Loss of Reputation

Although Hawkins had been a Great Alchemist for many years, it was clear that he was still far from advancing to become a Master Alchemist.

And let alone Hawkins...

Even other Great Alchemists who were senior to Hawkins such as Bassoro, Granger, or even Cadgar were far from being at that level. In Thousand Sails City, only Thorpe and Lys were close to that realm.

With Hawkins' current level, challenging this difficult formula would only end in tragedy.

True enough, Hawkins was quite pitiful at this moment...

He had been in a hurry to deal with Faleau. After all, what kind of complicated question could an Alchemist come up with? He planned to solve it quickly and then leave, but he ultimately ended up in a bind. 'Damn, is this really the kind of knowledge an Alchemist can come into contact with? Are you kidding me?'