Philip's Alchemy Laboratory (1)

The academy's disciplinary ruling against Louis was swiftly handed down. Despite suspicions that he might have been framed, his authority as Minister of Supervision had been utterly swept away by his violation of school regulations. The academy simply could not permit such an individual to retain control over a vital department within the Student Council.

Consequently, Louis slunk away from the Student Council, leaving a heavily stained mark on his permanent record. Fortunately for him, he possessed a Dean as an uncle, which spared him from even greater repercussions.

During this period, Du Chen attended his classes as usual during the day, consulting with Philip on alchemy and occasionally performing good deeds, leading a rather leisurely existence. However, in the evenings, Steve demanded he care for a patient, a task that lasted over half a month, preventing him from returning to his Room 18 dormitory until Steve's own injuries had fully healed.

Half a month later, with the waters calm once more, Du Chen leveraged the Department of Supervision's major reshuffle, coupled with Professor Mina's strong endorsement, to successfully secure a team leader position, now commanding two junior subordinates.

One of these was Jason, the very informant who had previously sown discord. The other was a timid, pusillanimous second-year student named Porter, who, at a glance, clearly seemed to be a frequent target of bullying.

On this particular day, Du Chen, having largely mastered the foundational knowledge of alchemy and the operation of most equipment, was summoned into Philip's office.

Upon the colossal mahogany desk rested a small, dark teal casket. With a hand placed atop the box, Philip smiled genially, "Francis, your wisdom truly astounds me. To reach the pinnacle of a One-Star Fighter and become a proficient alchemical assistant in such a short span of time — you have utterly astonished me."

"This is all thanks to your esteemed guidance, Master!" Du Chen expressed his gratitude with feigned humility.

"No, this is inextricably linked to your own diligence! Francis, you have been my student for two months now, and during this time, I have observed both your character and your talent. Excellent, I am very pleased with you as a student!" Du Chen listened with a subtle smile, knowing there was more to come, and thus did not rush to interject.

Philip slid the small casket across the desk towards Du Chen, chuckling, "Congratulations! From today onwards, you are my direct disciple and a member of Philip's Alchemy Laboratory! This is your well-deserved reward!"

Du Chen opened the casket to find a golden-yellow breastplate, about the length of a middle finger and two fingers wide, emblazoned with Du Chen's full Western name and Philip's personal seal.

"Take this, and come with me to the laboratory!" Philip moved to a standing cabinet against the wall, shifted a few books, and twisted a mechanism beneath. With a grating, muffled 'creak-creak,' the cabinet split open, revealing a tunnel leading underground.

As he led the way, Philip instructed, "My laboratory is underground, spanning many levels. Remember, without me as your guide, your breastplate will only grant you access down to the tenth floor; you must absolutely not venture further!" He paused, then chuckled, "You should understand, my experiments are the highest classified secrets of Battle God Isle..."

"Master, I understand!"

Du Chen descended the spiral staircase, secretly marveling at the sheer scale of Philip's Alchemy Laboratory. The very first level was a subterranean Grand Council Hall no less grand than Lanning Royal Palace itself. Various alchemical apparatuses were arranged within, yet strangely, there was no one present on this floor.

"Louis was originally meant to be the assistant for this floor," Philip explained indifferently, "but my rule is one assistant per level. Now that you are here, he, regrettably, must depart."

Du Chen asked curiously, "Then I shall be your assistant for the first level from now on?"

"No, you will be my assistant for the tenth level. The assistant for the first level will be taken over by the one currently on the second."

The levels undoubtedly corresponded to a hierarchy of classified knowledge. Louis, merely a first-level assistant, likely wouldn't have privy to much. Yet, Du Chen's own alchemical proficiency was inferior to Louis's, and Philip had actually assigned him directly to the tenth level...

Filled with doubt, Du Chen continued his descent. The laboratories on the first five levels were arranged as grand halls, with experimental equipment and assistants visible immediately upon reaching each floor. However, from the sixth level downwards, he could only perceive dark, ominous doors, the situations within utterly unknown.

The tenth level comprised only two rooms: a side hall where the staircase terminated, and a laboratory the size of a classroom.

"This will be your workspace from now on!" Philip stated after briefing Du Chen on various precautions. "I am engaged in a colossal experiment, and you will be responsible for a minor sub-project within it — the alteration of physical talent." As he spoke, he opened the cover of a speaking tube embedded in the wall. "Lewis, come down to the tenth level!"

"Now, allow me to introduce you to a colleague. You two will have areas requiring collaboration in your future research!"

A tall, gaunt man entered from outside. Upon seeing him, Du Chen couldn't help but shiver. This Lewis, lanky and clad in a black formal suit, appeared much like a vampire – cruel and chilling, yet possessing an undeniable elegance.

When he spoke, his icy tone was as cutting as a blade. "Lewis reporting for duty."

"Heh heh, Lewis isn't human, so his appearance might not quite conform to human sensibilities. Francis, he is the assistant for the eleventh level, responsible for the Battle Qi Inheritance project!"

So, it involves transferring battle qi from one body to another? Du Chen's mind conjured images from martial arts novels of his previous life: a naive youth encountering a peerless master who imbued him with decades of cultivation...

Altering talent, and inheriting battle qi — what precisely was Philip's ultimate goal with all this!?

Philip gave them some experimental instructions, then added, "Lewis, please bring Francis's experimental subject! Francis, before I formally guide you into your work, I wish to continue the conversation we had when we first met. Have you now understood what constitutes good and evil?"

Here we go again. That old geezer was dropping hints once more!

Du Chen cursed internally, *Old man, can't you just say what you mean? Why must you always play these hinting games!?*

He smiled, "Master, I still haven't quite figured it out."

"Very well then, let me ask you: would you kill for revenge? Assuming your enemy is a good person and has done nothing wrong."

Du Chen pondered, then chuckled, "That depends on the magnitude of the hatred! I am no saint; there are times when even my eyes can be clouded by vengeance."

"Your answer... haha!" Philip burst into laughter, as if he had heard a most amusing response. "Truly worthy of Phil's son! I asked your mother the very same question back then. Do you know how she replied?" Philip's smile deepened. "She said she needed to go home and ask her father... heh heh, that would be your grandfather!"