Chapter 27: Professor Kurov
Dim lifted a stone brick on the wall, revealing a lever within. Gesturing to Xia Zuo, he sketched a path ahead and said, "Pull this lever, walk in, wait for the metal gate opposite to open, and exit through that door."
Xia Zuo nodded silently, gloved hand shrouded, and pulled the lever.
The metal gate slid into the wall along its base, unveiling a narrow passage for a single person.
Xia Zuo entered calmly, the door closing behind. Small, pitch-black holes dotted the stone walls on either side, emitting white mist that diffused within the sealed space.
This sight endured for about a minute before suction from the opposite holes drew the mist away.
At the end of the passage, the metal gate slowly opened.
Upon stepping inside, Xia Zuo's gaze froze.
This was an immensely spacious alchemy chamber, almost half the size of a castle hall.
Rows of glass shelves lined the walls and beside stone pillars.
Some items were obscured by black cloth, while others were illuminated by alchemical lamps dangling from the ceiling.
Xia Zuo paced slowly, surveying the glass vials displayed atop the shelves.
The alchemical lamps here weren't confined to just one hue. Different shelves were bathed in various colors—purple, green, red, blue—each hue carrying distinct significance.
Red signified toxins sourced from animals like venom extracted from snake glands.
Green indicated toxins from plants, such as the toxic sap of certain trees.
Purple denoted toxins derived from minerals, like mercury.
Blue represented toxins in gaseous form, such as the stench emitted by excretions.
All these were recorded in the "Fundamentals of Toxic Alchemy: Isolation of Toxins."
Now, what the book described lay before Xia Zuo's eyes.
Using detection magic on any of these concentrated toxins would result in at least 20 points of damage per minute.
This chamber, brimming with poisons, was a den of danger. A single vial of concentrated toxin leaked outside could cause widespread harm.
Mason and Brandon entered the chamber, wearing similar expressions.
The trio circled the shelves before heading toward the chamber's end.
A middle-aged figure with ash-white hair sat on a crimson sofa, engrossed in a book, a crucible and alchemical table nearby.
This spot, bathed in warm orange glow, was an unusual comfort within the alchemy chamber.
"Are you the students assigned to me by the academy?"
The middle-aged figure raised his head.
A thin, mustache-like beard sat below his nose, deep-set eyes giving him an air of erudition rather than an expert in poisons.
Despite the middle-aged visage, his grizzled hair and beard made him seem unusually aged.
"I am Kurov, professor of Toxic Alchemy. Introduce yourselves," he instructed.
Mason stood to the left, adhering to customary protocol, and said, "Greetings, sir. I am Mason, hailing from the city of Sbruil."
Brandon followed, "Hello, sir. I'm Brandon, a local of Starry Night City."
Following the etiquette taught during his citizenship ceremony by Wilson, Xia Zuo pressed his left chest gently, bowing, "Good day, sir. I am Xia Zuo from Rosac."
"Xia Zuo from Rosac..."
Kurov, seated on the soft sofa, idly ran his fingers over the cabinet. The rows of books seemed to ripple like waves, and a letter flew out from between two books, unfurling in mid-air before flying back to its original position.
"Not a bad lad," Kurov remarked, benefitting from having a Citizenship; his deeds and achievements within the kingdom were promptly conveyed to notable figures.
Mason and Brandon, standing nearby, hadn't anticipated traveling alongside someone seemingly recognized.
Rubbing his thin beard, Kurov eyed Xia Zuo's still youthful countenance, "All three of you show promise. I wouldn't want to lose any of you to an accident while handling toxins."
Kurov shifted, reclining on the sofa, pondering with furrowed brows, "However, none of you have innate affinities, and your mental oceans haven't been fully developed..."
"Discerning toxin potency and usage solely through elemental radiance is beyond your grasp.
"You'll have to rely on sheer willpower to overcome toxin interference..."
In the realm of meditation techniques, the term "Spiritual Ocean" corresponds to the mental attributes on a character template.
When wild elements are tamed and absorbed within, they transform into obedient elements, thriving within the Spiritual Ocean.
Professor Kurov furrowed his brow, murmuring to himself, "You lot don't possess sturdy physiques like the Demon Hunters from the Eastern Land... If, by chance, exposure to lethal toxins occurs under the influence of hallucinogenic poisons, even if I intervene in time, it's highly probable you'd become invalids."
"The Dean has truly brought me a considerable challenge this time."
He sighed deeply towards the ceiling, then fell into contemplation.
Seeing his mentor hesitating, Xia Zuo discreetly unleashed his probing ability, sifting through feedback in his mind.
【Character Name】 Kurov
【Position】 Professor of Toxic Alchemy at Starry Night Academy, High-Level Mage, Master Toxic Alchemist
【Health】 ??? (Slight Poisoning)
【Resistance】 ???
【Strength】 3
【Agility】 5
【Endurance】 6
【Vitality】 6
【Perception】 9
【Willpower】 9
【Spirit】 ???
【Charm】 6
【Specialties】:
【Mastery of Alchemical Language】, 【Meditation Techniques (Unknown Level)】...
【Master-Level Toxic Alchemy】
【Compound Toxins Mastery】 Able to concoct master-level poisons using compound toxins.
(Due to insufficient perception and knowledge reserves, more information could not be obtained)
Kurov's spiritual attribute value remained a question mark.
Xia Zuo flipped through past feedback records.
The highest known spiritual attribute belonged to Taylorus, the resident city mage of Rosac City, at 25 points.
This indicates Kurov's spiritual value is definitely above 25 points, possibly starting from 30 points.
Additionally, Xia Zuo scrutinized Kurov's template, concealing his impulse to widen his eyes with a subtle eye-rubbing motion.
Kurov's vitality is the only one so far to exceed 5 points!
Whether Thales or the portly mage from Piek Castle, they only have 3 points of vitality.
As for Audrey and her companions, they barely hit an average of 2 points, perhaps due to a common ailment stemming from the breathing technique.
Xia Zuo retrieved the template of Castle Administrator Dim.
【Character Name】 Dim
【Position】 Order Administrator of Starry Night Castle, Formal Mage, Unknown Melee Occupation
【Health】 ??? (Healthy)
【Resistance】 ???
【Strength】 13
【Agility】 10
【Endurance】 12
【Vitality】 4
【Perception】 9
【Willpower】 9
【Spirit】 22
【Charm】 3
【Specialties】:
【Breath Technique · Utmost】 Perfected the Breath Technique to its utmost, eradicating all hidden injuries, and successfully expanded the Spiritual Ocean with the help of a secret elixir.
【Meditation Techniques (Unknown Level)】
(Due to insufficient perception and knowledge reserves, more information could not be obtained)
Dim transitioned from the Breath Technique to Meditation Techniques, concurrently managing magecraft and a melee occupation, an exceedingly rare feat showcasing exceptional personal talent and determination.
Even such an individual only possesses 4 points of vitality.
Therefore, it appears Kurov's vitality reaching 6 points could stem from two reasons:
Either he was naturally born with it, randomly inheriting high vitality as a base attribute.
Or, certain elements within toxic alchemy might enhance vitality.
Xia Zuo has long appreciated the benefits of high vitality and couldn't help feeling excited at the prospect.
Suddenly, Kurov lightly coughed, drawing the attention of the three distracted students.
Approaching Xia Zuo's group with a serious expression, he said, "I've thought of a compromise."
"In the field of toxic alchemy, the more mistakes made, the poorer the bodily functions become, and the shorter the remaining lifespan."
"The three of you have one chance for error in concocting and testing poisons."
"Anyone making a second mistake will be expelled and forcibly transferred to other alchemical branches."
The trio of Xia Zuo looked taken aback, responding in unison:
"We'll strictly adhere to your arrangement."
Unlock exclusive early access to 100s of Chapters before anyone else by becoming a valued member of my Patreon community.
As a cherished member of our Patreon community, here is what you'll get:
For just $5, you'll receive:
- Early access to 100s of chapters before they go public. (You can find all the novels I'm translating HERE.)
- Your name will be prominently featured on the "Wall of Gratitude".
- The power to vote on which novel I translate next.
- You Get Ad-free Chapters.
Plus, you can Cancel your membership at any time.
Don't let this amazing opportunity slip through your fingers!
