Entering the Alchemy studio in the Suitcase World, Lucien began testing the bonuses of the Advanced Earth Element Magic Pattern.
An earthy yellow pattern had appeared on the pad of his right index finger, composed of three overlapping triangles and resembling a miniature mountain peak.
Unlike the other two Magic Patterns, lightning and water, this new Magic Pattern felt more "heavy" and "stable."
Even so, Lucien could still sense the surrounding earth elements slowly gathering toward him.
This Magic Pattern increased his affinity for the earth element, making related Magic more powerful. Moreover, compared to the existing lightning and water elements, the earth element had a deeper interaction with the environment.
As long as his feet were on the ground, Magic enhanced by the Earth Element Magic Pattern would always produce its strongest effect.
But now, Lucien was more interested in seeing how much his Alchemy would improve after gaining Magic Patterns for two basic elements, water and earth.
After many attempts in various areas, a clear look of joy and excitement appeared in Lucien's eyes.
The four elements, water, fire, earth, and wind, held a pivotal position in the field of Alchemy. Studying the composition, structure, and magical properties of these basic elements was a lifelong pursuit for an Alchemist.
Each possessed distinct characteristics and played an indispensable role in the Alchemical process.
Taking the water element and earth element as examples:
The water element was primarily "gentle." During Alchemy, it acted as a harmoniser and purifier, responsible for three major aspects: dissolving impurities, nourishing materials, and conducting energy.
The earth element was primarily "solid." During Alchemy, it acted as a foundation and a storage medium, responsible for three major aspects: shaping carriers, storing energy, and precipitating impurities.
As Lucien obtained the Elemental Magic Patterns and his control over the corresponding elements strengthened, he could make them exert greater effects during Alchemy.
The four elements each performed their own duties, and even subtle operations could determine the success or failure of an Alchemical process.
"A qualitative change in Alchemy..."
The amplification of magical power and the direct improvement in combat strength brought by the Elemental Magic Patterns were no longer the primary factors Lucien considered.
The improvement they brought to Alchemy was far more fascinating.
The Magic Patterns increased Lucien's affinity for the corresponding elements and strengthened his precision and control when manipulating them, as if allowing him to observe the process of Alchemy from an entirely new perspective.
Furthermore, with the addition of the Earth Element Magic Pattern, Lucien could sense that the connection between the three existing Magic Patterns had become more apparent.
If he could collect the remaining Fire Element and Wind Element Magic Patterns, then even without considering possible synergistic changes, the improvement in his manipulation of the basic elements alone would be worth looking forward to.
Lucien wanted to explore more Alchemical mysteries and delve into even deeper Alchemical knowledge.
"Now that I have the enhancement from the Earth Element Magic Pattern, perhaps the long-distance communication Alchemical item can be completed during the exchange competition?"
This Alchemy Exchange Competition was divided into two major sections: a written examination and practical operation.
The practical section was also divided into two projects. The first required contestants to refine designated magical items, with a difficulty level similar to the Alchemy portion of the N.E.W.T. examinations.
The second project allowed contestants to create freely and refine the work they were most confident in, which would then be scored by the judges.
Originally, Lucien had planned to use other Alchemical items for the competition because the magical version of the mobile phone for long-distance communication was not yet perfect.
However, after improving his affinity and control over the two basic elements, Lucien felt that the speed of research and development could be further accelerated.
And the debut of the magical mobile phone would likely cause another enormous sensation.
In a corner of the Beauxbatons dining hall, Lucien and Riemann were enjoying dinner.
"Just in terms of food, Beauxbatons is definitely better than Hogwarts was before," Riemann said, cutting off a small piece of foie gras and putting it into his mouth. "If you hadn't taught the house-elves so many new dishes, Lucien, we'd probably still be gnawing on fish and chips and baked beans..."
"Speaking of which, Beauxbatons is quite strict. The lower years even have etiquette classes and the like. In that regard, Hogwarts is much better."
Lucien nodded in agreement. After observing for the past two days, he had noticed that Beauxbatons students held a sense of awe toward their Professors and Headmistress. Compared to that, Hogwarts was much more relaxed.
"Oh, right, Lucien. How does it feel attending classes directly with the fifth-years?"
Hearing Riemann's question, Lucien pondered for a moment.
"It's not as difficult as I imagined. It feels like Beauxbatons' teaching pace isn't that fast."
Riemann's mouth twitched slightly. He wanted to retort that Lucien couldn't be judged by normal standards.
"Ahem. I heard that Beauxbatons is special because their O.W.L. exams are held in sixth year, so their pace is a little slower. When I was in fifth year, Hogwarts had already started revision classes."
"I'll have to deal with N.E.W.T. exams when I get back. Tsk, coming here for the exchange competition is basically a holiday."
Lucien felt a slight resonance with Riemann's words. Generally speaking, as the end of the school year approached, fifth-year and seventh-year students were the busiest. Not only were the libraries filled with them, but students could be seen studying busily in every corner of the school.
It was practically the Wizarding World's equivalent of entrance exams for secondary school and university.
Hmm. After returning to Hogwarts, I can develop a few more Potions to boost energy and aid learning. The previous "Ox-Horse Potion" wasn't strong enough, and its effects were relatively limited...
Riemann said, "Also, I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like the Hogwarts Professors explain things more clearly and thoroughly. They're easier to understand."
Although Riemann spoke uncertainly, Lucien could clearly tell that in terms of overall teaching quality, Beauxbatons was still a step behind Hogwarts.
Perhaps it would not have a major impact during their student days, but if students wished to continue research in certain fields of Magic after graduation, the horizons cultivated and broadened by their Professors during their school years would be crucial.
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