The alchemy department of Dongsheng College has a total of 6,300 registered students, divided into four grades, with six classes in each grade. Early in the morning today, the school's administrative staff had thoroughly cleaned the first classroom of the alchemy main building and prepared all the alchemical equipment for teaching.
However, by the time the class was supposed to start, only a few dozen students had arrived in the classroom.
The administrative staff, on the sidelines, were gloating, and Master Akwenna's expression did not look good upon seeing the "attendance rate" in the classroom. He glared fiercely at Geqi, secretly blaming him for not getting the job done.
Giving Ge Zheng a taste of his authority was at his covert suggestion, but after all, even he, the chief mentor, had to be present today. It was really infuriating for Master Akwenna.
Ge Zheng had actually prepared himself well last night. For the first class today, he would be teaching "Obscure Equations". Today, he would provide an overview of the subject, giving the students a general impression and introducing future courses to be covered in more detail.
Although he didn't want to waste time teaching, being challenged by Master Akwenna had sparked a bit of competitive spirit in him.
When he walked through the classroom door, he realized that something was amiss. In such a large classroom, fewer than a third of the seats were filled. Ge Zheng glanced at Akwenna, who was sitting on the side, and Akwenna quickly pulled him outside; this situation had to be explained.
"Master, are the students in this class very disobedient and among the worst in the whole school?" Ge Zheng asked, as he remembered that such terrible attendance in such a class was characteristic of this kind.
Master Aquinas shook his head and said, "On the contrary, this class is the top class in the department. 15 out of the top 20 alchemy students are in this class."
"Why then…” Ge Zheng didn't understand.
"Genius, you have to understand, geniuses are always very proud. They feel that they are not inferior to the teacher and mostly prefer self-study," Aquinas said somewhat awkwardly.
Ge Zheng understood, nodded slowly, and Aquinas quickly said, "I apologize for today's incident. It's my fault for not arranging it well. It's your first class, I'm really sorry..."
Ge Zheng waved his hand, "It's okay, it's not your fault, master."
"How about changing the time? I will make sure they all attend…” Master Aquinas suggested. Ge Zheng waved his hand, "No need, let's start the class." With that, he left Aquinas and entered the classroom.
As one of the five major academies in the mainland, the teaching equipment was very advanced. The teacher only needed to sit in front of the lecture desk and write with a pen on the desk, and a frequency-resonant magic device would project what the teacher wrote onto the magic screen.
Ge Zheng stepped onto the platform, scanned the room below, and was about to greet the students when his eyelids couldn't help but twitch: right in front of him, at the front row, the clever little witch Miss Feifei was sitting with a smile, holding a quill pen, opening her notebook, prepared to take notes.
As he scanned the row, his eyelids twitched even more: Shala Yagga!
And further on, there was a face with a mask: the alchemist Nubero from the Kingdom of Sairgjin!
And further on, the face looked somewhat familiar, with a pair of eyes emitting a resentful beam, enough to drown nine lives of a pet cat.
Baron Elmeda of the Elmeda and Wangshan City heirs!
How could she be here?
Ge Zheng looked at the group of strange-looking students in the first row and felt a sense of powerlessness deep in his heart. What on earth was going on?
"Master Ge, Master Ge?" Below, Geqier reminded him, "You should start." Ge Zheng nodded absentmindedly, opened his lecture notes, and began to read in a tone that hardly had any changes in pitch or tone: "Arcane equations are a collective term, and no one can count how many types of arcane equations there are. Alchemists are still tirelessly exploring this topic..."
"Teacher!" Suddenly a voice interrupted Ge Zheng's lecture, a student at the back raised his hand. Ge Zheng kindly asked, "What's your question?"
"Teacher, I want to ask, what is your view on identity equations? Identity equations are not rare, but they are somewhat special; they are a type of alchemical process that can be reversed. In other words, the raw materials can be used to produce works, and the works can be reversely alchemically reacted to turn back into raw materials."
The student continued loudly, "According to the view of the dreamcaster Dio Scrow, identity equations are the most fascinating part of all equations. He believes that only equations that achieve an 'identity' effect are true 'ultimate' equations."
The student touched his nose and suddenly changed his tone, "But I think identity equations cannot be considered as equations at all because the alchemical reaction of identity equations does not produce new materials. They can only be considered as a combination of several raw materials. Otherwise, the alchemical process is impossible to reverse."
Geqi smiled bitterly and said, "Master, don't forget, behind her, not only is Lord Prime Minister, but also Miss Peilin's aunt, a member of the Warrior department."
"Ah!" This time, Master Aquina's expression also changed. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" He glanced at Gezheng quietly. "This matter has nothing to do with us, it's all caused by Gezheng." Geqi nodded quickly, "That's right, that's right." He already understood the master's meaning. If that person comes, everything will be blamed on Gezheng.
After the first dull but "vivid" alchemy class, Gezheng gathered up his books and left, leaving behind a lot of discussion.
Peilin struggled to break free, but a few girls held her back. Peilin shouted, "Let me go, let me go, let me through!" "Linlin, forget it, we'll find another opportunity to deal with him…"
Gossip spread like wildfire at Dongsheng Academy: the suspended head instructor of the alchemy department, a young man, tormented the first deputy dean's hound twice on his first day at school. Despite the low attendance, he persisted and deducted half the students' credits in one go. Peilin, the troublemaker who not only did not pass the class, but also had points deducted, had to make up for it in other courses.
Who is Peilin Murphy? She’s the female demon in Dongsheng Academy. In fact, her status as the lady of the Imperial Prime Minister's Mansion does not allow her to walk around Dongsheng Academy like a crab. The real reason she enjoys such a notorious reputation is because her aunt, Vixi Murphy, is the top destroyer of the Warrior department at Dongsheng Academy. From the president to the ordinary students and staff at Dongsheng Academy, everyone greatly fears Vixi's elegant name, violent temper, and "stubborn" conduct. Even notorious Director Bill, when he saw Vixi, would go the long way around.
Now the students were ecstatic; another good show was about to happen.
Geqi saw the problem and quickly rearranged Gezheng's schedule, pushing it back a few days to let the storm pass. After all, they were both from the alchemy department. If the head of the alchemy department was trampled by the female destroyer, it would bring shame to the entire department.
Gezheng did not know Geqi's intentions, and he was happy to have some free time. Since entering the Delson Royal City, he had never had any free time, and some things he had planned to do had been put on hold.
After class, Miss Feifei hopped over to Gezheng, her two braids dancing behind her. Standing on tiptoe with her hands behind her back, she called out cheerfully, "Teacher!"
Gezheng looked surprised, "What's going on?" Miss Feifei giggled, her crescent-shaped eyes looking at Gezheng: "Father knew that you weren't going back so he let me stay and listen to your teachings. He had actually planned to send me to Dongsheng Academy next year, but it's just a year early. I'm a new student, and I came here today especially to listen to your class! By the way, my father asked me to tell you not to worry about your alchemy shop in Oba City, he will send someone to continue managing it for you."
Gezheng nodded and tapped her head, "You're deliberately teasing me, aren't you? Quite fun, right?" Miss Feifei exclaimed in an exaggerated manner and quickly backed away, "Teacher, please don't, you'll make me stupid. If you have a stupid student, wouldn't that be embarrassing!"
Shala Yaga also approached him, and to make matters worse, Irmelda was with her. Gezheng pulled Feifei, "Let's go quickly."
"Gezheng!" Just as he was about to leave, Irmelda came running behind him and whispered, "If you run away, I'll shout that you abandoned me in Wanshan City!" Gezheng looked helpless, losing all his intimidation from the classroom. "Miss Irmelda, aren't you worried about your reputation?"
Irmelda shrugged, "I am the heir to the city lord in Wanshan City. Here, I'm nothing, no one will notice me. But you're different…" She pointed at Gezheng.
Miss Feifei blinked at the side, not understanding what they were talking about.
Gezheng said, "Alright, I apologize to you, it was wrong of me to slip away secretly, is that enough?" "No!" Irmelda raised her chin. Thinking she couldn't just let him off, she never expected to meet Gezheng here. When she saw the bulletin board, she thought it was someone with the same name, but then she thought it was too coincidental. Gezheng's name was already rare on the continent and being an alchemist, she decided to come and take a look. It was like a little chick delivered to a big python's mouth…
"What do you want? I won't take you as my disciple," Gezheng made his attitude clear.
But this time, Irmelda was straightforward, "I don't need to be your student, I'll just listen to your class. You are already my teacher."
"Then what do you want?"
"What do I want?" Irmelda's eyes brightened and she pulled Shala over, "I want you to help my good friend, Princess Shala, make a suit of body armor!"
"Ah!" Gezheng, Feifei, and Shala were all astonished. Irmelda raised an eyebrow, "What, not agreeing? I'll shout…"
Gezheng quickly pulled Feifei's hand, "Let's go. Miss Irmelda, if you don't care about your own reputation, then please go ahead and shout as much as you like. Goodbye."
After saying that, he really pulled Feifei away. Irmelda was stunned, she opened her mouth but then closed it. Shala Yaga pulled her, "Irmelda, let it go. I've told you before that this person is not that easy to deal with…" Shala looked at Gezheng's back, with a hint of reluctance, anger, and other emotions.
Irmelda gritted her teeth, "Who's afraid of who!"
"Gezheng, I chased you from Wanshan City all the way to Delson, haven't I earned the right to change your cold and indifferent heart? Have you really forgotten the sweet nights we spent together, or do you no longer want your child?"
"Whoosh…" It was the end of class, and there were many students coming and going. A breathtaking beauty, tall and standing out among the group, suddenly shouted these heartbroken and desolate words, causing all the students to be in an uproar. Gezheng paused, not expecting Irmelda to really go all out. He thought to himself: my reputation can't bring me gold coins, and anyway, I will leave this world sooner or later. What does it matter what others think of me?
He took Feifei's hand and walked away.
Irmelda really went all out, falling into Shala's arms and crying bitterly, "For that little fox spirit, you don't even want your own family, do you…"
Feifei felt hundreds of eyes looking at her, but as a little witch, Irmelda suddenly dragged her in, it sparked a rebellious feeling in Feifei's heart: little fox spirit? I'll play along, so what! Red-faced, she clung forcefully to Gezheng's arm!
Soon, the news spread again; about the young head instructor of the alchemy department, someone dubbed him with an additional nickname: the Love Killer Head Instructor!
It didn't take long for people to recognize that this dual-leader of the alchemy and love departments was the same alchemist who won first place in the royal competition. They now understood why President Ramiro hired such a young person without any doubt.
On the contrary, Gezheng's heroic deeds in saving the entire Delson Royal City were not widely known due to the suppression by King Mejeff IV and the three princes.
…
He walked all the way to Gezheng's residence, and Feifei finally let go of his hand, then acted as if nothing had happened and marched into the dining hall.
Gezheng shook his head, about to follow, when suddenly someone blocked his path.
"Nu'bero?" Gezheng was surprised.
The female alchemist's eyes glistened in the light. "Can I have a moment of your time?" Gezheng breathed a sigh of relief. Among all his students today, she was the only one who showed proper respect towards her teacher and was worthy of praise from the entire school.
"What is it?"
"It's not very convenient to talk here," Nu'bero said with difficulty.
Gezheng gestured, "It's quiet upstairs." Nu'bero nodded.
Gezheng led her to the third floor and found an empty room, then closed the door. "Go ahead and speak." Nu'bero didn't say anything, she gathered her long hair behind her ears, then held the forehead of her mask in one hand and the chin in the other. She pulled and pushed, and with a crack, the metal mask split open from her forehead to her chin, unfolding like a ladybug's wings.
"Uh…" Gezheng was alarmed to see a terrifying face behind the mask.
When Gezheng was on Earth, he occasionally watched horror movies on television and the internet, but all the horror elements put together in those movies were nothing compared to the face he saw now.
If a woman had such a face, it would be a very tragic thing!
After the initial shock, Gezheng noticed something peculiar, "It looks like something is blocking your face, isn't it?"
Nu'bero removed a pair of very thin gloves from her hands, the gloves matched the color of her skin. Her hands looked just like her face.
"It's not just my face. This thing has been on my body since I can remember. I grew up with it, and no matter what method I try, I can't get rid of it. I've been to many places, and people have told me that it's a very unique alchemical work. To remove it from my body, I need to use alchemy."
"So you learned alchemy for that purpose?" Gezheng asked. Nu'bero nodded, "But with my skill, I can't remove this magical skin. So, I would like to ask for your help."
Gezheng frowned, "Why don't you go find Master Aquina and Baron Benat from that day?"
Nubelo shook his head, "Don't you understand? A regular alchemist would be of no use to me at all." "Then how can you be so sure that I'm special?" Nubelo said, "I've been watching you for a long time, ever since those three alchemy contests. Your work stands out. I believe you are the person I've been looking for!"
She stepped forward and said, "Will you help me?" Her words and eyes were filled with hope, as if Ge Zheng were her lifeline.
Looking at her terrifying face devoid of any other elements, Ge Zheng didn't immediately respond. He reached out and gently touched Nubelo's face with two fingers. A strange sensation came over him, a feeling he knew well. He gently rubbed his fingers, feeling it meticulously, then suddenly squinted his eyes and remembered: it was the feeling of the dragon's ice chamber, that unique sensation of the metallic texture with bodily elasticity, exactly! Ge Zheng's interest was piqued, and he nodded, "Alright, I'll do my best."
Nubelo was overjoyed and knelt down with a thud, "Thank you, Master, thank you, Master, thank you, Master..." Ge Zheng pulled her up and said, "I can only promise to do my best. I can't be sure if I can help you."
"I understand."
...
Agreeing to help Nubelo was purely due to Ge Zheng's curiosity. The sensation of the "magic skin" was just too similar to that of the dragon's ice chamber. However, Ge Zheng didn't notice that as he touched Nubelo's face with the magic skin, a subtle trace of shyness appeared in her eyes.
Nubelo left Ge Zheng's house wearing a mask and gloves, her skin covered with a layer of fake skin underneath, invisible to anyone.
She hurried with her head down, her chest pounding like a small deer, thumping...
She told herself: Can't blame the Master, he doesn't know that this layer of magic skin feels the same as my own skin, transmitting any sensation clearly to my brain. That's why he acted so lightly... but she couldn't help but recall the feeling again, the warm fingers of two men gently touching her face, because no man had ever touched her through this layer of magic skin.
Nubelo didn't know what her body looked like underneath this magic skin, she had worn it since she could remember and had tried everything to remove it, to no avail. It wasn't just a simple covering, it was closely related to her, like a layer of skin, and if cut open, it would hurt her just the same.
However, regardless of beauty or ugliness, fatness or leanness, high or low status, everyone has the right to pursue love and be loved, a gift from the heavens. Even the current Nubelo had the same sacred right.
...
With a rare few days of free time, Ge Zheng could finally attend to things he had stored up before. The two most important things: the item he had promised to forge for Gronia and the human body equation.
He decided to first forge the item for Gronia, even though she had never urged him, he felt embarrassed to delay any longer.
He set up a laboratory in a room on the third floor and instructed Dunkel, then started forging the quasi-sacred item for Gronia.
The materials were already fully prepared, and the soul fire of the bone spirit, which had not been found before, was replaced by a second magic core of the python crocodile. However, Ge Zheng had a new idea.
He took out two storage rings from his pocket and smiled slightly: That dark alchemist was indeed a good person. Every time I didn't have time to pick up his stuff, he appeared in front of me, letting me kill him again, and giving me another chance to pick up treasures.
The storage rings of the dark alchemist definitely contained materials related to the undead. Ge Zheng wanted to see if there was anything useful for him inside.
Both rings had complex magical locks, not like those fancy but impractical ones on the doors of Dongsheng Academy. They were works of art created by the top alchemists. Even Ge Zheng took a long time to figure out how to unlock them. Closer didn't put much thought into the storage rings because he was confident no one could defeat him. He was a super alchemist with ten artifacts. If someone could kill him and take the ring, no matter how much effort he had put into the magical locks, the opponent could still unlock it.