Chapter 106: Lemay’s Alchemical World

LeMay’s cabinet was evidently enchanted with an imperceptible extension charm, making the interior surprisingly spacious. Even Newt’s suitcase seemed insignificant in comparison.

Inside the cabinet lay a myriad of peculiar alchemical creations, collectively forming a new world.

Near the cabinet door was a row of small animated dolls, which occasionally nodded swiftly, scrutinizing LeMay and Silvan as they stepped inside.

Further in stood several towering shelves filled with various alchemical products. As Silvan’s gaze swept across, he spotted numerous sets of medieval-style armor, standardized swords, and countless miscellaneous trinkets.

Beyond the shelves, a more expansive space loomed in the distance. Suspended in midair was a magnificent colossal object, tended to by many small alchemical dolls performing maintenance. Partially obscured by the shelves, Silvan made out that it was an ancient sailing ship.

“That is...?” Silvan asked in awe, staring at the floating, antiquated vessel.

“Oh, that’s a scrapped sailing ship recovered from the Muggle world several centuries ago,” LeMay replied with a smile. “It’s called the Carrick. I’ve modified it somewhat, imbuing it with certain alchemical properties.”

“An interesting contraption, but it takes up far too much space. This cabinet was originally custom-built specifically to house it,” he added.

Silvan swallowed hard, gaining newfound respect for LeMay’s wealth and alchemical prowess.

“Well, here we are,” LeMay said, stopping before a shelf. “What I want to show you is right on this shelf.”

“So, how do we get the item down? Accio spell?” Silvan eyed the towering shelves, wincing slightly.

“No, that won’t do. If you’re not careful, Accio might pull down other things along with it—and that could be dangerous,” LeMay shook his head with a mysterious smile.

He then addressed a small metal orb hanging at the side of the shelf, intricately inscribed with complex patterns: “Help me fetch the Apparition Assistance Ring.”

As soon as LeMay finished speaking, the intricate patterns on the orb suddenly split apart, unfolding into a pair of delicate metallic wings. Flapping these wings, the orb took flight, flying straight to the top of the shelf.

“High-tech!” Silvan marveled once again, his perception of the world refreshed.

The orb stopped at the second-highest shelf, maintaining flight with its wings while splitting open two small holes beneath. From these holes emerged two tiny clamps.

Clamping an item on the shelf, the orb then returned, flying back to LeMay.

LeMay extended his hand and took from the orb’s clamps a silver ring.

“Alchemical products capable of remote location have always existed—like this ring,” LeMay explained, handing the silver ring to Silvan with a smile. “This is designed to assist wizards in performing Apparition. It makes the Apparition point more precise and significantly reduces the risk of splitting.”

“As for controlling magical power, I think our wands are already quite effective, aren’t they?”

Silvan took the ring, examining it carefully.

The ring was entirely silver, with a wing-shaped extension on the band, bearing a striking resemblance to the elongated plate on the Carmatheje Suspended Ring. Unlike the Suspended Ring’s two circular bands, this Apparition Assistance Ring had only one, giving it a more delicate appearance.

Eagerly, Silvan slipped the ring onto the index finger of his left hand, then drew a circle in front of him with his wand.

A shimmering golden halo flickered briefly before vanishing.

Though fleeting, Silvan’s eyes sparkled with delight, for this meant the alchemical ring designed to aid wizards in Apparition also helped in opening dimensional gates.

He suddenly realized that his previous attempts to replicate the Suspended Ring alone had been misguided.

Magic, in essence, is often similar. Whether spells in this world or incantations in Carmatheje, they are tools to be wielded by people. One should master magic, not be mastered by it.

Therefore, Silvan needn’t agonize over perfectly reproducing the Suspended Ring or fret over whether to inscribe magical circuits in ancient runes like Nivene, Sanskrit, or Seal Script. He could fully leverage the alchemical knowledge already well-studied in this world to craft alchemical artifacts with similar functions.

“Mr. LeMay, may I purchase this ring from you?” Silvan asked hopefully.

“No, of course not!” LeMay waved his hand.

Silvan was stunned, disappointment washing over him.

“I mean, you don’t have to buy it. Consider it a gift,” LeMay said with a beaming smile. “It’s a little trinket I made decades ago. I hope it helps you.”

“Don’t forget, it was because of you that I wasn’t ‘invited’ by Grindelwald to Neumongarde!”

Hearing this, Silvan smiled warmly.

…

At dusk, Silvan, Newt, and the LeMays stood in the dining room on the second floor of the safe house, savoring a meal prepared by LeMay’s alchemical dolls.

As to why they stood while eating, it was naturally because the LeMays’ physiques weren’t suited to bending; they usually ate standing up. Silvan and Newt, feeling awkward sitting while their elders stood, followed suit.

“Are you leaving soon?” Mrs. LeMay asked kindly, looking at Newt and Silvan. “Why not stay a few more days? The two of us hardly dare go out to the opera now. It’s only with you here that the house feels lively. I don’t know how dull it’ll be once you leave!”

“Well, the Hogwarts Express departs tomorrow,” Silvan smiled at Mrs. LeMay. “I need to go home today and pack for the new term.”

Newt put down his utensils and apologized to the LeMays. “Actually, Dumbledore assigned me other tasks. I can’t stay too long here, so I’ll be going back with Silvan.”

‘Poor guy, being drafted by Dumbledore again,’ Silvan thought sympathetically.

“I understand. You’re both busy—unlike us two old idle folk,” Mrs. LeMay sighed, not pressing them to stay.

LeMay then produced a delicate mirror from somewhere. About the size of a palm, its frame was intricately carved with phoenix motifs.

He handed the mirror to Silvan with a gentle smile. “This is the double-sided mirror connected to the Phoenix Motif Book. You can use it to contact me.”

Silvan accepted the mirror joyfully, inspecting it carefully.

“So, I’m officially part of the Phoenix Motif Book now?” Silvan murmured, feeling it almost unreal.

After these days together, he knew well who were inside that fine leather-bound book—

Albus Dumbledore, one of the most powerful wizards of the magical world; Newt Scamander, the renowned contemporary magizoologist; Eunice Cabarnet, head of the French Ministry of Magic’s Judicial Review Bureau; Eulalie Hicks, genius Charms professor at Ifamani Magic School... All illustrious figures.

Newt seemed to read Silvan’s thoughts, patting his shoulder with a smile. “LeMay’s Phoenix Motif Book doesn’t really value social status or individual talent. It’s just that most wizards close to LeMay happen to be outstanding, which gives the illusion that entry requires a high barrier.”

“Besides, your talent is no less than any of ours!”

Silvan glanced at the ring on his index finger and smiled knowingly.

…

…