The Alchemist of the Heavens

Crowley

Desmond had stepped out of his carriage and then glanced around the vast academy's grounds. It didn't take him long to realise that everything was as enchanting as rumoured.

Cardinal Amber gently began to guide Desmond and George, who was right behind him, along the paths of the academy's grounds towards the interior of the building.

It wasn't hard to see the astonishment in George's eyes. After all, George was someone who was constantly on the battlefield, going in and out of dungeons, even serving as a mercenary in other countries. He had never been in such a peaceful, beautiful and, in a general sense, “noble” place before.

The Seraphim Academy was that beautiful.

The academy served as both a high school and a university. Naturally, this meant that many students, both young and old, could be seen wandering around.

Of course, this also meant that almost every one of them was looking at Cardinal Amber and, consequently, at Desmond and George.

Desmond was used to this level of attention, but it was starting to become excessive.

"This is the academy's entrance, sir, or rather, one of the three entrances. Normally, you would need to get approval from the entrance area to enrol in the academy, but since the academy has already started, we will need to go to the headmaster's office," Cardinal Amber said suddenly.

Hearing this, Desmond indicated that there was no problem, and the trio entered the school and began walking through the corridors towards the tall tower in the northern part of the enormous school.

They reached the tower in a short time and climbed the stairs, arriving at the headmaster's office shortly afterwards.

Cardinal Amber knocked on the two large doors and then entered. The door opened again shortly afterwards, and this time both Desmond and George were allowed in. It happened quite fast.

George began to wait quietly on the sidelines, while Desmond approached a man sitting at the far end of the room, behind a large desk, on something resembling a wooden bench. The man had grey hair, a grey beard, and brown eyes.

Desmond had heard many stories about this man.

He was the very man who, at only eleven years old, had managed to create twelve magic rings and had been sent a message by Nyx herself to the Church of the Night, earning him the nickname ‘The Brightest Mind’.

"Greetings, young Moon. My name is Crowley Elvis Cromwell. I have heard of your deeds and what you wish to accomplish. Please come now and sit down. You will need to look over the documents."

One of the greatest figures in the world's billions of years of history.

Crowley Elvis Cromwell, one of the five greatest wizards of all time.

Desmond felt as if he had to obey the authority of the old man in front of him in an instant. Although Crowley had only made a request, it would be accurate to say that Desmond felt as if he had heard an order.

After sitting down in the designated spot, three documents suddenly appeared before him, documents that had seemingly materialised from the flames, bearing dozens of magical seals that even someone like Desmond, who knew a great deal about seals, could not comprehend in the slightest.

"Perfect..." Desmond murmured to himself.

He began examining the documents one by one. They contained all the permissions for the enormous mansion he would be given, an imperial room at the academy if he wished, a special permit allowing him to attend only alchemy classes, a massive amount of gold to be given to him each month for his expenses, provided he remained affiliated with the academy, and much more.

In short, Desmond was seen as someone special.

"Uhh... Sir," Desmond said suddenly. He began to look at Crowley's face as if something had been troubling him.

When he called out like that, even though he couldn't see him, Cardinal Amber looked directly at Crowley and, with just his eyes, conveyed that he should treat Desmond well.

"What's the matter, young man? Is something missing?" Crowley inquired with great curiosity.

"No, of course not. These permissions and privileges are excellent; it's just this mansion business. Mr Grey had already mentioned that he would find a mansion for himself. So I don't think I need this," said Desmond.

Crowley looked visibly surprised by these words.

"Grey... Are you referring to Edward Grey?" Crowley inquired.

Desmond tilted his head and said, "I don't know any other Grey, Professor."

Crowley tried not to show it on his face, but his whole body trembled inwardly. It was unbelievable that an inquisitor would serve someone else, especially someone from the imperial family, with his own hands.

It wasn't difficult for Crowley to understand how much potential the young man in front of him had.

"As you wish," said Crowley, snapping his fingers. With that, the three regions in front of Desmond burned away and reappeared in another form.

Desmond carefully read the documents, signed each one, and then said, "Still, I have one request, if possible."

"Of course, young man, let me hear it," said Crowley.

"If I'm not mistaken, you are very skilled at making magical artefacts, and as you can see, I am not talented in magic. Could I ask you to make a magic bag for me? Or a space ring?" asked Desmond with great curiosity.

When Crowley heard these requests, he shook his head and then said, "I can have it to you within two weeks, but I see you already have a magic bag. If there's a problem with it, I can repair it."

"Oh no!" said Desmond, adding, "There are just hundreds of boxes of alchemy supplies in the magic bag, and there are sixty boxes in the church. In short, it's a small-capacity magic bag. It was made by my sister for my twelfth birthday."

Crowley nodded once as if he understood and said, "Alright, that's possible. Do you have any other requests?"