Chapter 452: Inheritance in the Alchemical World
Wizards of all stripes bustled about, and English was not the only language being spoken. The complex consisted of seven distinct structures, each dome engraved with different symbols. These symbols clearly held deeper significance, especially given that the materials used for each dome were entirely different.
Sean observed them intently, a realization dawning on him.
"In alchemy, the seven classical planets are each assigned their own symbol or inscription. The circle with a point at its center represents the Sun; this symbol was first used during the Muggle Renaissance. The Moon is a black crescent; the symbol for Mercury originates from the serpents entwined around the caduceus; Venus is a small circle with a cross beneath it, representing the feminine; Mars is a circle with an arrow, representing the masculine; Jupiter is the Greek letter 'zeta,' standing for Zeus; and the symbol for Saturn was once a scythe, based on the Greek letter 'eta'..."
He recalled the contents of Professor Terra's books. "The seven planets also correspond to specific materials: the Sun to gold, the Moon to silver, Mercury to quicksilver, Venus to copper, Mars to iron, Jupiter to tin, and Saturn to lead. It perfectly corresponds to the symbols and materials of these buildings."
"I'm beginning to believe you might actually succeed—or at least, you'll be far better than those students who only want to 'swim in an ocean of gold,'" the young witch remarked in admiration.
"I'm not a merchant," Sean clarified once more. "Could you tell me where Professor Terra has gone?"
"I believe you," the young witch said earnestly. Then, she let out a sudden chuckle and shook the young wizard's hand. "Having dreams is always a good thing. But remember: Truth is unadorned. Never speak a lie, for truth inevitably follows."
"As above, so below; as below, so above; thus are the miracles of the One accomplished," Sean responded instinctively, quoting the Emerald Tablet.
"All things were born from the One, by the mediation of the One. The Sun is its father, the Moon its mother, the wind carried it in its womb, and the Earth nurtured it. Herein lies the source of all perfection in the world; its power is most complete when it is upon the earth."
The young witch's eyes lit up.
"Separate the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, acting prudently. It ascends from the earth to the heavens and descends again to the earth, receiving the power of the superior and the inferior. Thus, you will obtain the glory of the whole world, and all darkness will flee from you."
Sean sighed, though he complied.
"You have incredible potential!" she exclaimed. She had been testing him with Runes.
"Thank you. Do you know where Professor Terra is?"
"Oh, don't be in such a rush. I'm Sua—Sua Terra," the young witch said, extending her hand again. She shook his hand with such vigor that Sean felt a tremor run through him.
"Sua, let go of my dear student."
A familiar voice interrupted them.
"Aunt Terra—" Sua instantly shriveled, looking deeply uneasy.
"You two are getting along well?" Professor Terra smiled, though her presence carried an authoritative weight.
"I believe so, Professor," Sean replied.
"Come, let's go to the part that belongs to you." Professor Terra turned around.
"Belongs... to me?" Sean asked, confused.
"Let Sua explain." Professor Terra gestured toward the flustered witch.
Sean tilted his head slightly, watching the young witch, who seemed completely dazed. Student? Professor Terra had just called him her student, hadn't she? But Professor Terra only had one student! Or rather, a student she had only found recently—a fact wizarding merchants had often teased her about. But over time, they had all fallen silent, especially after the two additions to her Chocolate Frog card entries within a single year.
In the alchemical world, the relationship between master and apprentice is usually natural: the apprentice inherits the master's honor and a portion of their wealth. But with Professor Terra, the dynamic had taken a nearly impossible turn. On her Chocolate Frog card, Flora Olivia Terra's honors included: Guide to the Thrice-Greatest Hermes; Sage-Master to the Peerless.
"H-Her—" Sua's lips trembled.
Outside the circles of alchemy, wizards hadn't fully grasped the achievements of this "Future's Greatest Wizard." But in the alchemical world, observing the dear Mr. Hermes was like a tiny mayfly gazing up at the blue sky—she couldn't even decipher his magical circuits, let alone the natural, exquisite, and complex alchemical rituals he performed.
"I didn't hear that you had a speech impediment, my dear Sua," Professor Terra teased.
"Could you explain it to me?" Sean asked softly once Sua had managed to compose herself.
"Of course—" Sua startled back to reality. He was so young—too young. No, he was just a child. And yet, who could look at a wizard so young and not believe he was about to change the entire magical world?
"The alchemical world has ancient rules. A master's workshop is typically inherited by their apprentice, with only a portion left to family descendants. The reason is not complex..." Sua explained as they walked toward the "Jupiter" structure.
Sean grasped the key instantly. Magic always required a degree of talent, but branches like alchemy were rare. Even in Transfiguration, a wizard could learn the basics and advanced theory after proper training—like Harry and Ron, who were quite decent, or Justin, who kept pace with the best despite not being overly enthusiastic.
Alchemy, however, was entirely different. A talented wizard might enter the field, but only those with an extraordinary gift could grasp even the basics. In other words, you either have it, or you don't. Diligence and hard work play a relatively small role in this branch of magic. Therefore, rather than handing the core of an alchemical workshop to family forces who might not even be able to maintain it, the vast majority of alchemists—especially those of high achievement—chose to pass it on to their apprentices.
This was precisely why the alchemical world held the transmission of knowledge in such high regard, and why the Emerald Workshop was always visited by Professor Terra's students.
"A perfected alchemy workshop with extensive trade channels. Even after I am gone, it will save you precious time," Professor Terra said, her mood clearly light. She handed a bundle of deeds and contracts to Sean. "I'm afraid I won't be able to help you review the magical contracts this time, but I've used a Duplication Spell to send copies to Minerva and Severus's desks."
Sua watched the contracts with envy. She would certainly inherit a portion of the estate, but as an alchemical apprentice, she understood better than anyone that handing these things to her would be a waste of resources.
"Professor, this is... far too valuable," Sean said, looking up at the crystal dome, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"Oh, my dear student, when will you realize that I have already received a far more precious gift?" Professor Terra smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
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