The rest of the wizards were unceasing in their compliments, as well as indirectly probing about the new magic that Lean was planning to develop.
Facing the bootlicking and praises, the smile never left Lean's face; however, he had no intention of revealing anything. After reaching the students' quarters, he apologetically said,
"I have another appointment today, please return first, everyone."
The entourage, having failed to uncover any clues, could only leave in disappointment, planning to revisit the paper on plant photosynthesis several times after returning, perhaps to discover some new ideas.
As for Lean's whereabouts, many were well aware that this magical genius had recently fallen for an exceptionally beautiful witch, even to the point of obsession.
But this was a natural human sentiment, and naturally, no one intended to spoil the magic genius's interest by intruding.
After parting ways with his group of admirers, Lean straightened his robe and entered the faction's quarters with a smile, knocking gently at the door of a certain house.
About three seconds later, the door opened on its own, and a clear voice called out.
Lean's smile grew wider, stepping inside with a touch of excitement, somewhat taken aback by everything he saw. The place looked less like the beautiful setting he had envisioned and more like a large magic laboratory.
All around were various strange alchemical instruments.
The most conspicuous was the iron sphere hanging in the center of the living room, swinging in a continuous loop. Just as he entered, a wooden plaque marked with scales was knocked to the floor, making a light 'clack' sound.
In addition, Lean immediately noticed on the experiment table a mirror and a torsion balance, as well as several spheres of different sizes revolving under the drive of magic power.
"Is this Master Lynn's pendulum and the reflective mirror experiment? And a model of celestial motion?" Lean recognized them at once, and then with a wry smile, he said, "I remember the Wizard College's exhibition room has all these items, right, Cynthia?"
The items placed in the room were all very famous magical experiments.
To allow new students to witness the greatness of magical science, and for the convenience of daily teaching, every Wizard College in the kingdom had complete experimental models in their exhibition rooms.
Every wizard who entered the exhibition room for the first time would invariably marvel at the ingenuity of the Star of Magic's designs, to have thought of such simple methods to demonstrate the extremely complex issues of gravity and celestial bodies.
So, if one wanted to research related theoretical experiments, visiting the exhibition room was unquestionably the best choice, where one could also listen to professors explain the detailed processes of the experiments.
"But I prefer to verify the process myself..." A girl named Cynthia said casually. She didn't even turn to look at Lean as he entered but kept her focus on the experiment table in front of her, her slender fingers fiddling with a cube-like contraption.
Cynthia's words caused Lean to pause, and then he quickly replied, "You're right, no matter how much you listen to others, it's not the same as attempting it yourself."
"Besides, you missed today's lesson on elements, which is a pity. The applications of nitrogen are extensive, not a useless element at all—it has very important uses in Shaping and biology..."
Knowing that the girl before him was very interested in magical science, Lean went on to relay in detail what Philip had talked about in class that day, especially mentioning that this professor of elemental studies would award one hundred credits to any student who developed a new magical technique.
"I happen to have an idea involving nitrogen, and I'm planning to develop a new magic with it!" Lean said proudly, like a Thunderbird showing off its feathers in a courtship display.
"Oh?" Cynthia finally stopped what she was doing and turned to look at Lean with interest, her violet eyes appearing to tug at one's heartstrings.
Lean had wanted to keep her in suspense, but under the expectant gaze of the girl, he couldn't help but say, "I believe that since nitrogen does not react easily with other elements, it could be used in the preservation of food and weapons. The Council fills the magic lamps with this element to improve the lifespan of the filaments..."
Lean spoke confidently about his idea, which he had previously read about in a paper on the application of the vacuum domain to preserve food or tools for an extended period.
A purple fruit could be kept inside it for months without rotting!
But maintaining a vacuum domain required a large amount of magic power and was something only a grand wizard could do. Lean believed nitrogen could be used as a substitute for the vacuum's effect.
The effects weren't as good, but they could greatly reduce the consumption. Any formal wizard could easily do it!
"That's a very nice idea!" Cynthia said, nodding with a smile.
Although it was just a simple compliment, it made Lean feel a rush of enthusiasm swelling from his feet to his heart. His mind reeled, and he blurted out, "When I've finished this paper, you can submit it. It will certainly earn the professor's admiration..."
No sooner had he spoken than Lean regretted it. It was an idea he had come upon with great difficulty.
Fortunately, the next moment he heard the girl say softly,
"No, that is after all your idea."
Lean's lifted heart settled back down, and then he chided himself for thinking Cynthia was the kind of shameless person who would steal someone else's achievements.
After Cynthia refused, she said nonchalantly again,
"I heard your paper gained the appreciation of a Grand Wizard, a core member of the Wizard Council who is preparing to take you on as his disciple, is that so?"
"It was only luck. If it hadn't been for your reminder, which sparked my inspiration, I might not have been able to finish those three papers on Celestial Motion so smoothly," Lean replied modestly, trying to bridge the gap between them.
"If you want to show your gratitude, now is a good opportunity," Cynthia said softly. Her voice was very pleasant, with a lazy tone but imbued with an endless allure.
"What opportunity?" Lean quickly assured, patting his chest. "If you're in any trouble, I'm more than happy to help!"
"I need the assistance of a Grand Wizard for a study of mine, and I was hoping you could introduce me to one," Cynthia said casually.
"Of course, no problem!" Lean agreed without hesitation. The master was very fond of him, so he would likely not refuse such a small request.
Lean also had a little idea in his heart, which was to join the great one's school with Cynthia. Then they would have more opportunities to interact.
"Then I thank you, Lean," Cynthia said, laughing softly. Then she shifted her tone. "Unfortunately, I still have some matters to deal with, so let's save the thanks for next time."
Lean's imagination surged with anticipation of what form this thanks might take. Being very gentlemanly, he didn't press further and left the room in a daze.
The door closed automatically, and Cynthia continued to focus on the cube on the experimental table, scratching alchemy runes on one side of it with an etching tool.
The room was very quiet, with only the sound of the wind when the pendulum swung.
She had forgotten the last time she was so seriously engaged in research and creation of alchemical artifacts in the laboratory...
It was probably a very long time ago.
A look of reminiscence appeared on Cynthia's face, but in the next moment, as if sensing something, she suddenly turned to look out the window and whispered softly.
"What a powerful energy fluctuation!"
It seemed that the Wizard Council had come up with some novel weapon.
As Cynthia thought this, she waved the etching tool in her hand, carving the final rune...
The cube in her hand immediately began to levitate, with the alchemy runes engraved on it seeming alive, constantly rotating and shifting.
It seemed her skills hadn't grown rusty after all; Cynthia nodded in satisfaction.
Then it was time to make a move...