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C1034

Emery honestly felt that there were too many things that he had to and wanted to do.

Challenging the top 10 of the privileged class, completing the level 10 combat puppet for his claw technique, practicing the Hexagram Technique with Klea, fixing his cracked Devour Pillar, mastering the new spells he got his hands on. And now, he also had to keep his promise to the dwarf master.

If he could have a wish right now, Emery would definitely wish time had stopped.

As he arrived at the magnificent Golden City, seeing the high-rise buildings and the flying boats, Emery couldn't help but once again wanting to explore more about the world. Especially as his feet stood in front of the apothecary center, his mind wandered to the joy of doing things that he loved.

If his home planet Earth was not in danger, if he could choose whatever path he wanted, Emery honestly would rather spend his entire time doing apothecary.

A deep sigh escaped his mouth, and Emery once again wished that he could have had more time. 4 months was simply not enough. He realized that not only did he have to leave the academy, he also actually had to leave the entire universe to return home, leaving all these opportunities behind until he reached the magus realm.

This chain of thought, however, once again reminded Emery to use all his remaining days to the fullest. Even being here in the apothecary center, he really hoped that it would be a productive day.

Before he enters the apothecary institute, the female magus next to him stop and said

"It would be inappropriate for me to follow you inside this time. But don't worry, I'll be around,"

Nodding his head, Emery said, "I understand. I shouldn't take long."

As the female magus' figure disappeared from sight, Emery stepped into the apothecary center. He immediately made a beeline to the shop and asked for the attendant for the two skills he had that needed to be upgraded.

[Universal Flora Knowledge – Rank 3] and [Analyze Flora – Rank 3]. The two would be Emery's only way to successfully identify and harvest the Tier 5 plants. To be more precise, he needed to get them right away and swiftly went search for the plant.

However, once again the situation and things did not go as he wished.

"I sincerely apologize, acolyte. Here it said that you are a Rank 3 Apprentice. On the other hand, the skills you requested can only be given to Rank 4"

Emery was quite surprised when he heard the shop attendant's words. He knew that although he got his Rank 2 skills for free when he passed the second exam, the skills could also be bought from the shop if one had the money.

However, it turned out that things were not exactly the same when the threshold was raised. Given the value and rarity of Tier 5 herbs, the Apothecary Institute forbade those who were not yet qualified to learn the skills and risked endangering the precious herbs.

Looking at his expression, it was clear how baffled Emery was by the rules. Even when he asked if there was really no other way for him to obtain the skills, the attendant's answer brought him back to square one.

"Yes, acolyte. You can take the next Rank 4 exam, passing it and become a Rank 4 Apprentice. At that time, the skills will be open for you to purchase."

"And when will the next Rank 4 exam be held?" asked Emery, hoping in his heart.

Alas, once again, Emery fell into an unfortunate situation. The monthly exam had just finished a few days ago, and hence he had to wait for a month for another exam. He was too stunned to speak after hearing the attendant's words.

"Even if you can't acquire the skills yourself, there are other ways. One of the alternative options is to hire an Artisan to do the job for you," said the attendant kindly, seeing the look on Emery's face.

Unfortunately, this idea wasn't that great either. Emery might have the money needed to hire the service, but the problem was that he could not bring more people to the Hyperion planet. Hence he left the shop with a defeated expression.

Having no other choice, Emery decided to go with plan B, to find his master Grom or his senior Cedric and ask for their help in this matter.

Thanks to his status as an official disciple of Master Grom, Emery had access to the restricted inner area which was located in the next building. As such, there was no stopping him along the way and the moment he arrived, he was surprisingly greeted with an exaggeration.

"Emery, the superstar has returned to our humble abode!"

Emery's brows twitched slightly as he watched the antics the man in front of him had. The last time he met Cedric was, infact, in the Hyperion planet after the incidents, which made him quickly ask his senior if the latter could help him with his situation.

"Master Dulin, huh… That's honestly a tricky one…" said Cedric, stroking his chin. "I'm sorry, Emery. I don't think I can't help you. The last time I was in Hyperion was because Master Grom was the one who gave me the access, and unfortunately, our master has been away and he won't be back for a while."

A look of disappointment appeared on Emery's face when he heard his senior couldn't help him. But not wanting to give up, he asked, "Cedric, is there really no other way I can learn those skills?"

Cedric shook his head. "I think you really should just wait for the exam."

Emery sighed again as he found himself back where he started. If he really waited for the next exam, then that would mean he wouldn't be able to fulfill Master Dulin's request this month, which was bad news.

At this moment, Cedric suddenly said.

"Actually Emery, I think there's a way for you." Seeing the hopeful gaze, he quickly continued his words. "I remember that before you finish your second year, you already have a product that could pass the Rank 3 exam. So maybe, if you can ask one of the examinees and show your product, you might obtain the Rank 4 Apprentice you needed after all."

Emery thought that his senior's words were too good to be true, and thus couldn't help but doubt it. "Is that even possible?"

In response, Cedric said, "Emery, you are in the privileged class, and I heard that you're some kind of hero as well. Just ask, what's the harm in that? Moreover, I knew that similar things have been done in the past, so…"

Seeing that there was light in the dire situation he was in, Emery took the opportunity he had. "I understand. Point me in the right direction please"

To be continued