Chapter 3010: Chapter 3011: Lucia

Although the term "youth" generally doesn’t indicate a specific gender, the "youth" that Angel was pondering at this moment was referring to a male.

The person in front had long, smooth white hair, soft features, and even a petite stature. No matter how you looked at it, it resembled a young girl.

But the wizard’s natural intuition could easily discern that this was merely a boy who appeared outwardly like a girl.

Angel silently gazed at the youth. After a few seconds, he coughed twice and said, "Perhaps I shouldn’t have come to see you at this time?"

The youth casually picked up the mithril airgun beside him and pressed it a few times into the boiler. Seeing more mesmerizing mist emerging, he replied, "No, now is just right."

The youth’s voice was very clear, but unless one was deaf, it was unmistakably a male voice.

Angel rubbed his chin and said in a slightly hesitant tone, "You’re brewing Witch’s Soup now, aren’t you?"

The youth lifted his head proudly and said, "That’s right, authentic Lucia Witch’s Soup."

Angel looked at the youth with a gaze full of deeper meaning, "If I’m not mistaken, Witch’s Soup should only be brewed by witches..."

From the name alone, it’s clear that Witch’s Soup is a potion brewed by witches.

Tracing its origins, Witch’s Soup is actually a branch of potionology under alchemy. More precisely, it’s a branch of the Gypsy School’s Witch’s Soup.

The Gypsy School includes not only Witch’s Soup but also scents and aqueous solutions as representatives of this school.

There has been an established rule since ancient times that Witch’s Soup must only be refined by witches. It’s not that men cannot brew it, but it is a convention recognized by the public.

The origin of this special rule is related to the school’s philosophy.

Philosophy, like political games, involves the conflicts of extremists and the dilemmas of moderates. Without external forces intervening, stubborn adherence to a doctrine is inevitable.

For many years, witches have controlled the grand scene of Witch’s Soup, evidencing this rule.

Why don’t others in the wizard world intervene in this chaos?

...Because it’s too high-end.

The chaos within the Gypsy School, as large as it may seem, is simply a clash of technical talents, and most transcendents cannot even reach the threshold of alchemy, let alone interfere.

In short, the brewing code of Witch’s Soup has been maintained to this day. The most critical rule is that Witch’s Soup can only be brewed by witches.

As for men who want to learn and brew Witch’s Soup? Sure, just change genders first.

Changing one’s gender might seem challenging, but at least for wizards, it is not difficult. Once one knows transformation magic, everything falls into place.

So, when Angel saw the youth brewing Witch’s Soup but still appearing as a male, he gave him such a reminder.

Anyway, since you’ve externally made yourself almost like a woman, why not make the decisive change thoroughly? Doing it halfway, merely in female clothing, is not logical.

The youth understood Angel’s implied meaning. He nonchalantly replied, "Haha, you and I both know. Besides, by entering Lucia’s workshop, you’ve already signed a verbal contract, haven’t you?"

The youth threw Angel a "you know the drill" expression.

Angel naturally realized that the verbal contract regarding "keeping everything seen in the workshop confidential" was meant for moments like this.

The youth continued, "And even if you don’t comply with the verbal contract, it doesn’t affect me much. It’s not like I can’t turn into a woman. If someone wants to check, I would just transform then and there."

The youth displayed that familiar hint of pride again at these words.

Angel: "It seems you are well-prepared, not fearing getting caught at all."

The youth snorted twice, "Of course, unless a major figure of the Alchemy World sees me brew Witch’s Soup in a male form, no one can catch me."

At this, the youth sized up Angel with a suspicious tone, "You’re certainly not a major figure in the Alchemy World, right?"

Angel gave a faint smile, "I’m not."

Youth: "I thought so. No major alchemist would bother themselves by troubling me."

No sooner had he finished when Angel added, "Although I’m not a major alchemist, I am an alchemist who knows a bit about potionology... Reformist School’s potionology."

The youth’s expression immediately changed.

The Reformist School is a major branch of potionology. Most importantly, the Reformist and Gypsy schools are usually rivals; the Gypsy School leans traditional, while the Reformist School favors freedom, making them hard to reconcile, often leading to heated debates in journals.

The Reformist School frequently targets Witch’s Soup, as it is the most conservatively traditional branch of the Gypsy School.

The youth hadn’t expected that he would encounter a Reformist School alchemist just because he was lazy and only transformed halfway!

In a somewhat trembling voice, he asked, "Are you serious?"

Seeing the youth’s pale face and the anxiety in his demeanor, Angel remained silent for a moment and then said, "I just know a few Reformist potions, and, well, I can also brew some scents."

Upon hearing Angel’s words, the youth’s face regained some color. Someone who can brew scents indicates they are not averse to the Gypsy School.

It seemed that the chance of being targeted was becoming smaller... or so he thought!

However, he suddenly realized that despite being part of the Gypsy School, he had still violated the taboo!

After hesitating for a moment, he made a resolve—So what if it’s transformation! I’ll change now!

He reached out and flicked his hair, as the wave of magic power indicating transformation enveloped him from head to toe.

The magic wave lasted for a second and then dispersed.

The youth before Angel’s eyes transformed into a petite, graceful girl.

She tied back the hair falling on her cheeks with a simple psychic tie, revealing a fair forehead, then addressed Angel with a helpless tone, "Now, won’t you report me?"

Angel scrutinized her, feeling that her behavior seemed somewhat immature... Could her age match her appearance?

If so, to have become a wizard at such a young age, she is indeed a genius.

Just, a genius whose mind isn’t very mature.

Angel mulled over this inwardly as he spoke, "I never said I would report you."

"Are you sure you won’t report me?" The girl slightly tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at Angel.

Angel: "Didn’t I sign the verbal contract? There’s no need to violate my conscience for such a trivial matter."

Hearing this, although the girl remained somewhat skeptical of Angel, she couldn’t be bothered to comment further since she had already transformed.

After the transformation, she is a bona fide Witch! She can brew Witch’s Soup and join the Tea Party; no one can stop her!

"Reluctantly, I believe you." She paused, then continued, "Let me introduce myself, my name is Lucia Didia, and I am the owner of this workshop."

Angel had already guessed her name was Lucia, considering Witch’s Soup is often named after the Witch herself. She clearly stated moments ago that she was brewing the authentic Lucia Witch’s Soup, leaving no doubt that she was the "authentic" Lucia.

However, what surprised Angel was that her surname was "Didia," as the Starlight is an enterprise owned by the Didia family.

So, is Lucia actually a certain master of this Starlight district?

Angel did not voice his doubts but instead asked another question, "Are you also Buru’s master?"

Though the sentence was posed as a question, Angel’s tone carried certainty.

The reason being, the young man with white hair and green eyes whom he met at noon bore an eighty percent resemblance to Lucia standing before him.

If Lucia were to transform back into a male, grow a bit taller, broaden her shoulders, and make her hair slightly rougher, she’d look identical to Buru’s master.

Lucia did not deny it, considering she indeed met Angel at noon, "Yes, I am also Buru’s master, Lucia!"

Lucia emphasized the pronunciation of "Lucia."

There’s no need to overthink it; when she becomes female, she’s called "Lucia." And when she transforms into a male, she’s "Lucia."

Angel smiled slightly, "Ms. Lucia, it’s a pleasure to meet you."

Lucia heard Angel calling her "Ms." without any special reaction, merely squinting her eyes and saying, "Faced with a lady who introduces herself, don’t you think you should introduce yourself too?"

Angel: "My name is Jon."

"Jon? It feels like a fake name," Lucia pouted her lips.

Angel didn’t deny it, simply smiled silently.

He didn’t mind revealing his real name, fearing that hearing his real name would shock Lucia more than knowing he is a reformist Alchemist.

After all, Angel is a member of the Research and Development Institute, his influence in the Alchemy World far surpassing that of an ordinary reformist Alchemist.

"Alright, Jon it is then." Lucia stretched lazily, stood up from beside the boiler, sat on the sofa nearby, and gestured for Angel to take a seat as well.

Angel obligingly sat across from her.

"I have already contacted Buru and know your intention. You want to apply for membership, right?"

Angel nodded, "Yes."

"Do you need me to explain the membership services of Starlight, as well as your obligations once becoming a member?" Lucia carefully observed Angel’s every move as she spoke.

"Obligations?" Angel chuckled, "Joining as a member is an obligation itself, isn’t it? Or has Starlight recently added more obligations?"

Lucia stared at Angel for several seconds before slowly withdrawing her gaze, murmuring softly, "Indeed, your name is false."

Those who know the truth about Starlight’s membership are definite Wizards from large organizations, particularly ones that play the role of "Chess Player" in the Gumman Kingdom, aware of the Didia family’s secrets.

This red-haired, gold-eyed young man, clearly articulating "Membership equals obligation," indicated he knew that "becoming a member expresses not standing in line with King Gumman."

Therefore, he must be a member of a large Wizard organization. Lucia is quite familiar with the Official Wizards within such organizations, and despite some hidden Wizards, she knows a bit about them.

Still, Lucia is certain there is no Official Wizard named Jon within any large Wizard organization.

Thus, the young man before her most likely used an alias.

Angel could certainly follow Lucia’s logic, yet maintained a noncommittal stance, not denying or confirming.

"Since you are quite clear about Starlight’s membership rules, I won’t elaborate further." Lucia reached out to take a white card gleaming with a metallic sheen in the light from her emerald earring.

"Platinum Card?" Angel remarked, "I thought memberships requiring consumption over two thousand Magic Crystals were given a Platinum Card?"

Angel had currently only opened two quiet rooms, sufficient for the Green Copper Card demand based on price. Spending one thousand Magic Crystals awarded the Blue Silver Card.

The Platinum Card ranks above the Blue Silver Card.

"I must correct you; the Platinum Card requires a consumption of 1999 Magic Crystals, not two thousand." Lucia added, "Moreover, Special Talent deserves special treatment. As an Alchemist Official Wizard, perhaps a mere Platinum Card underestimates you. Perhaps, the Glittering Diamond Card matches your identity."

The Glittering Diamond Card is issued upon consuming ten thousand Magic Crystals... no, 9999 Magic Crystals becoming the highest level card at Starlight.

Angel could detect Lucia’s implications.

Nonetheless, Angel didn’t respond, merely quietly watching Lucia.

After a brief silence, Lucia dryly asked, "What’s your attitude toward the Glittering Diamond Card?"

Angel: "No particular attitude. Anyway, your membership cards, apart from showcasing status, don’t offer much benefit."

Lucia extended her index finger, shaking it before Angel, "No, no, no, other levels have the same benefits, merely a difference in card face... but the Glittering Diamond Card is different."

Angel didn’t speak, awaiting Lucia’s further explanation.

For Angel indeed lacked knowledge on this matter. Ironclad Granny mentioned benefits associated with membership cards but didn’t specify the corresponding benefits for each card level.

Lucia: "Guests holding the Glittering Diamond Card can not only participate in every Starlight caravan’s internal trade fair but also acquire Prophecy chances at a discounted price during trade fairs from the Preacher."

Lucia paused, whispering, "These are secrets I’m only sharing considering your status as an Alchemist."

The Preacher’s Prophecy holds great allure for most Wizards but was moderate for Angel.

Dororo is far more appealing than the Preacher.

However, the trade fair she mentioned piqued Angel’s interest.

Ironclad Granny once remarked that the most valuable aspect of Starlight’s caravan is the internal trade fair.

Given the Preacher organizes anti-prophecy mechanisms during the trade fair, along with special protection mechanisms, combined with an ever-ready Teleportation Array, effectively minimizing the risk of transactional repercussions. Thus many Wizards, despite the trade fair goods being generally lesser than large auctions, offer trades at significantly cheaper prices.

Moreover, large auctions are primarily publicized, restricting many contraband items from appearing. In contrast, trade fairs eliminate such concerns... of course, provided no Extreme Sect infiltrates it. Even if the Extreme Faction appears, Preacher’s established rules would likely prevent tracking by the Extremists.

"What do you think? Are you interested?" Lucia employed a tempting tone, addressing Angel.

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