Wizard Lord:I can Extract Anything

"I wouldn't say I'm exclusively focused on Alchemy. As low-level apprentices, our understanding of the schools is limited. Who knows, I might switch later," Richard replied with a smile, subtly confirming Kevin's assumption.

"That's great. Richard, are you planning to craft any magical gear soon? I have some alchemical materials that I could sell to you at a discount," Kevin offered, a shrewd glint in his eye. Richard's words sounded humble, but to Kevin, they were practically bragging. Kevin was somewhat knowledgeable about the Alchemy School; anyone claiming to specialize in alchemy at this stage was exceptionally talented.

Despite the Alchemy School's emphasis on practice over theory, its introductory knowledge required at least a dozen magic stones to study in the library. For low-level apprentices, who often faced a shortage of magic stones, this was a significant expense with poor cost-effectiveness.

Alchemy didn't immediately boost combat power, meaning apprentices had fewer task options, leading to a lack of magic stones and a vicious cycle slowing their progress.

Yet Richard seemed both powerful and wealthy enough to dine out, something impossible for an apprentice without talent in alchemy.

Kevin suddenly recalled a rumor: Alchemy Master Jolord was considering taking a low-level apprentice as his formal student. Could it be...

"Haha, maybe later," Richard chuckled, planning to focus on the professional knowledge Jolord had given him and not intending to craft any magical gear soon.

"Alright then," Kevin maintained a friendly smile, though his heart raced. "I'll give you my address. If you need materials, contact me. My prices are guaranteed to be lower than the commercial district."

Kevin handed Richard a card with his name and contact address.

"Sure, I'll reach out when I need something."

Richard took the card and tucked it into his pocket.

"Richard, the food's here."

Ellie's voice called from behind, and Richard gave Kevin an apologetic smile before returning to his seat.

After Richard left, Griffith, who had remained silent, spoke up.

"Kevin, he's strong."

"How strong? Stronger than you?" Kevin asked, pouring himself a glass of red wine and swirling it gently.

The crimson liquid reflected in his eyes as he pondered his earlier suspicion.

Griffith paused, then said, "I don't know, but my instincts tell me he's dangerous."

Kevin's hand trembled, spilling a drop of wine.

"That's excellent. He's not our enemy, and he could become an ally."

...

The magical pattern pork ribs tasted richer and more resilient than ordinary pork. The crispy, golden fat exploded with flavor on Richard's tongue, and the magical beast's muscle fibers rubbed against his teeth before being swallowed in chunks.

After devouring the ribs, Richard felt warmth spreading throughout his body. His cells seemed to awaken, becoming highly active.

"This is magical beast meat? Worth every penny."

Richard accepted a towel from the waiter, wiping the sweat from his forehead. The restaurant's owner clearly anticipated their reactions.

"Richard, it's a shame we didn't bring back the snake we killed last time," Ellie remarked, her cheeks flushed. Beads of sweat gathered on her forehead, trickling down her neck and chest before disappearing.

Richard suddenly realized that Ellie, whom he thought of as a little girl, had quite a figure.

"True, next time we'll find a way to bring it back."

Richard averted his gaze, feeling slightly guilty.

The meal cost two hundred and ten academy credits, with ten as a tip. Ellie insisted on splitting the bill evenly.

Back at the dorm, Richard tried to meditate, but every time he closed his eyes, Ellie's image appeared in his mind.

"Ah." Unable to meditate, Richard got up and returned to his desk, opening the book he hadn't finished earlier.

"In books, there is gold; in books, there is beauty.

Richard, knowledge is what wizards should pursue for a lifetime."

...

Days passed, and Richard's life continued smoothly.

Over a year, Richard increased his mental power to twenty-two, though his physique remained unchanged. During this time, he also finished reading the books Jolord gave him.

However, alchemy is a practice-based discipline. After completing theoretical studies, hands-on practice is necessary to truly learn.

"Twenty magic stones left. Time to start making potions."

Richard counted his magic stones. Besides reading, he had attended various alchemy classes. Although Jolord was knowledgeable and skilled, he sometimes directed Richard to other wizards' classes for specific topics.

"Sigh, was this really written by an alchemy wizard?" Richard muttered as he copied the Focus Potion formula, filled with vague instructions, making his head spin.

Potion-making differs from crafting magical gear; it requires precision at every step. Many potion ingredients have properties that change with even a second's deviation in processing time or the wrong equipment, leading to failure.

Richard needed to uncover these details himself.

The commercial district bustled with wizards of various styles and appearances, resembling a Halloween celebration.

Richard's first stop was Senior Sister Anna's alchemy shop.

Different shops offered varying prices and qualities, and testing them all would be time-consuming and costly.

But asking someone was different.

"Buying potion ingredients?" Anna leaned on the counter, massaging her temples. "If you want quality, buy from the Charla Trading Company. If you're practicing, I'd recommend the Seven Luminaries Trading Company. Their prices are lower, and though their quality is inconsistent, it's usable."

"Thanks for the advice, Senior Sister."

Anna yawned, glancing at her junior.

"Short on magic stones? Need a loan? No interest for six months, and a five percent annual interest rate after that."

Richard had frequently sought her advice, and she appreciated his eagerness to learn—a valuable trait for wizards. Unlike Chaxes, who often slacked off drinking.

She'd heard Richard was also a farmer's son with an alcoholic father. This made her feel a kinship with him.

"No, I still have some stones."

Richard smiled, declining Anna's offer. He wasn't quite broke yet.

"As you wish."

Anna tidied her loose hair, revealing a scar on her neck that looked like a burn.

"Senior Sister, what happened to you?"

Richard pointed to the scar on Anna's neck.

"Just a minor injury, nothing serious," Anna waved him off. "Wizard experiments can be unpredictable. By the way, I'm nearly out of the red mercury you gave me," she smiled, "Interested in earning some magic stones?"

Richard was tempted by the lucrative opportunity.

"Well... I'll see. I'm focusing on potions right now, so I don't have much time," Richard feigned reluctance.

"Alright, help with refining when you can."

Anna nodded, not forcing him. Refining red mercury was tedious, and she knew asking Richard would slow his studies.

"Okay, I'll go check out the trading company."

Richard waved goodbye to Anna and headed to the Seven Luminaries Trading Company.