The last year, I made headways into cycles optimization, learning the principles and trying them for myself. Admittedly, I knew I was not an expert in the practice, but still felt confident in my improvement. Next time, surely, I would be able to create a maximum speed machine. Presented with a transmutation difficulty akin to alchemical touchstone, could I not succeed, this time? I would not be relegated to one cycle above minimum again.

And then I was tasked to create self-organizing fluid.

This is a great blow to my ego. Cycles, my nemesis, has bested me more decisively than ever. 23 cycles is the lowest one can achieve without rebuilding, and it is the lowest I could do even with its aid. Very well.

Catch me while you can.

- Alchemist Kazyan.