After the class settled, as all the students had their cauldrons in place before them, Professor Lira continued.
"In Alchemy, there are two primary crafts. Potions and pills. Most of you will never create a pill in your lifetime."
The statement landed like a stone as ripples of shock passed through the students.
Adrian immediately recalled the System recovery pill he got as a reward. Its amazing effect had convinced him to learn Alchemy, and he was curious to learn the Instructor’s reasoning on why some couldn’t make such.
The class also murmured, some exchanging confused glances, having spent a week memorizing ingredients only to be told the main goal of their craft might be unattainable.
Professor Lira’s eyes narrowed slightly.
"The first requirement for pill-making is being a Mage. Lack of magic would only stall you."
Several students glanced at Adrian with pity as he was the sole Knight, but Adrian wasn’t bothered with their gazes, as he knew that there must be an invention for every problem. So he waiting for the Instructor to elaborate.
"Even among Mages, a Fire affinity is ideal. Without it, only those at 5-Star or higher, or some with extraordinary control, can manipulate mana to mimic flame. Even then, Fire Mages hold the advantage."
"This class was originally meant for Fire Mages, but the demand for pills and potions forced us to open it to all — even duds."
The word "duds" was a jab at non-Mages, especially, when here at the Academy, they were Ascended and hence could be referred to as Knights, but Adrian let it slide.
Professor Lira continued.
"Non-Mages can attempt pills, but it’s a steep path. You’d need to master external flames, controlling their heat with exact precision across varying temperatures which isn’t something very possible to an average person. That’s why Mages with their innate mana are naturally suited for this."
A spark of insight flared in Adrian’s mind.
’Temperature management.’
His Magic Heater, with some minor modifications, would be able to regulate heat precisely.
This was great news! The challenge that daunted others was already half-solved for him. The realization fueled his confidence, though he kept his face neutral to avoid drawing attention.
Noticing the crestfallen expressions around her, save for a few Fire Mages who sat taller; Professor Lira softened her tone.
"That said, potions are no less vital. They’re what you will master today."
The class brightened, eager to finally begin. She outlined the process.
"Potion-making has three critical stages: sourcing ingredients, preparing them, and crafting the potion. Preparing ingredients is the most critical and time-intensive stage, but sourcing was equally important. Each potion demands specific ingredients, and their quality determines success."
She paused and her gaze swept across the room.
"Before we start, who can explain the difference between potions and pills in function?"
Adrian’s hand shot up alongside a few others, his mind already on the contribution points at stake. Professor Lira nodded to him.
Standing, he spoke with confidence.
"Pills deliver enduring, often permanent effects by integrating their mana with the body, promoting stable changes; like healing wounds fully or enhancing strength long-term.
Potions are temporary. Their mana acts quickly but fleetingly, providing effects like pain relief or minor stabilization that fade once the mana dissipates.
Potions are less efficient, requiring frequent reapplication, and their effects are surface-level, not transformative."
Professor Lira’s eyes gleamed with approval.
"Brilliantly said, Adrian. As expected of our prodigy."
She turned to the class to simplify his words to the confused students.
"For example, a healing pill might knit a wound closed for good, while a healing potion only slows bleeding for a short time, and soon it leaves.
A Strength Pill could bolster your muscles a day, but a Strength Potion gives a brief surge which would be gone in moments. Potions also take longer to prepare and are less potent. Do you see why pills are prized?"
The class nodded, some scribbling notes. Professor Lira continued,
"Today, we’ll craft a Basic Healing Potion. Unlike healing pills, which regenerate tissue, potions merely stabilize injuries; slowing blood loss or holding wounds shut with mana.
The effect lasts about the time it takes to count to a thousand. It’s not a cure, and relying on it too long can be dangerous, but it can buy time in a crisis."
Adrian was disappointed by now little time the potions provided, but he still saw its value in some situations.
Professor Lira clapped her hands, interrupting his thoughts and drawing the attention to herself.
"Now we have a plan in mind. Let’s start sourcing the ingredients."
Professor Lira’s voice carried a spark of challenge as she addressed the class, her hands clasped before her.
"From your studies, what ingredients do you think would be effective for stopping bleeding, since that’s the primary function of the Basic Healing Potion we’re crafting?"
The room buzzed with enthusiasm as hands shot up, students eager to showcase their knowledge after the intense test.
The suggestions poured in from the students, as Professor Lira gave everyone a chance to contribute.
They all listed various herbs and ingredients known for clotting and stopping blood flow.
Professor Lira moved to the chalkboard, her chalk dancing across it as she recorded each contribution.
The list grew, spanning common plants to rare reagents, with students occasionally debating the merits of one over another.
By the time the suggestions tapered off, the board held over thirty ingredients, a sprawling catalog of possibilities.
Professor Lira stepped back, nodding.
"Well done. But did you know we only need four ingredients for this potion?" The class murmured in surprise. She tapped the board.
"Many of these overlap in function; some clot, others stabilize mana. As alchemists, you must discern their roles and choose the most cost-effective or accessible options."
With her guidance, the class sifted through the list. She prompted them with questions:
"Which clots fastest without toxicity?"
"What’s abundant enough to be practical?"
Students debated, eliminating redundant or costly ingredients. After a lively discussion, they settled on four:
Bloodroot Sap, Moonwort Leaf, Mana Crystal Dust, and Clotvine Extract.
The whole class were engaged, and Professor Lira smiled.
"Now, I want all of you to identify these on the storeroom shelves and bring a set back to your table."