Chapter 1222: Proctors, Guiding Light

The three Apothecaries were all official proctors of the Apothecary Guild.

While the grade four promotion tests and lower could be overseen by any Apothecary of the appropriate grade, the grade five and higher promotion tests could only be overseen by the official proctors of the Apothecary Guild.

The official proctors were sorted from grades five to eight. Their grade represented the highest promotion test they could oversee. In other words, a grade five proctor was only able to oversee grade five or lower promotion tests. While a grade six proctor could judge grade six or lower promotion tests.

In order to become an official proctor of the Apothecary Guild, there were a few requirements one had to meet.

For one, they had to pass the official proctor exam, which included written and practical exams. After passing, they would have to undergo an intense interview and oral exam led by three official proctors.

Once that was completed, one could finally be considered an official proctor of the Apothecary Guild and start off as the lowest grade five proctor. After building experience, they would be able to apply for the next proctor grade which followed a similar pattern as the first.

Of course, under most circumstances, an individual had to be at least one Apothecary grade above their proctor grade. This meant that someone had to be at least a grade six Apothecary if they wished to become a grade five proctor. The only exception to this rule was the grade eight proctor.

As long as one was an Elder of the Apothecary guild or approved by the Head, Vice-Head and at least three Elders—they could become a grade eight proctor. It had not always been this way in the Apothecary Guild.

Unfortunately, the number of grade ten and grade nine Apothecaries within the Apothecary Guild declined as the eras passed. This was either due to them being recruited to work for the kingdom directly or already being a part of an organization or group with long standing history. As a result, the Apothecary Guild had no choice but to change its rules and allow grade eight Apothecaries to become grade eight proctors. Naturally, the requirements one needed to fulfil were not easy. But, it allowed more grade eight Apothecaries to be promoted within the Apothecary Guild.

As for how one became a grade nine or grade ten Apothecary—all one had to do was provide proof that they could craft a pill of that grade at least three times. Needless to say, this was easier said than done. Regardless, as long as one could prove that they were a grade nine Apothecary, even the leaders of the kingdoms would treat them with the highest respect.

In regards to being a grade ten Apothecary—they were existences that even those old monsters at the peak of the legendary realm dared not to offend. After all, as long as they promised to craft a grade ten pill as a reward, it would not be difficult to call on the strength of powerful forces and other peak legendary realm powerhouses to deal with them.

This was one of the reasons why when Franz Winsor was telling her story about how she ended up in a thousand year slumber, Izroth knew that it must have been much more complex than she was letting on. Offending, let alone going so far as to betray a grade ten Apothecary’s trust was not something that could be done without a lot of calculations and influential forces involved.

"Greetings, fellow Apothecaries. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rozomius. I will be in charge of overseeing the grade five promotion test along with Apothecary Koralena and Apothecary Po." Rozomius spoke without shouting; however, his voice seemed to carry throughout the entire promotion test room with ease.

Rozomius’ gaze swept over the group of Apothecaries. His gaze caused a few of the Apothecaries to instinctively avert their eyes, while other avoided looking directly at him entirely. However, when his gaze landed on some of the Apothecaries present, they did not flinch or retreat and met his gaze with confidence.

Rozomius inwardly nodded as he thought to himself, "There are some worthwhile Apothecaries in this group. I am looking forward to seeing their performance."

"As I am sure all of you know, the test this time around has undergone a few changes. Due to recent events throughout the Seven Kingdoms, a petition was filed to hold high grade promotion tests twice a year. This is a change that has occurred not just within the Apothecary Guild, but the other major profession guilds, as well. However, do not be mistaken. There may be two promotion tests, but this year will be far more challenging than those of the past few decades." Rozomius stated calmly.

"More difficult? I heard from one of my senior sisters that the grade five Apothecary promotion test had a failure rate of more than 80%. To be more challenging than that—it looks like only a handful of people will be able to pass this time around." Celia commented.

"Whatever the challenge, we merely have to overcome it." Worldly Skies said with a relaxed expression on her face.

Though, despite her relaxed expression, a hint of competitive spirit flashed through Worldly Skies’ eyes.

"Hehe, well said, big sis Worldly Skies. You’re right—all we have to do is overcome whatever they throw at us. Besides, aren’t things more fun this way?" Celia said with a bright smile.

As Worldly Skies and Celia exchanged a few words, Rozomius passed the spotlight over to Koralena, who spent a few minutes giving a brief speech to encourage the Apothecaries.

After Koralena finished her speech, Rozomius returned to the center focus.

"The grade five Apothecary promotion test will now officially start." Rozomius declared.

He then continued, "When your name is called, come up and place your hand on the crystal. This crystal is an ancient relic that has been a part of the Apothecary Guild since its founding called the Guiding Light. Those who come into contact with it will obtain what is known as Natural Energy. It is Natural Energy that allows Apothecaries to craft pills above grade four. Without it, you can only remain a grade four Apothecary for the rest of your life."

"After touching the Guiding Light and acquiring your Natural Energy, whether you decide to continue with the promotion test or forfeit will be left up to your discretion. Keep in mind that once you decide to forfeit, you cannot change your mind and return." Rozomius said firmly.

The moment Rozomius brought up the Guiding Light, the atmosphere in the entire room shifted.

Most of the Apothecaries present were nervous and could not hide the anxious and troubled expressions creeping onto their faces. For many of them, the Guiding Light would decide their future and determine if they were fated to remain a grade four Apothecary forever or reach for greater heights.

"Please, at least a tier three compatible Natural Energy... Please..." One of the Apothecaries chanted almost as if it were a prayer as he clenched his hands together with his eyes closed.

"If I don’t get at least a tier four compatible Natural Energy here, how can I hope to restore my family’s name? I have to get it. I have to get it..!" Another Apothecary muttered to himself as he nervously bit his nails.

The two Apothecaries were not alone in their reaction. There were several Apothecaries who were in a similar or even worse state.

"Wah... The mood sure has changed... It’s kind of unsettling." Celia said as the responses of some of the Apothecaries caused her to shiver.

"For some, this is the single most important moment of their life. Besides consuming an Energy Gathering Pill or Flow of Energy Pill, it is something that remains entirely outside of their control. Their reaction is rather common." Izroth said nonchalantly.

Back in the Seven Realms, Izroth had participated in many events. From the young lords of fallen clans and low grade disciples to prominent figures and rising talents—Izroth had seen a similar scene unfold countless times due to the immense pressure they were under to perform.

"First up, Apothecary Ovan." Rozomius called forth.

"Damn, why did it have to be my name first...?!" A voice sounded not too far away from where Izroth, Worldly Skies and Celia stood.

The voice belonged to a man who appeared to be in his late thirties to early forties. He had short black hair with hints of gray in it along with a beard to match. His light brown eyes could not hide his nerves as he walked forward and approached the Guiding Light.

Ovan stared at the Guiding Light as his body trembled while he slowly reached his hand outward.

The instant his hand came into contact with the crystal, a mysterious light briefly engulfed Ovan as a strong gust of wind formed around him before vanishing without a trace.

Swoosh!

Within the crystal, three beads of golden light shone with a small typhoon swirling at the center of them.

"Natural Energy of Wind. Potential, tier three." Rozomius announced.

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