Ery had been absent when the first 47 participants did their challenge.
When he erged, he found himself unaware of the crowd's reactions, their faces reflecting awe and disbelief. He believed he had perford well in the last challenge, but it hadn't occurred to him that he might have done this well.
"You pass the challenge... You are first place."
The words hung in the air, and for a mont, Ery thought he had misheard. The examinee's tone and expression left no doubt—this result had shocked even them. As Ery scanned the crowd, he noticed a sea of astonished faces, each bearing the sa expression of incredulity.
"Oh… did I do too much?" Ery murmured to himself, his mind racing.
Until now, he had been a nobody—a naless participant with no reputation to his na.
Without status or connections, he had struggled even to gain entry to this prestigious palace. Now, standing at the center of attention, he couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. Recognition might be a double-edged sword, and he feared it could co back to haunt him.
With a quiet resolve, Ery decided to remain silent. He suppressed any outward signs of emotion and followed the examiner's instructions as they announced the nas of the top five alchemists. These were the ones who would advance to the grand Alchemist of Heaven and Earth event.
One by one, the nas were called out, accompanied by cheers and applause from the audience. As the other four stepped forward, Ery took ntal notes.
The first was a towering figure from the giant race; his na was Graknar Bluefla. His broad fra exuded raw power, and the way he carried himself hinted at imnse skill honed over years of rigorous practice.
Next ca a graceful wood elf, then two humans followed: a stern, middle-aged man with a grizzled beard and a deanor that scread discipline, and then a strikingly beautiful young woman introduced as Kaelynn Silverleaf.
When Ery's gaze fell upon Kaelynn, sothing unexpected happened. Their eyes t, and a ripple of familiarity coursed through him. His divine sense flared instinctively, and a puzzle piece seed to shift into place.
"She's... a beastman?" Ery mused silently. "What is she?"
The question lingered in his mind as the five of them were presented to the spectators. The announcent of their selection elicited thunderous applause. The crowd's excitent was palpable, a reflection of the significance of this rare event.
Their recognition earned them a coveted invitation to enter the Skyroot estate, where they would be housed until the main event began in three days.
As the crowd began to disperse, Ery's curiosity tugged at him. He wanted to approach Kaelynn, to unravel the enigma surrounding her. However, just as he started to make his move, one of the examiners intercepted him.
"Alchemist, the patriarch would like to see you."
The patriarch of the Skyroot faction—a Grade 9 master of alchemy—wanted to et him? This was an unexpected turn of events, one that imdiately shifted his priorities. Without hesitation, Ery abandoned his plan to speak with Kaelynn and followed the examiner.
He was led into an ornate building nearby, its grand architecture radiating both elegance and power. Inside, seated upon a throne-like chair, was an elderly man with silvery hair that seed to shimr under the light. This was Grand Master Calidorne, a figure whose presence exuded the weight of centuries of wisdom and mastery.
As the patriarch's piercing gaze fell upon him, Ery felt the undeniable aura of soone nearing the pinnacle of Supre-level power.
"You are a beastman," the patriarch stated, his voice calm but laden with authority. "Which clan are you from? Who is your master?"
The questions were delivered with the precision of a blade, cutting straight to the heart of Ery's identity. He remained composed, giving the sa carefully crafted explanation he had used before: the secluded clan he ca from and a traveling alchemist master whose na he promised not to share. The sa one he had used successfully with the Azure Cloud patriarch. However, this ti, it was clear his words would not suffice.
The Alchemist Master before him was no fool; they understood that such mastery in alchemy could not be acquired through re instruction in the wilderness.
To offer them so clarification—without revealing too much—Ery casually raised his hands. A spell ignited on each arm: one enveloped in dark, shadowy energy, the other radiating a brilliant, golden light.
The air in the chamber was tense, filled with unspoken questions and suspicion. Ery could feel the weight of the stares from the other alchemists present, their eyes dissecting every word and gesture.
He knew their interest was not in his origins or training but in the remarkable feat he had just achieved. Lighting up 92 runes on the Heaven and Earth scales was a monuntal accomplishnt, and they were desperate for answers.
To offer them so clarification—without revealing too much—Ery casually raised his hands. A spell ignited on each arm: one enveloped in dark, shadowy energy, the other radiating a brilliant, golden light.
"I was born with this dual affinity," he said, his voice steady and composed. "Perhaps this unique nature gave an advantage with the scales."
The room fell silent as the display of contrasting energies drew every eye. The explanation seed to appease most of the onlookers. Many nodded thoughtfully as if the demonstration had answered their doubts. But Ery's sharp instincts told him the patriarch was not entirely convinced.
The elderly alchemist studied him intently, his piercing gaze searching for any sign of deceit. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his tone asured and formal.
"Your talent is undeniable," the patriarch said. "I look forward to seeing more of your abilities in the upcoming event. You may go."
Ery gave a respectful nod and turned to leave, his expression calm, though his mind raced. He could feel the weight of their lingering stares as he exited the chamber.
As soon as the door closed behind him, murmurs erupted among the remaining alchemists.
"A dual affinity that could light up 92 runes..." one whispered, his voice tinged with awe. "He could be the inheritor of the Heaven and Earth Reversal techniques."
The claim sparked imdiate debate.
"That's preposterous," another countered. "He must have cheated," soone muttered, though the doubt in their voice betrayed their lack of conviction.
The patriarch's voice cut through the noise, silencing the room.
"That's Enough," he said firmly. "Even if he possesses the talent, he cannot inherit the technique... Don't you see what he truly is?"
The others exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of his aning.
The patriarch's eyes narrowed, as he said "He is a Fey."
A silence filled the room as the weight of that revelation sank in.
User Comments
0 comments from readers