Author's note: this is from Serina's point of view

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~ Frankfurt, Germany ~

I reached Aldus's apartment ahead of time, nervous and giddy that I will finally meet with Duke again.

In the last five days, we saw each other via video calls twice a day. He would call me in the morning after he wakes up, and I would call him in the evening. In between those, we exchanged numerous messages.

Duke is super-handsome even with his bed hair. Every morning he would rake his fingers through his hair while trying to tame his unruly locks and apologizing that he didn't do his morning routine with an excuse how he was eager to see me as soon as possible. Can a man be any sweeter?

I hoped that he didn't go to work like that, because that messy hair made him extra attractive.

To say that I'm on top of the world is an understatement. I never knew that one person can be this happy and not explode.

For the last five days, I barely slept.

Calista left to continue her vacation-adventures on a Tuesday morning, happy that she squeezed out of me every moment I spent with Duke. She didn't want to meet him over a video call, saying how she will see him in person.

Since Calista left, I spent most of the time in the lab.

Research and practice helped me pass time, and even though my mastery of air control is far from being at the level where I can fine-tune the alchemic flames, I didn't blow up anything either. Overall, the last few days were a success.

Oh, and I reached another milestone! Aldus finally showed me how to extract life essence. I read about it more than two years ago, but he told me that I'm not ready. I was surprised that he changed his mind as I had no idea why he suddenly decided to teach me the process.

We practiced on small critters that Krob collected from who-knows-where.

Looking at the caged creatures I saw rabbits, squirrels, and hedgehogs, and I started doubting if I can do it.

Aldus had a motivational speech ready.

"These are old and will die soon anyway. You can't create something from nothing. The rules of nature are that everything has a price. One day, you will be in the position where you need to save someone important. There are cases when mending broken bones and stitching wounds is not enough. Life essence is an important ingredient and as an alchemist, you need to learn to extract it, store it, and use it…"

"Alright, alright…", I assured him that I've got the message. "I will treat this as a lesson in biology where we dissect the frogs."

Aldus placed a rabbit in the middle of the stone table that was engraved with intricate alchemic symbols. The rabbit had its legs tied up so that it can't escape. I did my best to treat him as a specimen and not as a living thing.

'This is for science. This is for science.', I repeated in my head. 'What if Duke is on the verge of dying? Would you prioritize a rabbit over him?'

I hoped that I will not be in a position where I need to pick one life over another, but in the case of Duke or Aldus, my choice would be clear. It would be a burden for me to carry, but I would have no regrets.

After a long time, I finally found a handful of people that care about me and make me happy, and I will do anything to keep them safe.

I'm not the one who would harm others randomly, but I chose to believe that saving my loved ones is justified no matter the cost.

"Watch carefully…", Aldus told me before he started making hand signs and the alchemic symbols on the table lit up in faint yellow light.

After about one minute, the rabbit's eyes became dull as a wisp of light blue smoke rose from it and Aldus collected the smoke in a special bottle with a wave of his hand.

"Is this life essence?", I asked, and Aldus confirmed with a hum.

The whole bottle was glowing in pulses of white and blue.

"It's beautiful.", I shared my thoughts.

"Because it's this faint, you can see that the creature didn't have much time left. Various creatures' life essence will be of different colors."

I was curious, "What makes the color change?"

"Things such as abilities, affinity to elements, corruption."

I thought that Aldus was looking at the bottle with fervor, but then I heard Krob smacking his dry lips and I realized that this is Krob's food, and he was eager to get a snack.

Aldus did the process one more time, and then it was my turn.

My first two attempts were total failures, but Krob was happily collecting with his void-like mouth bits that didn't dissipate.

Krob fluttered around me expectantly. It made me feel how instead of doing a complex alchemic process that resembled witchcraft, I'm opening a pack of treats.

"You are hoping I will fail. Aren't you?", I grumbled at Krob and he smiled innocently while avoiding to look at me.

My third try was a partial success as I bottled up about half of the life essence.

I had to take a small break because my left wrist was hurting. The pain was on the exact spot where the bracelet which allows me to control runes got embedded into my flesh. It seems that I have a limit on how much I can use it.

My every next attempt of extracting life essence was a bit better.

Numerous attempts later, I still needed to master the process fully and Aldus told me that once I reach there, we will move onto bigger animals.

I'm not sure I want to reach that milestone, but I look forward to the part of how to use the life essence.

It must be magical to be able to breathe vitality into others and I wondered what the effects would be. Ah, there is so much for me to learn!

And that is how my week passed all the way until Friday afternoon when I hopped on the plane to Frankfurt with Mitch and Maria.

Back to the present…

I looked down to the busy street from the window and smiled at the sight of many shops, restaurants, and bars that were bustling with patrons.

The apartment is in the Bornheim neighborhood, known for its charming medieval architecture.

I could guess that Aldus picked this location because of the large international community and many tourists that make blending in easy.

Of course, Aldus owns the entire building. I'm staying in the top floor apartment which spans two levels. The main level has a living room, kitchen, dining room, and a study, while the top floor has three bedrooms of the same size, each with a bathroom attached.

The apartments on the first three floors are reserved for the staff and guests (if any).

When we reached, a housekeeper Bjorn, welcomed us. Besides him, two more maids are staying here to maintain the building.

It made me wonder how many people are working for Aldus. It seems that he has properties everywhere and each is staffed. Amazing.

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