Genius, Genius 1
Ryan's strange invention was a simple filter, something that didn't exist in the alchemist's toolkit. However, Ryan knew that all solutions contain impurities, and filtering them out was the way to go. Given the highly corrosive nature of the solution used for drawing magic circles, he had to use crystal powder to make this filter. The design was a crystal tube, somewhat like a glass pipe on Earth, with one end being narrow, and the inside filled with coarse crystals at both ends and fine crystals in the middle to create a filtering effect.
After filtering the solution, Ryan injected it into his modified alchemy pen. The pen's tip was finer, allowing better control over the liquid. Magic circle lines don't depend on thickness for effectiveness, as the power of the magic circle is determined by the quality of the solution, just like how the efficiency of wires doesn't depend on their thickness, but on the material. For low-level alchemy, the lines of the magic circle don't matter much. For higher levels, though, magical materials are required. For instance, a magic circle etched onto an Ape Demon skin can't exceed the power of a level 3 spell. If made on the skin of a level 4 monster, it would destroy the skin.
Calming himself, Ryan quickly began drawing the magic circle on the Ape Demon skin. A faint fire-element magic was transferred through the alchemy pen, with the help of the mithril wire and the solution. For lower-level alchemy creations, the specific magic type doesn't matter, as they haven't yet reached the point where magical affinity matters, which only becomes important for level 5 alchemists and above. Ryan had fixed the issue of the pen leaking solution continuously, a flaw in previous designs. By using crystal to polish the tip and sealing it with Ape Demon hide, Ryan created a functional pen.
Once the magic circle was drawn, a soft yellow glow flashed—indicating success. This magic circle would slowly absorb earth elements from the surroundings and release earth-element magic to create a palm-sized shield when struck with force. This was a low-level alchemical creation, typical of level 1 to 4 works. For creations above level 5, magic cores or crystals are embedded, though Ryan wasn't sure of the exact details, as he had no experience with high-level alchemy.
"Ha, a genius. A first-level mage able to craft a first-level alchemical creation. Seems I made the right choice coming here," Ryan said as he finished his first creation. Just then, a loud laugh filled the room, and Ryan felt a tremendous presence enter. He looked up to see an elderly man with a golden staff emblem entering the room, followed by two others with silver staff emblems. Ryan froze. He had hoped for fame, but a Golden Mage was a top-tier figure in this world's hierarchy. Ryan's mind raced as he tried to figure out how to seize this opportunity, but his anxious demeanor made him seem inexperienced.
The old man glanced at Ryan before picking up the skin armor Ryan had made. He examined it closely, noting that the lines were evenly drawn and the design was well thought out, with the central position shifted slightly to the left of the chest—an observation only high-level alchemists would make, as the heart is slightly to the left. The most surprising feature was that there were no seams visible, something rare in alchemy, as seams usually prevent magic circles from being etched properly. The old man didn't immediately question Ryan but instead picked up the alchemy pen and filter, still pondering, though he couldn't quite figure it out. He wasn't too familiar with alchemy, but he recognized that a first-level mage had crafted a first-level alchemical item—a true genius.
"Ryan, would you be willing to accept our invitation to join the Magic Guild?" the old man asked after reviewing Ryan's work. This was the main reason for his visit. Though he hadn't seen Ryan's instant spellcasting yet, this alchemical talent was impressive enough to warrant an invitation. The two silver mages behind him looked on with envy. Every mage who joins the guild has their record carefully documented, and the invitation's origin is crucial for their standing. There are three levels of membership—C, B, and A. C-level offers basic protection, free magic learning, and some allowance. B-level members can oversee matters and purchase magic materials at half price. A-level members receive free magic materials with the guild leader's approval and retain 40% of their experimental results, a highly valuable privilege, as magical experiments can cost thousands of gold coins and are often unsuccessful.
"Do you... protect the families of mages? I mean, ordinary people like wives and children, not the next generation," Ryan hesitated before asking, realizing it might be seen as nervousness.
"Ha, in the Magic Guild, no mage's family, not even a dog, is allowed to be bullied," the old man responded with pride.
Ryan's heart soared with joy, and he quickly replied, "I accept your invitation, honored mage." He couldn't afford to refuse such an offer from a Golden Mage. Even if this old man didn't cause trouble, others below him could, and refusing could ruin his standing in this world. Ryan didn't even ask about the benefits, which the old man interpreted as showing loyalty and integrity.
"Good. You two, pack up everything here and send it to the headquarters. Not a single thing is to be left behind. Ryan will come with us," the old man said, his tone revealing his excitement. He had made a bet with someone, and this outcome was significant, not just for Ryan's magical talents but also his alchemy.
"Wait, I have a companion," Ryan quickly said as he realized he was about to leave.
"Two people at most. The rest can come by carriage," the old man replied, clearly thrilled.
Ryan rushed to his room to find Darlis and Alic there. Before Ryan could speak, Darlis ran to him, crying. Unsure of what had happened, Ryan quickly said, "We'll talk later, we're waiting outside..."