The Material Synthesis Presentation was one of the most anticipated events of the semester. Unlike alchemy, which dealt with reactions and transformations, this field focused on the creation of new materials—synthesizing metals, alloys, and composites with enhanced properties.
The students had been divided into two groups: those who had crafted a physical sample and those who had written a theoretical research paper.
As the hall filled with students and faculty members, there was an air of curiosity and tension. This was not a simple showcase—it was an opportunity to prove one's understanding of material science in a world where metallurgy, alchemy, and mana manipulation overlapped.
The first few students stepped forward with their projects.
One student had developed an enhanced ceramic composite, capable of withstanding extreme heat and impact without fracturing. Another presented a mana-infused fiber, lightweight yet stronger than steel, which had potential applications in armor weaving.
Others, unable to craft something tangible, presented research papers on metal transmutation, the viability of mana-reactive alloys, and even bio-metal integration.
Some projects were praised for their ingenuity. Others were picked apart by the faculty, criticized for impracticality, instability, or sheer lack of application.
But then, it was Kalem's turn.
He stepped forward, carrying a long, narrow case.
The moment he placed it on the presentation table, an uneasy silence filled the room. Unlike the other students, Kalem had no written report, no elaborate setup.
He simply unlatched the case and pulled out a weapon.
A pitch-black Estoc.
The blade was long, thin, and completely devoid of reflection, absorbing light instead of reflecting it. Even from a distance, one could tell—this was no ordinary metal.
The faculty members stiffened.
One professor, an older man with silver-rimmed spectacles, narrowed his eyes. "What… is this?"
Kalem held the weapon with both hands, presenting it. "This is Black Thorn—my synthetic material project."
The whispers in the crowd grew.
"A sword? He forged a weapon instead of a sample?"
"That's not just any metal… look at the color. That's mana-reactive."
"What is that alloy? I've never seen anything like it."
Kalem set the blade down carefully, then began his explanation.
"Black Thorn is the result of combining cold-forged adamant steel with a high mana-conductivity metal. The latter was obtained from my tournament prize—an ore given to me in large quantities."
That alone caused a few raised eyebrows.
"Through precise forging techniques and the introduction of corrosive alchemical compounds, I was able to create a material that is not only exceptionally strong and durable, but also inherently poisonous on granular level."
The murmurs turned to shocked gasps.
One professor immediately leaned forward. "Poisonous? Are you telling me this metal is lethal on contact?"
Kalem nodded. "Not on simple touch, but if it enters the bloodstream—yes. The corrosive agents bonded with the mana-reactive alloy cause an internal breakdown of organic matter. Even if the initial wound is non-fatal, the metal ensures lasting damage."
Silence.
Then, one of the older professors—a woman with dark robes and a stern gaze—spoke.
"Kalem, I won't deny the brilliance behind this synthesis. But do you understand the weight of what you've created?"
Kalem's expression remained neutral. "I do."
The lead professor folded his hands. "Then answer this—do you intend for this to be mass-produced?"
The room tensed.
Kalem took a deep breath before responding.
"No. My goal was not to create a weapon for sale, but rather to have a method of replacing my original weapon if it were ever damaged beyond repair. This is not a prototype for distribution—it is a contingency."
The faculty members exchanged glances, weighing his words.
One of the younger professors frowned. "But even the mere existence of such a material poses a security risk. If your method were stolen—"
Kalem cut in. "It wouldn't be stolen."
The entire room turned to him.
"The process to create Black Thorn is extremely precise, requiring conditions that I specifically engineered for this project. Even if someone knew the ingredients, they wouldn't be able to replicate the exact bonding process without years of refinement."
The lead professor stared at him, then sighed. "Kalem, you are exceptionally talented, but do you not see the ethical dilemma here?"
Kalem met his gaze evenly. "I do. But I also see reality. People in this world create weapons—whether for war, for defense, or for survival. The difference is intent."
He gestured to the other projects.
"Many of the students here have presented armor enhancements, new types of reinforced materials, and mana-reactive fibers. All of those have military applications. The only difference between my project and theirs is that mine is offensive rather than defensive."
The room was dead silent.
Some professors looked uncomfortable, others thoughtful.
Finally, the lead professor exhaled.
"You pass, Kalem. But with a warning."
Kalem raised an eyebrow.
"Your knowledge and skill are undeniable. But power is a dangerous thing. Be mindful of how you use it."
Kalem nodded. He had expected far worse scrutiny.
With that, he placed Black Thorn back in its case and walked off the stage.
As he returned to his seat, a few students eyed him with wariness.
Some admired him for his sheer ingenuity.
Others… clearly feared what he was capable of.
Jhaeros, arms crossed, smirked. "So… you just casually built one of the deadliest swords in the academy and called it a 'backup'?"
Kalem shrugged. "It's practical."
Lyra, sitting nearby, shook her head. "You're going to cause a war one day, Kalem."
Kalem simply smirked.
"Only if someone tries to take what's mine."