tishaya introduced a desk neatly arranged with numerous documents inside the classroom.

Then, she brought Lann to the edge of a triangular formation made by three standing copper rods.

"This is the Thousand-Mile Telescope. Researchers in this project are spread across various kingdoms, and most Warlocks aren't fond of traveling or changing residences, as it makes them feel insecure. Therefore, our research method is to assign periodic tasks, and regularly use the Thousand-Mile Telescope for integrated summaries to push the project forward."

Lann raised an eyebrow.

Remote working, indeed a new trend.

Magic Power and Magic truly can achieve results beyond their era in certain fields.

"Who are the members of the research group?"

Lann inquired with great interest.

"They're all people without much fame, though I think they're quite talented with good minds. However, the current trend among Warlocks is to indulge in power plays and enter the court. Those who focus on research are looked down upon."

"Later, if you can prove your talent, I will introduce them to you."

Lann's lips began to curve into a smile, the main point had finally arrived.

Tishaya's hands displayed blue specks of light like fireflies, and then she waved them, forming a Potion formula in midair.

"[Stanford's Elixir], created by the famous Mage Herbert Stanford, can significantly enhance Magic intensity. It is estimated to be effective on the Magic Seal of Demon Hunters as well. The side effect is the erosion of body tissues by toxicity. We use it when equipped with 'Illness and Toxin Dispelling Amulets.' But even so, it often requires various supplements and recuperations afterward."

"Now, tweak it a bit, Lann."

Tishaya spread her hands on both sides, symbolizing two outcomes.

"Demonstrate your talent, or leave the crystal cultivation project with this formula."

In front of her, the Demon Hunter's smile remained calm and assured.

He removed his studded leather gloves to make his fingers more agile and sensitive.

"Then I shall...begin."