Because the research process is essentially a process of broadening one’s knowledge.
Maybe this variant couldn’t branch out and become the "new world" Kaier anticipated, but it could serve as a stepping stone for Kaier to become an excellent researcher.
Indeed, this proved true. Through constant study of the variant, Kaier became a student even Esos took pride in.
Only one point troubled Esos: Kaier had developed an obsession, a sort of obsession demon, with the variant on the paper.
Wherever Kaier went or did, he would carry this paper with him, studying it whenever he had spare time. Esos had discreetly hinted that the variant on this paper might not deduce a new formula, advising Kaier to abandon it.
While Kaier would feign listening to Esos, once Esos was not around, he continued to explore it secretly.
Even when Kaier went to explore relics, he would take moments to ponder it.
Later, after Kaier settled in Sandworm Market, he set up his own laboratory, dedicating himself daily to its study. Consequently, even Dox had seen the paper many times.
Yet Kaier never managed to research any groundbreaking results.
Is Kaier foolish and ignorant? To become part of the Academy Faction with a background as a Wandering Wizard definitely means he is not foolish.
He actually realized long ago that the transformation on this parchment might be wrong, but he just couldn’t help thinking about it and looking at it.
Esos thought that Kaier was possessed by an Obsession Demon.
But Kaier felt that he had turned his obsession into a daily habit.
Kaier also knew that this parchment, as a "stepping stone," had already been used to its fullest, and it was time to discard it. However, to suddenly give up decades of habit is quite difficult, especially since this habit truly helped Kaier step into the ranks of researchers... He was reluctant to abandon it.
Moreover, this parchment holds significant meaning itself, as it is a witness to Kaier’s journey from being a mortal to becoming a transcendent.
With the dual significance it holds, even when Kaier wishes to let go, he finds it hard to make up his mind.
This time, perhaps seeing Angel nonchalantly discard two coins that were significant to himself, Kaier felt touched.
Although Kaier didn’t suddenly become a fanboy of Angel like Vay, there is no denying that Angel is absolutely a god-like presence among the young apprentices.
At a young age, his strength and skills have reached a level that is hard for them to attain. Kaier even knew things others didn’t—Angel’s prowess in spatial studies is quite high.
Such a presence, even if Kaier doesn’t say it outright, he truly admires Angel in his heart.
Kaier saw Angel’s every move.
If Angel can decisively abandon his significant gold coins, Kaier asks himself, why can’t he?
Just as Angel said: Farewell itself is a kind of growth.
For the sake of growth.
This time, Kaier decided to take a step forward.
...
Everyone who heard Kaier’s story was quite moved.
No one expected that the shapeshifting technique on a parchment could also become Kaier’s obsession.
"But, is the obsession really tied to this parchment?" Vay murmured under his breath, "Shouldn’t the obsession be Kaier’s Heart Demon, rather than something related to this parchment?"
Kaier did not answer, instead, Angel replied to Vay on his behalf: "Whether it’s a treasure or not, let Cicia judge."
Pausing for a moment, Angel then turned to Kaier and said, "Whether this parchment can be deemed a treasure by Cicia or not, it actually doesn’t have much to do with your ability to sever your obsession. What’s most important is your own thoughts."
Kaier nodded: "Thank you for your guidance, my lord, I understand. I always clearly knew that it was the beginning of everything, and to end the current fixed habit and start anew, at least it has to begin by discarding it. It was just reluctance before, but now I’ve... come to terms with it."
Angel: "Seems I spoke unnecessarily."
Kaier certainly understands himself better than outsiders do. Whether it was Vay or Angel’s words, they were actually worries without cause.
Kaier shook his hand: "No, it’s because of you, my lord, that I could come to terms."
Kaier lowered his head, whispering inaudibly: "In the end, it’s about saying goodbye."
After speaking, Kaier respectfully made a gesture to Angel, then in silence, he slowly walked towards Cicia’s Box step by step.
Within a few seconds, Kaier returned.
While he went slowly, upon return, he strode briskly.
By this time, the parchment was gone, and in Kaier’s palm floated a red symbol similar to Vay’s. This signifies that the parchment, which they saw as worthless, was indeed a treasure in the eyes of Cicia.
Notably, there was no trace of reluctance in Kaier’s eyes, as one might have imagined, but rather with some contemplation and... relief.
This ease and liberation cannot be feigned. When thinking this way, Kaier indeed knows himself well, understanding that the Obsession Demon isn’t in the heart, but tied to that parchment. With the abandonment of the parchment, those obsessions or so-called Heart Demons will gradually fade over time.
It can be said that Kaier has truly liberated himself from the past obsession demons this time.
"Did Cicia say anything to you after receiving the parchment?" Vay asked curiously.
Kaier rubbed the bridge of his nose with his index finger, somewhat embarrassed: "I just heard the word ’fool’, and then nothing more."
Vay: "So, were you scolded by a Box?"
Kaier smiled awkwardly.
Dox: "Vay, don’t forget, you were directly kicked out once. What right do you have to mock others?"
Vay: "The first time I got kicked was to test for everyone. Didn’t I pass the next time? Also, you don’t have the right to talk about me, given your possessions, what kind of treasure can you produce?"
Speaking of Dox’s treasure, Angel also looked over.
Dox was the only one present, aside from the Black Earl, who hadn’t produced a "treasure." The Black Earl had a reason; his goal wasn’t to pass but to communicate with Cicia; but if Dox didn’t come up with a treasure to exchange for a ticket, he’d have to hide in Angel’s Exile Space.
Under everyone’s scrutiny, Dox snorted: "Of course, I have a treasure. Look, this is it."
With that, Dox pulled out a vine staff emitting a faint glow from his pocket.
At first glance at the vine staff, Angel frowned slightly: "The Holy Light Vine Staff of Ashiliya Academy?"
The biggest difference between an Alchemy Apprentice and an Alchemist is that apprentices mostly follow rules, while official alchemists can create on their own.
The so-called following rules mean drawing on the wisdom of predecessors, refining using Alchemy Blueprints that have been well-designed by predecessors.
From imitation to creation. This is a process that most alchemists will go through.
The Ashliya Comprehensive College actually has many Alchemy Blueprints open for use by apprentices newly encountering alchemy as models.
The vine staff in Dox’s hand, from its design pattern, was one of the basic staff blueprints from Ashiliya Academy.
Known as the "Holy Light Vine Staff," its designer is the renowned "Holy Light Walker" Gandolf, who is also a backbone member of the current Research and Development Institute.
Dox nodded: "That’s right, it’s the Holy Light Vine Staff. Is this considered a treasure?"
Dox’s first response was to Angel’s question, and the latter part was directed at Vay.
Vay looked rather strange: "According to Cicia’s standard, it should be considered a treasure, it’s just that... do you really want to give this away?"
Dox: "Of course!"
Vay: "Aren’t you afraid..."
Dox quickly interrupted: "Afraid of what, when it’s in my hands, it’s mine. That’s the rule of Free Wizards!"
With that, Dox turned around, holding the vine staff, and walked towards Cicia’s Box.