So, did you understand my point?
The girl nodded in agreement, and Idris continued his explanation.
Third rule: randomness is unacceptable in this world. Everything must be created in a specific way, in a specific form, and within a certain range.
Otherwise, mistakes in assembly could occur, causing disasters or altering its properties.
These are the fundamental rules of this science, meant to prevent accidents and maximize benefits.
Rein raised his hand, and Rem reached over to grab his shoulder.
"How do you determine the chemical type of a substance and its properties, or even the amount of feathers in it, and the duration of its growth and harvest?" Rein's voice was tense, which reflected in Wodi's tone as well.
Adelid shook her head, and Idris paused thoughtfully for a few seconds.
"Alright, these are points you'll understand in the coming years—second or third year. But briefly, there's a complete periodic table that classifies, organizes, and explains these resources.
Any other questions?"
Silence filled the room; no one spoke. Adelid then stood, facing the platform, while Idris stepped back slightly.
"I've explained to you the most important rules of this world in a simple and concise way. Since there are no questions, we can start a quick and simple practical experiment in chemistry."
Most of the students became excited, while others like Eugene and Ralph showed obvious boredom and indifference.
Suddenly, white birds with red claws and sharp eyes appeared, standing at each table, placing a set of items on every desk.
Rein looked at the tools in front of him, while Rem picked one up to examine it.
Shimmering blue soil, forest crocodile tears, green man herb, Komodo dragon poison, and finally, Nile river water.
Rem reached for two tools beside the resources: a small refining cauldron, a scientific clamp, and a lentil on a grain.
"As you can see, in front of you are chemical resources and tools. I will show you the steps while you observe the reactions and procedures, because you will perform them afterward."
"What's the purpose?" Eugene's thought lingered, his voice hesitant inside his mind.
"To test your memory and understanding," Idris said.
Eugene raised his eyebrows in surprise, trying to process what was happening.
"Why do you seem distracted?"
He looked at Idris, who returned the gaze with a teasing smile.
"Are you reading my thoughts?"
"Kind of. Focus on the lesson," Idris' voice echoed again in his mind.
Eugene felt annoyed, sensing his mental privacy was being intruded upon.
"First, we take the shimmering blue soil and place it in the cauldron.
Then pour the Nile river water over it, letting the soil absorb all the water.
Next, add drops of crocodile tears—exactly measured. As soon as the soil turns purple, stop.
Then, using a clamp, take a portion of Komodo dragon poison—it's a sticky purple substance with a hot smell—and place it on the green man herb.
The herb will turn transparent white and lose its smell.
Next, take the lentil on a grain to observe the herb particles; if they start moving quickly in circular motions, it means the experiment succeeded.
Finally, use the clamp to open a small hole in the soil, place the herb inside, and as a last step—Adelid's hand glows with feathers—she puts it over the cauldron, letting it flow in.
At that moment, the cauldron glowed, began shaking, and released a mix of fragrances, from beautiful to strong, and colors from pale to vivid, until it finally stopped.
A tall, red, glowing tree trunk sprouted, with purple streaks.
Adelid lifted the trunk. "This is the Spirit Trunk. It's a very useful resource in cases of fainting, illusions, or hallucinations, and it can even accelerate feather storage."
"Now, you apply the steps I just demonstrated."
The students started working. Rein and Rem focused on remembering the steps and executing them. Eugene mostly just annoyed them.
"Why don't you help instead of bothering us?" Rem said annoyed, holding the clamp.
Eugene shrugged. "How should I help? The steps are simple, fast, and easy to remember. You two handle it."
"Fine, just stop annoying us," Rein said calmly, moving his face away from the Komodo dragon poison.
Eugene thought to himself, watching them.
"All these resources just to create a single one… could this resource even grow naturally? Maybe not, or why would they consume so many resources to make just one?"
Idris responded: "Yes, it grows naturally, but some are rare, and some exist in dangerous areas. Also, you might need this resource in a situation where it's not present in your environment."
"When will you stop reading my thoughts?" Eugene's expression showed frustration.
"Once you move beyond twenty meters," Idris replied.
"Is that the limit of your ability?"
"Yes. If I could read thoughts anywhere, I'd be among the wealthiest and most famous in the empire. Nothing is ever absolute in this life. You could be famous, and yet you're a farmer?"
"I mean, a greater fame. And yes, I'm a farmer, but not of the high-ranking type—more like second tier."
Eugene raised his eyebrows again. "Then why are you both a farmer and a chemist?"
"Because chemistry complements farming, like a male complements a female," Idris said.
Speaking of females, "Where did Melissa go?"
Idris shrugged and closed his eyes. Rem pulled him slightly to the side.
"As long as you won't help us refine it, then use your feathers to assist."
Eugene sighed with annoyance. "Am I the only one you can rely on?"
He reached out, feeling his feathers flow through his body. They coiled around his hand and covered the cauldron, glowing and emitting fragrances, making the Spirit Trunk react.
Rein sighed with relief and smiled at Rem. Eugene felt slightly tired, and when Adelid passed by him, she gestured with her hand and a gentle smile.
Adelid stepped down from the platform, unusually warm but lightly dry in tone:
"You all did well. You successfully sprouted this plant, and this is better than previous students, most of whom failed the first time."
She gestured toward the door just as the bell rang to signal the end of class.
"Ding!"
"You may leave now."
All the students exited the classroom.
"Why has it become so hot?" Rem muttered, annoyed by the high temperature unlike the cool morning.
At the same time, Rein's stomach growled—he was hungry. Rem felt a blush creep onto her cheeks in embarrassment.
"Looks like I'm not the only hungry one here. Why don't we go to the cafeteria?" Eugene suggested, pointing toward the restaurant.
They all headed toward the cafeteria, and Rem asked Eugene, "Where did Farid go?"
"He has a full schedule today. I don't think he'll come."
End of chapter.