Mage Jino seemed relieved after seeing Adam and he hurriedly whispered to him, "This is the Level 2 Mage specializing in alchemy from the City of Annecy. Solve the problem between both of you quickly." He then walked away quickly as if he was trying to escape Mage Morde.
Mage Morde was tall, with Adam only reaching his chest. Mage Morde snickered at Mage Jino's words and reassured Adam, "There won't be any issues. No matter what happens, I won't hurt an apprentice."
Adam nodded and politely invited him into the laboratory, then motioned for James and the others to stay calm. He led Mage Morde and Frank into his living room.
"Good day, Mage Morde," Adam greeted.
Mage Morde studied Adam intently, his grumpy expression loosening, "Knowledge radiates from your body. You seem to be one of us."
Adam wasn't in the mood to entertain him and asked bluntly, "Mage Morde, what is your purpose for coming here?"
To other mages, Adam's current attitude would be considered rude, but Mage Morde thankfully doesn't care. Perhaps this is the difference between a Mage who works in the Tower and a free Mage living in the city, or perhaps Mage Morde considers Adam a mage.
"You may have knowledge on you, but I can't sense any talents of alchemy from you," Mage Morde stared. "You aren't an alchemist, and yet, you dare to try and challenge my masterpiece?"
Frank remained silent. He didn't feel like he was qualified to speak at the moment.
"Your Excellency," Adam paused. "We all know that a person cannot adapt to a mechanical body because their human body cannot resist against the corrosive effects of magic."
Mage Morde snorted. This was public knowledge, but he remained silent.
Adam produced a new mechanical body that Frank had bought, showcasing the continuous flow of metal and runes imprinted on it, "I am deeply fascinated by alchemy -- I have no intention of trying to challenge or alter your expertise due to my lack of knowledge."
Mage Morde nodded, and Adam continued, "Although apprentices have mastered the ability to use magic, they are still mortals in essence, and this..." Adam raised a finger, letting electricity flow gently from his finger. "...this can be used by mortals safely."
"Electricity magic?" Mage Morde exclaimed, not being able to keep silent anymore. "Even if it has nothing to do with magic, mortals would surely succumb to the corrosive effects. Moreover, what does this have to do with my masterpiece?"
Adam was silent. This was indeed a problem, since he has yet to carry out his next experiment. However, he couldn't, because he knew that he would be promoted to a mage if he did. Hence, he could only show it in an inefficient way.
Adam took out a simple battery from his portable space and handed it to Mage Morde, "So far, my research only brings me to this, but this thing can store a certain amount of electricity, and it is completely independent from magic."
Mage Morde suspiciously studied the battery. With a snap of his finger, the battery disintegrated in his hand, and electricity burst out across the room.
He let out a silent breath, realising what Adam said was true and asked, "What is this?"
"A battery."
"This is incredible," Mage Morde said, silent for a moment. "But to a Mage, this doesn't mean much..." he paused, because Adam said that he wanted to redesign a mechanical body suitable for apprentices.
Adam smiled and explained, "You're right. However, mortals occupy a huge part of this world as well."
Mage Morde was shocked. For the longest time, mages have ignored mortals -- they were weak, vulnerable, and inefficient. However, if Adam's research was fruitful, wouldn't mortals be beneficial to mages?
Thinking of this, his views on Adam changed drastically, but forcibly cut off his thoughts. The Tower wouldn't allow it, the Guardian wouldn't allow it, the True Spirit Mage Council wouldn't allow it...
"Can I see how you plan on altering the body?" Mage Morde asked.
Adam was stunned, not expecting him to make such a request. He hesitated for a moment and replied, "Of course, but I need a contract formed first."
Adam did this to ensure that his altered work would not be stolen, otherwise he would lose out on the benefits. Mage Morde agreed without hesitation, "But of course! Let's invite the Tower's master as a witness, then."
Mage Morde swiftly left the lab, and Frank spoke up silently, "Adam, this seems troublesome. I think you should just give up on this, give up on me."
Adam stared at him and said, "This has nothing to do with you, plus, this isn't a bad thing. Prepare yourself, I'll start the experiment soon, and it'll be incredibly painful."
Frank left nervously.
Adam didn't think it was a bad thing that Mage Morde would join in this experiment. Besides, the machines he had just ordered were very complicated, so it was good that someone experienced could help him out.
...
The next day, the Dean materialised in Adam's laboratory to meet with him and Mage Morde.
"You really are full of surprises. I didn't expect your research on electricity would extend to alchemy," the Dean commended. It seems that Mage Morde had already discussed the premises of the experiment with the Dean yesterday.
The Dean produced a contract made of light and announced, "Sign this contract, which is bound to the will of the Tower. If you violate any terms of the contract, expect to be punished by the will of the Mage World."
