The interval between each photograph was exactly one hundred years, clearly documenting the passage from vigorous spirits to withered forms, yet still living in the human world.
"Are you trying to create a Universal Elixir?" Albus Dumbledore stopped at the experiment table, seeing the magic potion still brewing but labeled as a failure.
At least in the realm of magic, he was a versatile master. Even if his alchemy achievements weren't as profound as the true old man in the room, his knowledge and acumen were exceptionally outstanding.
"The piece of Magic Stone I gave you has very little magic power left. Of course, I would want to try other alternatives, but alas, the times clearly limit me as well."
Nicolas Flamel sighed softly.
"When I was very young, you once told me that death is just another great adventure. I didn't expect that in the end, I would be the only one who believed it?"
Albus Dumbledore teased.
Nicolas Flamel laughed heartily.
"Of course I know this, but who wouldn't want to live a bit longer if given the chance?" Nicolas Flamel glanced out the window at the beauty after the rain.
"I haven't seen enough."
His tone carried a few sentiments, but there was no obsession. In fact, from his previous attitude, it could be seen that this great alchemist was indeed quite Buddhist about immortality.
"Yes, this world... it's beautiful..."
Albus Dumbledore lowered his head, concealing the sadness in his eyes.
"Wait a moment."
Nicolas Flamel pulled out a large ladder and began searching his bookshelf, specially putting on Dragon Skin Gloves to minimize damage to the ancient books.
After all,
Some books are indeed too old and difficult to replicate.
"Time is what we have the most." Albus Dumbledore wasn't in a hurry, curiously checking if there were any of Nicolas Flamel's latest alchemy works in the room.
There really was one.
A gaming machine that Ian might consider childish, but Albus Dumbledore played with glee, resembling a toy created based on Muggle entertainment equipment.
Not only did it have various lifelike characters that even future graphics cards might struggle to render, but when frustrated by the game, you could manually interfere with the game process.
Indeed,
After playing for a while, Albus Dumbledore reached in and strangled the level boss, a miniature giant dragon that had burned his character over ten times.
"If you like this work, you can take it to your school." Nicolas Flamel said with amusement, having seen Albus Dumbledore's actions.
"Actually, I've been longing for your puppet band." Albus Dumbledore set down the magic arcade machine, looking at a small table next to the experiment table.
On top were dozens of differently styled figurines resembling Lego figures, forming a band. As Nicolas Flamel snapped his fingers, they started playing a melody.
Not only that,
because they were playing a piece by Bach, the figurines transformed into miniature versions of Bach, and their music could surround the immense laboratory in stereo.
"Bach's piece is already two hundred years old; play me a Beethoven piece, who only died over a hundred years ago and definitely counts as the living power of new music."
Nicolas Flamel's understanding of new and old was uniquely distinguished, and with his command, the band figurines immediately switched to a style from over a hundred years ago.
The figurine responsible for playing also turned into Beethoven.
"Still so amusing."
Albus Dumbledore showed a slight expression of admiration. It's not that he couldn't create them himself, but his lack of musical talent made it difficult to give the figurines such an effect.
"They are my treasures. If you want them, you'll have to wait until after I die." Nicolas Flamel climbed down the ladder, his hands empty of any book.
"Is there a way?"
Albus Dumbledore quickly set down the figurines, still more concerned about his own quest.
"I confirmed some lost material's unique time. Fortunately, if you can procure a Time Converter from the Ministry of Magic, then the one we have might have a chance of being repaired.
"You need to play your tricks again, deceive time a few times... Of course, I still believe these tricks will ultimately bring you immense consequences."
Nicolas Flamel evidently found a way to repair the Ancient Time Converter. Though, in his view, this method was merely theoretical and the cost unknown.
"We all know the limitations of Time Converters, so you still need the help of that legendary figure you mentioned." Nicolas Flamel brought up the most crucial factor to complete the plan.
Albus Dumbledore furrowed his brow.
He and Grindelwald hadn't figured out where Salazar Slytherin might be or if he was truly still alive, let alone convincing Salazar Slytherin to bear the risks with them.
"It seems you can't find that legend."
Nicolas Flamel immediately understood Albus Dumbledore's difficulty from his expression.
"It takes time."
Albus Dumbledore also sighed slightly.