Alchemy

Once upon a time, in the 12th century, there lived an alchemist named Marcus. He lived in a small village near the mountains, surrounded by lush green forests. Marcus was known to be a wise and learned man, and was respected by the villagers for his knowledge of alchemy and the secrets of nature.

Marcus had always been fascinated by the power of nature and the mysteries that lay within. He had spent many years studying and experimenting with different substances, hoping to unlock the secrets of alchemy and discover the Philosopher's Stone. The Philosopher's Stone was said to be a magical substance that had the power to turn base metals into gold, and also to grant immortality.

Marcus was determined to find the Philosopher's Stone, and so he set out on a journey to find the answers he sought. He traveled far and wide, visiting different cities and countries, studying and learning from other alchemists and scholars. He read ancient texts and manuscripts, and experimented with various substances and compounds, searching for the key to unlock the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone.

Years passed, and Marcus grew tired of his search. He had visited many places, studied with many scholars, and tried countless experiments, but still, he had found no success. He began to think that the Philosopher's Stone was nothing more than a myth, a tale told to fool the gullible. Marcus always believed that at the center of every myth, legend, and fairy tale there was always at least a kernel of truth. But perhaps he was mistaken.

But one day, as he was wandering through the forests near an ancient village hidden in the mountains where he was visiting some monks who spoke of ancient magics, he stumbled upon a hidden cave. Curiosity piqued, he entered the cave, and to his surprise, he found a group of alchemists gathered inside. They welcomed him and told him that they were part of a secret society of alchemists who had dedicated their lives to the study of alchemy and the pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone. They required silence and secrecy to focus on the pursuit of the stone, but welcomed a fellow alchemist striving for the same goal.

Marcus was amazed and overjoyed. He had finally found what he had been searching for all these years! He joined the society and continued his studies and experiments, working with the other alchemists to unlock the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone.

Years passed, and Marcus and the other alchemists made great strides in their studies. They discovered many new substances and compounds, and learned how to manipulate and transform matter. Finally, one day, they succeeded in their quest. They had created the Philosopher's Stone!

Marcus was overjoyed and filled with pride. He had finally achieved what he had been striving for all these years. But he soon realized that the Philosopher's Stone was not just a substance that could turn base metals into gold. It was much more than that. It had the power to grant immortality, and it also had the power to heal the sick and cure diseases. It's potential seemed limitless.

Marcus wanted to use the Philosopher's Stone for the good of mankind. However his fellow alchemists said that it was better to keep it secret. The debate lasted hours, none of the alchemists could agree on where to go from here. It seemed strange to Marcus that none of the others had considered what might happen if they succeed. Perhaps the others never believed they could actually triumph over this monumental task.

In the dead of night, after all the members of the society went to bed deciding to postpone the decision until the morning. Marcus knew he would be outvoted in the coming meeting. So, Marcus made his decision and took the stone and left under the cover of night.

Marcus did what he always wanted to do, travel from village to village healing the sick. He was finally living his dream, he was so enraptured by his work that he didn't notice that every time he used the stone, something inside him was changing.

For three years the other alchemists hunted Marcus and the missing stone, finally a villager from a small village in the shadow of a foreboding forest, pointed them to a small cave in the center of the woods. It was there that they found Marcus hunched in the corner, they all gasped in horror at the creature wearing his signature clothing.

The creature formerly known as Marcus was grey skinned, sunken eyed, and cackling to himself with his mouth agape further than humanly possible. He didn't seem to notice them so they quickly grabbed the stone and sealed the cave to sounds of otherworldly screeches.

To this day no one knows what the alchemists did with the Philosopher's stone, just that if asked they will get a haunted look in their eyes and say. "We took care of it. It will never be used again." Locals around the village near the forest will hear strange noises coming from the woods, travelers coming from the village will tell you it's haunted. But the alchemists know the truth behind the sounds of that particular forest. The truth that is so much worse than a simple haunting.