"According to the Wizard Tower Tradition, the primary principle of the Art of Alchemy is equivalent exchange.
The conservation of mass and energy, as well as the transformation of spirit and matter, are also forms of exchange.
Both tangible and intangible things are encompassed within this principle.
Even change and transformation themselves!"
At its core, the Art of Alchemy is the process of transforming "base metals" into "noble metals."
By extension, it includes the creation of Enchanted Equipment, Magic Crystals, Magical Potions...
The transformation of various substances.
Even the transformation of life and soul!
But things cannot be created or destroyed out of nothing.
True creation and destruction must be traced back to the "Primordial Origin," the "Supreme Exalted," and the "Ultimate Zenith."
Those beyond the heavens, the gods above gods, the creators and destroyers of the universe...
"Under normal circumstances, whether mundane or extraordinary, one should avoid this topic as much as possible..."
Roy thought to himself.
"Otherwise, it becomes an endless stacking of boxes, constantly moving upward, toward the realm of abstraction.
Only by deeply understanding these framework limitations can one truly grasp that the conservation of mass and energy is indeed a fundamental truth."
...
A few more days passed, and in the carving room.
Roy eagerly rushed to complete a life-sized statue of a centaur.
Its upper body resembled a robust human male, though the face was indistinct, with blurred features, the muscle lines were clearly defined.
The lower body was that of a horse, with well-developed muscles and strong hooves.
The pose was as if it were in mid-gallop, its mane flowing in the wind, and its tail held high, exuding a sense of vitality and strength.
To complete it, Roy had poured all his skills into the work.
The combination of being a [Proficient] and his [Artisan Skill] was indeed remarkable.
As a result, the entire statue appeared lifelike.
Even the weapon it held in its hand, a spear that looked as if it were forged from steel, was rendered with such realism that it seemed sharp and gleaming with a cold light.
"What a masterpiece!"
"It's practically a work of art!"
"We couldn't carve something like this in three years, even if we tried."
Stedson and the others gathered around, showering Roy with endless praise.
But amidst the flattery, there was also genuine admiration.
Over the past few days, they had witnessed the statue taking shape and knew how much effort Roy had put into it.
Such a work was enough to astonish and impress them, earning their respect.
Roy laughed heartily, "You're exaggerating, really.
In truth, this statue is only at the level of an entry-level craftsman."
He was well aware that, as a stonemason, he might now be considered a beginner, capable of earning a living as a skilled worker even in a large carving workshop.
But from an artistic perspective, to say it was exceptional...
That would be undeserved praise.
"I'm actually not entirely satisfied with this statue. I didn't manage to capture the heroic demeanor of the warrior, nor the mystique of the centaur as a fantastical creature.
It feels a bit like a forced combination of human and horse statues...
But it'll have to do for now!"
Amidst the astonishment of the onlookers, Roy pulled out a vial of Centaur Blood Essence.
"Senior Roy, are you planning to cast a spell?" Stedson asked in surprise.
"Indeed," Roy replied, as he took out a cloth, drenched it, and began to apply it to the statue.
"It looks like the Wizardry for animating statues!" another intermediate apprentice exclaimed.
Another advanced apprentice said, "It's indeed the method for crafting a gargoyle."
This was an elective class similar to a hobby club, with apprentices of various levels attending.
The main reason they came to learn this course was the same as Roy's—to create animated statues and the like.
Hearing this, the others also gathered around, showing keen interest.
Since this wasn't some secret technique, Roy didn't need to keep it confidential and openly demonstrated it.
He took some time to evenly apply the centaur blood essence.
Then, he chanted the incantation for the Animation Art.
"..."
With a strange twist, the statue began to move.
At first, it was slightly stiff and awkward, like someone who had been frozen for a long time, moving very unnaturally.
But gradually, the blood seeped into the stone surface, making the newly carved stone look ancient and natural.
The movements of the statue also became more agile.
Roy felt a significant amount of his Wizardry Energy being drawn out and infused into the statue.
However, since he had already condensed the Source of Magic, his Mana quickly replenished.
This level of energy drain was still within an acceptable range.
He focused his attention on the statue, sensing a special force brewing inside it, gradually forming a mysterious energy circulation.
His Arcane Imprint was successfully implanted within, forming a control hub.
Control nodes were established in the heart, brain, limb joints, and other parts.
This control system was inspired by Puppetry, and the Spell Model had been taught.
Thus, a stone automata was officially completed.
"Did it succeed?"
"It seems so..."
The onlookers were itching with excitement, even more so than Roy himself.
"Senior Roy's skills are truly exceptional..."
"So impressive!"
Ignoring the flatterers, Roy mounted the statue and used his will to control the Arcane Imprint hidden within.
The centaur statue began to run, charging out of the classroom and heading towards the training ground.
"Let's go and see the excitement!"
Everyone abandoned the carving class and followed.
They discovered that Roy was already inside, conducting various tests on the statue.
It had short-term mobility, with an output roughly equivalent to that of an advanced knight.
Its endurance might be lacking, but due to the effects of the Mana Gathering Wizard Array and other Wizardry achievements inside, it could regain activity after a long period of standby.
After its energy was depleted, it could move again after some rest.
Under the spell's influence, the statue's joints and moving parts became flexible, but the rest remained hard stone, making it difficult for ordinary people and weapons to harm it.
As for its defense, it relied entirely on the strength of the sandstone material.
Statues of this level didn't have magical defenses, which would require Arcane techniques or materials.
"Such a monster lacks intelligence and has a monotonous fighting style...
But it's perfect for guarding fixed locations...
If intelligence were infused into it, it could even participate in patrols and defense."
Such golems have a wide range of uses.
If artistic value is also considered, they could perfectly serve as both decorations and guards in the castles of the Wizards.
"I remember reading about such things in many adventure journals and Wizard's notes!"
"Mass-producing these Golems and controlling them with special methodswould create a Golem Legion, right?"
"It would be enough to conquer some Low-Magic Worlds..."
After observing for a while, everyone came to this conclusion.
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