Proving One's Worth

Chrysos checked the equipment given to him and it turns out that they were quite considerate. They gave him high quality equipment like a cauldron, a Divinious powered extractor, a cone shaped refinement apparatus, different blending tools, a flame rune furnace that directly heats up the inside of the pan or cauldron used, and so much more.

Next to him was a wheeled table with all of the ingredients that he listed on the piece of paper.

There are exactly 1200 bottles on top of the large table that he is going to be brewing on.

"Everything seems fine. So this is what having lots of money looks like. I should buy better alchemy equipment when I get home to save lots of money in the future." Chrysos decided that he was going to improve his alchemical equipment at home after this.

He started by grabbing the container of the silver legged beetle from the table of ingredients next to him and crushed them all at once.

Chrysos saw that many alchemists were observing his brewing process. He took this opportunity to talk to them as he brewed.

He turned to Arlangier Orius and asked, "Can I tell everyone here my thoughts on each brewing process of the potions?"

Orius nodded. He didn't mind at all. "Oh, that would be great. Sharing your insights here could help give some wonderful sparks of ideas."

The alchemists, herbalists and potionmakers were even more curious about Chrysos' background after hearing what Orius said. They had different reactions. Some were interested, some were nonchalant, and some were trying to gauge how skilled Chrysos was.

Gerald turned back to his work.

"Many of you are familiar with the classic swiftness potion right? So what if I tell you all that I've been researching it and I found a better way to increase the success rate and even the quality of the potion?" Chrysos said as he brewed.

A young alchemist was intrigued. "Isn't the current recipe released to the public currently the best? What you're saying is that you've made a massive breakthrough for something that has been improved throughout the years. Since that's the case, how did you do it?" This alchemist is a genius that graduated from Denfion Alchemy Academy, a prestigious academy from Iqualius City, which is known as the city of alchemy for a reason. So his doubts were reasonable.

Knowing this, Chrysos didn't mind the question and merely responded without any provocation.

"It's quite simple really..." Chrysos said as he boiled the wild grass and the Arean Ore in a pot. "We all know that the windgrazer wolf has a Divinious affinity to wind, am I right? So we use the pilaphate vines to melt the flesh and turn them into a liquid version of it. And then we use the honeysnake flower to neutralize the poisonous mixture so that it becomes drinkable." Chrysos said as he did the right steps to brew the potion.

The alchemists around him nodded.

"So I decided to add Pirith Blueberries into the mix." Chrysos dumped a small pile of blueberries into the pot as he said so.

The alchemists watching had never seen this recipe before. And because it was new and it strayed from the path of the normal recipe, this was strange for them to see. They didn't doubt the recipe because in alchemy, you cannot blindly judge a process just because it looks strange.

A herbalist named Coran said after thinking for a while. "How does Pirith Berries help in swiftness potions? It's mainly used for strength potions because it increases the breathing rate of the person by a meager amount, but I don't see how it could help in swiftness potions... Would you like to explain it? Also, how would I address you sir?"

Coran wore a light blue, white, and purple colored tight long sleeved herbalist robe and pants. She wore protective armor which wasn't built for fighting, but for accidents that could occur during alchemy. It was made of iron and the armor pieces were very flat and thin, but very flexible. She wore a metal mask with cotton and cloth padding under it as it wrapped around his face. Her eyes had Deepcave Diamond Crystals and layers of protective hardened slime essence that gave her clear vision and great protection. Her black hair is long and tied into braids behind her back. Her eye color is hazel.

"Gerald." Chrysos responded to Coran. He was currently refining the berries using his Refinement unique ability.

"Right, Sir Gerald, please explain it to all of us." Coran nodded and watched Chrysos' every move. She wasn't willing to let a single detail get past his eyes.

Chrysos replied, "I'm going to use the Pirith Berries to use the swiftness effect of the wind on breathing so that it'll circulate around the body easily. That's what I thought of, since the method almost everyone uses is to use the swiftness attribute of the Divinious energy on the person's veins instead of their entire body." Chrysos explained as he brewed the potion.

Coran replied. "But the wind made by Divinious isn't breathable.. how can it be used in breathing circulation?" Coran began to see some cracks with Chrysos' explanation.

Chrysos clicked his tongue. "Tch tch, that's not what wind truly is." Chrysos created a wind magic circle in his hand and directed it to Coran.

It was the Wind Slash magic circle.

After doing so, wind started to blow from his hand as he began to pour his Divinious energy into it.

"Do you notice something?" Chrysos asked Coran. He temporarily stopped brewing to demonstrate what his point was. He didn't mind stopping since he still had more than two hours and a half to win the wager.

Coran knitted her eyebrows together. She couldn't figure out what was strange with the wind magic circle that Chrysos used.

Everyone was currently watching Coran, so she quickly thought about it so that she wouldn't waste any time. She touched her chin and lowered her head. Coran subconsciously began to breathe faster because of the slight nervousness that she felt being watched by her peers which ended up giving her the answer.

She turned her head back to Chrysos as her eyes widened. "Wait, the wind is breathable!? How did you manage to do this?!"

Coran's exclamation was heard by the other alchemists, herbalists and potionmakers and they showed expressions of disbelief.

"Breathable wind?? T- This is amazing!" A potionmaker wearing a leather fedora hat and a full transparent crystal mask went in front of the magic circle in Chrysos' palm to verify it for himself. He removed his mask to breathe in the wind, which made him stagger backwards when he found out that it was indeed true.

A perplexed alchemist approached the magic circle. He wore a bulky silver gas mask that had three filters. Further showing how Chrysos had the superior gas mask. "This isn't a trick right? Wind is a force like lightning, fire and water.. it cannot be modified easily."

Chrysos canceled the magic circle from his hand. And continued brewing.

"While it's true that wind is a force, have you ever thought why you could breathe? And have you ever wondered why you couldn't do so underwater, deep underground and in sealed rooms for long periods of time?" Chrysos looked at the people around him with intrigued faces as they listened.

They, of course, shook their heads.

"Is it because wind is normally breathable? If that's so, why can't we replicate it using Divinious?" A female alchemist with a young appearance answered.

"It's because all of you visualized wind as a mere force of nature. You didn't include what was in the air that made it breathable." Chrysos pointed at thin air as he explained.

"What is in the air that we can breathe in?" Someone from the crowd asked.

"Oxygen." Chrysos replied as he just finished brewing 79 bottles of swiftness potions. He already brewed so much because the others were so distracted from his explanation. Plus, he knew a lot of quickening methods which speeds up brewing, but lowers its quality by some degree, so it wasn't something that he used often.

The others were shocked to realize how fast Chrysos brewed the potions because they were too engrossed in listening to his explanation.

"Of course, none of you know what that is, so listen up." After Chrysos said this, the people around the room perked up their ears.

"Oxygen is something like Divinious. Using Divinious as an analogy, it could be described as a collection of the same element. Let's say, a trail of fire Divinious energy is composed of very very tiny indiscernible Divinious orbs that contain the even smaller orbs inside of them numbering in millions or even billions. Those orbs I call energy orbs. And according to what the arrangement of the energy orbs inside the Divinious orb is, that decides what element the Divinious orb becomes."

"These small Divinious orbs have no elements inside them by themselves, but there are millions of tiny unique formations that turn a small boring elementless Divinious orb into fire energy, or ice energy and any other energy there is. Water energy for example, has the Flowing and Downpour type symbols inside it that decides what kind of energy it is. So, if the energy orb formations are modified, the type of what energy they are also becomes modified."

"Now let's go back to what oxygen is.. It is a small Divinious orb with its own unique energy orb formation inside it. I call these non Divinious type orbs, elements. And the smaller energy orbs inside of them are called atoms. Of course, we don't just breathe the oxygen itself. It has to be linked with multiple other elements to be breathable." Chrysos explained the word 'elements' in English so that he would not confuse the crowd.

Chrysos was done brewing 100 swiftness potions as he finished his explanation.

An alchemist snapped his fingers in realization. "So you're saying that this oxygen is a very small ball with a unique formation of even smaller balls inside it. And the small balls are called elements. When combined with other elements with their own special unique formation, do they form breathable air?"

Chrysos nodded. "That is correct."

The alchemist clapped his hands as he laughed. "This is genius! I have never thought of this before. I've been thinking all along that wind is a force, but I never thought about what the wind is as well! Without this oxygen, wind is only a pushing force, but when visualized with oxygen energy orbs will it become complete! I only need to modify the energy orbs inside the Divinious orbs in order to do so!" The alchemist laughed as if he made a huge breakthrough.

The alchemists, herbalists, and potionmakers looked at Chrysos with new expressions. Chrysos had ideas and thoughts that they have never thought of before. So, if they ask more about their problems in brewing, maybe they'll make a great improvement.

A herbalist addressed Chrysos politely. "Sir Chrysos, do you know the problem why my formula for the fatigue removal potion doesn't work? I've been trying to improve its effectiveness, so I need some inspiration."

"Sir Chrysos, me too! I have this problem with the bark of the Mosire Leaf Tree.. I have no idea why it cannot be used for this iron refinement formula, so I'd like some help with it." A potionmaker took out a piece of paper with the handwritten formula of the iron refinement in it.

Chrysos laughed. "Easy, I have time for all of your questions, so don't panic. Alright, you in the back, you'll go first." Chrysos pointed at a herbalist as he picked up more ingredients to begin brewing another hundred potions.

The herbalist was so happy that he was picked first. "If sir Chrysos doesn't mind, how would you fix this formula of the fatigue removal potion?"

Chrysos turned to look at the piece of paper and after examining it, he said. "Honestly, the Welier Grapes do not even need to be there.. I suggest using the saltwater from Piketoothed Fish ponds as a replacement. Since this formula is pointed at muscle fatigue after fighting or exercising, boil the saltwater and when the water evaporates, take the red salt and mix them with a leaf of the Azure Mushmite shrub. And since you're a herbalist, use your Plant Refinement unique ability to increase the leaf's potency if you want to increase the effectivity of the potion."

Chrysos already finished 15 strength potions as he finished his explanation.

The herbalist's eyes gleamed. "Thank you sir Chrysos." He walked back to his worktable and he immediately took the ingredients that Chrysos suggested and he began brewing the potion.

A few curious herbalists helped him brew the potion and two minutes later, the potion was brewed. When the herbalist drank it, he almost fell down from shock. "It's true! My muscles feel lighter!"

Coran, a fellow Herbalist asked the man, "Mind if I try that?"

The man nodded and said, "Here, see it for yourself." He picked up the bottle and gave it to Coran.

Coran sniffed the potion to sense its features.

After doing so, she drank the potion. It was smooth and pleasant to the throat. And when the potion began to show its effects, she felt that her body was less fatigued and her mind slightly became clearer. Her colleague was right! It was indeed an improved Fatigue Removal Potion! She felt that her shoulders became lighter as if invisible weights were removed from it.

After the other alchemists saw this, they hurriedly asked more questions from Chrysos. This was a rare opportunity that they have to grasp no matter what!

Chrysos laughed as he answered each of their questions. He was happy that many people could learn from him and abandon their ways of alchemy that he absolutely abhorred.

From the side of the room, Orius looked at Agarius and the Viscount shrugged. "Don't look at me, I didn't know that he was this kind of a genius."

"Haha, I'm glad that you discovered someone this amazing. Look, he finished brewing 100 strength potions in a few minutes. If I hire someone with this much talent, skill and knowledge, my alchemy business would soar!" Arlangier Orius laughed.

"Don't be so excited. Didn't you hear earlier? He isn't planning to be hired by someone. He would rather help the common folk." Agarius reminded Orius before he turned their relationship with Chrysos into a very awkward situation.

"Right, my excitement got the better of me. But his goal is to help the common folk as well, correct?" Orius responded to Agarius.

"Yes, so you want him under your wing while giving him what he wants. Correct?" Agarius knew what his old friend was thinking.

"That's precisely what I want to do." Orius turned his head to look at Chrysos as he brewed potions while happily responding to the questions of his alchemists, potionmakers and herbalists. "And with the speed of his production, how could I let such a talented alchemist go? With the resources that I can provide, he'll grow even more powerful. I'm sure of it." Orius sighed as he looked at the busy alchemy house with a meaningful gaze.

"Honestly, I also want to take him in. After all, the Nelton family has been working with alchemists for generations.. Having someone like him would bring a lot of prestige to the Nelton family." Agarius laughed.

"You were telling me not to turn our relationship with him to become awkward yet you're here telling me that you also had the same intentions." Orius jokingly said.

"Hey, it depends on his decision after all.." Agarius revealed a faint smile.

Twenty minutes later...

After Chrysos finished brewing all of the 1200 potions, he was still being asked different questions about alchemy.

Even the quiet ones decided to muster up their courage just to ask him a thing or two.

Chrysos didn't hold back on telling them his ideas and suggestions. All of them helped everyone in the alchemy house in one way or another. 97% of their formulas became successful, and the remaining 3% didn't because they were either too difficult, unrealistic or the improvements were apparent, but not enough.

Although the 3% of the formulas weren't solved, they were given good feedback from their questions.

Chrysos also openly admitted that he couldn't possibly answer all of their questions since it's impossible for him to be all knowing when it comes to alchemy.

All of them understood this, so this didn't lower their respect towards Chrysos. Instead, it actually heightened it.

It was clear from this simple act of Chrysos admitting his shortcomings that he had a humble way of thinking. Unlike the other alchemists who wouldn't dare say that they are lacking in some way just to solidify their position and their pride. It means that Chrysos isn't here to show off, and instead was here to help.

It was a kind gesture that they admired.

The questions slowly settled down. And because Chrysos completed the wager and the potions were of similar quality to what Chrysos sold, he won the wager between him and the two nobles.

The three of them returned to Orius' office.

On the way back, Orius was talking to Chrysos and patted him in the shoulder. "You really brewed this many potions in under an hour... I must say that you really are talented."

Chrysos chuckled with courtesy. "The Arlangier is complimenting me too much."

"Young man, this level of knowledge and skills is admirable. It isn't too much for me to say that at all." Orius showed his respect for Chrysos. "Actually, I would like to ask you something..."

Agarius walked forward and coughed. "We would like to ask you something."

When Chrysos saw this from the two of them, he slumped down in a manner that wasn't too exaggerated to show his discontentment. "Both of you are planning to hire me, right?

The two of them looked at each other and nodded. They weren't trying to hide it any longer since Chrysos already knew.

Agarius went first and said, "Don't worry, I don't plan on controlling you or restricting your desire to help the common folk. Your freedom wouldn't be affected if you work for me. I'm sure that the Arlangier will offer the same thing." Agarius gestured to Orius.

"That's right." Orius nodded. "It's fine if you disagree. We won't force you. It was just that someone like you is very rare and a one of a kind genius."

Chrysos sighed and looked a bit disheartened on the outside. But on the inside, he smiled after achieving such a high evaluation from Viscount Nelton and Arlangier Orius.

He thought about it carefully and balanced the pros and cons of joining whichever of the two.

"Although it would be great having the Arlangier helping me directly, Ironmountain is just too underdeveloped when it comes to alchemy. Weaponry and equipment isn't what I desperately need to increase my strength… I need ingredients. And Iqualius City, a place known for alchemy and abundance of alchemical resources, knowledge and living beasts, that would be the best place for my growth…" Chrysos thought silently as he pondered.

Since he got his answer, he spoke to both of them.

"I would like to work for Viscount Nelton. Is that alright?" Chrysos looked at Orius to see his reaction.

Orius nodded. "Very well. I accept your decision." Even though Orius said that, he felt disappointed that Chrysos didn't want to work with him. But nonetheless, he couldn't force it anyway.

"Thank you." Chrysos revealed a smile under his mask.

He managed to grab as many opportunities as he could during this trip to the Arlangier's mansion. He even paved a path for his future development.

Chrysos achieved his goal.