"I found them, so I have to nurture them myself. When they shine in the future, they will shine as my students," she said to herself, trying to justify her actions.She would spare no effort in providing them with the privileges and resources reserved for inner disciples.Soon, the allotted time came to an end. Cynthia finished in fifth place. Since she had to start from scratch, another student managed to finish ahead of her. In the end, she produced three pills with sixty-two percent purity."With all that bragging, was that really the best she could do?" one of the examinees whispered to his friend, unable to hide the mockery in his voice."Exactly. When we first arrived in the hall, she was so full of herself, boasting that she came from the family of an alchemy prodigy. She even claimed she'd finish first," his friend replied with a sneer."But if you think about it," another examinee chimed in, "if the red-haired guy and the fatty hadn't participated, she might have finished sec

"Did that fatty just say that Goddess Mia is that red-haired boy's girlfriend?" the inner disciples asked, unable to believe their ears.The outer disciples were utterly confused. They had no idea who Mia was, but they could tell she had to be someone incredibly famous and respected. From the reactions around them, it was obvious that Zaki and Mattimeo had gotten themselves into serious trouble with that remark."I thought that pretty girl Gia was his girlfriend?" they muttered among themselves.A tall youth from the inner sect strode toward Mattimeo and Zaki."How dare someone at your level set his eyes on Mia? Do you even know who she is? Do you really think someone like you could ever know someone like her? The audacity... Is it because of your pretty face or your red hair?"The other inner disciples nodded in agreement."Yes, Azami, tell him. These outer sect disciples don't know they're only here to fill up the numbers. They should learn to be humble and keep their heads lowered

"You can play with it if that's what you want. Here, take your time." She handed him the book.Instead, Mattimeo pulled out another book."I'll copy the method down instead. The mission board opens tomorrow, and I'm going to pick a mission with Zaki and Mia. I don't know how long we'll be gone," he said."Mia? That girl from the inner sect?" Aurora asked. "I've heard stories about the two of you. She's such a devoted girl. Even though she's supposedly in a much better position now, she still hasn't left you.""It's because I'm so handsome and charming," Mattimeo replied with a perfectly straight face."That fatty has started rubbing off on you, hasn't he?" Aurora said, rolling her eyes.The gesture was so adorable that Mattimeo found himself staring at her, unable to look away."Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.Mattimeo was always so bold whenever he looked at her. Didn't he realize she was his instructor?"Because you're so cute and b

Two youths were shoving another young man around. Their emblems marked them as inner disciples.The other youth was clearly an outer disciple, judging by the emblem stitched onto his robe.Mattimeo recognized him immediately.Nicholas.They weren't friends, but they weren't enemies either. In fact, Nicholas was one of the few people in the clan who had never bullied him.A surge of anger flared through Mattimeo as he strode toward the two inner disciples."Those bastards! They should pick someone their own size.""Don't fight them, Mattimeo. I'll try talking to them first." Zaki grabbed his arm."Let me handle this."Zaki stepped forward, with Mattimeo close behind."What's going on here, pals?" he asked, looking at the two youths."Who are you? Get lost. This is a matter concerning the Rose brothers, and no outsiders are allowed to interfere," one of them snapped."Well, the person you're trying to beat up belongs to our group. If you can't explain what he did, then you'd better let

Bell Tristocolar Square.A massive crowd had gathered there. Adventurers, guild members, disciples, and even students from prestigious academies filled the square, their voices blending into a constant roar. Weapons of every shape and size gleamed beneath the sunlight, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation.Mattimeo and his group stepped into the bustling square, their eyes wandering across the sea of people and the countless weapons hanging from belts, backs, and waists.Then something suddenly occurred to Mattimeo."Mia, you don't have any weapons, right?" he asked."Don't worry. My master gave me plenty of quality weapons. I even have armor hidden beneath my clothes," she replied.Mattimeo nodded in relief. He knew Mia hadn't arrived at the sect carrying a weapon, and until this moment, the thought hadn't even crossed his mind. Seeing everyone openly armed had finally reminded him.As for him, the rusted sword at his side was more than enough. He only needed something to a