Ery arrived at what could only be described as a grand and sophisticated feast.
The atmosphere exuded opulence, with golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the spacious hall. Despite the extravagant setting, the event was exclusive—less than 500 individuals had been invited. Most of them were humans, but a significant number of elves were present as well.
Each attendee was a known figure in the realm, whether noble, scholar, or warrior. Even the alchemist assistants had not been granted access, which ant neither Livi nor Shinta was present. However, Baldoni, due to his reputation and role in the Alchemist association, had managed to secure an invite.
As Ery's sharp senses swept across the room, he detected nearly 200 cosmic-stage experts among the guests. At least half a dozen supre figures stood amongst them, their presences formidable. However, what intrigued him most were several others whose auras remained obscured, hinting at power beyond his current ability to perceive.
Beyond the gluttonous spread of exotic dishes and fine wines, the centerpiece of the evening's attraction was the display of the day's greatest alchemical achievents. Two dozen end products from the competition were showcased, with the top five prominently placed in the center, gleaming within crystal cases, their magical potency visible to anyone who gazed upon them.
As soon as Ery stepped into the gathering, murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire.
"That's him… the beastman alchemist… He's here."
He quickly found himself the center of attention. Dozens of noble figures approached him with warm smiles, each vying for a mont of his ti. Most of them were from renowned factions, eager to make his acquaintance. Their intentions were clear: they wished to recruit him, to make him part of their circle.
While Ery found such social maneuvering tedious, he understood the importance of building connections. He hoped one of these interactions might lead to a way back ho or, at the very least, provide useful insight.
Then, a familiar figure appeared before him, cutting through the sea of aristocrats—Prince Floyd, the third prince of the Pradera Kingdom. Wearing an ingratiating smile, he raised his goblet in greeting.
"Master Alchemist Ery! It brings great joy to see you here!" The third prince, Floyd, declared grandly, puffing out his chest like a proud peacock. He strutted toward Ery with exaggerated confidence, making sure to raise his voice loud enough for the surrounding nobles to hear.
Then, with a dramatic flourish of his arm, he turned to the crowd and proclaid, "I was the one who discovered Master Ery in a humble border town and personally invited him to this grand event! Master Ery and I—, we are like brothers!"
He grinned widely, clearly expecting admiration from those around him.
Ery raised an eyebrow. Brothers? A week ago, he couldn't even get a five-minute audience with this sa prince. Now, suddenly, they were best friends? The sheer audacity made Ery want to laugh.
Before he could respond, a polite cough interrupted the spectacle.
The crowd stirred as two towering figures stepped forward—Baldoni and Ivaris, the fad alchemist brothers. Unlike the pompous prince, these n commanded real respect. Their very presence silenced the nobles, who instinctively shifted to clear a path for them.
Soon enough, the guests took notice of who Ery was truly affiliated with, and Prince Floyd found himself overshadowed, blending back into the crowd.
More and more figures gathered around Ery, the conversations gradually shifting from noble pleasantries to professional inquiries. Even renowned alchemists were eager to learn about his unique approach to crafting the pill that had earned him a place among the top competitors.
However, with newfound recognition also ca envy. Many alchemists cast jealous glances in his direction, but none more so than Horus Kreed.
The noble alchemist seethed in silent resentnt, convinced that Ery had stolen his rightful place in the top five. His eyes burned with hostility as he shot multiple sharp glares in Ery's direction—glares laced with barely concealed contempt.
Ery, of course, noticed. His divine sense easily caught Kreed's intense stares. But instead of acknowledging the man's bitter gaze, he simply ignored him—casually continuing his conversation as if Kreed didn't exist.
Soon, the main event comnced. A group of Skyroot alchemists entered the hall, carrying detailed analyses of the displayed creations. The purpose of this gathering was not just to celebrate the accomplishnts of the participants but also to promote their alchemical breakthroughs. Once the analysis was revealed, the creators were given the option to auction their products to the eager crowd.
A distinguished elder of the Skyroot faction took the stage, his voice steady and commanding as he introduced the first high-ranking creation.
"This is a Tier 8 Soul-Enhancing Pill," he announced, gesturing towards a shimring, pearl-like capsule. Behind him, a glass display projected a detailed breakdown of the product's attributes:
[97% potency]
[Effectiveness to wind elent users: 120%]
[Most effective for: Cosmic Stage 5]
Soul-enhancing pills were among the most sought-after commodities for Grand Magus-level experts. They provided an unparalleled boost to one's cultivation, helping break through barriers that would otherwise take decades to overco.
The noble alchemist responsible for its creation bead with pride as bidding for his pill swiftly escalated into the tens of millions of spirit stones.
Ivaris stepped closer to Ery, lowering his voice. "What will you do? Will you sell your pill?"
Ery frowned, slightly caught off guard. He had not been inford about this auction. Moreover, he had no intention of parting with his creation. This was the first Tier 8 pill he had successfully crafted, and he wasn't certain he could replicate it any ti soon. His initial plan was to keep it for himself, to consu when he reached the Grand Magus realm.
With that in mind, he shook his head. "No, I'm not selling it."
Ivaris let out a sigh, seemingly disappointed. "Really? A body-enhancent pill that reaches Tier 9 effectiveness… Your pill could worth billions."
Ery froze. "B-billions?" he stamred.
The staggering number made his resolve waver. A few million spirit stones were one thing, but billions? For the first ti, greed crept into his mind.
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