Danmachi: Magic Meister

Teaching Alchemy

"Now then," I said as I began the lesson with Tsubaki, "Alchemy, as it is understood, is the ancient mystical art of manipulating and altering matter by using natural energy. This act is known as 'Transmutation'. It can be understood in three steps: Comprehension, Deconstruction, and Reconstruction. Comprehension - Understanding the inherent structure and properties of the makeup of a particular material to be transmuted, including the flow and balance of potential and kinetic energy within. Deconstruction - Using energy or mana to break down the physical structure of the identified material into a more malleable state to be easily reshaped into a new form. Reconstruction - Continuing the flow of energy to reform the material into a new shape."

.

Tsubaki nodded her head and wrote all this down. Her level-five dexterity helped with the notes.

.

"Alchemy's use is incredibly broad and involves the reconstitution (or destruction) of any type of matter." I explained, not knowing I was having a growing audience, "This is not limited to the standard physical matter as well, gaseous, or liquid elements can have their properties, temperature, and direction altered with the proper transmutations. The proper application of this craft requires not only a full understanding of chemistry and ancient alchemical theory but also a sort of natural talent for recognizing and manipulating physical objects with energy, which requires uncommon levels of intelligence and aptitude. Those remarkable individuals capable of studying and practicing alchemy are known as 'Alchemists'".

"What's 'matter'?" A childish voice asked.

"Matter, is the earth, the air, the water," I answered, "Anything and everything is made of matter. Even mana has matter."

"Thank you, Ed-sama," The voice said.

"You're welcome, Lili," I said then whipped around to find Bell, Lili, and Welf attending my lesson with books and pens of their own, "Suddenly, this just got a whole lot harder," I muttered. "While you three are welcome, I'm only going over the basics as the advanced stuff is far too hard for you right now."

"Understood, Ed-sensei!" They said.

"Now then," I started back up, feeling a small migraine coming on, "The potential for alchemy's usage is wide and at first glance seems unlimited, though the greatest barrier for most alchemists is Knowledge or Comprehension. Alchemists can only perform transmutations on subjects they are familiar with, and the size, scale, and complexity of transmutation are likewise linked to their individual skill and knowledge. For example, an alchemist cannot perform a transmutation on an object whose makeup they do not recognize or understand. As a result, many alchemists choose to specialize in a certain craft, such as medicinal alchemy which focuses more on life transmutations, or combat alchemy, which involves fast, practical transmutations used for combat. The general barrier of knowledge within alchemy is the reason that alchemists are both scholars and scientists, and often seek, preserve, and hide knowledge."

"Why would they hide their Knowledge?" Welf asked, "Isn't that counterproductive?"

"Simple, would you hide the secret if you could make someone Immortal? Or even make someone a god?" I asked to which I stunned them all. "Just like how a smith may hide their secret techniques, Alchemists would hide their Knowledge. But we are not without vanity. We tend to hide our secrets in plain sight. I know of an Alchemist who used his cooking recipes to hide his notes."

"I see," Welf said, understanding the reason behind it.

"As I was saying," I began again, "There are many paths by which alchemists can transmute the various substances of the world, with some alchemists being said to transmute by way of the Four Classical Elements (Water, Earth, Fire, and Air) and some by way of the Three Essential Principles (salt, sulfur, and mercury), but the basic tenet at the very foundation of all alchemy is that of Equivalent Exchange. Whatever you do, do not break this principle. There is great danger in doing so."