A gentle breeze brushed through the garden of Valvas Manor as Roy approached his grandfather, Darius Valvas, who was reading under an oak tree.
"Grandfather," Roy said softly, "I want to learn alchemy — not just the basics, but the real, ancient art."
Darius closed his book, studying Roy's serious expression. "Alchemy, you say? That's not something one masters easily. But…" — a small smile tugged at his lips — "I do have an old friend who might just be the best in the world."
Roy tilted his head curiously. "Who is he?"
"A Frenchman," Darius replied with a twinkle in his eyes. "You may have heard the name — Nicolas Flamel."
Roy's eyes widened slightly. The immortal alchemist — creator of the Philosopher's Stone.
Journey to France
A few days later, the Valvas family's private carriage landed gracefully in the cobbled streets of Paris. The scent of magic mixed with the old-world charm of the city.
Darius led Roy through narrow alleys until they reached a hidden estate, surrounded by blooming white roses and wards older than empires.
As the gates opened, a kind elderly couple greeted them.
"Darius!" Nicolas laughed, embracing the old wizard warmly. "You look as stubborn as ever."
"And you still look like time forgot about you," Darius teased.
Nicolas chuckled and turned to Roy. "And who might this young gentleman be?"
Darius rested a proud hand on Roy's shoulder.
"My grandson, Roy Valvas. He wishes to master alchemy — and I can think of no better teacher."
A Meeting of Generations
Inside Flamel's ancient workshop, shelves brimmed with glowing potions, transmutation circles, and rare stones. The air hummed with quiet, infinite magic.
Roy respectfully presented a few of his own alchemy creations — improved potions and purification elixirs he'd developed through his system's insights.
Nicolas examined them with a practiced eye. Then, for the first time in decades, his expression shifted from calm to astonishment.
"Incredible… this refinement, this precision of mana control — at your age?"
Perenelle Flamel smiled gently from across the room. "He reminds me of you when you were young, Nicolas."
"Ha! Perhaps even better," Nicolas admitted with a rare grin. He looked at Darius. "You were right, old friend. The boy is a prodigy."
Darius nodded proudly. "Then I'll leave him in your care."
And with that, he left Roy in the hands of the legendary alchemist.
The Flamel Household
Life at the Flamel estate soon settled into a rhythm.
Mornings were filled with lessons — transmutation, potion crafting, mana stabilization, and the balance between creation and destruction. Nicolas's philosophy was simple:
"Alchemy is not about turning metal into gold, Roy. It's about turning the soul toward perfection."
Afternoons were peaceful. Roy often joined Perenelle Flamel for tea in the garden, where he told her stories from his childhood — Dvalin's antics, Bela's blushing fits, and his family's chaos.
Perenelle's laughter was soft and melodic, a sound that had long been absent from the Flamel household. Nicolas would sometimes peek from the doorway, quietly smiling at the sight.
"It's been so long since I've seen her laugh like this," Nicolas admitted one evening as Roy had gone to sleep.
"It's a blessing," Perenelle whispered. "That child brings light wherever he goes."
From that day on, the Flamels treated Roy not as a student, but as their own grandson.
Mastering the Art
Eight months passed in quiet brilliance. Roy's understanding of alchemy deepened beyond formula and theory — he began to feel it.He could transmute metal with a thought, brew potions of untraceable purity, and even weave alchemy into magic circles seamlessly.
Nicolas watched with pride.
"You've surpassed what most learn in a lifetime, Roy. You are not merely an alchemist — you are a creator."
Roy bowed respectfully. "I'll never forget what you've taught me, Master Flamel."
Nicolas placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Then remember this above all: never let power harden your heart. True alchemy begins not in the cauldron… but in compassion."
Farewell to the Flamels
One month later, after countless hours of study and laughter, it was time for Roy to return home.
Perenelle hugged him gently. "Take care, dear. You've brought joy back to our quiet lives."
Roy smiled softly. "And you've both given me something priceless in return — wisdom and warmth."
As he stepped onto the Valvas carriage, Nicolas called out,
"Remember, Roy — the world changes through those who create, not those who destroy."
The carriage rose into the Parisian dawn, and behind him, the immortal couple watched with proud smiles.
For the first time in centuries, the flame of alchemy burned bright again — not in an old man's hands, but in the heart of a silver-haired prodigy named Roy Valvas.