The Dancer's Chronicle - Secret of Transcendence

[GM-Ayu]

"Drink up, Basil," I held up the potion to Basil. He coughed and turned his face away in disgust. I could empathize. This latest collaboration between Flamel and Carandel's alchemy guild was supposed to be the most potent of potions, but judging from the smell alone, it must be tough to swallow. However, Granny Kathy always said that bad tasting things were good for our health.

"Please Basil, perhaps this time it will help with your lost voice. I am right here." I patted Basil on his back as he reluctantly drank the potion, coughing and wheezing.

"Hey... is the potion that bad? Speak up and tell me Basil."

Yet there was no verbal response. I was hopeful that Basil would speak up, whine and complain, but there was no words out of his mouth. I sighed, and let Basil rest for the night. I sat in front of the dining table and stared blankly at the soup in front of me. I was in no mood to eat anything.



It had been a few months since we were caught up in the sudden invasion of the Unknown in Faeheim. On our way to Carandel, the caravan was attacked by the Scorpion King Nehebko. He took the lives of many. I was fortunate and soon recovered after the battle under the care of the fae and the alchemist guild. In serious times, Flamel was a reliable doctor and alchemist, working tirelessly at the guild to contribute in any way he can. However, Basil was not so fortunate. Although his health mostly recovered, he lost the thing most important to him.


His voice.


Flamel had personally took over Basil's case, but months had passed by and there was no sign of any improvement. I stayed by Basil's bedside as I watched others reunite with their loved ones, and walk out of the alchemy guild with good health and happy faces. Flamel and I traveled everywhere to collect new herbs and plants in his attempt to brew new potions, but nothing was of any help. There were multiple times I took my frustration out on Flamel, blaming the lack of cure on his incompetence. Deep down, I knew fully well that he stayed up for nights to study and spent all his time to think of new formulas. Flamel was trying his very best to help Basil. I overheard his conversations with other alchemists one night where the others questioned why Flamel chose not to raise his own Homunculus which may help with the success of his brews... but that seemed to be a real sore spot on Flamel as the conversation heated up immensely then.

I really wish there was something I can do for Basil.

"I guess the potion's no good this time as well?" said Flamel as he took a seat next to me.

As much as his snappy tone ticked me off on the way to Carandel, I rather had that over the serious tone from Flamel these days. Basil's condition was dragging down everyone's mood, and my responses towards those trying their best to cure Basil did not help. I kept saying to myself that I would control my temper, but every time I ended up lashing out at Flamel.

"Flamel... is there really nothing I can do to help? Anything?"

Flamel closed his eyes and did not reply. Had I offended him again?


"Seek the help of either the Light or Dark Allegiance. With their resources and network of information available, perhaps they may know of a cure to restore the voice for a mute. I am ashamed to call myself an alchemist yet I am of no value here." sighed Flamel in total defeat. I could barely bring myself under control and could not even thank those who took care of Basil for these months. I was shocked, but also grew in admiration to Flamel as a professional alchemist for being able to admit to his own faults. If only I could be as honest about this situation as he is.

"Will they really help me? We are mere orphans and not a cent to our name. We lived off of you and the alchemy guild's generosity..." I asked.

"But Prontera is your hometown right? Along with being a hub for many adventurers, there should be people who can help. I also wrote to a nerd friend of mine from Yuno who can help. The bookworm's name is Celia Alde. She will help you."

I was moved that Flamel had planned all of this out for me. He must have put a lot of thoughts into it to have asked his friend to help. To embark on a journey back home, how could I leave Basil behind?

"I'll stay here to look after Basil. Don't worry about it." But as if on cue, Flamel read my facial expressions and addressed my concerns immediately as he started to head back to his room. "Maybe pick up some 'real' clothes too while you're back home in Prontera."


Thank you, Flamel.