Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1235: What About Him?, Shared Insights

”Yeah... What are those two even complaining about? Apothecary Rozomius even went out of his way to increase the number of daily classes held from one to two... It’s their own fault for slacking off and not taking this promotion test seriously...” One of the Apothecaries said quietly.

”So much for geniuses. They can’t even answer a basic question like this properly. Just how much did they fool around?”

”I’m from a small village, located on the outskirts of Amaharpe. If I grew up in a place like Danaharpe and relied on my family’s reputation and resources, couldn’t I be considered a genius, too?”

In the blink of an eye, the remaining participants turned against Taro and Clariwen. Seeing two nobles who had all the resources at their disposal, yet had the audacity to complain about unfairness left a bad taste in their mouths.

”This...!” A look of panic appeared on Taro’s face. He knew that if things continued to go down this path, it would only be a matter of time before he was kicked out of the promotion test.

”If my father finds out I failed, he’ll be furious...! I have to think of something!” Taro thought to himself as he glanced around in a panic.

Taro’s brows rose as his eyes fell on Izroth, who was casually speaking with Worldly Skies and Celia. That’s when Taro suddenly remembered something that he could use to his advantage.

”Then, what about that guy?! I saw it myself—he answered all the questions in under half a minute! You expect me to believe that he didn’t receive some kind of heads up? Ah, I get it. It must be because he’s an Honorary Elder of the Apothecary Guild that he is shown such favoritism!” Taro stated as he pointed at Izroth.

”Now that Apothecary Taro mentions it, I also saw him finish the questions at a suspicious speed. Not even ten seconds passed between the time Apothecary Rozomius asked the final question until his answer was submitted. Of course, I’m not accusing Apothecary Rozomius or the judges of any foul play, but it’s clear that he must have used some method to cheat. Otherwise, how can he answer so fast and still pass?” Konpel spoke up.

”This fool. Hasn’t he learned his lesson yet? Well, I suppose it’s fine. Their words make sense. Even if he’s an Honorary Elder, it’s suspicious how he was able to submit his answers with such speed. Still, cheating in such a blatant way is just asking to get caught. Is he really that foolish? Or, is he relying solely on the Vice-Head’s backing? No, if it’s the hydra’s blood we’re talking about, even the Head of the Apothecary Guild might be tempted to move for his sake. Whatever the case, I will just sit back and enjoy the show. In the end, he still has to rely on his own abilities to craft a grade five pill. Even if he wants to cheat, it’s impossible to fake a freshly crafted pill. That aside, this guy... As soon as I get what I need from his family, I will have to toss him aside. The only thing worse than a capable enemy is a stupid ally.” Pierce thought to himself as he glared over at Konpel.

Celia angrily stopped her foot as she pointed right back at Taro and said, ”Why are you dragging others into your nonsense?! Just because you can’t do it, does not mean that others are also as incapable of doing it?! And you-”

Celia redirected her attention to Konpel and said, ”You have been targeting us since we first set foot into the Apothecary Guild and picking a fight at every turn! Aren’t you tired of suffering from your own stupidity?! Are you a masochist or something?! Do you just enjoy the pain?!”

”You-!” Taro and Konpel wanted to retort; however, they felt an overwhelming wave of pressure coming from the observers area.

Celia was someone who obtained Triple Natural Energy along with a tier ten potential. Even if she already stated that she was a part of another organization, that would not stop others from attempting to recruit her or win her favor.

Taro and Konpel knew that if they acted too harshly toward her, not only would they be affected, but it may even lead to their families suffering as a result of their actions. Therefore, they could only swallow their anger.

”What?! Don’t you two have anything to say?! You pieces of-!” Celia started; however, her words stopped as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

”Little sister, there is no need to let such vulgar words leave your mouth for the sake of these two. They are just expressing their feelings of inferiority toward the Palace Master. It’s not their fault they’re trying to compare a pebble to a mountain.” Worldly Skies stated calmly with a light smile.

”Ah, big sis Worldly Skies is right. Hmph, I shouldn’t bother getting so upset over the words of two pebbles. They aren’t worth kicking aside.” Celia added.

Taro and Konpel looked as if they were ready to explode from anger at any moment. But, Worldly Skies was another individual that those observers had their eyes set on.

”Do you plan on hiding behind two women you coward?!” Taro mocked as he directed his words toward Izroth.

Izroth let out a small sigh and said, ”No matter how great a teacher, if one is unwilling to learn, they will never grow.”

’These two seem to be having a good time. But, since those two want to drag me into it so badly, they can only blame themselves.’

”Apothecary Rozomius, you are welcome to share my answers with all those present. We can consider it a free lesson for everyone here. It would seem that there are those focused on causing disruptions during this promotion test.” Izroth said in a carefree manner.

”Indeed, the number of disruptions are problematic. While I consider myself to be patient, I can no longer tolerate any further outbursts. If it happens again, I will not hesitate handing out a suitable punishment.” Rozomius said firmly.

He then continued, ”As for your offer—you are quite considerate, Apothecary Izroth. The answers you have given, I dare say that even I have learned a thing or two from them. The fact that you are willing to share such rare insights with your fellow Apothecaries is admirable. As lead proctor, I will make a special exception.”

Everyone was left dumbfounded. Rozomius, an experienced grade seven Apothecary who had been around the Apothecary Guild for many decades, said that he actually learned a thing or two from some answers given by a grade four Apothecary? If the answers were so impressive that even a grade seven Apothecary could learn something from them, then how could Izroth possibly get away with cheating? Those present could not hide their curiosity. They wanted to hear the answers Izroth submitted.

”Apothecary Izroth, so that there are no further misunderstandings, I ask that you come up and explain the answers yourself. We would not want anyone to say that I am merely making up answers for your sake.” Rozomius said as his gaze swept across the room.

”Then, I will intrude for a bit.” Izroth said as he made his way to the front.

”I will start from the first question...” Izroth began to go over his answers while sharing the insights he provided.

He went into great detail that made it hard for anyone to believe that he simply memorized everything for this particular moment. Even more impressive, Izroth answered any questions the Apothecaries had without faltering.

By the time Izroth had gone through all three questions, it left the participants and observers in a state of awe.

”Incredible... To think a young Apothecary is capable of such deep insights. It’s no wonder Apothecary Rozomius said he could learn a thing or two. If it’s this much, Apothecary Izroth can even write a book about it.” One of the observers mentioned.

”It’s a shame that he obtained the Natural Energy of Lightning, but... Perhaps it’s possible for him to switch to a more research focused approach to pill crafting. If that talent of his can be developed, it can aid the Apothecaries of my clan.” Another observer mentioned.

Celia’s eyes were lit up as she was still absorbing Izroth’s teachings. In truth, she had asked the most questions out of everyone present. If not for Rozomius stepping in, it’s possible that she would have continued asking nonstop as her curiosity only seemed to grow deeper with every passing moment.

”The Palace Master is amazing...! I thought my understanding wasn’t bad, but I never even thought to approach temperature control in such an unorthodox way!” Celia said excitedly.

”This kind of knowledge is something that does not come easily. To share it with all those present—they are fortunate that the Palace Master is such a carefree person. They will not have an opportunity like this again.” Worldly Skies stated.