"Master rlin, would you prefer a higher-level or a lower-level floor?" inquired one of the Apothecary Center staff as Ery arrived to select his workshop space.
"High floor," Ery responded.
"Good choice."
Amid the towering edifice of the Apothecary Center, Ery chose a coveted spot on the 29th level, sharing this elevated floor with two other master apothecaries. "Let show you to your new workshop."
As they stepped into the conveyor box, the hum of ascending machinery enveloped them. The box swiftly propelled upward, transporting Ery to the pinnacle of the master building. The workshop, nestled on the 29th floor, bore semblance to the one previously used by his esteed master, Grom.
As the doors opened, revealing the expansive workspace, Ery was greeted by an impressive sight. The workshop, though a fraction of the grandmaster's floor, still offered a substantial 500 square ters of open space. Ery's chosen space boasted a seamless blend of functionality and elegance. A strategically placed balcony graced the workshop, providing a panoramic view of the Golden City below.
The staff remained by Ery's side, offering their expertise in filling out the interior of his new workspace, aligning every detail with Ery's preferences. Per his request, a selection of customizable standard furniture was brought in, ensuring a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Among the tailored additions were customized standard furnishings, including a 4-season indoor garden that brought a touch of nature into the space. An advanced laboratory was set up, featuring cutting-edge equipnt for precise experintation. Additionally, a dedicated concocting room, fortified to withstand high levels of heat, was established for Ery's alchemical endeavors.
As the staff diligently worked to transform the space into a haven for alchemical pursuits, Ery embarked on the task of selecting his assistants. These artisans were contracted on a full-ti basis with the Golden City Apothecary Center, ready to execute any tasks assigned to them by Ery. While the institute covered their salaries, Ery bore the responsibility for any mistakes they might make. This arrangent emphasized the need for Ery to impart his knowledge and skills effectively, ensuring the competence of his chosen assistants.
Ery ticulously reviewed the extensive data showcasing more than 500 available junior artisans and around 100 senior artisans. The sheer numbers surprised the staff accompanying him.
"Master Ery, this is truly remarkable! I've rarely witnessed so many senior artisans expressing their willingness to assist a new master," the staff remarked with a tone of astonishnt.
Typically, junior artisans were eager to be selected, hoping for the opportunity to work under a new master. Senior artisans, on the other hand, who were just a step away from reaching master level, would often choose to follow a grandmaster or, at the very least, an honorary master – a prestigious title reserved for the top 10 masters at the Golden City Apothecary Center.
Despite the intriguing prospect of having skilled assistants, Ery hesitated. The idea of others handling his precious ingredients, crucial to his ticulous craft, weighed on his mind. He would rather take his ti than blindly choose the artisan who would work for him.
"I'll need so ti to think, maybe later."
"Certainly," As the renovation work progressed swiftly, the hours seed to stretch while Ery patiently awaited the completion of his workshop. During this ti, he received a ssage notifying him of visitors eager to extend their congratulations. Knowing who they were, he agreed to let them into the new workshop.
"Brother Ery, congratulations!" greeted the cheerful Karin, accompanied by Cedric, Aeon, and the enchanting Tessa Karat. They had co to share in his joy over attaining one of the most coveted titles in the magus universe and to celebrate the establishnt of his new workshop. As the festivities continued, the apothecary staff conveyed another piece of news – representatives from various prominent families were also eager to et him.
Tessa, ever graceful, remarked, "Oh my... you're quite the celebrity now."
Despite the buzz surrounding him, Ery had little interest in entertaining visitors at the mont and politely declined the opportunity to et with them. The decision to refuse etings with prominent figures of the Golden City elicited different reactions from Ery's close associates. Cedric, expressing concern, asked, "Are you sure about this? Is it wise?" In stark contrast, Aeon, adopting a more carefree attitude, chid in, "Just let those people wait."
Ery turned to Tessa, seeking her perspective on the matter. With a knowing smile, she said, "You probably won't be able to hold them all off."
As if her words summoned them, two unexpected guests arrived on Ery's floor, seemingly without notifying the staff. It was one of the ten honorary apothecary masters, Master Bailin, accompanied by a strikingly beautiful woman with light green hair.
Master Bailin, with a courteous deanor, introduced himself and presented the woman beside him. With an alluring smile, she spoke, "Master rlin, I am Victoria Qin. I've co to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your remarkable achievent."
Ery instantly recognized the woman from the auction – Victoria Qin, the heiress to the Qin family, the wealthiest in the Golden City. Despite her stature, she seed genuinely surprised to find Tessa among the visitors, and with a smile, she remarked, "I didn't realize Sister Tessa would arrive so quickly."
Tessa maintained her composure and responded, "Don't worry about ; I'm just here visiting a friend."
"Oh, a friend of the Karat family," Victoria observed, turning her attention to Ery. "I suppose a genius like you attracts a lot of friends." She casually accessed her storage ring and produced the [Heaven and Earth Cauldron], declaring, "I co bearing gifts, hoping to be your friend as well."
Ery was aware that she had purchased the cauldron at the auction for a substantial sum of 7,000,000 spirit stones. The fact that she offered such a precious item for free showcased the considerable wealth of the Qin family. If Ery hadn't already received the [Starforge Furnace], he might have considered accepting the gift shalessly.
Ery, astutely reading the situation and recognizing the rarity of a genuinely free gift, politely declined Victoria's offer. "This is very generous indeed. Unfortunately, I already have a reliable cauldron, and I hate to see such an amazing piece not being used."
Victoria, though seemingly unaffected by the rejection, took the cauldron back with a smile. She calmly stated, "Master Ery, if you have no commitnts to other families, I, representing the Qin family, would like to extend an offer for a genius like you to join our ranks. Similar to Master Bailin here, I assure you we can provide the best facilities and the most lucrative deals for your exceptional products."
User Comments
0 comments from readers