Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1144 Above A-Grade

The scroll that contained the list of rules also went into detail about how one would be judged.

After crafting, the Apothecary would place their pills into their respective jade trays at the tableʼs center. The jade trays were mysterious and there were no visible details about them; however, they gave off a mysterious aura. The pills would then be judged on three points. These points were quality, quantity, and creativity.

No one knew the exact methods the jade trays used to judge the pills. But, there were a few standout points. For one, it would immediately give the Apothecary either a ”Passed” or ”Failed” based on its judgment of the pills. After that, it would grade the pill on each of the three categories of quality, quantity, and creativity. From highest to lowest, the grades for each category went A, B, C, D, E, and F.

Each grade granted a different amount of points to the Apothecary. An F-grade was worth 1 points, E-grade 2 points, D-grade 3 points, C-grade 5 points, B-grade 7 points, and A-grade 10 points. This meant that, in total, one could earn up to 30 points from each trial.

It was these points that would not only determine each Apothecaryʼs overall contribution after the trial ended, but also defined how much they could obtain from the legacy left behind by the grade ten Apothecary, Franz.

Pill Master did not know what trick Izroth used for his pills to unleash such a strong medicinal scent; however, no matter what tricks he employed, it would all be revealed soon.

”Ha, brat, if you manage to pass with ten points or more, this old man is willing to call you grandpa.” Pill Master said as he shook his head.

”I hope you remember those words.” Izroth said indifferently.

When Izroth placed the pills into the jade tray, it released a soft green hue.

A few seconds later, the golden text that was in the air earlier appeared in a smaller size roughly one meter above the jade tray and formed into a single word, ”Passed”.

”This...! How could you pass? Those are clearly grade one pills you made!” Pill Master said as he nearly stumbled over in shock.

He then continued, ”No... I guess even a grade one pill can be considered a pass..! Still, itʼs only a grade one pill. The quality and creativity are bound to be F-grade. Although having five pills come out of the finished product is impressive, at most, it is B-grade.”

A few moments later, the golden text changed again. This time, it listed the graded evaluations for each of the categories.

However, when those present witnessed the grades that showed, they could not hide their expressions of disbelief.

As for Pill Master, his expression became extremely ugly as his thoughts swirled in confusion upon seeing the grades.

[Evaluation:

Quality - S

Quantity - S

Creativity - S

Points Earned: 60

Total Accumulated Points: 60]

”There wasnʼt an S-grade on the rules scroll. Can it be Palace Master Izroth somehow got it to make a special exception?” Steel Mountain commented as he scratched the back of his head as he tried to understand what was going on.

”This canʼt be right. Palace Master Izroth himself said that the pills he made were grade one. But, the recipe clearly required them to craft a grade two pill. Yet, not only did he pass, he even got rewarded for creating a lower grade pill? Does it mean that one has to aim to intentionally fail in order to get a top score?” Mystic Lock expressed in a questionable tone.

”Hahaha! I knew my eyes didnʼt deceive me!” Haishe said with a satisfied grin on his face.

If Izroth was capable of bringing about these kind of results, Haishe no longer had any doubts in his mind about Izrothʼs status as one of the Pill Emperors. After all, even a grade three Apothecary like Pill Master seemed confused by the outcome.

Admittedly, Haishe himself had no idea how Izroth managed to obtain S-grade in all three categories after crafting a grade one pill; however, in Haisheʼs eyes, all the mattered was the results.

As for Autumn Winds, she had a look of awe in her eyes. However, after remembering her most recent thoughts, her cheeks flushed a light pink out of embarrassment.

”I thought he was behaving unreasonably and overestimating his skills. I ended up being too hasty in my judgement. How unlike me.” Autumn Winds thought to herself.

Meanwhile, the jade tray lost its shine as the golden text disappeared. As for the pills, they remained unchanged.

ʼOh? To think there is a level above A-grade. To not include the S-grade on the scroll of rules, he must have believed no one would be able to obtain it. Still, these pills... Itʼs a shame. I was only one step away.ʼ

Izroth inwardly sighed as he shook his head. He then turned to look at Pill Master and said, ”I remember someone saying they would call me grandpa if I passed with ten or more points.”

Pill Masterʼs expression quickly shifted from shock to one of anger and humiliation. Someone who was young enough to be his grandchild actually wanted him to call him grandpa? What a joke!

”You-!” Pill Master was about to brush what he said off as a joke that shouldnʼt be taken seriously; however, before he could even get his second word out, Izroth interrupted him.

”But, I have no intention of taking in an unfilial grandson like you.” Izroth stated without hesitation.

Pill Master almost coughed up blood in anger at Izrothʼs words. Even though he had no intention of calling him grandpa, to be rejected in such a harsh manner as if he were unworthy caused his blood to boil over in rage. Was this young brat trying to anger him to death?!

Pill Master wanted to retort; however, every time he tried to speak, he found his tongue tied by his anger.

”Palace Master Izroth, I will apologize on Elder Pill Masterʼs behalf. Since he has offended and slandered you, naturally, he should take some responsibility. But, I only ask that we handle these matters after the trials are complete. We still need to work together to overcome the trials in this dungeon. So, I hope Palace Master Izroth can hold his anger close to his heart for the time being.” Haishe said respectfully as he stepped forward.

Haishe understood that if he let things continue down this road, Pill Master would explode from anger alone.

”I had to use a lot of connections to meet Elder Pill Master and invite him on this trip. Grade three Apothecaries are too hard to find. I canʼt afford to break off the connection I went through so much trouble to establish.” Haishe thought to himself.

Izroth held up one finger and said with a distant gaze as his eyes met Haisheʼs, ”One word. If he speaks one more word during the rest of the trial, I will deal with him how I see fit. After that, you will have to take responsibility personally.”

Pill Master wanted nothing more than to strangle Izroth; however, he was aware of his current level and strength. But, just because her was much weaker combat wise, did not mean that he had to stand here and take the threats of some young brat!

”W-” Pill Master was about to speak; however, he was immediately cut off by a thundering roar.

”Silence!” Haishe roared as he glared at Pill Master.

He quickly followed up, ”If you say another word for the rest of the trial dungeon, Palace Master Izroth wonʼt have to make a move! I will take care of you personally!”

Pill Master had a look on his face as if he had been wronged and publicly humiliated. However, he did not open his mouth. Although he was a grade three Apothecary, Haishe was the leader of Fatal Touch. One word from him would mean there was nowhere safe to hide in RML.

Pill Master glared at Haishe and then looked at Izroth with hatred in his eyes.

”One day, I will repay the humiliation I served today a hundred fold!” Pill Master thought to himself.

Haishe winced as he looked down after scolding Pill Master and clenched his fists tightly.

”It was only for a moment, but I felt it clearly. If Elder Pill Master had spoken just now, it felt like we all would have been devoured..! This kind of pressure, Iʼm afraid I was right. In Fatal Touch, there is no one who has a chance against Palace Master Izroth except for the Sword Freak.” Haishe thought to himself as he felt cold sweats run down his back.

Haishe wanted to save the connections he established with Pill Master. But, it may not be possible to do so after what just happened. Thinking about everything that happened since the start of the trial dungeon, Haishe released a heavy sigh.

...

Approximately 15 minutes later...

Blue Quill and Iron Cauldron finally returned from the garden after collecting the ingredients for the Spiraling Flames Pill.

Blue Quill immediately went over to Pill Master and removed the ingredients he collected for him out of the garden bag he received.

”Elder Pill Master, weʼve collected everything as youʼve requested.” Blue Quill said happily as he finished setting the ingredients onto Pill Masterʼs table.

Without replying, Pill Master shooed him away with his hand.

Blue Quill was a little taken aback by Pill Masterʼs response and could not help but think perhaps he took too long to collect the ingredients and upset him. But, he did not dare to comment on it as he simply walked over to his table with a slightly dejected aura to him.

”If that arrogant brat can get S-grade making a grade one pill, then I will make it the correct way as a grade two pill and achieve a grade even higher than S!” Pill Master thought to himself as he fired up his cauldron.

All golden text from this trial dungeon will be placed in square brackets like so.