With a large supply of oil finally secured, I was ready to resume my experiments.
If I could successfully refine Magic Marrow Fluid, it would open up a vast array of new possibilities. I used to perform this kind of synthesis frequently in my previous life. Back then, I would purchase cheap materials at the market and borrow the academy’s laboratories to concoct various catalysts.
While there were rooms in the castle suitable for research, using them would be far too conspicuous. I had no choice but to conduct my work here, taking care not to soil my own quarters.
"First, I’ll set up a barrier."
Using Waterfall Canopy, I enclosed a one-meter-square section of the room to serve as a makeshift laboratory. Water-based barriers were exceptionally effective at dampening sound and absorbing impacts. This ensured that even if a small explosion occurred inside, the rest of the room would remain undisturbed.
My materials were all laid out: the oil, the dungeon nucleus, and a generous heap of silver coins I had received as an allowance. Today was the first time I truly felt grateful for my royal status.
"Now, to melt the silver."
I fashioned a stone vessel using Stone Effigy and placed the silver coins inside. Silver has a surprisingly low melting point, meaning it liquefies easily under a steady flame. For safety, I layered a second Waterfall Canopy over the area and cast a Blazing Fireball inside. Leaving it to sit for a while should be enough to melt the silver down.
"While that's working, I'll grind the dungeon nucleus."
I created another stone vessel and used Water Blade to chop the nucleus into smaller chunks. Next, I modified the Water Blade’s spell formula to alter its shape, increasing the number of blades. I pressed them against the nucleus while adding a high-speed rotation formula.
The blades let out a high-pitched screech as they ground against the hard material. Before long, the nucleus was reduced to a fine dust.
Perfect. My Red Magic Powder was complete.
"...Master Lloyd, exactly how many spells are you maintaining at once-ssu?"
Grimo, who had been watching from the sidelines, spoke up in a tone of utter disbelief.
"Hmm? Including the ones on standby... about twenty, I suppose."
"I-I see-ssu..."
For some reason, Grimo looked completely floored. I’d never actually tested the upper limit of how many spells I could maintain simultaneously, so I wasn't entirely sure myself. Since lower magic required so little effort that I could probably cast more than I could count, I didn't see much point in a more precise answer.
"Ah, the silver looks about ready."
Time to begin the synthesis.
The liquid silver rolled around like droplets of water. Simply adding it to the oil wouldn't be enough to make them mix, but that was where my next step came in. I held out my right hand.
Water system magic: Water Fusion. Earth system magic: Earth Fusion.
These spells were designed to merge liquids and solids, respectively, to create entirely new substances. By activating them through Double Casting, I could synthesize almost any material.
The oil in the vial and the molten silver began to swirl together. The yellowish oil transformed into a glittering, translucent liquid.
"Master Lloyd, isn't that Lunar Silver Elixir-ssu?"
"Yes, it looks exactly like it."
Lunar Silver Elixir was a specialized medicine sold by the Mages' Guild. It was used for everything from inscribing magic circles to acting as a medium for summoning familiars. It was incredibly expensive and produced in such small quantities that it was nearly impossible for an average mage to acquire.
I had always wondered how it was made. Now I saw the trick. In theory, two mages could produce it if they performed the spells in perfect synchronization. However, both Water Fusion and Earth Fusion were high-level spells, and mages specialized in the non-combat Synthesis System Magic were rare. Finding two such experts who could work in perfect harmony was likely why the elixir was so scarce.
Discovering the recipe like this was a stroke of luck. I decided to stockpile a decent amount of it for future use.
"Now for the final step: adding the Red Magic Powder."
I carefully sprinkled the powder into the Lunar Silver Elixir. As the dust hit the silver-infused oil, it dissolved into swirling plumes of crimson smoke. After a thorough stirring, the resulting substance was virtually indistinguishable from Magic Marrow Fluid.
"Whoa! That’s incredible, Master Lloyd! Simply masterful!"
"In appearance, at least. I won't know for sure until I test its effectiveness."
The problem was that my own dagger was already enchanted, and I rarely had occasion to use other weapons. Since there was always a risk of the enchantment failing and damaging the base item, I couldn't exactly experiment on the decorative weapons lining the castle walls.
I needed a large supply of spare weapons—ideally ones that would actually see some use.
"...Oh, I have an idea."
A solution occurred to me. I decided to pay a visit to Albert-niisan.
I scoured the castle grounds and eventually found Albert-niisan in the middle of horsemanship training. Upon spotting me, he brought his horse to a halt and dismounted.
"Good morning, Albert-niisan."
"Ah, good morning, Lloyd. It makes me happy to see you coming to find me on your own. ...Haha, let me guess. Do you have a request for your big brother?"
My heart skipped a beat. How did he know? Seeing me hesitate after he saw right through me, Albert-niisan let out a pleasant laugh.
"Hahaha, you really are precious, Lloyd. It’s alright, tell me what’s on your mind. I’m listening."
"Thank you. Well... the truth is, I’ve been studying enchantment magic recently. I’d like to test some of my work, so I was hoping to get my hands on a large number of weapons. If it’s not too much trouble, could I borrow some of the equipment from your Royal Guards?"
High-ranking princes like Albert-niisan were assigned a personal guard of about a dozen elite soldiers. As veteran warriors, they would naturally own several blades each. Since they trained every day, I could get immediate feedback on the enchantments, and because they served my brother, I didn't have to worry about rumors spreading.
"Enchantment magic, is it? I hear that's a very rare discipline. You truly are a diligent student to have picked up such a skill."
"I’ve only just started, so there's a chance I might fail. I'd be fine with older or less expensive weapons..."
"I see, I see. You need materials for your experiments."
Albert-niisan gave me a knowing wink. I nodded in return.
"I appreciate you being so quick to understand."
"Haha, I can tell exactly what’s going on in that head of yours, Lloyd. My Royal Guards have been clamoring for enchanted swords for a while now. I’m sure they won't mind if a few blades are sacrificed in the process. Very well, I’ll arrange everything."
"Thank you so much."
I offered my thanks to Albert-niisan and went on my way, satisfied with the arrangement.