Alchemist or Cultivator?

Chapter 8

Rayn scanned the Scroll. Its contents resembled the light screen from the Alchemy academy’s promotional display, though the Scroll was more detailed.

During the apprentice period, the academy’s Alchemy Workshop would provide accommodation, systematic knowledge teaching, and limited experimental resources.

Apprentices had to complete academy learning tasks and workshop chores to earn credits, which could be exchanged for advanced knowledge and resources.

The main obligation was clear. After reaching the rank of a First Level Official Wizard or completing ten years of study, an apprentice had to serve the workshop on the frontline for thirty full years.

During those years, they had to follow the workshop’s arrangements and handle assignments such as refining Magic Potions, repairing equipment, and assisting with research.

Breaking the contract came at an awful price. A breach could demand enormous compensation in Points and resources, or damage the Soul’s Origin and reduce Spiritual Power. In severe cases, the Soul could disintegrate, leaving a fate worse than death.

The reason breach did not simply mean death was obvious. Wizards were valuable research materials, and the workshop would not waste useful manpower.

“I have no problem, Professor.” Rayn raised his head, his eyes firm.

Professor Clark glanced at him. The smug expression he had shown the other professors disappeared, replaced by a serious look.

He nodded and instructed Rayn to drop blood onto the Scroll and merge a wisp of Spiritual Power from his mind into it.

Blood spread across the surface. His Spiritual Power followed, and the Scroll released a radiance far brighter than before.

Complex Runes gathered across the parchment, then became a stream of light that entered the Apprentice Badge in Clark’s hand.

The Alchemy Cauldron on the badge seemed to come alive, glowing faintly.

The contract was complete, and Rayn could feel the faint connection settle into the Apprentice Badge. It was no longer an ordinary badge; it carried an agreement that would affect his future within the academy.

Professor Clark put the Scroll away and returned to his usual calm tone. “Good, since you’ve chosen Alchemy, you must have patience and awareness. There aren’t many thrilling adventures here, just day-by-day experiments, calculations, and failures. But if you can persevere, the rewards won’t disappoint you.”

He brought out two thick books and a sturdy wooden box.

“This is the Basic Alchemy Manual, covering all fundamental knowledge a Junior Alchemy Apprentice must grasp. From material identification to Magic Potion configuration, from basic Rune engraving to the simplest Alchemy Armor, your basic credits will be assessed from these contents.” Professor Clark handed over the top book to Rayn, its pages heavy in hand.

Rayn accepted it.

Clark then gave him the second volume, which was slightly thinner than the first.

“This one is the Basic Meditation Method. There’s ten days before official classes start, during which you must grasp and get started in it. Failure to do so will result in the deduction of a month’s resources.”

Rayn listened carefully, committing each rule to memory. He had no intention of making a careless mistake simply because he was unfamiliar with the workshop.

“In this box are your basic tools and some commonly used basic materials. The academy has public laboratories, but you need to schedule usage time, and any material consumption needs to be recorded. Exchanging for more advanced materials requires credits.” He handed the wooden box to Rayn as well.

Rayn took the box.

“Finally, some basic rules.” Professor Clark’s expression became serious, “First, safety first! Alchemy Experiments are dangerous, and any negligence could lead to explosions, toxic gas, or worse outcomes; the operational norms must be strictly followed! Second, no private fights in the workshop; any dispute is to be submitted to the professors for judgment. Third, respect knowledge; all borrowed books and used equipment must be carefully maintained. Fourth, Points are your only currency in the workshop, so strive to earn them.”

Professor Clark added a few smaller rules. When he had covered almost everything, he waved toward the door.

“Your dorm is in area one, there’s a map in the enrollment handbook. Go now, master the Basic Meditation Method as soon as possible, ignite the Spiritual Flame, and remember to preview the Basic Alchemy Manual. You can come to ask me if you have questions, but preferably issues you couldn’t solve after thinking and practicing on your own.”

Rayn thanked him again, put on the Alchemy Apprentice badge, gathered the books and box, and left.

Following the map in the enrollment handbook, Rayn soon found the Alchemy Apprentice dormitory.

The building seemed made of unknown Metal that shone brightly beneath the sunlight.

The place was far from quiet. Explosions sounded from some rooms, while unfamiliar smells drifted through the corridors.

Fortunately, the dormitory had strong ventilation and safety systems that quickly removed the gases.

At least, that was what he thought.

A Wizard Apprentice came into view, foaming at the mouth and convulsing as silver humanoid Golems dragged him away.

Rayn fell silent. The sight was enough to make him reconsider every assumption he had made about the academy’s safety standards.

…Well, it seems not so safe after all.

He found his room and used the Apprentice Badge to unlock the door.

The room was small, about ten square meters, with a private bathroom, bed, desk, and chair.

A small experiment table occupied one corner. Several glass vessels, test tubes, and an unusually delicate mechanical clock sat on the desk.

This was where he would live and study. The conditions were simple but sufficient.

Rayn placed the two books on the desk and opened the box. Inside were basic Alchemy Tools, including a cauldron, mortar, measuring cup, tweezers, and small flame sprayer, along with bottles of powders, liquids, and plants.

Rayn left the contents unsorted and sat down to rest.

The energy around him differed completely from his True Essence System. Looking through the window, Rayn realized how far he had stepped beyond the world he knew.

The books, strange tools, glass vessels, and magnificent academy buildings all confirmed one thing.

He had entered a new world, one filled with unfamiliar knowledge, strange rules, dangerous experiments, and opportunities he had never encountered before. For the first time since arriving, he understood that his previous experiences would not be enough for everything ahead.

“Hu…”

Rayn took several deep breaths and regained some energy. His body was not exhausted, but his mind had carried tension for too long, and the quiet room gave him a chance to collect himself.

Everything had gone smoothly, but he had remained tense since entering the academy. Only now could he relax.

“Still a bit careless…” Rayn shook his head, sighing.

His keen perception had caught the unusually intense attention from the Logistics Element professors. His performance had drawn more attention than intended.

“This is a problem caused by insufficient information, given today’s performance; it seems the subsequent plans need to be slightly adjusted…”