Alchemist or Cultivator?

Chapter 7

After bidding farewell to the few wizards he had spoken with, Rayn turned back toward the empty logistics element area. The unfamiliar names offered little clue about where he should begin.

He could tell that the moment he turned away, the mentors who had acted indifferent toward him all paid attention to him. The illusionary barrier might have been enough to block ordinary apprentices, but it was clearly useless against these mentors, whose strength was far beyond what Rayn could understand.

Still, he had already boarded this pirate ship, so regretting his choice would accomplish nothing. He had to make a decision and continue forward.

As he looked through the familiar and unfamiliar names, Rayn felt a strange tension in his scalp.

“It’s quite like the aesthetic of a high school graduate choosing their college major.”

He walked through the logistics element area, considering his situation.

“Although unwilling, since I’ve already joined the academy, it’s likely impossible to leave for a short time. I can only strengthen myself under the precondition of hiding my true self, to cope with future battlefields.”

Unfortunately, it could not be done.

Refining Essence and Qi was already close to becoming obsolete, but the cultivation method still had one major advantage. It strengthened the connection between essence, qi, and spirit. When one became stronger, the other two would benefit as well. If one suffered serious damage, the other two could also be consumed to help repair it and speed up recovery.

That advantage became a fatal weakness if Rayn abandoned his cultivation.

The connection between his essence, qi, and spirit was too strong. Destroying his cultivation would likely cause almost irreparable damage to both his body and soul. At that point, he might not even survive.

“Since it can’t be abolished, I’ll have to disguise my power as the local strength. Maybe after I become an official wizard, other solutions could be found… Alongside this option, my future development must also be considered…”

Rayn began examining himself. What did he possess that other wizards did not?

The experience of living a second life?

The extraordinary system from another world?

Or something else?

His thoughts naturally went to the Red Jade Palace deep within his consciousness.

The greatest difference was the knowledge he had brought from another world.

“Leaving such a great advantage unused is indeed wasteful, but it must be masked. Moreover, the Wizard World lacks spiritual power, so such knowledge must be adjusted according to this world…”

Rayn understood what he needed.

He had no urgent reason to focus on combat strength in the short term. He did not want to reveal too much about himself, especially in a place where every unusual ability could attract unnecessary attention. Until he understood the academy and its people better, caution was the safest approach. Choosing a field that looked useful on the surface while quietly supporting his real goals seemed far better than rushing into a discipline designed only for direct combat. It would give him time to learn, adapt, and prepare without exposing the secrets he was determined to keep hidden. Instead, he needed a discipline that would help him understand this world, especially its materials, energies, and rules. He could then adapt what he already possessed to this world’s laws.

“The answer is quite clear then.”

Rayn made his decision and headed toward a particular area.

The closer he got, the stronger the strange mixture of smells became. He could detect metal being smelted, plants being burned, and various unfamiliar reagents being processed.

“Alchemy, fools regard it as the art of metal transmutation, whereas it is a mirror of the universe’s truth. This ancient wisdom is not only a technique of material transformation but also a path of soul sublimation…”

Rayn silently repeated the introduction displayed on the light screen. The words confirmed what he had already decided.

Alchemy.

Studying matter and soul would help him understand this world. If proficient, he could adapt the Great Dao Book Pavilion’s arts to this world while concealing his strength.

He went straight to the innermost consultation desk, where a wizard who looked like a typical alchemist sat waiting.

The man was thin, with sparse hair exposing much of his scalp. A peculiar monocle from the mortal realm covered one eye, behind which were sharp but tired eyes. His knuckles were large, but his fingers were nimble from years of handling materials.

“Hello… Professor Clark,” Rayn nodded slightly, noticing the name tag on the wizard’s chest, “I’d like to join Alchemy.”

Professor Clark raised his head and examined him. His gaze seemed to penetrate Rayn’s appearance.

“Talent… Sixth Level?” Professor Clark adjusted his monocle, his tone lacking surprise, merely confirming.

Clearly, Professor Clark had already learned Rayn’s assessment result through some means.

“Yes, Professor.” Rayn responded respectfully.

“Wise choice.” Professor Clark nodded faintly, his tone still calm but carrying an imperceptible hint of approval, “A dead genius is nothing. Those who survive, even if mediocre in aptitude, will eventually see their own landscape.”

“Yes, I heed your guidance.”

Professor Clark seemed satisfied with the apprentice. Without saying anything else, he pulled a scroll from beneath the table.

The scroll gave off a faint glow and contained a considerable energy fluctuation.

“The Skyrim Workshop apprentice contract.” Professor Clark spread out the scroll, showing it to Rayn, “Read it thoroughly, if there are no doubts you may sign. Remember, any violation after the contract becomes active will incur severe penalties.”

Rayn accepted the scroll. It was not large, and only a little text appeared. A light screen displayed the writing, but it seemed to end abruptly.

Rayn looked at Professor Clark, who made no effort to explain.

Rayn examined the scroll from different angles, then “attempted” to swipe his finger upward on the light screen.

The text immediately moved with his finger.

As expected, the scroll functioned like a display that could be scrolled.

Professor Clark’s stern expression softened when he saw how quickly Rayn understood it, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

Because the logistics element was quiet and Rayn had already attracted their attention, several other mentors had been secretly observing the exchange.

When they saw Rayn figure out the scroll and noticed Clark’s pleased expression, their faces became sour.

The situation became worse when Clark intentionally gave them a proud smile. Their resentment quickly turned into envy, jealousy, and hatred.