Alchemy?
Youyu was taken aback for a moment, not expecting Ishizu to suddenly bring up this topic.
Nonetheless, he nodded slightly, indicating he had heard of it.
He knew a bit about the alchemy in Yu-Gi-Oh. The legendary Seven Great Millennium Item that originated from Netherworld throughout the DM series seemed to be related to Ancient Egypt's alchemy.
Aside from that, considering the entire Yu-Gi-Oh series, the character most connected to "alchemy" would have to be Teacher Daitokuji, the alchemy course instructor at Duel Academy from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX.
Yes, that's right. By the time of the GX storyline, alchemy had already become a mandatory course at the academy, and all students had to learn it...
This shows that in this card-focused worldview, even something as mysterious as alchemy is closely tied to card games.
And Teacher Daitokuji from GX's Duel Academy has quite a remarkable background. He was originally a powerful alchemist, tasked by someone to search for the mythical Divine Artifact known as the "Philosopher's Stone" that could make the impossible possible.
But during the long journey, he exhausted his lifespan, contracting a terminal illness. So, before his life reached its end, he pinned his hopes on the forbidden alchemy secret "Human Alchemy."
And you won't believe it, he actually succeeded...
Teacher Daitokuji successfully used alchemy to forge a brand new body to house his soul. This extended his life, but he soon realized this was only a temporary fix because his new body was still deteriorating.
Thus, before vanishing, Teacher Daitokuji chose his favorite and most promising student at Duel Academy, Yuki Judai, to entrust all his wishes to Judai, telling him that he's a natural top-tier alchemist and believing that if it's Judai, he will surely be able to harness the power of the "Philosopher's Stone."
Afterwards, he handed the Divine Artifact "Philosopher's Stone" he had sought for many years to Judai.
Oh, by the way, in this world, the "Philosopher's Stone" is also a card, used for card games.
This is very Yu-Gi-Oh.JPG.
"To be honest, our Gravekeeper Race actually has quite a bit of research in alchemy as well," Ishizu said. "If you don't mind... this is a small token of appreciation, hope you'll accept it."
As she spoke, she inexplicably pulled out a small ornament from within the white robe and gently placed it on the coffee table in front of the sofa.
It was a crystal-clear emerald pendant strung on a fine cord, shining brightly in a patch of golden sunlight streaming through the window.
Youyu picked up the pendant, noticing a hint of supernatural aura within it.
"This is..."
"Just an ordinary Spiritual Artifact," Ishizu smiled softly, "I crafted it personally using alchemy. Wearing it might be somewhat helpful if you encounter a Darkness Game.
Of course, given your skills, that help might be negligible. But just treat it as a Protective Talisman, after all, we did cause you quite some trouble before..."
Youyu roughly understood.
He recalled that in Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, Yuki Judai once accidentally stumbled into a forbidden area of the "Gravekeeper Race" (unrelated to the Ishtar Clan) and was forced to accept a trial through a duel. After winning the duel and passing the trial, the leader of the Gravekeeper Race presented half of an ornament to Judai as a gift.
At that time, the leader told Judai that this was a tool specifically meant for Darkness Games. Someday, if Judai must participate in a Darkness Game, this tool would surely assist him.
That tool was probably similar in nature to the item Ishizu was now giving him, both being Spiritual Artifacts imbued with extraordinary power.
However, Muto Yugi's "Millennium Pendant," despite also being a tool for Darkness Games, doesn't fall into the category of "Spiritual Artifacts." That thing is a "Divine Artifact," on a much higher level, incomparable to ordinary tools.
Clearly, Ishizu indeed felt quite sorry for the trouble she had previously caused Youyu and wanted to do something for him as compensation.
Instead, Youyu felt a bit embarrassed.
Marik quietly watched from the side, thinking—
—Sis never made me a Protective Talisman!
After all, he knows alchemy himself...
Youyu genuinely appreciated Ishizu's gesture, but to be honest, the power of this Spiritual Artifact wasn't strong. Besides looking good while wearing it, it didn't have much practical significance.
So Youyu pondered a bit and then asked, "Can this Spiritual Artifact... be molded into another shape?"
Ishizu was startled for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"If you're not satisfied, feel free to make requests, I'll do my best to meet them," she said, "It can be molded into any shape you like."
Youyu's thoughts began to churn rapidly.
Given his current capabilities, this Spiritual Artifact might not be very useful... but it has other applications!
Youyu looked at Ishizu: "So, can I ask... is alchemy difficult to learn?"
Ishizu seemed somewhat surprised, apparently not expecting him to ask such a question.
However, she still responded: "Alchemy is an ancient knowledge. Similar to modern science, this is a subject that anyone can grasp through research.
If one wants to delve deeper, it is indeed very difficult. Just as the path of science has no end, since ancient times, no one has ever dared to claim they've fully understood alchemy's secrets..."
Indeed, especially given how alchemy became a mandatory course for all students in Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, starting off must be relatively easy. But if you want to dive deeper into it, becoming an Advanced Alchemist like Teacher Daitokuji is likely not something the average person can achieve.
... although Yuki Judai could be an exception.
According to Teacher Daitokuji, he believes Judai doesn't need to study or train, as he is inherently an Alchemist Lord.
Not sure if this has anything to do with Judai's habit of loving "five-for-one" deals...
"However, if you just want to learn the method of making this Spiritual Artifact, then there's no need to start from the basics or understand the principles of alchemy. You just need to remember the required materials and crafting steps."
Ishizu changed her tone, paused for a moment, and asked: "Mr. Youyu... are you interested in alchemy?"
"Yes, quite interested," Youyu fiddled with the exquisite pendant in his hand, "I've long heard about the wonders of alchemy, but never had the opportunity to experience it personally."
"I see." Ishizu nodded, "It's great that you're interested. If you want to learn how this Spiritual Artifact is made, I can teach you.
Actually, it's a simple little tool and is very easy to make..."
"Ah, that would be kind of you."
This was quite an unexpected gain.
He didn't expect that just by visiting this place, he could freeload a new skill!
Although learning to make such a simple Spiritual Artifact might not be much use to him, however...
... he can sell them to silly players!
Upon hearing that this pendant could be molded into various shapes, Youyu immediately thought of those silly players.
Silly players love to spend their hard-earned money on inexplicable items...
Another avenue to make money!
"But it really is surprising," Ishizu smiled, "because you're quite close with Seto, I thought like him, you'd prefer to trust modern science over something like alchemy."
"..."
Youyu pondered for a while and said, "That's an unsubstantiated rumor. I am at most card buddies with President Haima, not that close..."