MEMORY: lessons with frankenstein.

[alcahest]

YOU MADE IT VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND THINGS.

After breakfast, Fran and I head out into the forest near the mansion.

FRANKENSTEIN

Yep, this is far enough.

CARDIA

Fran, did we really need to come all the way out here for a chemistry lesson?

FRANKENSTEIN

Yes. The chemicals we'll be using have combat potential.

He opens a case he brought with him from the mansion and takes out a small glass tube.

FRANKENSTEIN

My need for being able to defend myself arose when I had to run from the law. That's when I made a few dangerous concoctions.

Dangerous concoctions...
I remember when I first met Fran.
He's probably talking about those tubes that explode, or create bursts of light and sound.

FRANKENSTEIN

Some of them are non-lethal, but others are quite capable of ending someone's life. I thought I might give you some at some point.

CARDIA

Which are you holding now?

FRANKENSTEIN

This is just an example for today.
I'll let you have the real thing when we get back to the mansion.

CARDIA

All right. Which should I use?

FRANKENSTEIN

Oh, hold on! They can all be dangerous in the wrong circumstances, so we have to exhibit proper safety precautions.

Fran holds up a single glass tube.

FRANKENSTEIN

This is going to be a liquid explosive.
There are two layers of glass, and each one holds a different solution.

FRANKENSTEIN

When the glass breaks, say by throwing it on the ground, the solutions mix, causing a rapid chemical reaction, like so—

Fran suddenly throws it against a tree.

CARDIA

Oh!

The moment the tube strikes the tree, a small explosion bursts forth.

FRANKENSTEIN

Just like that. Even the slightest impact causes it to explode.

CARDIA

Amazing...
Did you make this?

FRANKENSTEIN

Haha, yes. I am an alchemist, after all. I wouldn't be any good at it if I didn't know basic reactions.

FRANKENSTEIN

I really shouldn't be abusing my knowledge of alchemy for something like this... but desperate times call for desperate measures.

CARDIA

Am I going to be using the exploding ones?

FRANKENSTEIN

No, that might be a little too dangerous.
Maybe something a little more mild. Hm...
Huh? It's not here...

Fran rifles through his case for a moment, then smirks in disappointment.

FRANKENSTEIN

Ah... Heh, it seems I've forgotten it.
It's alright, though, I can still do something. Sit tight.

FRANKENSTEIN

I can easily create more from a mixture of this solution with that from the other test tube. The composition's much the same.

Fran mutters something that is probably scientific, but sounds like magic to me, and begins working on something in his case.
--I take a peek at his face.
His usual kind expression takes a back seat to seriousness as he swirls the glass tube.
I'm a bit enraptured by his demeanour...
I grow a little embarrassed and look away.
There is another large tube at his side, with a note attached to it.

[ Do not open! Danger!
Not even to find out why!
This is serious! ]

I guess he doesn't want it opened...
...
Strangely, the repeated warnings about it somehow compel me to want to open it.
It might even be some kind of trick to make people open it...

CARDIA

... I shouldn't open something that says not to on it.

I mumble to myself and tear my gaze away from the tempting tube.

FRANKENSTEIN

Huh? Oh, that? That concoction is pretty strong. The lid shouldn't be opened under any circumstances.

Fran raises his head to tell me this.

FRANKENSTEIN

If you open this, something terrible will happen.

CARDIA

Something terrible?!

Oh, no...
I'm so curious now...

CARDIA

Pleeeeease?

FRANKENSTEIN

No-ope!
Let's use this instead.

CARDIA

What's that?

FRANKENSTEIN

It's a chemical flare. The chemicals inside create an intense light when mixed.
Watch.

Fran throws the tube, and—
—!
A burst of white light takes my vision away.
My eyes slowly adjust back to normal.

FRANKENSTEIN

I've lowered the intensity, so it won't cause permanent damage, but you can use it to blind opponents. I gave some to Lupin.

CARDIA

Wow, that's so much fun...!

FRANKENSTEIN

N-No, well... It's not a toy, you know.

FRANKENSTEIN

... So, the lesson here is that one must be very careful when handling chemicals such as these.

It's now dusk.
Fran continues to lecture me.

FRANKENSTEIN

Since the sun is setting, let's wrap up today's lesson.

CARDIA

All right.
You're a very good teacher.

I've learned a lot of things, and feel very satisfied about the day's events.
Fran seems embarrassed, and waves his hand as if to dismiss my praise.

FRANKENSTEIN

No, no. You only feel that way because you're an outstanding student.

CARDIA

You made it very easy to understand things.
Even I could understand which drugs have what effects.

FRANKENSTEIN

Hmm... Well, I did teach a lot of people while I was working as a Royal Alchemist.
I'm glad you found my teaching helpful.

CARDIA

I look forward to our future lessons, Master Fran.

FRANKENSTEIN

'Master Fran'? Oh, hahaha...
That's... funny.

FRANKENSTEIN

We should get going.
We don't want to be late for dinner.

I nod in agreement, and follow him back to the mansion.
The lessons he gave me not only helped me learn how to protect myself, but also stimulated my curiosity.
I really want him to teach me again.