Chapter one: Impossible problem

Italics=thoughts

Bold=journal entry

Experiment's log No 16

Another failed attempt. No matter how I much I search these molded tome for the knowledge I seek, none hold the answer. Over and over, I read of dark rites that can raise dead, but few allow control. Most call for a sacrifice of human life too. I seek an army of the dead, if it cost life to raise, then there is no point, it would be better to hire a band of thugs and dress them up in weaponry. Until I find a way, I cannot began to research how to revive that egg, or make it perfect. My assistant has yet to return too. She searches Valentia for the answer, but I doubt she will find it. A mostly barren land filled with settlers that pine at the feet of those two dragons that fancy themselves gods. Nothing of note will come of it. I have little right to criticise though, I haven't come close to a break in my research.

I suppose she may find something in the new land, but I still doubt. The revenants of that land are fueled by the dragon's malice, wild and uncontrollable. I have heard tales of a continent far away, where a necromancer is believed to have raise powerful corpses under his complete control, but those 'deathlords' supposedly required something far beyond what the Council could hope to get me. It almost appears to be impossible, but I know there must be a way to call the dead to life. Hopefully without the use of magic as well. There is a reason why I prefer the minimalist magic approach of alchemy.

Forneus put down his quill and stood, stretching. He fixed his dark grey robes and left his journal room, putting the one on the table on an old oak bookshelf to the right of him. He began to walk down a stone corridor when a young man rounded a corner and ran up to him.

Oh gods, what does he want.

"Master Forneus! Could you read my thesis on the improvement of elixirs? I believe that this new formula could also cure any poison in the drinker's body!" he said.

Forneus took the bound paper and glanced over it with his brown eyes as he continued to walk. He handed it back.

"You can't use Manakete hair in an elixir, they're protected by law. Also pure potassium added to it would make it explode. Do research before you bring something to me." he said coldly.

The man looked down before walking away, dejected.

Amateur

Forneus walked down the corridor and into a large open area. Stone pillars held up the roof as he walked past boxes of supplies.

"Why did they bury me so deep underground. It takes an hour just to leave." he whispered to himself.

Forneus walked down another set of stairs and came to a heavy granite door. He pushed it open, a gust of dry air blowing his neck length greying hair back. He walked into a massive room with a raised platform held over an abyss in it center. The platform was covered with tables, all with different glassware, chemical, gems and metals. Forneus walked into the center of the area and grabbed a handle sticking out of the ground barely. The slab of marble came up easily and Forneus climbed down into the dark room, the freezing air making him shiver. He lit a torch with a strike of flint, lighting the room.

Forneus looked around the room, several bags lay in the corner, a rancid smell leaking from them. Several arcane and transmutational ruins and circles covered the floor. Forneus walked over to a pedestal in the back. He lit another touch, exposing a large chunk of ice. Inside was a black, fist sized egg.

One day...I will revive you, and I will make you perfect. My greatest creation. A divine mage dragon…

Forneus looked at the bags.

I told them not to bring them all at once. I can't be expected to work through thirty cadavers within a month. They will rot by then.

Forneus sighed

Well, it's the Council that will need to get me more if that happens.

He grabbed a book off a table and began to read it. He sighed again.

"I do hope she is having some luck...anything would be helpful."

AN: Hey there, I have a new story, one I haven't seen anyone try to do (and if they have, I didn't see it, but I'd love to read it if someone tells me). When I first read Forneus' tablets, I wanted to write something about him, the demon alchemist. I'll try not to butcher Archanea history, in fact I'll try to stay clear unless necessary. It will alternate between him and his assistant. One chapter Forneus, then the assistant, then back. The next chapter will be soon, then there will be a bit of a delay until the next because of collage. Also, does anyone know how to add new characters to fanfiction's character tab thing? I looked everywhere online and can't find a good answer.

Anyway, enjoy.