Nolan’s reply was calm, yet firm, “Yes, you heard me right.”
Leus seemed to realize he had spoken out of turn. He waved his hands repeatedly, looking somewhat flustered. “Ah, Adjutant Nolan is a war hero—I’m not questioning your resolve or your ability. It’s just… how should I put it…” He pointed at himself, then at the strange-smelling bottles and jars around him. “I’m just a down-and-out alchemist who can barely afford the rent… The greatest achievement of my life has been tinkering with a few little inventions no one wants… Of course, I’m quite satisfied with my creations, but objectively speaking… compared to the grand things you’re talking about, it feels like they belong to entirely different worlds…”
With his straightforward military temperament, Hank clearly couldn’t stand this wavering attitude. He turned to Nolan and asked bluntly, “You really want him?”
Nolan nodded, his gaze never leaving Leus. “He will be at the core of our future military equipment. He’s someone who can change the course of a war. Trust me.”
Hank said nothing more. He simply clenched the cigar between his teeth a little tighter and exhaled a thick plume of smoke, a silent sign of agreement.
Seeing Nolan’s persistence, Leus gradually calmed down. He looked at Nolan, confusion written across his face. “Mr. Nolan… why do you think so highly of me? As you can see, I’ve already exhausted myself just trying to keep this little shop running, and still, no customers come. My greatest dream is simply to continue the alchemy I love and… to give my son a stable life.”
When he said the word “stable,” his gaze unconsciously drifted toward a small, slightly faded portrait on the inner side of the counter. In it, a gentle, smiling woman gazed quietly back at him.
Nolan caught the detail, a knowing smile appearing on his face. “It’s precisely that passion—and the things you wish to protect—that I value most. Mr. Leus, there’s no doubt that you are extraordinarily talented.”
Nolan stood and walked over to the shelves in the front shop, casually picking up the “three-in-one male enhancement elixir.”
“Take this, for example. With a slight adjustment to the concentration of Matona Grass, and the addition of a trace amount of Elfin Drake blood, it would undergo a qualitative transformation into a true breakthrough potion capable of enhancing a soldier’s physique.”
He then glanced toward the cluster of crystals in the corner.
“And that—your energy condensation crystals—are nothing short of genius. Their only flaw at present is instability. Once that problem is solved, they’ll become one of the most terrifying large-scale weapons on the battlefield. Of course, this involves both alchemy and magitech. My knowledge is limited, so I can’t offer much more help…”
Before Nolan could finish, Leus’s eyes had already widened further and further as he listened. At last, he practically lunged forward, grabbing Nolan’s arm, his whole body trembling. “A kindred spirit! You’re truly a kindred spirit! Matona Grass and Elfin Drake blood—my heavens! Mr. Nolan, how did you come up with that?! You’re the real alchemical genius!”
His intense reaction left even Hank momentarily stunned.
Nolan shook his head. “Just a small trick of borrowing others’ flowers to offer as a gift. Mr. Leus, you mustn’t belittle yourself.” After all, these were your own inventions… in the future, he silently added in his mind.
At this moment, the way Leus looked at Nolan was filled with reverence and fervor. For someone so young to possess such genius ideas and insight—could it be that he had once studied under the mysterious people of Tyr? It was said they were the greatest mages and alchemical scholars.
He pointed at the crystals, rubbing his hands excitedly. “You’re absolutely right! Though… you call it energy condensation crystals? Actually, I only just came up with it last week—it doesn’t even have a name yet…”
Hank, cigar in mouth, cast Nolan a meaningful glance.
Nolan suddenly felt a bit awkward.
Well… that slipped out. If this keeps up, he might really be mistaken for some kind of prophet.
He cleared his throat and steered the conversation back on track. “It’s just a name. That’s not important. What matters is my proposal just now. Mr. Leus, I need your answer.”
The fervor in Leus’ eyes gradually faded, replaced by intense inner turmoil. He fell silent for a moment, the excitement on his face disappearing. “To be honest, meeting someone like you, Mr. Nolan, makes me as happy as when an experiment succeeds. For a moment, my heart was pounding, urging me to accept your invitation. But…” His voice fell lower. “What I fear more… is the uncertainty of the future. You’re someone who stands tall and unyielding. I don’t doubt your resolve or your courage. You might think me spineless, but I’m just an ordinary man. Leaving this little shop would mean my entire life’s path changes completely… I…”
Though he never said the word “no,” the refusal in his tone was unmistakable. Hank frowned and was about to speak, but Nolan raised a hand to stop him.
“Mr. Leus, saving this kingdom is not empty talk, nor is it a mission meant only for some destined hero. The kingdom is facing a crisis, yet most people remain unaware. But when that crisis truly falls upon you and me, what will be left of the ‘stability’ you long for? Will you still have time to respond?”
Nolan’s gaze passed over Leus’ shoulder, landing on the small figure hiding behind the door, secretly listening.
“Think of it this way—saving the kingdom is also about ensuring the next generation can grow up freely and safely under the sunlight.”
That sentence made Leus tremble.
Before he could respond, a timid voice came from the doorway, “Dad… I think Mr. Nolan is right!”
Leus spun around. “Kreil!”
Though his body trembled with nervousness, the boy mustered his courage and continued, “I don’t understand those big ideas, but I know there must be many people in the kingdom who need help—just like us!” His voice quivered, tinged with tears. “Mom… if she were still alive, she’d want to see a future full of light and warmth!”
Mom…
That word shattered every last defense in Leus’ heart. “Stop! Your mother—”
He shut his eyes in pain, taking several deep breaths, his fists clenched tight.
Hank and Nolan exchanged a glance. Nolan silently mouthed, “Give him time.”
The air fell quiet for several minutes as Leus stood there, eyes closed. In the end, he was the one who broke the silence. When he opened his eyes, the confusion and hesitation within them had vanished completely.
Looking at Nolan, he spoke with solemn resolve, “Alright! I’ve decided—I’m in.” His tone and bearing now resembled that great alchemist from another timeline.
“Dad!” Kreil cried out in delight, tears finally spilling over as he threw himself into his father’s arms.
With the matter settled, Nolan felt his spirits lift. “Welcome to the team to save the kingdom, future great alchemist. We’ll be leaving in three days. Make your preparations—we won’t disturb you any longer.” He patted Hank on the shoulder, and the two turned to leave.
Seeing them about to go, Kreil hurriedly broke free from his father’s embrace and called out with all the courage he could muster, “Um… Mr. Nolan! Captain Hank!” He nervously wiped his hands over and over on his worn clothes. “I… I really admire you! Could I… shake your hand?”
Nolan stopped and turned back. Under Kreil’s anxious yet hopeful gaze, instead of extending his hand, Nolan crouched down and opened his arms, pulling the small boy into a firm embrace. He patted his back gently. “You’re a brave child, Kreil. You have a good father.”
As if only just remembering, Leus’ newly established composure collapsed almost instantly. Scratching his head awkwardly, he looked at Nolan. “Oh, right, Mr. Nolan… um… what exactly should I do?”
Nolan laughed, stood up, and extended his hand toward him. “We’ll be setting out for Veli City.”
Leus grasped his hand firmly.
“In the meantime, gather everything important. We… won’t be coming back for a long time.”
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