Over the following days, Nicolas Flamel devoted himself to two things simultaneously.
Researching Raven's condition.
And teaching Leo alchemy.
Leo followed the old alchemist's rhythm with complete focus, immersing himself fully in the vast and mysterious world of alchemical knowledge.
Inside the hidden study, Raven lay quietly atop the operating platform.
Its black feathers shimmered faintly beneath the soft magical lights while Nicolas examined it repeatedly with increasing concentration.
The ring on his finger glowed gently.
Upon closer inspection, the ring itself was actually an incredibly sophisticated miniature magical array.
Whenever Nicolas touched Raven's feathers, invisible waves of detection magic spread through the bird's body.
And each time—
The old alchemist's expression became more serious.
"Leo," Nicolas said one evening, "the rune affecting this raven is extraordinarily complicated."
His voice carried unusual gravity.
"I'll need more time."
Leo nodded immediately.
"I understand, Master Flamel."
Even so, worry still lingered in his eyes.
"I believe you'll eventually wake Raven."
Nicolas gave a faint nod before continuing his examination.
One magical tool after another emerged from Adam's transformed workbench. Delicate silver instruments floated through the air while glowing potions reacted to the magical fluctuations within Raven's body.
In Nicolas' hands, every tool seemed almost alive.
Leo watched everything carefully.
Every movement.
Every technique.
Every tiny detail.
The old alchemist noticed his concentration and occasionally explained things while working.
"Alchemy," Nicolas said calmly one afternoon, "isn't simply about creating objects."
He adjusted a detector slowly.
"It's an attempt to understand the world itself."
Leo listened seriously.
The more he learned, the more he realized how vast true alchemy actually was.
At one point, after spending hours studying magical structures, Leo suddenly thought of something.
"Master Flamel," he asked curiously, "do you think modern firearms could be combined with alchemy?"
Nicolas paused.
Leo continued thoughtfully.
"For example... magical firearms. Alchemically enhanced weapons."
Traditionally, most alchemical research focused on magical artifacts, enchanted mechanisms, armor, and melee weapons.
Firearms were an entirely different matter.
Nicolas considered the idea carefully rather than dismissing it.
"That's actually a very interesting concept," he admitted eventually.
Leo's eyes brightened instantly.
Most wizards reacted to Muggle technology as though it were a contagious disease.
But Nicolas didn't laugh at the idea at all.
"Alchemy concerns transformation and creation," Nicolas continued slowly. "Meanwhile, firearms rely on engineering precision and controlled force."
His fingers tapped lightly against the table.
"Successfully merging those systems would require exceptionally stable magical integration."
Leo immediately felt inspired.
As expected of Master Flamel.
An ordinary wizard would probably accuse him of insanity for suggesting such a thing.
Some extremists might even try burning him at the stake.
But Nicolas treated the idea seriously.
"Then where would you begin?" Leo asked eagerly.
Nicolas considered the question briefly.
"Probably with enhancement first."
He leaned back slightly.
"Magical targeting systems. Reinforced barrels. Projectiles carrying magical effects."
Then his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"The greatest challenge would be maintaining stability during firing."
Leo nodded slowly.
That made perfect sense.
A magical firearm exploding in the user's hands would be deeply inconvenient.
"Master Flamel," Leo asked again, "what do you personally believe is the true core of alchemy?"
Nicolas smiled faintly.
"Understanding."
The answer came immediately.
"To understand matter. Magic. Structure. Transformation."
His tired eyes carried astonishing clarity in that moment.
"Only through true understanding can one approach the essence of alchemy itself."
Leo absorbed every word seriously.
Under Nicolas' guidance, his alchemical knowledge advanced at frightening speed. Occasionally, the two even discussed possible designs for Leo's future magical firearm projects.
Privately, Leo had already named the concept:
The Equalizer of All Beings — Wizard Edition.
Ideally, one day he wanted to stand with a revolver in one hand and a wand in the other.
Close-range combat.
Long-range combat.
Magical bombardment.
Physical projectiles.
Perfect versatility.
Unfortunately, despite all of Nicolas' efforts, Raven still showed no signs of awakening.
That worried Leo deeply.
But he also understood something important.
If even Nicolas Flamel needed this much time...
Then the problem clearly wasn't simple.
The weekend passed quickly.
By Sunday afternoon, Leo sat quietly inside the manor's living room while organizing notes from everything he had learned.
Technically, he had already memorized most of it perfectly.
But as the saying went, the faintest ink was better than the strongest memory.
Besides, the Cave Heaven's collection of alchemical texts remained pitifully small compared to Nicolas' overwhelming library.
When Leo first entered the hidden study, he had discovered that among all the books Amber collected throughout the centuries, only a tiny fraction focused specifically on alchemy.
Compared to Nicolas Flamel's personal collection?
The difference wasn't even worth comparing.
Then—
Knock. Knock.
Adam automatically moved toward the door.
A moment later, Dumbledore entered the manor.
Warmth instantly seemed to fill the room.
"Headmaster," Leo greeted with a smile as he rose to his feet.
Dumbledore's gaze immediately drifted toward Nicolas.
"Nicolas," he said warmly, "it's good to see you again."
Then he added,
"I've come to bring Leo back to Hogwarts."
Nicolas smiled faintly.
"The boy made excellent progress."
Dumbledore's attention shifted respectfully toward Perenelle.
"You're as elegant as ever."
Perenelle laughed softly.
"And Leo has been wonderful company."
Then she added gently,
"We've grown quite fond of him."
Dumbledore turned back toward Leo with obvious satisfaction.
"It seems your weekend was rather productive."
Leo nodded sincerely.
"I learned a great deal from Master Flamel."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mischievously.
"I expected nothing less."
Then he clapped his hands lightly.
"Well then. Time to return to school."
Fortunately, Leo barely needed luggage.
Everything important remained safely stored inside the Cave Heaven.
As he prepared to leave, Leo silently organized his future plans.
Continue studying alchemy.
Improve magical engineering.
Design the Equalizer properly.
One day...
A Colt revolver in one hand.
A wand in the other.
Magic and firearms perfectly combined.
Nicolas slowly approached before Leo departed.
"Study hard," the old alchemist said quietly.
Though tired, his eyes carried unmistakable pride.
Honestly, Leo's learning speed had shocked even him.
The boy absorbed advanced concepts with terrifying efficiency and adapted them almost immediately in practice.
Perenelle smiled warmly.
"Come visit again next weekend."
Her tone sounded almost grandmotherly now.
Leo bowed respectfully toward both of them.
"Thank you for everything."
Then he straightened.
"See you next week."
Dumbledore nodded toward Nicolas one final time.
"We'll be leaving now."
Leo followed the Headmaster toward the exit.
Before stepping through the door, however, he looked back one last time toward the hidden manor.
Or more specifically—
Toward the endless sea of alchemical books waiting inside.
I'll definitely return soon.
....
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