Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1236: Secret of the Head of the Apothecary Guild

”Thank you for your insightful words, Apothecary Izroth. I assume there is no one else who wishes to question the integrity of myself and the Apothecary Guild?” Rozomius said with a cold gaze.

Despite being bombarded with questions, Izroth’s answers remained flawless. What was even more impressive in the eyes of Rozomius and the other judges was the lack of hesitation behind Izroth’s words.

Having that kind of confidence when speaking in front of a large crowd and being asked a variety of questions was one thing, but doing so in a calm manner while also breaking information down in a way that was easily digested—this was something even an experienced Apothecary would struggle to do.

”This young man... I thought maybe I heard wrong earlier, but it seems he truly did defeat Apothecary Rygar in a Right of Challenge. If so, it also explains how he became an Honorary Elder. Most people are unaware since it is a rather archaic rule, but if one wins a Right of Challenge against an Apothecary that is three grades or higher, they are automatically invited to be an Honorary Elder of the Apothecary Guild. It is only natural that the Apothecary Guild does whatever it can to foster promising talents. Still, the Natural Energy of Lightning... It really is a great shame. I hope such a promising young Apothecary will not be washed away by this misfortune.” Rozomius thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Taro’s expression had turned pale. He purposely asked difficult questions—some of which did not even have anything to do with the three questions asked by the judges. Yet, no matter what he threw at Izroth, it was answered flawlessly.

Someone with that kind of knowledge on hand—how could he continue to push the fact that they cheated?

Konpel’s expression was also not good. He had just spoke up along with Taro because he was confident that Izroth was using an underhanded method in order to impress the observers. However, his plan backfired as he could feel numerous piercing gazes on him.

”Y-young master Pierce-” Konpel said as he looked at Pierce with a pleading expression.

However, Pierce averted his gaze. This caused a look on despair to appear in Konpel’s eyes.

”I told you to lay low after causing trouble. Now, you will have to face the consequences alone. I chose Konpel because he was easier to control and predict. But, his usefulness has run its course. I didn’t want to have to deal with that difficult guy, but... It looks like I have no choice but to go through his elder brother, after all.” Pierce thought to himself.

”Since there are no more questions, I will excuse myself.” Izroth said as he returned to his place among the participants.

Izroth only spent ten minutes explaining his insights and answering questions; however, it was enough to cause the opinions of him to change among the Apothecaries and observers.

The observers, who previously disregarded Izroth due to him having acquired the Natural Energy of Lightning, now wanted to pull him over to their side for his knowledge as a researcher. Furthermore, they could see that he was on good terms with Worldly Skies and Celia. Therefore, there were those who wanted to use him to potentially make a connection to those two.

As for the Apothecaries, there were many who were still secretly unsatisfied about Izroth’s participation in the grade five promotion test. After all, there was still the matter of him not having visited the Wall of Pills to obtain achievement points that was never cleared up. That’s why there were still those who believed that he relied on the Vice-Head and used a backdoor to participate.

Nevertheless, they were more willing to accept his presence in the promotion test now that he had proven himself. It also made it easier knowing that he had the Natural Energy of Lightning since, in a way, they felt that Izroth’s situation was pitiful.

”Since there are no further objections, I will consider this matter closed. Those who have failed—you may see yourselves out. Additionally, Apothecary Konpel—you are hereby disqualified from this promotion test. As lead proctor, I question your character and morals as an Apothecary. You still have much to learn before you are ready to become a grade five Apothecary.” Rozomius stated as he snapped his fingers.

Suddenly, a mysterious aura appeared around Konpel, along with the others who failed the promotion test. The next moment, an orb of light was drawn out of their bodies and rushed toward the Guiding Light.

”No...!” Konpel exclaimed as he tried to grab onto the orb of light, but it passed through his hands.

When one failed the grade five promotion test, their Natural Energy would be returned to the Guiding Light. This was one of the ways the Apothecary Guild maintained its influence for so long. It was impossible to become a grade five or higher Apothecary without their approval.

”M-My family won’t stand for this! It’s a blatant abuse of power! I-” Konpel shouted.

”Nonsense.” A calm yet heavy voice echoed throughout the promotion test room as an unbearable weight descended upon Konpel.

Without being able to resist, Konpel fell to his knees. He tried to use his arms to keep himself propped up; however, the pressure was too great as his arms quickly gave out, causing him to lay flat on the ground.

”Since when has anyone been able to tell my Apothecaries what they can and can’t do?” A calm and heavy voice spoke.

A few seconds later, a full moon appeared behind Rozomius, Koralena and Po. Although it was not a real moon, it gave off such a realistic feeling that it could have easily been mistaken for it.

The moment the full moon appeared, Rozomius, Koralena and Po faced toward it with their hand cuffed into their fists as they gave a respectful bow.

”We greet the Head of the Apothecary Guild.” Rozomius, Koralena and Po said in unison.

Swoosh!

In the blink of an eye, the moon shattered into a myriad of tiny pieces as they spread throughout the promotion test, making the room momentarily resemble a sky full of stars.

Right before the moon shattered, a person stepped out from its center.

The one who appeared was a beautiful woman who looked to be in her early to mid thirties. She had long white hair with streaks of dark blue running through it. Her piercing midnight blue eyes seemed to carry with it a great depth of wisdom that held the night sky within its confines.

Under her left eye was the symbol of a dark blue crescent moon that traveled from one side of her eye to the other with its tips pointing toward the sky. She wore an elegant set of exquisite midnight blue and black robes.

’Oh? So, this person is the current Head of the Apothecary Guild. To think I would see one of them in a place like this—how unexpected. I wonder how many people know their secret.’

The moment the Head of the Apothecary Guild appeared, Izroth used his Divine Appraisal. However, what he discovered was a shocking secret.

NPC Name: Head of the Apothecary Guild, Varuu(???)-> 12th Elder of the Dragon Palace, Moonlight Ghost Dragon(Legendary Late Stage) [Appraised]

...

~Appraisal~

Age: 1,174

Physical Condition: Peak

Affinity: Fire, Dark

Faction: Dragon Palace/Apothecary Guild

Likes: Dragon Wine, Humans, Dragon Palace

Dislikes: Phoenixes, Royal Demons of the Lemegeton, Dragon Palace

Potential: 99/100

~Appraisal~

The current Head of the Apothecary Guild, Varuu, was actually the 12th Elder of the Dragon Palace, the Moonlight Ghost Dragon!

Throughout the history of the Apothecary Guild, there had been Heads who were not human. However, Varuu might be the first true dragon to take on such a role.

True dragons were well known for not liking to interact with other races. Of course, Izroth knew that there were exceptions to this rule as he had met Kayn before back at the Sky Palace second team’s selection.

’I suppose Kayn isn’t the only eccentric true dragon. That being said, their situation seems complicated.’

Varuu’s faction showed as both the Dragon Palace and Apothecary Guild. It also turned out that they liked humans—a rather large surprise when it came to the nature of true dragons.

However, the curious thing about Varuu was that they both liked and disliked the Dragon Palace, yet they were also still a part of it. Not only that, but they were also an Elder of the Dragon Palace, a position that likely did not come easily to just any true dragon.

That’s why Izroth believed that Varuu was caught up in a complex situation.

”Henceforth, you are expelled from the Apothecary Guild. Do not return.” Varuu said with an aura of authority as she made a casual motion with her hand.

The following moment, Konpel’s Apothecary badge shattered before he was whisked off the ground by a strong wave of energy and flew out of the promotion test area.

”Apothecary Rozomius, while I admire your patience and understanding nature, in the future, you should refrain from being so softhearted. Otherwise, there are those who will take advantage of your kindness and look down on the Apothecary Guild.” Varuu scolded.

”I will take your words to heart.” Rozomius replied respectfully.