Chapter 1540 A Day in the Life of Van Nathan <TOC> Chapter 1542 Fingernail Granny’s Memories
Translator: SumTLMan
The bright candlelight filled the wooden cabin with illumination, creating an atmosphere infused with the warm, comforting aroma wafting from the kitchen.
This homey ambience served as a backdrop for Van Nathan recounting of the day’s classroom activities.
Midora’s expression remained genial throughout, although moments of surprise occasionally flickered across his eyes.
For instance, he was quite astonished by Angel’s initial choice of topic for the lecture.
When Midora had previously met with Angel, he was already aware that he would discuss the subject of Alchemy Illusion, which is a relatively narrow field. However, Angel had opted for a much broader subject, focusing on the interaction between energy and matter — a topic that certainly encompassed Alchemy Illusion but was incredibly expansive. While Midora had faith that Angel could be an excellent instructor, he wondered if he was biting off more than he could chew by tackling such an overarching subject right from the start.
Midora’s concerns actually mirrored Van Nathan’s initial sentiments.
Both believed that Angel would have no issues when it came to enchantment, his area of expertise.
Yet, the breadth of his chosen subject matter would inevitably touch upon disciplines beyond enchantment, even delving into topics unrelated to metallurgy and mineralogy. If anyone were to pose questions during the lecture, Midora worried that Angel might find himself at a loss for words.
However, as Van Nathan continued his recounting, Midora’s eyes brightened more and more.
Not only did Angel’s lecture prove to be exceedingly well-presented, but the angles from which he approached the subject were also strikingly insightful. Even Midora himself admitted that finding such a precise approach for elucidating the topic would not be an easy feat.
But when Van Nathan mentioned that Angel had allotted five minutes for questions, Midora’s concern resurfaced.
If Angel were to invite questions later in the lecture when discussing Alchemy Illusion, most queries would likely revolve around that particular subject. However, Angel had chosen to open the floor to questions early on when he was still laying out the grand scheme. This surely would invite questions from various other disciplines.
Midora couldn’t help but think that if he encountered someone with a difficult personality, he might end up being criticized for no good reason.
Sure enough, Midora’s concerns were confirmed in the next moment.
Van Nathan began talking about Darren.
While Van Nathan was narrating, Adelia was still in the kitchen, scolding Tujo, whose eyes were brimming with tears.
Although Adelia had just stopped Midora from intervening, it wasn’t because she believed Tujo was blameless. She knew Tujo was joking, but while Midora and Adelia could let it slide, other wizards might take offense and harbor resentment against Tujo.
Moreover, Tujo had indeed been quite disheartened these past few days. It was just because Coral hadn’t advanced in rankings, right? Adelia had long wanted to give Tujo a piece of her mind. Seizing the opportunity, Adelia didn’t hold back her admonishment.
Seeing that Tujo had recognized his mistake and was sobbing pitifully, Adelia finally ceased her scolding.
After reprimanding Tujo, Adelia was about to converse with her friend. She turned around to find her friend sitting at the table, sipping tea, while blissfully listening to Van Nathan’s storytelling from outside the room.
Adelia sat across from her friend, perking up her ears to catch the ongoing discussion outside.
At this point, Van Nathan happened to be talking about Darren.
“Choosing Darren to pose questions, really?” Adelia clicked her tongue twice. Having spent several centuries in Sky Mechanical City, she had a deep understanding of the alchemists’ tendencies here.
Darren was an individual with significant talent; his alchemy skills were among the top tier among the instructors at Achillea Comprehensive College. However, he was also rather petty, convinced that he was the most skilled alchemist among his peers.
Angel, a newcomer who was even several generations younger than him, had become a member of the Research Institute. Darren had been harboring resentment for a while.
Adelia heard that Darren often proclaimed in his lectures that enchantment was thoughtless and straightforward, undeserving of being compared to alchemy; in reality, he was indirectly criticizing Angel.
Such a person attending Angel’s lecture is probably just looking to pick a fight.
Indeed, when Van Nathan speaks of Darren’s first question, it’s clear that he’s placing himself on a pedestal, questioning Angel in a confrontational manner rather than genuinely seeking knowledge. He’s essentially just trying to stir the pot.
“Angel chose him to answer, that’s unfortunate,” Adelia whispers softly.
Sitting across from her, her friend takes a sip of tea and replies casually, “Is it really bad luck, though? Who’s to say this isn’t deliberate on Angel’s part?”
…
After Van Nathan finishes recounting Angel’s response, Midora taps his finger on the table and says, “Darren’s first question was designed as a trap, wasn’t it?”
“Yes,” Van Nathan nods and then shares Darren’s second question.
Upon hearing Darren’s question, Midora’s brow furrows, and his eyes flash with rare disapproval. The question Darren posed about magical blood energy is something even he himself couldn’t answer! Of course, it’s entirely reasonable to ask an instructor about something you don’t understand. However, if Darren’s question were to be properly addressed, it would likely consume all the time and energy allotted for the entire lecture. And if it goes unanswered, the one who would lose face would be Angel.
Darren is asking this question with malice.
For Midora, the type of person he detests the most is just this kind.
“Did Angel give an answer?” Midora inquires.
“He did, and…” After nodding, Darren reveals an expression of admiration and awe, “It was incredibly impressive.”
Originally somewhat concerned, Midora’s curiosity piqued upon hearing Darren’s praise.
Darren recounted everything that had happened in the next three minutes. His words were imbued with the exhilarating joy he felt while following Angel’s train of thought, witnessing how a desolate land was transformed into a towering skyscraper.
Upon hearing this, Midora paused, visibly stunned.
He hadn’t expected that Angel would come up with a new alchemy formula in just three short minutes to solve this complex issue. Even “Golden Touch,” Matthew, would likely find this difficult to achieve.
Midora stroked his beard, feeling a sense of relief. Angel had always been known for his unconventional thinking, a deviation from the norm. That was his unique style, and one of the reasons why Muse held him in high regard.
Midora fondly recalled that when Angel first studied potions under him, although his hands-on techniques and practical skills were lacking, his breadth of knowledge was extraordinarily wide. For that reason, Angel’s perspective often caught Midora off guard.
The fact that Angel could spontaneously create a formula today clearly showed that not only is his range of knowledge extensive, but now his depth of knowledge has caught up as well.
At this point, Midora’s worries completely dissipated. Given Angel’s current level of expertise, there was no need for concern about his teaching abilities.
Van Nathan continued, describing Angel’s punishment for Darren as well as his naming of the alchemy formula. Midora held back a laugh; instead, laughter emanated from the kitchen.
One of the laughs was familiar to Van Nathan — it was Adelia’s. The other laugh was softer, and although Van Nathan couldn’t place it, it seemed strangely familiar.
Who could it be?
Van Nathan kept his curiosity to himself but continued to narrate the subsequent events.
Angel’s analytical perspective on the subject matter also earned nods of approval from Midora. When the topic turned to the Alchemy Illusion, a look of amazement once again graced Van Nathan’s eyes.
“Master Pat has produced an alchemy box called ‘Shadow of the Cage,'” Van Nathan began, brimming with excitement. “It’s one of his alchemical creations, and it contains a truly intriguing illusionary realm.”
Midora initially thought that Van Nathan had gained some invaluable insights or learned something significant from this Alchemy Illusion. Why else would he be so thrilled? However, after listening to Van Nathan’s account, Midora realized that the young man’s excitement stemmed not from the spells used but rather the mode of presentation.
“This represents an entirely new artistic medium — using an illusionary realm to stage a theatrical production, with a highly coherent storyline!” Van Nathan spoke with palpable enthusiasm. “Even though the plot is somewhat quirky, it doesn’t detract from its perfection. I believe this groundbreaking form of artistry will soon become a trend in the Southern Region’s Wizarding World!”
Midora understood Van Nathan’s excitement. Generally speaking, alchemists have a certain artistic pursuit. For this reason, many go to great lengths, even taking courses in sculpture, artistic expression, and aesthetics, to perfect their creations.
However, they were discussing Alchemy Illusions — a topic from Angel’s course — so how did the conversation drift to the arts?
“If there were a more captivating script, it would be even more perfect. For example, an epic story with me as the protagonist, told through this emerging artistic medium, would certainly be far more riveting than the life of the protagonist named Alex,” Van Nathan continued, getting carried away. He then remembered where he was and looked at Midora, adding a bit sheepishly, “Of course, if a script were based on Master Midora’s experiences, it would undoubtedly be even richer.”
Midora felt indifferent to these points and was about to steer the conversation in a different direction when suddenly the kitchen door burst open.
“Who did you say was the Protagonist?” A figure stepped out, directing a focused gaze at Van Nathan.
Van Nathan looked puzzled.
Before, he had been speculating about who else might be in the kitchen besides Adelia.
Now, the answer has finally appeared.
A petite elderly lady stood there, her head adorned with peacock feathers made from fingernails, the colors of which were incredibly vibrant.
It was none other than Fingernail Granny from Fingernail Alchemy House!
Van Nathan had heard that Fingernail Granny and Adelia were close friends, so her presence here seemed fitting.
“Who did you say the protagonist is?” At this moment, Fingernail Granny approached, her expression a bit odd as she asked again.
Van Nathan hesitated briefly: “The protagonist is me?”
Fingernail Granny gave him an exasperated look: “I didn’t mean you, the other one.”
Racking his memory, Van Nathan hesitantly responded: “Alex?”
Chapter 1540 A Day in the Life of Van Nathan <TOC> Chapter 1542 Fingernail Granny’s Memories