In this chapter, we learn that the flame that we saw in the previous chapter is not the same flame we saw at the beginning of the chapter. It is the flame of the crystal winged lion, which is a symbol of the power of the alchemist. The flame is difficult to absorb, as it is "wild with many impurities" . The alchemist tells the boy that he will not give him more of the flame if he destroys it. He also tells him that if the boy does not tell him why he cares about the ring, he will return it to him. The boy tells the alchemist that he wants to know more about the man, and the alchemist responds by telling him that he is a brilliant boy, and that he should go and fight against the tadels. The young man is horrified at the idea of going and fighting against tadels, but the alchemist assures him that it is not urgent, as he will take the boy to the magical mountain for training.