"It seems to have worked!"
Roy couldn't help but feel a hint of joy as he looked at the artificial skin, which resembled a facial mask in appearance, smooth and delicate.
The power derived from his Alchemy Talent, [Equivalent Exchange], had indeed greatly enhanced his alchemy abilities!
The original intention of the Art of Alchemy was to fulfill "wishes" through such "exchanges."
The Panacea Azoth from Potion Studies had come into existence this way.
"Perhaps, if things continue to develop like this, the Transmutation Circle will connect all things, with endless possibilities..."
With a touch of excitement, Roy used the [Eye of Hermes] to appraise it.
White Magical Aura...
This was a zero-level Quality, Enchanted Item!
The Wizardry Energy had completely transformed the flesh structure of the artificial meat, generating skin.
Once applied to the skin, it would gradually fuse with the flesh tissue.
In essence, it was similar to the Human-faced Demon, parasitizing on the surface.
"Let's give it a try."
Roy said to Celine.
He applied the skin like a facial mask.
At first, there was no noticeable change, but gradually, Celine told him, "It's a bit itchy...
The flesh on my face seems to have softened!"
She reached out to scratch it.
"Don't move around!
Your facial skin is in a softened state; messing with it could cause serious problems!"
Roy quickly stopped her.
"Let me handle it!
I'll show you what it means to be a face-sculpting artist!"
With that, he had Celine lie down and began giving her a facial massage.
Indeed.
Celine's face softened like dough, molding and adhering to the bone structure.
Gradually, it took on Sophia's original appearance.
However, during this process, Roy also infused it with his mental impression of Celine's original image.
"Alright, take a look for yourself."
After finishing the sculpting, Roy smiled and took out a mirror from his Spatial Ring.
Celine was stunned.
This was her long-lost appearance.
"At first, it might seem a bit too pale, but as the white patches spread across the body, the pigment will even out.
In theory, it should blend with the surrounding skin tone, so don't worry."
Roy checked the edge of her neck and reassured her.
Celine's gaze was distant, lost in thought.
Roy, however, paid no mind to her feelings. While the memory was still fresh, he began taking notes, organizing his thoughts on this experiment.
...
The next day, everyone gathered and chatted.
Somehow, they had caught wind of what had happened with Roy.
They teased him, "Even the City Lord Madam has thrown herself at you. Lord Roy, your charm is truly remarkable."
Roy inquired and found out that the news had already spread.
He snorted coldly, "I knew this wasn't a good thing."
Celine couldn't help but ask, "Then why did you keep her around for painting and sculpting?"
Roy replied matter-of-factly, "Didn't I say it before? I admire her skin. Keeping her around to discuss art, what's wrong with that?
It's like eating fish; you need to know how to remove the bones to avoid getting hurt.
Unfortunately, there are still plenty of fools out there who can't resist a honey trap, falling for someone so deeply they'd even eat their excrement."
His words were crude and vulgar, but as his gaze swept over them, the mental strength of a formal Wizard silently intimidated the crowd, who had been laughing and joking just moments ago. Their expressions changed slightly.
They immediately understood that this was a warning directed at them.
Roy had no intention of meddling in the private lives and various entertainments of the people around him, nor did he wish to do so.
However, if any trouble arose from such matters, he certainly wouldn't be the one to clean up the mess.
The others didn't dare to say much and quickly shifted their attention to Celine.
"Hey, Celine, you look different!"
"What kind of beauty cream did you use? Your skin looks so radiant!"
"Not just the skin, even your appearance seems to have changed... I know, it must be some kind of Alchemical Magic Potion!"
"How on earth did you do it?
It's truly miraculous!"
Celine didn't say much, but the joy in her eyes was unmistakable.
...
Roy paid them no mind. After briefly assigning tasks to investigate and understand the local situation, he returned to his room to ponder the Art of Alchemy.
This time, he had created a large piece of artificial skin using artificial meat.
Due to the lightweight nature of this artificial skin, when inflated to a length of two or three feet, it resembled a three-headed, ghostly doll about a foot tall.
It had no facial features or a face, but it had chubby short arms and legs, with a large head that gave it a charmingly naive appearance.
Overall, it looked somewhat like a teru teru bozu or a shuttlecock.
To put it more vividly...
It resembled the Chinese character "dāi"!
"I'll just call you Ah-Dai!"
With the joy of creation, Roy named this new product he had made.
This wasn't the name of an individual, but rather the name of the entire lineage of creations.
Since it was for research purposes, this prototype was named A-Dai 0.
As the lingering mental essence, or the "Simulated Soul," within it activated, A-Dai 0 twisted its body as if observing itself.
Then, like clothes and shoes animated by the Animation Art in the past, it began to hop around.
Roy didn't pay it much attention, as this was merely an intelligent illusion created by residual thoughts, not true biological intelligence.
"The Transmutation Circle seems to have this capability. If fully explored, perhaps I can perform Talent Transmutation or Soul Transmutation again...
This is the foundation for extracting spiritual essence.
By extension, it could lead to Golem Transmutation, Doll Transmutation...
And even All-Things Transmutation!"
Suddenly, horns blared and drums sounded outside.
Captain Atedia entered to report, "Lord Roy, the Blood Mane Tribe of the barbarians has arrived at the city gates!"
Just as Roy stepped out and approached the city gate, a crow flew in.
This identity mark...
It was Flosf's Magic Pet!
Sensing the soul aura within, Roy realized that Flosf's spirit was attached to it, so he stepped forward to bow.
"Master!"
The crow spoke in a human voice, "This time, the Blood Mane Tribe has brought 800 men, claiming to be a thousand-strong army.
You must personally defeat them and show me your strength."
After a pause, it added, "Be sure to showcase the prowess of Wizard Vizel!"
He was actually being asked to personally defeat this army!
Roy was slightly surprised.
But he quickly understood that this was both a test and a show of authority.
For the Wizards to maintain their rule here, relying solely on the legacy of their predecessors was not enough.
Only by demonstrating sufficient strength could they deter ambitious elements both within and outside the kingdom and earn respect.
The first battle in the Netherlands was inevitable, and the better the performance, the more respect and awe one could earn.
Otherwise, it would be difficult to make any progress.
So he nodded and said, "As you wish, teacher."
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