Chapter Forty-Six: The Alchemical Pistol

After initially mastering a few level-zero spells, Qi Xiao began formally studying the only offensive spell available to spatial apprentices—Dimensional Slash. After all, he was preparing to hone his skills in the Duel Tower, and it was essential to learn this signature spell of his discipline.

Although spatial apprentices had only this single offensive spell at their disposal, it was precisely because of its uniqueness that spatial wizards had refined Dimensional Slash to perfection. For example, by slightly altering the spell's model, it could be enchanted onto weapons, extending its duration and enhancing precision. Another variant involved concentrating multiple Dimensional Slashes in one area to trigger an explosion, releasing potent spatial energy that inflicted tremendous damage within its radius. This was essentially a greatly weakened version of the classic spatial spell—Dimensional Explosion—but its destructive power and range at the apprentice level were still astonishing, though its consumption was excessive and it easily caused unintentional harm to allies and oneself.

There were even methods to set Dimensional Slash traps on the ground or in the air, activating when enemies entered certain zones, delivering unexpected slicing injuries. In short, with its formidable inherent power and myriad variants, Dimensional Slash was a must-learn for spatial wizards. Qi Xiao had not studied it before, partly because he had no immediate need, and partly because he hoped the system would directly grant him the spell. Unfortunately, the system’s gifts were too random, and it was wishful thinking to expect a specific spell with certainty.

As for other level-two spatial spells like Spatial Distortion and Spatial Shield, Qi Xiao set them aside for now. Each level-two spatial spell required at least half a month of diligent practice just to reach the threshold, and that was only because of Qi Xiao's considerable talent in the spatial arts. He simply didn't have the time to devote to them, especially when alchemical tools could substitute their effects.

He hadn’t kept many alchemical tools for himself, having sold most to trigger the system’s feedback. It was time to address these shortcomings and replenish his arsenal.

Over the following week, Qi Xiao immersed himself in his teacher’s and his own collected interpretations on Dimensional Slash, yet numerous questions remained. He duly noted these in his journal, planning to consult his teacher upon his return. Closing the book and rubbing his nose, Qi Xiao felt his self-study had reached its limit; further learning would have to wait for his teacher’s guidance.

It wasn’t that Qi Xiao couldn’t solve these problems himself, but understanding them required extensive reading and deep contemplation. With a teacher available, it would be a waste of precious time to do otherwise.

The auction feedback arrived as well. In addition to magical energy, he received a notebook filled with recipes and effects for various common witch brews. Some casual notes detailed key points to watch for when brewing certain concoctions.

Witch brews counted as a branch of alchemical potions, blended with elements of culinary arts. He also obtained two level-one spells: Earth Fissure and Entangling Spell.

Qi Xiao’s repertoire of spells was now ample. After crafting another alchemical device to shore up his weaknesses, he planned to try his hand at the Duel Tower.

Undoubtedly, Qi Xiao’s greatest deficiency was weaponry. He remembered several firearms schematics he had seen before and resolved to craft a hot weapon.

The wizarding world's technological level was far from primitive; mechanical alchemy was just emerging, and in films two centuries later it would become the dominant trend. Firearms existed, but were mostly ancient tube-shaped shooting devices. Their reload speed was abysmal, range limited, operation cumbersome, and ammunition prone to dampness or even premature explosions, making them rare choices.

Qi Xiao, of course, would not replicate such outdated hot weapons. He intended to create a compact, single-handed firearm.

With the addition of alchemical elements, the original schematics had to be radically overhauled. Qi Xiao sketched the pistol's front, side, and top views, adjusting its dimensions and contours.

In the final design, every detail was meticulously considered and calculated to ensure the pistol's construction met both traditional craftsmanship standards and the unique magical efficacy of alchemy.

Qi Xiao chose high-strength phantom steel alloy to forge a lightweight yet robust frame, guaranteeing stability and durability in any environment. He designed a precise inlaid slot at the pistol’s core for a magical conduit crystal, detailing its shape, size, and fastening method to ensure optimal energy transmission.

Inside the barrel, he engraved a series of intricate elemental activation runes, arranged in a precise sequence and position to achieve the best conversion of various elemental energies. The magazine’s blueprint specified bullet specifications, capacity, and magical infusion channels, ensuring each round could be effectively charged.

He also inscribed targeting and auto-calibration runes capable of sensing life fluctuations, enabling accurate firing even when visibility was obstructed, and synchronized them with the pistol’s rune array. For the grip and trigger, he engraved runes to enhance the weapon’s stability.

Most ingeniously, the internal energy cycle converted recoil from each shot into energy for the next, recharging the weapon automatically.

The pistol’s overall lines were sleek, the body adorned in deep blue and silver, with a surface that shimmered like a galactic constellation, glowing faintly as the user fired it.

Qi Xiao was quite satisfied with his creation. Although not yet reaching the level of a refined-grade weapon, it stood out among ordinary alchemical devices, its efficacy in direct combat even surpassing that of a refined engraved bracelet.

Testing its power, Qi Xiao found that thanks to the multiple elemental activation runes, it could fire bullets of many types: flame, frost, thunder, corrosive acid, toxin, holy, hurricane, and light—eight varieties in all.

Though it seemed abundant, it might have been better to reduce the number and leave more space to enhance destructive power. But as this was merely a practice piece, Qi Xiao valued versatility and functionality over sheer force.

He even made a special holster attached to his belt. Its primary function was to house the pistol, cool the barrel, and provide minimal protective qualities.

Nevertheless, its appearance was stunning, crafted from premium synthetic leather, offering excellent durability and texture. The holster’s color matched the alchemical pistol—a deep black, yet with the brilliance of a starry sky, dazzling in its own right.