Mentioned Characters: Patchouli, Koakuma

Patchouli Knowledge is a magician whose fate has been altered. Originally a practitioner of spiritual magic that borrows the powers of spirits governing over the four great western elements, fire, earth, air, and water, this Patchouli is able to handle the five eastern phases (commonly called Wu Xing, sometimes known as the five elements). For this reason, she is known as an Eastern-style Western magician.

Koakuma is a familiar believed to have been summoned by Patchouli Knowledge, the magician whose fate had been altered. Details surrounding Koakuma's existence remain unclear, but it is known that she comes from Makai and possesses the ability to instantly locate any book she desires. Apparently, she also oversees a personal Makai space that the magician ordered her to create within the human world, though almost nothing is known about it.

Deep within the vast library beneath the Scarlet Devil Mansion, a girl who is both a great sage and a freeloader spent yet another day buried beneath towering stacks of books. "Hmmm, this is troubling..." Sensing her unease, Koakuma spoke up. "What seems to be the matter, Lady Patchouli?" Patchouli lifted her gaze from the pages and pointed to a particular section of the text. "I'm close to creating a completely new kind of Philosopher's Stone, but... there are a few problems." "Like what?" "One is that I don't have the necessary materials on hand. And the other is... this."

Koakuma read the passage Patchouli had pointed out, then looked up. "Does this mean it'd take a hundred years to complete?" "That's right. Neither you nor I are human, so waiting a hundred years isn't impossible, but I would rather not wait that long." Having a long lifespan does not mean endless patience. After thinking for a moment, Koakuma suddenly raised her hand. "I'll look through other books and see if there's a way to shorten the process!" "That would really help. Thanks..." At once, Koakuma used her ability to locate the books she needed. When Patchouli finished reading them, she let out another uneasy sigh. "What's wrong, Lady Patchouli?" "There is a shortcut. But... it requires an unfinished Philosopher's Stone."

"An unfinished Philosopher's Stone..." "I used to have one, but... I gave it to you as payment for your contract." As Patchouli spoke with regret, Koakuma let out a short gasp. "What's wrong, Koakuma?" "Actually... I've been holding on to that stone this whole time." Koakuma spoke shyly as she hesitantly produced a stone brimming with magical power. "Oh my, it's true... But it was payment for your contract. That stone belongs to you. Are you sure you want to use it in an experiment?" "It's fine. I'm having fun doing research with you!" Patchouli smiled gently at Koakuma's earnest words. "...Thank you. Then let's begin at once." Patchouli once again wore the expression of a sage as Koakuma stood watch behind her. Their research showed no sign of ending anytime soon.