Chapter 1223: A Cut Off Path?

Ovan’s expression shifted from one full of nerves and anxiousness to a wide smile, accompanied by a breath of relief.

"Thank Mazi!" Ovan exclaimed as he clenched his fists in excitement.

"Hmph, the Natural Energy is suitable, but it’s just a tier three potential. Given his age, it’d be a miracle if he can become a top grade five Apothecary, let alone a grade six Apothecary, within his lifetime." Konpel scoffed.

He then looked over at Pierce and said, "Compared to young master Pierce, this old man isn’t even worth mentioning."

"Mind your words, Konpel. Having the talent to become a grade five Apothecary is commendable, regardless of one’s age. Even if it’s mediocre, he still tried his hardest to get there. It is worthy of some praise." Pierce said casually.

"Of course, of course. Young master Pierce is right. Comparing the two of you is insulting. I will be more mindful of my words." Konpel smiled slyly.

"Ah, it’s that annoying guy again...! What a terrible personality." Celia commented as she overheard Konpel’s mocking words.

"Hm? Did someone trouble you?" Worldly Skies inquired as her eyes traveled over to Konpel and Pierce, who stood in a group with five others.

It was the same group of that Izroth and Celia ran into not long after they entered the Apothecary Guild’s main building.

"That guy tried to pick a fight with the Palace Master for no reason. If the Palace Master wasn’t so forgiving and kindhearted, I would’ve taught them a lesson." Celia stated as she did not hide her dissatisfaction.

Forgiving? Kindhearted? For a moment, Worldly Skies almost thought she misheard Celia. There were many words that she could use to describe Izroth; however, it would not be one of those.

Izroth was a kindhearted person, but that was only to those he considered his friends and people. As for those who tried to pick a fight with him—they did not meet a good end.

"Considering how the Palace Master dealt with Sage Falls and the Headhunter Syndicate, he is not the type to disregard those who try to pick a fight with him. Can it be..." Worldly Skies thought to herself as she looked over at Izroth.

Izroth simply gave a carefree smile without uttering a word.

"Ah... I see. Ha... Right, there’s no need for the Palace Master to do anything himself. He is the benefactor of the Vice-Head and on good terms with two Elders of the Apothecary Guild. Even if he does not lift a finger, as long as those people find out about it, will they remain silent?" Worldly Skies thought to herself as she let out a small sigh.

"Celia, there is one thing you have to remember about the Palace Master. Others do not have to be his friend, but they absolutely must not be his enemy. Otherwise, they will only suffer." Worldly Skies stated.

"Huh? Oh... I’ll remember, big sis Worldly Skies." Celia replied with a slightly confused look on her face.

’Not bad.’

Although Worldly Skies only saw half the picture, Izroth was still impressed by insight.

One of the reasons did not bother Konpel back then and simply made a passing comment had to do with two things. The first was that time was short. As for the second—Izroth knew that he would not have to make a move himself after he finished doing what he planned at the grade four Apothecary promotion test.

Now, everyone who attended the grade four promotion test knew that he was the Vice-Head’s benefactor. And, by now, it had probably spread throughout the Apothecary Guild, or perhaps even the entire Apothecary District.

How many people wanted to get on the Vice-Head’s good side? How many wanted him to take them as a student? The answer was too many to count. However, the Vice-Head was too elusive and did not stand out in the public eye. Because of this, as well as his straightforward and strict personality, it was not easy to get close to Malric.

But, in the eyes of others, Izroth was a different story. As long as they could get close to him, Malric’s benefactor, and have him put in a good word or two for them, wouldn’t they have a chance?

It was due to this that even if Izroth did not say anything, as long as it was discovered that Konpel insulted him, there would be someone who would take care of it just for the small chance that Izroth would find them favorable.

Why waste time cutting at trash with his sword when he could simply use a borrowed knife?

After Rozomius made the announcement, Ovan returned to the group of Apothecaries. Then, Rozomius began to call up Apothecaries one by one.

"Natural Energy of Water. Potential, tier two."

"Natural Energy of Fire. Potential, tier one."

"Natural Energy of Fire. Potential, tier three."

"Natural Energy of Earth. Potential, tier five."

Just like with Ovan, the number of golden beads represented the tier of the Natural Enemy, while what formed in the middle was its element.

For water, it displayed a cluster of raindrops. Fire was represented by a burning blaze. As for earth, it showed up as a sturdy boulder.

"It’s over... It’s all over..." One of the Apothecaries, a young man by the name of Millan, went up and obtained a Natural Energy of Fire. At first, he was ecstatic when he witnessed the burning blaze. Fire was the best Natural Energy one could acquire for an Apothecary.

However, when Millan saw that the potential was tier one, his heart sank as he was overcome with despair.

Although he could probably become a grade five Apothecary, with a tier one potential, he would never be able to make more than low grade five pills for the rest of his life. To be it bluntly, he had essentially approached the limit to his career as an Apothecary.

As a result, Millan chose to forfeit from the grade five Apothecary promotion test. He knew that with his Natural Energy in its current state, he would not be able to successfully craft a grade five pill. Rather than embarrass himself and waste time, he decided to preserve what little dignity he had left.

But, not all the results that had shown so far were bad. There was a young woman by the name of Burelle who obtained the Natural Energy of Energy with a tier five potential.

While Fire was the best Natural Energy an Apothecary could receive, Earth and Wind were also suitable elements. It being tier five also meant that Burelle was practically guaranteed to become a grade five Apothecary and had a chance to grow into a grade six Apothecary. As long as she remained dedicated, by the end of her life, it may even be possible to step into the realm of a grade seven Apothecary.

"Next, Apothecary Nervan." Rozomius called forth.

Nervan, a young man in his late twenties, walked up and placed his hand onto the Guiding Light.

The Guiding Light emitted a bright purple hue. When this light appeared, Rozomius released a small sigh.

"No...! Impossible..! Please, let me try again!" Nervan said as he removed his hand and tried to place it back onto the Guiding Light.

However, before he could touch it a second time, Rozomius had appeared next to him and held onto his wrist.

"Each person can only use the Guiding Light once per promotion test. Even if that rule did not exist, throughout the entire history of the Apothecary Guild, there has never been a case of the Guiding Light giving a result different from the first. You must accept the outcome." Rozomius said unhurriedly before he released Nervan’s wrist.

"But, I... I..." Nervan had a look of dread on his face as he looked at Rozomius. It was not long until a stream of tears left his eyes as his head hung low in defeat.

Since Nervan did not move, a pair of nearby employees of the Apothecary Guild escorted him away.

Once he was successfully escorted out of the promotion test area, Rozomius announced the results.

"Apothecary Nervan—No Natural Energy." Rozomius declared.

’Oh? It’s possible to not obtain any Natural Energy from the Guiding Light?’

"How horrible. Without Natural Energy, he has no way of crafting grade five pills. His career as an Apothecary is done for." Worldly Skies said with a pitiful look in her eyes.

"He still has the ability to craft grade four pills. Even if he cannot become a grade five Apothecary, he should not give up on being an Apothecary." Celia stated.

"I fear it’s not that simple. It’s true that he can still make a living as a grade four Apothecary; however, for those who love pill crafting, it is no different than being told your dream has come to an end." Izroth stated.

He then continued, "If you were told that no matter how hard you tried, you would never become anything more—would the thought of still being able to be less than average for the rest of your life be comforting?"

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