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It was a good opportunity, so I decided to research how Darklight was viewed in modern times in the old library. I discovered that the handling of Darklight had changed significantly since my time as Glass.

Three hundred years ago, Darklight wasn’t as strictly controlled, and back then, as Glass, I would commission adventurers to collect crystals of natural Darklight. However, in the intervening three centuries, the dangers of Darklight—such as being a cause of various strange illnesses, including the Black Stone Disease—became apparent. Military requisitions also took place, making it seemingly impossible for civilians to collect crystals of natural Darklight.

Nevertheless, the synthesis of Darklight itself was not prohibited, and it seemed that research in this area was still ongoing.

Unexpectedly, being able to plate the Kaitaba-made makeshift alchemical cauldron with Calmarte gave me one tool needed for the synthesis of Darklight. Perhaps, it’s fate.

Darklight originated from a substance called dark matter, which, similar to mana, was one of the elements present in the atmosphere of this world. Unfortunately, it was invisible to the naked eye of an ordinary person. An organization specializing in its collection had been formed within the military, and periodic collections were carried out throughout the entire country.

This country—the Arcadia Empire, due to its geographical features, easily accumulated pockets of dark matter. Considering the health hazards of dark matter, its invisibility made it more manageable. I understood how they handled Darklight and dark matter in modern times, but it seemed that they were not something children should get involved with. Now, what should I do…

As I pressed my fingers against the furrowed wrinkles on my forehead, Alfe suddenly peered into my face.

“Leafa, thinking about alchemy?”
“Ah… well…”

Alfe probably wouldn’t understand even if I told her. However, keeping it a secret might also upset her. While hesitating, Alfe began to find another reason for the serious expression on my face.

“It’s unusual for you to be struggling with an assignment.”

Alfe’s gaze was directed at the paper with the assignment I had spread out as a dummy. It was something I planned to solve later since it was easy, but Alfe seemed to think I was having a hard time. That was a misunderstanding as well, so it was better to clear it up.

“…No, I was thinking about something else. About what the ‘World of Truth’ might be like.”

As I began to solve the assignment, I carefully chose my words as I started talking. I tried to speak honestly, making an effort not to tell Alfe any lies while ensuring that it didn’t sound unusual for a child to say such things. I couldn’t explain why, but I thought it was better that way.

“The World of Truth?”

Alfe lifted a strand of hair from her face while looking into my eyes. Lately, Alfe has been wearing her hair down more often. It’s grown quite a bit, now that I think about it.

“Yeah. I got curious after reading about it in the textbook.”

Saying this, I flipped through the literature I had been reading earlier and showed Alfe anecdotes about the World of Truth. It was briefly introduced as part of the introduction to the alchemy elective class, recounting stories of alchemists and sages. Alfe nodded in understanding.

“Sounds like a mysterious place.”
“Yeah…”

For most people in the present, including Alfe, the World of Truth was like a fairy tale.

“Do you want to go there, Leafa?”
“…If there’s an opportunity. But it might be impossible for a child.”

Those who visited the World of Truth in the past are already deceased, and contemporary alchemists showed no interest in the pursuit of truth. Alfe showed an unexpected reaction to my self-deprecating response.

“It’s a waste to give up before trying, Leafa. I’ll support you!”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but… It’s quite challenging. There’s a lot of preparation involved.”

I didn’t expect Alfe to be so enthusiastic. Maybe it was better to brush it off casually.

“Let’s take it one step at a time. Try it out, and then decide.”
“Alfe…”

Alfe looked straight into my eyes, earnestly making her plea. I wasn’t sure where that enthusiasm came from, but I suddenly felt embarrassed about trying to brush it off casually. Alfe, in her own way, was thinking and acting independently, expressing her opinions to me like this. Well, well, it was unclear who the adult was in this situation.

Feeling encouraged by Alfe, I found myself inclined to share a small part of the ritual I had been secretly working on.

“…Actually, I want to obtain dark matter.”
“Dark matter? I saw it the other day…”
“Huh, where?… Oh, right, your Pure Eye!”

Asking the question, I suddenly remembered Alfe’s Pure Eye.

“Yeah. I saw it near Porpoise, the neighboring town. Remember when I mentioned going with Mom to see winter bedding?”

In Porpoise, a town known for its textiles, the latest clothes and bedding were available each season. When Alfe went with Mrs. Clifford to procure winter bedding, she gifted me a matching bed cover as a souvenir, saying, ‘So we can be together even in our dreams.’

“On the way back from that shopping trip, I saw it deep in the forest,” Alfe said, pointing to her right eye and sharing the story proudly. Though it was hidden behind her contact lens and couldn’t be seen, there was a Pure Eye shining in gold underneath.

“How did it look, Alfe?”
“It was like a black, hazy smoke!”
“Ah, I see. There was probably a drift.”

Considering it was visible from the deck of the inter-city transport ship, it must have been a significant amount.

“Yeah. I think it’s probably dark matter… Look, it looks just like this.”

As Alfe spoke, she opened the textbook to show an image drawn by the owner of a Pure Eye. I see. If Alfe saw something that resembled this, it seems like reliable information.

“I can’t ‘see’ it, so I wouldn’t know, but considering the atmosphere and characteristics of the location, it seems likely.”

I see. If I ask Alfe, she can find it so easily. Once I prepare the equipment and take out Arkecius, collecting it should be achievable. However, it would be wise to investigate any restrictions on collecting dark matter. The fear of unknowingly committing a crime was something I already experienced firsthand in my past life.