Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1233: Three Questions

”I remind all of you that any form of cheating will result in immediate disqualification. To those who give the best answer for each question, a special reward will be given separate from the promotion test, regardless of whether you pass or fail. Apothecary Po, I pass the floor to you.” Rozomius said as he took a step back.

When Rozomius brought up the mention of a special reward, there was a hint of excitement that lit up in the eyes of the Apothecaries.

Even if they did not obtain the highest potential tier or the best Natural Energy for pill crafting, that did not matter when it came to one’s knowledge as an Apothecary.

Not to mention, the special reward would be given even if they did not pass the promotion test itself. And, although they did not know what the special reward entailed, they knew that it would not be anything common.

Po walked up as his gaze swept over the group of Apothecaries.

”My question is simple. But, keep in mind that simplicity is often the end result of complexity. The answer may be simple in nature, but your answer will determine your level of comprehension.” Po warned.

He then continued, ”My question is this—what is Natural Energy and why is it necessary to craft grade five pills? Your time starts now.”

The moment Po finished speaking, a streak of golden text appeared above the promotion test area with a timer set to 5:00 that immediately started to countdown.

’Oh? It’s similar to the text I saw at the Trial Dungeon. That aside—it really is a simple question. Because of its simplicity, there will be those who overthink it. But, if it’s those two, it should not prove to be a challenge.’

Izroth began to write on the scroll with the feather quill. The scroll itself levitated before him. And, despite being suspended in midair, it did not budge while the feather quill pressed against it as if it were being held in place by an invisible force.

After a few seconds passed, Izroth lowered the feather quill.

At the same time, the text on the scroll emitted a faint golden hue before they dissolved off the surface and disappeared.

”Hm?” Po’s gaze settled on Izroth.

”Half a minute has not yet passed and he has already submitted his answer? This young man... Is it confidence or arrogance? I suppose I will see for myself.” Po thought to himself.

If it were any other Apothecary, Po would have written them off as being arrogant or having given up after writing down some nonsense. However, Izroth was an Honorary Elder of the Apothecary Guild and on good terms with the Vice-Head. Po did not believe that such a person would answer so frivolously and without thought.

...

Approximately five minutes later...

”Time is up.” Po declared as the timer reached 0:00.

When the timer reached the end, the text on everyone’s scrolls dissolved off and disappeared.

”Ah, I wasn’t done yet..! I wanted to add another part...!” An Apothecary exclaimed.

”Damn it, the question isn’t that hard. But, how can it be so simple? I’m sure it’s a trick. I put in as much detail I could. I hope it’s enough to pass.”

”Heh, if you can’t even answer a simple question like this, do you even deserve to be a grade five Apothecary?”

”You-!”

”Silence.” Po’s voice echoed, causing the room to fall silent.

He then continued, ”I will review the answers that everyone has submitted. In the meantime, I will hand the floor over to Apothecary Koralena. Prepare yourselves for the next question.”

Po took a step back next to Rozomius and pulled out a strange looking orb.

The orb in Po’s hand was a mystic tool used by the Apothecary Guild to track the answers of participants who used the scroll and feather quill during the promotion test.

While Po looked through and judged the answers he received, Koralena had already begun to present her question.

”My question has to do with temperature control when crafting grade five pills. As you all know, as an Apothecary, being able to control the temperature of your cauldron can determine whether your pill forms or crumbles. Starting from grade five pills and going forward, there is a greater emphasis placed on one’s temperature control ability. Therefore, my question is as follows—why is it that temperature control is heavily emphasized when it comes to crafting grade five pills? Your time starts now.” Koralena stated.

’When it comes to crafting grade four or lower pills, even if one lacks the proper technique and knowledge when it comes to temperature control, it is still rather forgiving. However, the situation changes when Natural Energy comes into play. Learning how to properly manage the temperature of your cauldron becomes an absolute necessity rather than something that can be approached carelessly. This question isn’t bad. Unfortunately, for those who have been slacking off on practicing their temperature control, it will prove challenging for them to pass the practical part of the promotion test.’

From the time Koralena stopped speaking to not even a full breath later, Izroth had already finished writing his answer on the scroll.

Some of the nearby Apothecaries could not help but notice the way Izroth submitted his answers so swiftly. Even though the two questions so far had not been of an incredibly high difficulty, it should still take some time to answer them properly.

”Is he trying to show off and catch the eye of those powerful organizations since his Natural Energy is trash? What wishful thinking. It would’ve been more useful if I got his tier, instead.” One of the Apothecaries muttered.

He was frustrated by the fact that while he obtained the Natural Energy of Wind, it was only a potential tier three. As such, his future as an Apothecary was probably limited to top grade five, or perhaps a low grade six at best.

”Hmph, the judges clearly explained that answering faster doesn’t give you anything. Who is he trying to impress? No matter how much you try, with the Natural Energy of Lightning, no one will pay you any attention.” Konpel thought to himself as he glared at Izroth.

However, after realizing that time was ticking away, Konpel swallowed his anger and returned his focus to the question at hand.

...

Five minutes passed as Koralena joined Po in looking through the answers submitted for her question. As the two did so, it was finally Rozomius’ turn to present his question.

”Excluding effects, Natural Energy, and temperature control, what is it that separates a grade five pill from a grade four pill? Begin.” Rozomius said without wasting a single moment.

’Oh? This question... Apothecary Rozomius is rather cruel for asking it. Without firsthand experience or having observed the crafting process of a grade five pill, it’s an impossible question to answer correctly for most. Will she be okay?’

Izroth glanced over at Worldly Skies. She was undoubtedly talented; however, unlike Celia, who had a proper high-grade Apothecary as her teacher, Worldly Skies was mainly self taught. Even though Izroth had given her advice here and there, as well as prepared some material for her to study, it was not the same as watching high grade Apothecaries craft pills firsthand.

There was the Vault of Knowledge; however, Worldly Skies had just received it that not that long ago. Not to mention, Izroth did not know its exact contents.

Nevertheless, Worldly Skies did not seem panicked or caught off guard by Rozomius’ question. Seeing her calm and collect composure, Izroth set his sights back on the scroll before him with a carefree smile on his face.

’It would seem that my concern is unwarranted.’

While Worldly Skies remained composed and untroubled, the same could not be said for several of the Apothecaries.

”Eh? That’s it? Isn’t it too broad?” One of the Apothecaries complained under his breath.

”Effects, Natural Energy and temperature control... That’s already everything that separates a grade four and grade five pill. If all of them are excluded, how are we supposed to answer it?”

The question caused a bit of the stir among the participants. However, just as he did with the last two questions, Izroth was the first to finish his answer. More shockingly, he did so even faster than with the previous two questions.

By now, the other participants had already gotten used to Izroth’s quick answers. They sneered and scoffed at his futile attempt. However, they also could not wait until he embarrassed himself in front of everyone when it came time to be eliminated.

...

A few minutes later...

Everyone had already submitted their answers for Rozomius’ question. Unfortunately, there were those who had no idea where to even begin. And, before they realized it, time had already come to an end.

As a result, three people were immediately eliminated for submitting a blank answer.

The judges spent roughly ten more minutes from the time Rozomius finished his part going over the answers.

”I will now announce the results.” Rozomius said as he stepped forward.