CHAPTER 33

The first alchemy class ended with Dumbledore's last remarks. Most of the students didn't allow the burning candles to return to normal until they exited the classroom, but they adjusted their mentality.

"Moriarty, going to the Room of Requirement?" Tonks got up from her chair and moved her legs. "I'll need to try a few more times—I'm almost there, but there are too many people in the class. I have very stable mental strength, but I think I need a quieter environment."

"I'm sorry, I can't accompany you," Moriarty stood up and glanced at the podium where Dumbledore and Nicole Lemay were engaged in quiet conversation. "I need to speak with them."

Tonks showed a hint of disappointment before curiously asking, "What plan are you brewing? Even Professor Dumbledore is waiting for you?"

"It's a big project," Moriarty winked at her. "If it goes well, you can get involved too. Well, I have to go."

As Moriarty walked toward the podium, he took out a plan from the bag where the Traceless Stretching Charm had been cast.

"School-Ministry Joint Plan, Development and Application of Wand Sets." Dumbledore read the title aloud, his eyes flickering with understanding. "This proposal has been approved by the Ministry, and the officials are all eager to make a positive impression on the future Minister of Magic."

Moriarty smiled slightly. "It's not just Fudge's efforts; I remember Wizengamot also passed the proposal, and you were the first to sign it."

"As you said at the Pureblood party, this is a good thing for the country and the people. I had no reason to stop it." Dumbledore took the plan and handed it to Nicole LeMay. "Moriarty, Arthur told me that the Pure-blood families and the ruling families have reached an agreement with you, so this research will not be hindered in any way. Now, it is up to you to impress our two professors."

Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled with amusement, clearly enjoying the scene of Moriarty bargaining with Nicole LeMay.

"Yes, exactly. The two professors are like a source of knowledge, nourishing the desert of alchemy." Moriarty said seriously.

He waited for Nicole LeMay and Perenel to read the plan, and sincerely added, "The research on the wand set requires the help of both of you. In addition to the rewards promised in the plan, I am willing to offer the space magic circle of the Laitlin family in exchange for your full investment in the research process and to ensure the success of the development."

"The quality of Slytherin is most vividly reflected in you!" Nicole LeMay and Perenel exchanged amused glances and said teasingly, "The space magic circle is indeed tempting, but Dumbledore used the same conditions to coax us to Hogwarts in the beginning. You know, Moriarty, you can't use the same condition twice."

Dumbledore shrugged, an innocent look on his face. "People say the older you get, the wiser you become, right?"

Moriarty didn't want to look at him, so he shifted his gaze to Nicole. He heard her speak slowly, "Moriarty, you say we are the source of knowledge, but do you know that even a source can run dry? At that point, the desert of alchemy will become a real dead place."

"You two are planning to give up using the Elixir?" Moriarty guessed.

The two old alchemists nodded lightly. Nicole LeMay smiled. "In fact, if it weren't for your presence, we would already be on our next great journey."

Moriarty understood that "The Great Journey" meant death. Despite Nicole LeMay's admirable attitude toward death, even without Moriarty's involvement, Dumbledore wouldn't let her die—at least not until 1991.

"As Nico said," Perenel looked at Moriarty, "once we choose death, no one can inherit our wisdom. Alchemy will die, and your presence has given us hope."

"So," Nicole LeMay's tone became serious. "Moriarty, in exchange for our research, the condition is very simple. You must start as an alchemy apprentice. It doesn't matter who you worship, even if you start your own path, but you must ensure you will become a master alchemist and hold a pivotal position in alchemy."

"Ding Dong~ It is detected that the host and Nicole LeMay are discussing cooperation. As this cooperation is crucial to the world's direction, four tasks have been released for the host to choose from. Please select one."

Mission 1: Accept Nicole LeMay's request and take Nicole LeMay as a teacher. Mission reward: 10,000 points.

Mission 2: Agree to Nicole LeMay's request but not accept her as a teacher, learning alchemy on your own. Quest requirements: Become an alchemist within ten years. Mission reward: Level 40, 50,000 points. Mission failed: Obliterate the host.

Mission 3: Refuse Nicole LeMay's request, and the system will initiate an alchemy plot for the host. Mission reward: Level 5, 30,000 points.

Mission 4: Use the Imperius Curse on Nicole LeMay and Perenel, ordering them to serve the host. Rewards: Upgrade to level 60, 100,000 points. Mission failed: Dumbledore will kill the host without system penalty.

"System, can I think carefully before making a choice?" Moriarty asked.

"Yes," the system replied succinctly. "Since this is the first time the host faces a multi-choice task, you may take thirty minutes to decide."

Moriarty thought about the options in his mind. Mission 4 was immediately rejected. If he were to use the Imperius Curse in front of Dumbledore, he might try to complete the ultimate mission.

Mission 1 was also discarded. The 10,000 points were paltry, and Moriarty didn't want multiple masters.

Missions 2 and 3 were worth considering.

Moriarty was temporarily undecided and decided to speak to Nicole LeMay again.

"What you two mean is that you want me to carry forward alchemy, right?" Moriarty smiled.

"We never expect alchemy to be as common as Transfiguration," the two old alchemists suddenly seemed tired and sighed. "We just hope alchemy remains as it is! You know, alchemy is almost lost, and what we can't worry about is the ideal we've pursued all our lives, the great cause we've labored to explore for six hundred years!"

Moriarty understood their thoughts. "You two, I respect your erudition and your efforts. The reason I stand here and sincerely make my request shows how much I value you both. And I admit, I am very, very interested in alchemy! I want to incorporate alchemy into my life and change the world."

As you said, talent is not meant for shortcuts but for exploration and development. I'm different from you. I have too many great ideas! I really need your help—"

"BUT—"

Moriarty paused, his tone changing slightly.

"Why do I have to find you?"

Perenel quickly said, "Moriarty, using our present in exchange for your future care for alchemy, this is a very cost-effective arrangement, don't you think? Trade, exchange conditions? Either way, it's good for you."

"Look, this is the problem." Moriarty gently shook his head. "You want me to be an alchemist, yes, and I want that too. But that doesn't mean I like how you're arranging it for me!"

It's one thing to do something willingly, but another to be told to do it by someone else. They lead to two very different emotions and results."

Moriarty glanced at Dumbledore and the two old alchemists indifferently. "A long life has made you used to arranging others' lives, futures, and even death. It's true your arrangements may seem beneficial, but I refuse."

Nicole LeMay and Perenel exchanged disappointed glances, while Dumbledore wore an expression of "I knew it" and "As expected."

At the same time, Moriarty spoke to the system, "I choose Task Three!"

"Host has selected Task Three," the system confirmed. "The alchemy plot is now activated, and rewards have been issued."

Moriarty didn't have time to check his wizarding rank changes because Nicole LeMay had already walked in front of him.

Nicole LeMay raised the plan in her hand. "Moriarty, I want to know how you plan to complete the wand set without our help. You must know you've made an agreement with the Ministry of Magic and the major families, and you're only left with alchemy. If there's a problem with the wand set, you'll be ruined!"

"You don't need to worry about that," Moriarty said with a rare smile. "My life is far more exciting than you can imagine! Alchemy can't defeat me!"

Dumbledore and the two old alchemists stared at Moriarty's confident smile, speechless for a moment.

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