The information Clyde gave me allowed me to improve my custom crystals. There is a lot of research that isn't explicitly stated in the published literature and can only be learned with experience, by working with experts.
By the fifth year of studies, alchemy students, at least the good ones, had some experience working in universities or commercial labs and could become experts in their narrow specialization.
I had avoided specialization, since my interests are too broad for that. I prefer to be a jack of all trades while mastering as much as I can.
Sure, by not specializing and keeping my options open, I made my career harder than it already was. I already had enough difficulties getting hired. Being a dark mage and a woman, my lack of specialty made it harder to find a job.
Employer
