Ery couldn't believe what he had just heard. The opportunity to learn the Heaven and Earth Reversal technique was an unexpected gift. From what little he had heard, it was an ancient and powerful thod, one he believed could further enhance his comprehension of the Dao of Heaven and Earth, pushing him closer to breaking through to the Grand Magus realm.
However, such a sacred technique wouldn't be offered freely. There had to be conditions.
As expected, one of the Skyroot elders leaned forward, his aged yet sharp gaze locking onto Ery.
"We acknowledge your commitnt to supporting the Pardera calling… However, this ancestral technique is not sothing we can simply pass on." The elder paused briefly before continuing, "For that, we require you to formally join our faction as a senior mber."
A mont of silence filled the chamber.
Becoming an official mber of the Skyroot faction, a senior one at that, would be a trendous honor, a prestigious opportunity for any alchemist.
But Ery knew better.
This was not just a title. It was a commitnt. A responsibility that ca with expectations and potential shackles.
Sensing his hesitation, another elder spoke up. "Perhaps you are unfamiliar with what it truly ans to be one of us."
The elder then laid out the terms in detail.
First, the benefits. As a Skyroot mber, Ery would gain full access to over a dozen exclusive alchemy facilities spread across the realm, each stocked with rare ingredients and advanced tools that most alchemists could only dream of. He would also be given priority access to precious materials and the assistance of Skyroot's expert alchemists.
Then ca the responsibilities.
The most significant among them was the faction's right to any new alchemical recipes he developed and to take a share of the profits if they were used comrcially. Furthermore, he would be required to contribute a portion of the materials he obtained from missions.
It finally occurred to Ery why they had accepted him so readily. While Grandmaster Caliborne may have been searching for a successor to the Heaven and Earth Reversal technique, the other elders had their own interests.
Their eyes had been drawn to his new body refinent formula, which he was developing for the Pardera Warmaster. They also likely hoped that by bringing him into the faction, he would share so of the rare materials he would acquire from the other realm.
Seeing Ery's montary hesitation, Patriarch Caliborne reassured him.
"This is standard practice for any alchemy faction. If you truly wish to develop as an alchemist, being part of a larger organization will benefit you. The only question is whether your affiliation with the Fey Clan will allow it."
At those words, Ery realized that the patriarch still misunderstood his position. He was not just unaffiliated with the Fey Clan—he was not even from this realm.
In truth, none of these responsibilities would bind him in the long term. As far as Ery was concerned, once he found his way back ho, there was a chance he might never return to this realm.
Despite feeling hesitant for being dishonest, Ery desperately needed every advantage he could get.
Gaining the title of a Pardera senior mber would open even more doors for him, providing greater access to resources and connections. More importantly, the Heaven and Earth Reversal technique could beco a valuable treasure to bring back ho.
For these two benefits alone, Ery was even willing to let Skyroot take all the profits from his deal with the Warmaster. It was a worthy trade.
Thus, with conviction, he gave his answer.
"I, Ery Ambrose, accept the offer and am honored to beco a mber of the Skyroot faction."
The elders exchanged glances, so with silent approval, others with mild intrigue. A few nodded in acknowledgnt.
The formalities that followed were surprisingly simple. A ceremony was held within the faction's grand hall, an ancient chamber carved from the heart of the Skyroot mountain. The gathered elders, robed in deep green and gold, stood in a semi-circle around a central altar of white stone, where Ery was guided to stand before the Patriarch.
A ceremonial to, its pages inscribed with golden runes, floated above the altar, held in place by an invisible force. The patriarch motioned toward it, and the runes shimred, shifting as if alive.
"This oath is not one of blind servitude," the patriarch began, his voice calm but firm. "Skyroot does not bind its mbers with chains of control, but with the duty of knowledge. Our legacy is not one of conquest, but of preservation. An alchemist's hands are ant to create, to heal, and to push the limits of understanding."
Ery's gaze swept over the gathered elders, noting their serious expressions. He had expected words of allegiance to the faction, but instead, the vow was a declaration of an alchemist's responsibility—to master the craft, to seek wisdom, and to assist those in need.
The to flared, and a single tendril of golden energy reached out, wrapping around Ery's wrist like a living thread of light. He could feel the warmth of it, not a binding force but a reminder of the oath he was about to take.
With confidence, he spoke the words as they appeared in his mind, the ancient language flowing naturally from his lips.
"I swear to honor the pursuit of knowledge, to wield my craft with wisdom, and to aid those in need. By the roots that touch the heavens and the earth, I solemly swear"
As soon as the final syllable left his mouth, the golden tendril pulsed before vanishing into his skin, leaving behind only a faint warmth.
The patriarch nodded in approval. "Congratulations," he said, his voice carrying through the chamber. "From this mont forth, you are a senior mber of the Skyroot faction."
A murmur of acknowledgnt passed through the elders, so exchanging approving glances while others observed him with silent contemplation. His new identity within the faction was now official.
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