Earth's Greatest Magus

The luminous column of light that cut through the sky from the apothecary center quickly captured the interest of the inhabitants of the golden city.

"A master creating a tier 9 pill today? I wonder who it could be," murmured curious onlookers.

"Oh, there's an exam happening today, isn't there? Could it be one of the participant showcasing their skills?"

"Not even a master and create a legendary pill? That seems impossible!"

Word spread rapidly, attracting more people to gather in front of the institutes. Typically, after such exam, the apothecary center would announce their newly appointed masters.

"Is it Lord Eugene? Oh my, it has to be! Lord Eugene creating a legendary pill during his master exam!"

"Not just talented, but also incredibly handsome. It has to be Lord Eugene!"

The anticipation reached its peak as the minutes ticked by, and soon, a group emerged from the building. Grandmaster Odoro stepped forward, proudly introducing three new master apothecaries—two young men and an elderly individual. Among them, Eugene Houten was hailed as the one with the highest score.

The crowds, jubilant at the prospect of a young master from a prestigious Golden City family achieving such a remarkable feat, naturally assumed he was the mastermind behind the legendary potions. The media team responsible for Golden City news eagerly approached the young master for details.

"Lord Eugene, congratulations! Can you share more about the legendary potion?" they inquired with enthusiasm.

Eugene hesitated, visibly trembling for a few moments. The man standing beside him discreetly coughed, prompting Eugene to finally mustered a respond

"It's... a new body-enhancing pill, capable of permanently boosting the battle power of a crescent Magus by up to 15%," he stated. However, he reluctantly admitted that the true creator of the potion was the man standing next to him, one called Merlin.

An hour ago, after Emery successfully created the legendary pill, Eugene, unwilling to accept defeat, challenged him on the quality of their products. To Eugene's dismay, it was proven that Emery's pill offered a 5% greater effect. Defeated in this aspect, Eugene faced Emery's inquiry about the bet, insisting that he fulfill it immediately in the bustling crowd outside.

Caught between the fear of being labeled as someone who breaks promises among his peers and the dread of public humiliation, the young master grappled with an internal dilemma. For someone who held his image in high regard, both outcomes were equally terrifying.

Emery, prepared to employ his enhanced spirit reading to compel Eugene to fulfill the bet, was surprised when the once-arrogant young master unexpectedly bow his head and sincerely begged for forgiveness. In lieu of the original bet, Eugene sought a different path to redemption.

"Here is Master Merlin, a gifted and genius apothecary who successfully crafted the legendary pill," Eugene declared with toward the crowds, he then introduced Emery graciously as he accepted his defeat. The spectators, intrigued by the revelation, directed their attention toward the emerging figure known as Merlin.

Forcing the noble into running naked was not only meaningless to Emery but also had the potential to backfire, as it risked humiliating a young master from a prominent family. However, the endorsement from this well-known figure, despite the unusual circumstances, held the promise of significant benefits for Emery. With aspirations of establishing his own shop in the city, the attention garnered from this public acknowledgment became the cornerstone for his future endeavors.

After the brief acknowledgment, the trio was summoned back inside to receive their rewards. Grandmaster Odoro unveiled a set of meticulously crafted apothecary robes, each adorned with the prestigious rank 7 master of apothecary badge.

In addition to the distinguished attire, each master was presented with a package of perks. A special master room within the institute, free access to warehouse ingredients up to tier 3, and the invaluable support of four apothecary apprentices were among the benefits. However, the most alluring advantage for Emery was the significant tax discount on apothecary goods sold, a reduction from the previous 30% to a mere 15%.

With the weight of accomplishment settling in, Emery couldn't contain his excitement.

"Finally, I can open my shop!"

There was an additional reward awaiting the new apothecary master, Grandmaster Odoro unveiling a hidden dimension within the institute, secretive vaults. A sense of anticipation hung in the air as the grandmaster led the trio and their peers into the concealed trove, a sanctuary of treasures that held promises of high-tier ingredients, elusive recipes, and cutting-edge apothecary equipment.

Eugene's aspirations leaned towards acquiring a rare recipe, reflecting his desire for exclusive knowledge. The seasoned Mo Xan, opted for a selection of tier 8 ingredients to further elevate his craft. Emery, on the other hand, expressed his wish for a new cauldron.

In response, Grandmaster Odoro, maintaining an air of silent wisdom, guided Emery towards a concealed corner. Unbeknownst to Emery, another formation rune was in place, enhancing the security of this clandestine space. As the two entered, an unassuming room slowly unveiled itself, revealing an assortment of apothecary equipment. Within this covert chamber stood a dark stone cauldron, adorned with unique engravings—an undiscovered, mysterious artifact.

"This is truly an extraordinary cauldron!" Emery marveled.

VIA's analysis unfolded the cauldron's identity—a relic from ancient times known as [Star Forge Furnace]. Once wielded by a distinguished master over 5,000 years ago, this high-grade tier 7 cauldron shared the echelons with the prestigious [Heaven and Earth Cauldron] that Emery had glimpsed at the auction.

Grandmaster Odoro shed light on its history, narrating that this extraordinary cauldron had been bestowed upon the institute as a gift five years prior. Its allure had captivated all seven grandmasters, and now, with the combined authority of Grandmaster Odoro and Grandmaster Hazard, it was to become Emery's prized possession.

Acknowledging the gravity of the gift, Grandmaster Odoro expressed, "I did you wrong at the exam; accept this as my apology"

Armed with this new unparalleled cauldron, Emery stood ready to embark on new alchemical endeavors.