"Do you want to be my student?"
Lucien, sitting across the chessboard, looked up in astonishment after hearing Nicolas's words.
Nicolas's tone when he said this was very relaxed and natural, as if he were asking Lucien what he wanted for dinner.
But his deep eyes were filled with seriousness, without a hint of a joke.
To be Nicolas's student?
To follow this living legend, this ancient wizard who had lived for six centuries, this sorcerer who represented the pinnacle of alchemy in the world… to learn from Nicolas Flamel?
Even with Lucien's composure, Nicolas's question stirred his heart, his thoughts churning.
Seeing Lucien's astonished and conflicted expression, and understanding his incredulous reaction, Nicolas smiled gently.
"Don't be nervous. It's a teacher-student relationship; there's no need to be as strict as the master-disciple relationships of ancient times I had followed 4 centuries ago."
"I can see, Lucien, that you want to learn many things, and you are capable of learning many things. It won't be limited to alchemy. I just…"
Nicolas paused, and his eyes turned wistful.
"I just want to pass down my knowledge."
Nicolas had thought a great deal these past few days. He planned to fly into the place Muggles called space, hoping to see the Moon just like those Muggles.
But one thing had always bothered him: his lifelong study of alchemy.
Over the past few centuries, Nicolas had had children and descendants, and had also taken on many disciples and students.
But alchemy required too much talent. To reach the pinnacle in this field, the demands on aptitude were especially stringent.
Far more difficult than in other fields.
So Nicolas had never found a suitable successor, and even with his unreserved nurturing, those young people could not meet his expectations.
However, just as Nicolas was about to give up, planning to focus solely on flying to the Moon and no longer concerning himself with worldly affairs…
A "surprise" appeared.
This young man named Lucien possessed talent that deeply moved Nicolas. Their time together had also given Nicolas a more comprehensive understanding of the boy's character.
The more Nicolas looked at Lucien, the more he admired him, and the more satisfied he became. He also saw hope in Lucien.
He saw the hope of passing down his legacy.
Nicolas was now very grateful, grateful that Albus and Newt had written to him, mentioning and recommending this child.
He was also grateful for the momentary curiosity and interest that had made him want to meet this child he had never seen before.
In Nicolas's gaze toward Lucien, there was also a hint of anticipation and apprehension. He believed himself unmatched in alchemy, confident he would be the best alchemy mentor in the world, capable of providing the finest resources and guidance.
He also realized that Lucien was a young man with an intense thirst for knowledge and would likely not refuse his offer.
But Nicolas was still unsure.
At this moment, Lucien's emotions were also surging. He had not expected Nicolas to actually take him on as a student.
Although he had already been learning from Nicolas for some time, with a formal teacher-student relationship he would definitely learn even more.
On the path of alchemy, Nicolas was the known endpoint, the pinnacle.
Regardless of one's talent, a mentor was extremely important.
This was even more true for alchemy. It demanded too much: financial resources, aptitude, lineage… Without a good teacher to guide one, a person could only wander aimlessly like a headless fly, taking many detours and wrong paths.
So there was no question about Lucien's choice.
"This is my honor."
"Teacher."
Hearing the word "Teacher," Nicolas relaxed completely, a sense of relieved satisfaction washing over him.
"Good, good, good. Let's finish the chess game, then go eat."
Nicolas was very pleased, thinking that perhaps he could slightly postpone his Moon-landing plan. He wanted to teach Lucien first.
In any case, he had plenty of time, so waiting a little longer was no problem.
Now that Lucien was his student, Nicolas could teach him everything he knew without reservation: the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone, the refinement of the Elixir of Life, and ancient lost magic…
Lucien lowered his head to the chessboard, preparing to continue the game.
Hmm… these pieces… aren't they… not quite right?
He remembered they hadn't been arranged like this just now, right?
...
"Headmistress Maxime, am I really okay like this?"
A slender and graceful young girl spoke nervously. She had golden hair and an exceptionally beautiful face, her beauty reaching an astonishing level. Even more peculiar was the faint silver light that seemed to emanate from her entire body.
Standing beside Fleur was a tall—extremely tall—lady.
The already tall young girl looked like a delicate doll in front of her.
This tall lady was Olympe Maxime, Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
Seeing that Fleur was still somewhat nervous, Maxime comforted her.
"There's a good chance this time. You are Beauxbatons' most talented alchemy student in a century. Just do your best to show Mr. Flamel your excellent qualities."
Maxime had more to say but held back, afraid it would affect Fleur's confidence.
Even if Fleur could not become Nicolas Flamel's official disciple, merely becoming a nominal one would be enough to make everyone envious.
Among the witches and wizards personally taught by Nicolas, none were nobodies.
Moreover, an opportunity like this to become his disciple would probably never come again.
Maxime looked up at the silver spacecraft disappearing into the clouds, marveling at Nicolas Flamel's "wild imagination."
A beam of light enveloped Maxime and Fleur, gently guiding them into the silver spacecraft.
As soon as they boarded, they saw Nicolas Flamel and a young man.
Nicolas was patting the young man's shoulder, looking very close to him.
Seemingly sensing their presence, the young man turned and looked their way.
Fleur only had time to notice his pair of dark green eyes before she saw him being teleported away.
She could not help feeling a little curious about that boy, but Fleur still followed behind Headmistress Maxime and politely greeted Nicolas Flamel.
After Maxime and Nicolas exchanged greetings and pleasantries, she casually asked, "Mr. Flamel, who was that child just now?"
A smile appeared on Nicolas's lips.
"That is my student, my last student."
________
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