(Evan can’t answer)
I’ve noticed in a couple games that I’ll find a magical catalyst outside of the room with the alchemy pot, and sometimes I’ll also discover a hidden secret room with an extra alchemy pot and usually two bonus energy crystals in it.
Is it implied that when you find a loose catalyst there is probably also an alchemy pot room in that level?
Did you know that the catalyst has been reworked so that you can change it into a special game changing item? You now always find it (there is only one) in the first levels.
So although you need a pot to use it it isn’t tied to one, as you’ll also find one in the first few levels. I guess the chance is just high that you’ll find them on the same level.