Crazy Master
Episode 2 of Alchemy of Souls begins 20 years ago. After Do-Hwa has given birth, Jang Gang takes the child to the foot of the royal palace. Jang Gang uses his watery powers to block the child’s gate of energy, preventing him from being able to perform any spells for the entirety of his life. ..
Jang Uk, the son of a shaman, is said to have the power to open gates of energy and bring back lost powers. He is expected to come into his own as he reaches adulthood. ..
Last night’s episode of “The Royals” saw Uk offer allegiance to the blue-eyed soul shifter, recognizing the glint in her eyes as that of someone who has experienced the power of transformation. ..
Uk instinctively saves Mu-Deok from Seo Yul’s blade. They keep up the pretence of her being his maid, although she’s not exactly thrilled with that accolade. ..
Interestingly, we learn that the leader of the shadow assassins that attacked them all is actually called Dangju.
Uk learned that Naksu was actually Mu-Deok and that only made him more determined to learn from her. She wasn’t so sure, but before she could contemplate this, everyone was gathered at the training center for a compulsory meeting. ..
Whilst Park Jin is in the city, he’s convinced that someone is trying to betray them. They unveil Gwigu, the Jin family heirloom. This trinket can apparently detect sorcery and, in particular, the soul shifters. They plan to use this information to figure out who among them is the soul shifter.
The doors are slammed shut, guards stand on watch, and Park Jin promises that anyone who attempts to escape will be deemed a traitor.
With that, a smoky dog jumps out from this trinket and in its misty form, immediately pounces at Uk. Only, it jumps over him and Mu-Deok, finding the shadowy soul shifter.
A mole has been discovered within the ranks of the enemy, and manages to fend off a significant number of soldiers in the courtyard. ..
Seo Yul, the swordsman, steps in to put an end to the menace. With one swift shot, he petrifies the foe. ..
In the commotion, Mu-Deok tries to slip away and find Danju but Uk is quick to sense her intentions and corners her before she can do this.
As the two trade banter, a smoke dog from before happens to be stalking from the rooftops. Jang Uk encourages her to run away but just before he attacks and strikes Mu-Deok, Uk manages to destroy the Gwigu. ..
Uk, the potter, tries to downplay his role in the mess when he’s questioned by police. When Park Jin, his customer, finds out Uk was responsible for breaking his pieces, he’s furious. ..
In a recent interview, Mu-Deok watches as Uk is force-fed a message that he must repent if he wants to be friends with him again. He wonders why his friends don’t just open his gate of energy and let him in.
Apparently, the wizards are too weak to do what needs to be done and it’s forbidden. As for Mu-Deok, she takes pity on him, realizing he’s already repenting enough through not being able to cast spells, and takes off with the amulet from before. ..
Meanwhile, the palace hierarchy comes under scrutiny. With Gang Jang off training and Uk physically unable to cast spells, Go Soon decides to shift things up. Go Soon, the crown prince’s advisor, decided to take on more of a leadership role in order to help fill the power vacuum left by Gang Jang’s absence. ..
The attack from the soul shifter has finally driven Jin Mu to the brink of insanity. He wants to promote Jin-Mu up to the position of Gwanju in their absence, but he’s not exactly popular among the Seasons.
In a decision that surprised many, Park Jin instead decides to negotiate a different reward for him. He chooses to burn Naksu’s body and keep hold of Naksu’s sword for the time being.
Jin Mu is curious about the sword, but Uk is confident that he won’t be able to unsheathe it. Jin Mu is intrigued by this and asks him what the reason is. Uk tells him that for now, he’s just going to have to trust him.
Jin-Mu has Nak-Su’s body outside, which Mu-Deok happens to be watching. Uk is there too and he watches the flames before approaching Mu-Deok after. However, he comes with news that he’s found her sword.
Uk shows Mu-Deok a sword that she believes will bring back his powers. Unfortunately, the sword doesn’t work and Mu-Deok is left with no choice but to pick it up and unsheathe it himself.
As a result, Uk decides she should go on living like Mu-Deok and be done with her soul-shifting shenanigans.
Mu-Deok refused, believing this was hell, and instead took her sword and jumped into Lake Gyeongcheondaeho. When Uk found out, he quickly rushed down to find her. ..
Mu-Deok dives into the water and brings her blade out. She then uses her powers to free it from the water.
Uk tells the officials that Mu-Deok collapsed and was taken to the infirmary for treatment. The officials are curious about what happened and want to know how bad her injuries were. Uk tells them that Mu-Deok collapsed and was taken to the infirmary for treatment.
While they talk, we cut back to Mu-Deok who poisons Uk with a herbal tea. He’s choking and struggling to breathe. When Heo Yeom shows up, alongside Park Jin, Mu-Deok tell them there’s only one solution. They need to open his gate of energy in order to remove the poison and let his powers come back. If not? Well, Uk is going to die.
Park Jin tortures Mu-Deok and leaves him to die, but Heo Yeom decides to open Uk’s gate of energy in order to save him. Mu-Deok stays awake long enough to learn this before scoffing and passing out.
This was all part of Uk’s plan to have his energy back and be able to conjure spells. When he limps out the room, he quickly unbinds her hands and saves her life. In doing so, Mu-Deok confirms that she will teach him.
The Episode Review
The show has started to explore more political elements, and it can be difficult to keep track of who is talking and what they’re saying. However, the drama involving Uk and Mu-Deok is compelling and their interactions are clear.
The story definitely has that familiar C-drama energy flowing through it and I can’t remember the last time a Korean drama went all-in with its fantasy and magic in the way this one has - and that’s a good thing! ..
This show feels like a blend of Bulgasal and Arthdal Chronicles.
This episode had a lot of humour, but it never went too far into comedy territory. It was used as a levity against some of the more dramatic elements. ..
The fantasy is definitely quite heavy, but that only makes it all the more unique. So far, so good; the first weekend of episodes bows out with a solid chapter!
