Alchemy

Recalling from memory, Ren left the Academy and navigated his way to the town's marketplace. 

Although Zenova, situated at the Empire's border meant that its marketplace could not match the diversity of goods or the scale found in larger cities, it was sufficient to meet Ren's requirements.

"Found it!"

It took Ren a bit of searching in the marketplace to find the items he was looking for. Fortunately, he found them at an antiquated herb store tucked away at the corner of one of the streets.

The inexpensive herbs available for purchase at the store were a valuable resource for Ren. With them, he could immediately kickstart his money-making plan.

After meticulously choosing the items he required, Ren went on to make the payment. 

Using the stipend provided by the Empire for orphans, he obtained ten bundles each of flame pit grass, snow flower roots, and direwolf mana cores, all for precisely 200 copper coins.

"Now, how do I find my way to the Alchemist Tower?"

***

In the central district of Zenova, the Alchemist Tower stood tall and imposing. Being under the control of one of the twelve Magic Lords of the empire, its significance surpassed even that of Zenova's town center.

The Alchemist Tower symbolized the pride of every alchemist. 

Aspiring alchemists in the Empire are obligated to register at this renowned establishment. 

Beyond being a marketplace for mages to buy and sell elixirs and pills, the Alchemist Tower also serves as a hub for alchemists to learn and refine their craft.

Standing at the pinnacle of the alchemical hierarchy is Lord Dillion, a grandmaster alchemist and one of the twelve Magic Lords of the Empire. Holding a prominent position in the royal court as one of the most powerful individuals, his influence was substantial. 

Consequently, this meant that alchemists were highly esteemed, and branches of alchemist establishments were scattered throughout the Empire.

While the main Alchemist Tower was situated in the Capital, it didn't imply that the branch in Zenova lacked in appearance. 

On the contrary, owing to the significant benefits of elixirs and pills for everyone, including common people, being an alchemist was a lucrative profession.

For mages with high intelligence but lacking a powerful magic core, becoming an alchemist provided a way out for them.

By the time Ren arrived at the Alchemist Tower, it was already late in the afternoon. And yet, the flow of people entering and exiting the tower remained substantial, creating a bustling atmosphere.

Following the traffic, Ren entered the tower successfully. Upon stepping inside, a dazzling sight unfolded before him. 

Polished marble tiles adorned the floors of the tower, and the massive interior was enhanced by the presence of elegant lady assistants. Behind glass cabinets, an array of exotic elixirs and pills with an opulent appearance were meticulously displayed. 

In stark contrast to the somewhat dilapidated ambiance of Zenova, the Alchemist Tower's interior resembled an entirely different world.

"Good evening, dear customer. Could you please share the reason for your visit? Are you interested in making a purchase, or do you intend to borrow the cauldron rooms on the second floor?"

As Ren wandered in the tower, a pretty assistant approached him. Considering how poorly he dressed, Ren was surprised by the level of professionalism of the tower's staff.

After politely declining her assistance, Ren eventually ascended to the second floor of the tower on his own and waited. It would be a long wait, but Ren was mentally prepared for it.

***

"Ugh! What's going on with me? I have ensured that I'm in peak condition before I started, so why do I keep failing?"

In the heart of midnight, a middle-aged man wearing an exhausted expression, emerged from one of the cauldron rooms. Upon spotting him in the walkway, Ren's face lit up.

When he noticed the middle-aged man's chest was adorned with a bronze cauldron-shaped emblem, indicating his status as an apprentice alchemist, his heart further raced.

With weariness etched on every line of the alchemist's face and severe dark circles under his eye bags, Ren knew that he had finally found the perfect target.

For several hours, he patiently waited for an alchemist who had faced repeated failures to emerge from one of the rooms. 

While there were a few alchemists who met his criteria, none of them quite ticked his boxes like the bald middle-aged man standing before him.

Wasting no time, he sprang to action. 

"Hey, old man! Do you need help with alchemy?" With a smile similar to an unethical salesman, Ren asked while rubbing his hands together.

Julius Denver scanned the walkway, trying to identify the source of the voice calling him, only to discover a young kid.

Despite being convinced he had heard a young kid's voice, he shook his head when he saw Ren. 

The boy before him not only appeared extremely frail but also seemed on the brink of succumbing to malnutrition.

Considering the paramount importance of experience and knowledge in successful pill creation, Julius doubted that the boy could be of any assistance in the field of alchemy.

"I must be hearing things due to exhaustion. There is no way the boy said that." He mumbled to himself.

However, just as he was on the verge of disregarding the boy and continuing on his way, the boy's next words took him by complete surprise.

"Hmm… You were in the cauldron room trying to concoct Greater Fire Resistance Pills, weren't you?"

"How did you know that?" Julius turned around and asked. 

The cauldron rooms were built to prevent outside eyes from peering into the rooms. There was no way that Ren could have known what kind of pills he was concocting inside.

"The scent on your clothes gives it away. I can detect the fragrance of Sunrise roots, Morning Dews, and Salamander leaves emanating from you. Considering your status as an apprentice alchemist and the ingredients used, the most probable concoction you'd be attempting is the Greater Fire Resistance Pills. After all, successfully concocting it would enable you to advance in your alchemist rank to journeyman." Ren answered with confidence. 

As an adept alchemist and a close friend with Lord Dillion, guessing what an apprentice alchemist was concocting was a piece of cake to him.

Upon hearing Ren's response, Julius gasped aloud. 

Not only could Ren identify alchemical ingredients based on scent, he had also correctly guessed his purpose of entering the cauldron room. 

Yet, Ren's remarkable ability only raised suspicion. He couldn't fathom the idea that a young prodigy would show interest in him and offer help without any ulterior motives.

"What are you looking for in exchange?" Julius asked in a cautious manner.

"Well, I will teach you how to concoct the Greater Fire Resistance Pills in exchange for time in the cauldron room. I'm short on funds to rent one, you see."