Walking down a corridor lit by soft, enchanted lamp, Alex followed the attendant who had greeted him in the lobby.His thoughts drifted to the fallen Alchemist Association.He recalled how, in recent years, so many gifted minds had abandoned alchemy for the sword and spear, leaving a generation barely touched by the old art’s wisdom.In his previous life, he had witnessed the Alchemist Association’s last stand during the siege of Miracle City.They had given everything, each member perishing in the final defense.At least, he had no reason to doubt their honor; the Bolton Family’s hand had never tainted the alchemists’ good name.His guide, a sharp-eyed young woman named Lanny, studied him with open skepticism.“You’re here to take the apprentice examination, right? I hope you’ve prepared. Anyone worth their salt knows at least five foundational tomes by heart.”Alex almost laughed as he pictured one of those massive texts.It had been thick enough to topple a grown man if hurled with

“This isn’t over yet!” Brian snapped, turning back to his exam, trying his hardest to pass it.Alex laughed and turned to the Alchemy Master.“Can I use one of the alchemy room now? I need to make a potion for my friend.”Mitchell Hunt, the alchemy master shocked and chatted with Alex for a while and quickly realized that Alex wasn’t just skilled in the theories of alchemy—he was also familiar with actual refinement processes.Monstrous!Mitchell had spent decades in alchemy, only reaching the Alchemy Master level at fifty years old.Thinking about Alex’s age made him feel both impressed and embarrassed.It was frustrating! How old was Alex? Yet his knowledge was already on par with seasoned masters.It was proof that knowledge didn’t always come with age.“Sure,” Mitchell said finally, “I’ll let you use my alchemy room. You can use any ingredient inside. If something’s missing, you can ask my assistant.”“Here, take this card—it’ll grant you access, and I’ll inform my assistant. Mean

“Everyone!” Mitchell called out, his voice echoing through the hall.Without waiting for any protest, he placed a firm hand on Alex’s shoulder.“Alex has officially passed the Master Alchemy test. He will be one of us, and you can speak to him later. For now, there’s some important paperwork that needs to be done.”Before the crowd could react, Kolin stepped forward. “But what about the high-rank potion?” he asked, clearly intrigued.Mitchell offered a measured smile.“That’s part of a secret project I’m working on. I’ll make an announcement when the time is right.”With that, he grabbed Alex’s hand and swiftly guided him away, leaving the onlookers in stunned silence.A flurry of whispers erupted, spreading like wildfire.“He’s only a child!”“Not yet twenty years old—and already a Master Alchemist?”Their disbelief was tangible.Before turning twenty, Alex had already surpassed achievements most people in their thirties or forties couldn’t attain.Those who had mocked him earlier fe

“Absolutely, absolutely!” Davis responded without hesitation, his voice brimming with relief.“The Alchemist Association is prepared to offer fifty percent of the profits to your esteemed master!”Since ascending to the presidency, Davis had watched alchemy’s future dim with growing concern.This proposal was the last lifeline to revive the association, and he couldn’t afford to turn it down.Alex’s smile was warm and reassuring. “My master only requests twenty five percent. If President Davis Grant is open to it, perhaps you could establish scholarships for aspiring alchemists from the common and poor folk. I’m certain my master would also contribute an additional five percent of his profits to support them.”Davis was momentarily taken aback by the generosity in Alex’s proposal, but admiration quickly softened his expression.“Your master is truly a remarkable alchemist,” he said sincerely. “We will honor his wishes. There’s no need for us to take any profits from him.”Davis had lon

“Who the hell is this lunatic mutt?” Alex spat, his voice laced with mockery.“Crashes the party, throws a punch, then whines when I hit back? Whose rabid dog is this, anyway? Letting him roam around biting people—ridiculous.”Everyone recognized Richard Bolton, but Alex acted like he’d never met him, a smirk curling his lips.The crowd around them snickered, enjoying Richard’s humiliation.“You son of a bitch!” Richard shouted, fury twisting his features.His finger jabbed toward Alex. “Why the hell are you touching my fiancée?” His eyes blazed when he noticed Alex’s arm secured around Cassandra’s waist.A collective gasp rose from the onlookers.Alex’s stance was unmistakable—his hand gently but possessively on Cassandra’s waist, his posture calm yet challenging.He was clearly baiting Richard, daring him to think he was after Cassandra.Cassandra’s cheeks burned.She was used to Alex’s teasing, but this was on another level—his arm around her in front of so many people made her hea