The machine might be flawed and could not be universally distributed, but at least it gave hope to a fresh alchemist. Negative comments would ruin Dave’s confidence, whereas words of praise would encourage him to achieve something better.
The only one who was not satisfied with the flying machine was Toby. Unfortunately, the bird could not do anything to hurt Dave’s confidence since he was unable to speak.
…
They entered the house and sat down at a table.
Dave had not gotten over his excitement. He kept telling Angor about all kinds of experiences he received when making the machine, and Angor willingly listened to him. The experience of a newbie was still experience. Angor was planning to study alchemy too, and anything could help.
Dave kept talking until he felt a sore throat. Then he smiled embarrassingly. “Sorry, I was too carried away. Almost forgot why I came in here.”
“No problem, I understand. And I don’t mind listening, I can learn something from you,” said Angor. He went to the kitchen and got some water for Dave.
When Angor returned, he saw Dave standing in front of his bedroom, admiring the Traveler Under Stars hanging on the room’s wall.
“This oil painting is a masterpiece,” said Dave. He returned to his sofa and exclaimed, “You drew that? It’s beautiful!”
Angor shook his head and replied, “I’m far from that. I received it from… a famous mortal artist.”
Instead of asking the name of the “mortal artist”, Dave was curious about another thing. “You mean, you can paint too?”
“A little bit. I learned some when I was little,” replied Angor. His father, Viscount Padt, bestowed traditional nobleman education to both sons, such as oil painting, calligraphy, instruments, art appreciation, and so on. Angor knew a little of each, but only a little. He would never compare himself to those masters who could inject deep emotions in their works.
“It’s fine, it’ll help you learn alchemy. The final effects of alchemy items are important, but a beautiful look also attracts people,” Dave explained. He continued, “Master Prome once said that true alchemists in ancient times must study arts, or they’d never produce perfect alchemy creations.”
Angor was speechless. An alchemist had to study art? He always believed that they could “naturally” craft perfect stuff, just like the artisans he read about in the novels from Earth.
“Most people don’t pay attention to the appearance of their works as long as the products work as intended. For me, I really hope my creations look good as well,” said Dave as he looked at his flying machine with a bit of disappointment. His first invention was totally a mess of parts mashed together. People could recognize it as a machine, and nothing else. “Too bad I never learned how to do that. If I’m to go farther on the path of alchemy, maybe I should go to a mortal school to learn some art.”
There were lots of artists among wizards too. Combined with their great life experience and longevity, their arts were usually beyond common levels. While there was no way for Dave to receive teachings from someone like them, mortal academies only required a small sum of coins. Besides, after spending their entire lives pursuing art, many mortal artists had reached a great level too.
“You’ll learn about such things once you started to study alchemy,” said Dave before he gulped down some water. “Let’s talk about our deal. About Sky Tower… why do you ask though? Do you want to challenge it? I know every apprentice wants to do that, but you’re not there yet. Isn’t it a little too early for you?”
Angor simply told Dave he was “making early preparations”.
Dave was not really convinced, but he did not ask further. There were many things about which Dave decided not to ask, such as which “wizarding family” Angor came from.
“I already told you about the matches in Sky Tower. What do you want to know? Something about major participants? I’ve gathered some information. If you want, I’ll send it to your communicator once you’ve become an apprentice,” Dave suggested.
Different organizations used different communicators. In Brute Cavern, the device was a crystal ball which could be used to record images and transmit messages. It was only a low-leveled alchemy item crafted using lesser filming stones. The crystal ball had limited functions and controllability, and it only sent messages within really short ranges. Sometimes, people might even need to be near each other for it to work.
Every talent who made it to apprentice could receive one of these in the resource distribution hall. Angor did not have one yet.
“I do want the information, but it’s not urgent, so let’s wait until I get a communicator,” said Angor. He paused and revealed an embarrassing look before he asked, “I want to know if, well, is there an easier way to reach the top level? Without going over too much trouble?”
“Easy way without going over trouble?!” Dave tried to roll his eyes hard, but he resisted the urge. “Oh, please tell me if there’s really a way like that! I want to reach the top level too! They give you lots of magic crystals as a reward! Seriously, who doesn’t want it?!”
Angor lowered his head. “So… no way?”
“Of course not, duh! The Sky Tower tests your strength! Well, unless you’re really rich. But if you’re rich, why are you challenging the tower in the first place?”
“Really rich? What do you mean?” Angor wondered.
“The matches in Sky Tower don’t have any restrictions on how you defeat your opponent. Let’s say, if you can afford a lot of powerful scrolls, you can simply keep dumping them until you reach the top floor. That’s totally not a problem,” said Dave. He sneered, “But those scrolls will cost you way more than the final reward, so there’s no point. Besides, people will get really angry with you. Every match is held in public. Sure, you can use scrolls to deal with certain situations, but only shameless fools will try to beat every floor in that way.”