The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Aside from Ezra and Dickson, many others were waiting. All were accomplished martial artists who could easily wait for several days.

Among them were the Brennan brothers, Colin and Johnny. Their cousin, Josie, was participating in the assessment.

"Johnny, could there be problems? Isn't this too risky?" Colin fidgeted nervously, his eyes darting like a thief's toward Ezra. His voice trembled even through the telepathic communication.

"Shut up! Is this something we can control? Who knew Mr. Whitwell would make such a promise? Every risk is worth it."

Colin fell silent, though his heart remained unsettled.

Harmony Clinic provided herbs to alchemists, but that came with limitations. While most pills used commonly available ingredients, the particularly precious herbs were typically distributed based on merit or other ranking systems.

Thus, Ezra's sudden announcement of such a reward needed no elaboration on its value.

Three days passed, and the previously bored crowd grew alert.

The required pill for this assessment was the Phantom Mist Pill. When used during escape, it could generate a fog covering nearly two miles. It would not only block vision but also conceal one's presence from getting detected.

Everyone's attention peaked because even veteran alchemists needed at least two and a half days to create the Phantom Mist Pill. For these candidates, three days would be the absolute limit, and that was only for those with exceptional talent.

"That brat should be coming out soon." Ezra stroked his chin as Dickson nodded.

"Given Madam Goddard's demanding standards, he should be."

Minutes after they spoke, two figures emerged from separate corridors. "Interesting. I can't believe there's another one."

One was Felix, but the other

surprised both Ezra and Dickson. They had expected Felix's quick emergence, given Deborah's

mentorship. But someone being able to match his speed and emerge at the same time as him was unexpected.

"Damn it! Why did someone else finish so quickly? It's almost the same time as Josie!"

The Brennan brothers' lifted spirits plummeted when they saw Felix appear. Colin especially recognized Felix instantly. "It's that trash who

was with Barry. How could he be so talented at alchemy? Impossible!"

Johnny remained silent. No matter how impossible it seemed, it was reality. They had not expected this wildcard to appear. Hopefully, he wouldn't disrupt their plans.

As they walked toward the center, Felix remained unbothered. After all, it was simply wrong to think that he should be the only outstanding person in the world.

Josie, however, was less accepting.

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Her eyes filled with doubt and disdain, nearly spelling out "unworthy" on her face. How dare someone match her pace, especially this nobody she had seen with Barry yesterday?

"Excellent! Two people have managed to finish at such speed. It's truly a blessing

for Harmony Clinic." Ezra stood up, beaming.

As the chief of the clinic, he naturally hoped for the organization's prosperity. The more talented alchemists there were, the better.noveldrama