Chapter 1238: Sights Adjusted, The Final Test Begins

When Izroth handed over the other boxes to Worldly Skies and Celia, the other participants became dejected as they could only look on helplessly.

Compared to making connections with possible future grade ten Apothecaries, what they had to offer could not come anywhere close. While they were disappointed that the Harnessing Energy Pills did not fall into their hands, if they were in Izroth’s position, they would have likely done the same.

Though what surprised them was that Izroth turned down Pierce’s offer without hesitation.

The Duvelle family was one of the most powerful families in Danaharpe whose influence stretched beyond the City of Craft. Furthermore, there were even rumors going around about the Head of the Duvelle family breaking through to become a grade nine Apothecary.

For Izroth to turn down a grade seven pill personally crafted by the Head of the Duvelle family, as well as a favor from such an influential family—a part of the Apothecaries present were envious, while the others did not know if they would have the courage to turn down Pierce’s offer. After all, it was not worth potentially offending the Duvelle family over one pill.

"Apothecary Izroth, I believe my offer is more than fair. There is no need to be in a rush to give it away to others. You should think carefully and consider what my Duvelle family has to offer you." Pierce said as he saw the pills going over to Worldly Skies and Celia.

"Who I decide to give the things I own to does not concern you." Izroth replied indifferently.

"You are making a mistake-" Pierce started.

Izroth turned his back to Pierce as he focused on Worldly Skies and Celia.

"Do not delay in taking it. This pill will help in solidifying your foundations as an Apothecary." Izroth stated calmly.

"Thank you, Palace Master." Worldly Skies and Celia said in unison.

After briefly examining the pill, the two followed Izroth’s instructions and consumed the Harnessing Energy Pill without a second thought.

Seeing Izroth turn his back toward him and having witnessed the Harnessing Energy Pills being consumed in front of his eyes, Pierce clenched his hands into a fist so tightly that he drew a bit of blood.

"Since you have already made your choice, then I suppose there is nothing else to be done. I will excuse myself." Pierce said with a forced smile as he walked away.

If it were a few moments ago, Pierce would not have dropped the matter so easily. However, now that the Head of the Apothecary Guild showed herself, he could not risk drawing her ire.

"First, I find out that the Dark Abyssal Cauldron I’ve had my eye on was taken away by some nobody. Then, I have to discard Konpel and deal with that arrogant brother of his. Now, my spotlight during this promotion test that my family painstakingly prepared has been stolen away along with the Harnessing Energy Pills! Izroth—where did this guy come from?! Not only does he arrogantly ignore me, but he even dares to ruin the great plans of my Duvelle family!" Pierce thought to himself.

Pierce abruptly halted his steps. His expression changed as if something had suddenly dawned on him. He was so lost in anger that it almost brushed past him. But, the way Worldly Skies and Celia just relied to Izroth caused him to come to a realization.

"That girl, Celia—she has been with him ever since he set foot into the Apothecary Guild. I thought it was merely by chance. After all, disciples of the Order of a Thousand Blossoms are taught not to get close to men. But, she clearly just called him Palace Master along with the one called Worldly Skies. The Mystical Realm Palace—a group we’ve never heard of before today... Palace Master... the way they’re together and treating him with respect—can it be that he’s the one in charge of this Mystical Realm Palace? Or, at the very least, holds a high position?" Pierce thought to himself with furrowed brows.

Pierce was not the only one that picked up on the way Worldly Skies and Celia addressed Izroth. Although they had called him Palace Master before, there was a lot going on in the promotion test room and no one was paying them any attention during those times. Nor could they hear their conversations with how everyone was speaking and interacting with each other.

But, with the way things settled down once the Head of the Apothecary appeared and now that everyone’s focus was entirely on them due to the Harnessing Energy Pills, they heard it well—the fact that two potential grade ten Apothecaries referred to Izroth as Palace Master. And, it did not take a genius to connect the pieces.

Upon that realization, whether it was the observers or Apothecaries, the way they looked at Izroth changed. At first, they only thought of him as an unfortunate soul with good knowledge who obtained the Natural Energy of Lightning with a never before seen tier of potential. However, no matter how one looked at it, Worldly Skies and Celia, even after finding out about their own Natural Energy and potential, treated him with a great deal of respect.

It was that moment everyone realized that they had been approaching it from the wrong angle all this time. If they wanted to draw Worldly Skies and Celia to their side, all they had to do was win the one called Izroth over somehow. If so, wouldn’t those two naturally follow?

...

The break time quickly came to an end as the timer finished its countdown.

As order was restored and everyone settled down, the atmosphere became increasingly tense—as if everyone could sense that the hardest part of the promotion test was soon to come.

"We will now begin the last part of the grade five promotion test. Those of you who pass will officially be recognized as grade five a Apothecary and receive the privileges and honor that comes along with the rank. However, even if you fail, do not be discouraged. Learn from your mistakes and grow so that next time you do not have to experience failure in the same way." Rozomius stated.

He then declared, "Then, I will now explain the rules of the last test."

Rozomius waved his hand as the promotion test room trembled slightly. The following moment, 27 simple wooden tables appeared spread out evenly.

On top of each table was a sealed scroll along with various herbs and small containers with a variety of ingredients within them.

"Each participant will be given a scroll that contains three grade five pill recipes along with all the ingredients needed to craft them. However, do not feel too pressured as you only need to successfully craft one of the pills listed on the scroll to pass." Rozomius stated.

When Rozomius mentioned the latter part, it caused the Apothecaries to release a sigh of relief. For a moment, they thought that they would have to craft three grade five pills in order to pass.

"If you have brought your own cauldron, you are free to use it. If you do not have a cauldron, the Apothecary Guild will provide a suitable cauldron for your use during this test. Of course, the use of outside items or ingredients are strictly prohibited. Anyone caught breaking the rules will be immediately disqualified." Rozomius said sternly.

He then continued, "There are enough ingredients for exactly five attempts for each pill listed. However, once you decide on what pill you will craft out of the three, you cannot change your choice and the other materials will be excluded automatically. The scroll details the pill ingredients and its crafting method; therefore, read over everything carefully before you make a decision. I will remind you again—your choice cannot be changed once it has been made."

Rozomius seemed to stress the fact that the participants could not change their choice as if there were a deeper meaning behind it. Of course, Izroth and several of the Apothecaries picked up on this.

’The choice itself is probably also a part of the test. I’m curious to see what grade five pills they have listed.’

"Take your place at any of the open tables. You will have exactly three hours to successfully craft a grade five pill. Whenever you finish, you can bring your pill up immediately to be judged. When the timer reaches zero, if you have yet to successfully craft a pill, you will be automatically disqualified. In pill crafting, a few seconds can be the difference between success and failure. Do not take even a moment for granted." Rozomius said as he pointed to the sky.

When he performed this action, a timer set at 3:00:00 appeared in a string of golden text.

At the same time, Izroth and the other participants approached one of the unoccupied wooden tables. Those who had cauldrons took them out, while those who did not had one placed before them by a staff of the Apothecary Guild.

"Begin!" Rozomius declared as the timer started.

The final part of the grade five promotion test had officially begun!

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