Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 65: [64] Creating the Modern Devil

-Third Point of View-

In his modest yet well-organized office, Arkan was immersed in a mountain of documents spread across a large wooden desk. Around him, a handful of newly recruited administrative staff worked diligently, jotting down notes and discussing various matters concerning the territory’s governance. Though still inexperienced, they followed Arkan’s guidance with diligence, ensuring that no critical errors were made.

However, the steady rhythm of work was interrupted when a servant knocked on the door and entered, wearing a slightly puzzled expression.

"Lord Arkan, there’s someone from the Imperial Academy here to see you," the servant announced politely.

Arkan, who had been deep in thought, straightened up immediately. A small, satisfied smile played on his lips.

"Faster than I expected," he murmured, pleased.

He stood up, slipping on the simple coat draped over the back of his chair, and gave his staff a few quick instructions before leaving the room. His strides were brisk, almost hurried, yet they carried an air of authority. He knew exactly who was waiting for him in the castle’s reception hall, and this was a pivotal moment—one that would secure another step toward his long-term vision.

In the Castle’s Reception Hall

Faustus Rugenstein sat stiffly on a plush sofa, noticeably more comfortable than the worn-out bed he had back at the academy. His thin frame nearly sank into the cushions, and his sharp eyes darted around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. In his pale hands, he clutched a worn leather bag filled with documents and notebooks.

The door creaked open, and Arkan stepped in with a warm smile.

"Welcome to my castle, Professor Rugenstein," he greeted. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

Faustus quickly stood up, bowing slightly, his posture awkward.

"Th-Thank you for the invitation, Lord Arkan. I didn’t expect you to contact me, let alone with such a direct proposal."

Arkan chuckled, motioning for him to sit back down.

"Please, relax. We can speak casually. And just call me Arkan—I’m not too fond of excessive formalities."

Faustus hesitated for a moment before nodding and sinking back into the sofa, though his stiff posture remained. A servant soon arrived, placing a tray of warm tea and pastries on the table before quietly excusing himself. Arkan waited until the room was private again before speaking.

"I’ve read some of your smaller publications, Professor Faustus. I have to say, I’m quite impressed. In a world that prioritizes magic and warfare, you chose an unpopular path—alchemy."

A flicker of emotion passed through Faustus’ weary eyes—pride, but also skepticism.

"I never imagined someone outside the academy would take an interest in alchemy. Even among scholars, it’s often dismissed as a wasted pursuit."

Arkan nodded in understanding.

"That’s exactly why I reached out to you. I see great potential in alchemy. Most people don’t realize that this field could serve as the foundation for tremendous change—even in a world like ours."

Faustus narrowed his eyes slightly, trying to read the intent behind Arkan’s words.

"What do you mean by ’tremendous change’?" he asked cautiously.

Arkan’s smile deepened.

"Improved quality of life. Greater efficiency in production. Even breakthroughs in medicine and engineering. This world may be obsessed with magic, but I believe that with the right knowledge, alchemy can achieve things that even magic cannot."

Faustus fell silent for a moment. He wasn’t used to hearing someone speak about alchemy with such conviction.

"But... such advancements require extensive research and a considerable amount of funding. Alchemy is not a shortcut to prosperity."

"And I’m not looking for shortcuts," Arkan replied firmly. "I’m looking for a solid foundation. Professor Faustus, you must know how difficult life is for those without access to practical, affordable solutions. Imagine if we could create better fertilizers to increase crop yields or develop medicine to cure diseases once thought incurable. Wouldn’t that effort and cost be worth it?"

Faustus gazed at Arkan, caught between admiration and doubt.

"You speak as though you already know a great deal about alchemy, yet this is our first meeting. What exactly is your goal?"

Arkan let out a small laugh.

"I may not be an alchemist, but I’m someone who believes in the power of knowledge. My goal is simple: I want to build this territory into something greater, and I believe alchemy will play a crucial role in that vision."

Faustus stroked his chin, his mind gradually opening to the possibilities Arkan presented.

"If you’re truly serious, why did you choose me? The academy has plenty of more experienced scholars than I."

"Because I know you’re someone who isn’t afraid to take risks," Arkan answered without hesitation. "You chose a path that few dared to follow, and despite being ridiculed, you stood your ground. That’s exactly the kind of person I need. I don’t just need intelligence—I need courage."

Faustus was silent once more. For the first time, he felt acknowledged for the struggle he had endured for years.

"Then... what exactly are you offering?" he finally asked.

Arkan’s smile turned confident.

"A private laboratory with sufficient research funding, assistants to support your work, and complete freedom to explore your ideas. In return, all I ask is that you assist me with certain projects—ones that will bring immediate benefits to this territory."

Faustus gazed at Arkan with deep contemplation. The offer was too good to refuse, but he knew it came with great risks.

"What if I fail?"

"If you fail, we’ll learn from it," Arkan answered casually. "Professor Faustus, I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for someone brave enough to try."

Those words hit Faustus like a refreshing breeze. He nodded slowly, finally feeling convinced.

"Very well. I will accept your offer. But I hope you’re prepared for a long and challenging process."

Arkan grinned and extended his hand.

"Welcome to the team, Professor Faustus. Let’s create something extraordinary."

Faustus grasped Arkan’s hand firmly, for the first time feeling that someone genuinely believed in his potential.

"Also, I have something for you," Arkan added, reaching into his desk and pulling out a book before handing it to Faustus.

"What is this?"

"Something that will open your eyes. Take a look, and then we’ll head to your lab."

As the book exchanged hands, Faustus hesitated for a moment before flipping open the first page. His sharp eyes scanned the neatly written text, and almost instantly, they widened in shock.

"Atoms... molecules... reactions..." he murmured, as if the words were incantations from an entirely different world.

Arkan observed Faustus’s stunned expression, a small smirk forming on his lips.

"That’s just the beginning," he said casually. "If you think that’s impressive, wait until you understand how all of it applies to the real world."

"This... Where did you learn all of this?" Faustus finally asked, unable to hide his awe.

Arkan paused briefly, choosing his words carefully.

"You’ve heard of the legends about lost civilizations, haven’t you?"

Faustus nodded slowly, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes... They say there was once a great civilization with technology and knowledge far beyond our current understanding. But most consider it nothing more than myth."

Arkan smiled faintly.

"Maybe it’s a myth. Maybe it’s not. But I’ve uncovered fragments of knowledge left behind, and I’ve dedicated myself to studying them. What you see in that book is only a fraction of what they might have known."

Faustus’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Does that mean there’s more? If this is true, then we could..."

"Exactly," Arkan interrupted, his voice steady with conviction. "We can create a new world. But to achieve that, we must work hard, challenge existing beliefs, and prepare to face those who might oppose us."

Faustus stared at Arkan with admiration, though a trace of doubt lingered.

"But wouldn’t that lead to conflict? The Church, the nobility, even society itself might reject something too new or different."

"That’s a possibility," Arkan admitted, his tone unwavering. "But change always brings resistance. And, Faustus, I’m not afraid of that. I believe in what we’re doing. We’re not just working for ourselves—we’re working for future generations. This world can be better... if we dare to take the first step."

Once again, Faustus found himself speechless.

He had spent years questioning whether his work had a future. But now, with this knowledge in his hands and a powerful backer like Arkan beside him, it finally felt like alchemy had a purpose.

Taking a deep breath, Faustus smiled for the first time in a long while.

"Then let’s begin."

Arkan clapped him on the shoulder.

"Welcome aboard, Professor. Now, let’s get to work."

On the Way to the Laboratory

As they walked through the castle corridors toward the newly prepared laboratory, Faustus kept flipping through the pages of the book, his mind racing to absorb the revolutionary concepts.

He paused at one section, furrowing his brows.

"Chemical reactions... combustion... oxygen? Wait, does this mean that fire doesn’t just appear on its own but is instead fueled by something unseen?" he muttered under his breath.

Arkan glanced at him with a knowing smile.

"Exactly. Fire isn’t some mystical phenomenon—it’s the result of oxygen interacting with a fuel source. Understanding that allows us to control it better—make it more efficient, or even extinguish it with ease."

Faustus was utterly fascinated.

"This is incredible," he whispered. "If this is true, we could create more efficient furnaces or even find a way to generate heat without burning wood at all."

"That’s the goal," Arkan confirmed. "This knowledge isn’t just for intellectual satisfaction. I want us to apply it—to build something real, something that changes lives."

Faustus turned to Arkan, his eyes gleaming with newfound excitement.

"You know... For the first time, I feel like alchemy has a future. Thank you."

Arkan simply smiled, saying nothing. But deep down, he knew that Faustus was a crucial piece of the puzzle. With his knowledge and passion, the possibilities were limitless.

Inside the Laboratory

When they finally arrived, Faustus stopped in his tracks, his breath hitching.

The laboratory before him was unlike anything he had ever seen.

It was far more advanced than the cramped, poorly maintained space he had in the academy. Large wooden tables were neatly arranged, stocked with alchemical tools and glassware. Shelves lined the walls, filled with labeled ingredients and minerals. In the corner stood a massive chalkboard, perfect for mapping out formulas and experiments.

"This... This is beyond anything I expected," Faustus muttered, slowly stepping inside. His fingers brushed across the polished wooden table, as if confirming that it was real.

"I knew you’d like it," Arkan said, crossing his arms with satisfaction. "And this is just the beginning. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know. I’ll make sure you have the best possible environment to work in."

Faustus nodded, still in awe.

"Thank you... Truly, I don’t know how I can repay your generosity."

Arkan smirked, patting his shoulder.

"You can repay me by working hard. Now, let’s begin. I have an idea for a fertilizer that can significantly increase crop yields. By using a simple chemical reaction, we could create a mixture far more effective than traditional fertilizers."

Faustus’s curiosity was immediately piqued.

"Fertilizer? That’s a brilliant idea. If we can help farmers increase their crop production, it won’t just boost the economy—it’ll give people hope."

"That’s exactly what I intend to do," Arkan replied. "We’re not just working for profit—we’re working for the future."

A renewed sense of purpose filled Faustus as he sat down, flipping open a fresh notebook.

Every page of the book Arkan had given him felt like a gateway to a new world—a level of knowledge that had once seemed impossible.

But as Faustus immersed himself in the exciting world of chemistry, Arkan harbored a greater ambition.

The knowledge he was giving Faustus wasn’t just for fertilizers or economic growth.

No.

There was one invention, rumored to be the work of demons, that Arkan wanted to bring into existence.

And that invention...

Was gunpowder.