’Hm? This lightning... It’s faint, but I can feel sothing familiar exuding from it. It reminds of what I witnessed back at the Sky Palace.’
"Apothecary Izroth, you shouldn’t feel too bad about your results. Others may have failed to make it past crafting grade six pills with the Natural Energy of Lightning. But, that does not an that you are fated to follow in their footsteps. As long as there is a tomorrow, surely, a way forward must exist—even if others have not yet found that path." Rozomius said.
"Apothecary Rozomius is correct. A thod being unknown does not an it is impossible to discover. If you can find a way to harness the Natural Energy of Lightning and control its destructive nature, crafting high grade pills will co as easily as breathing to you." Po added.
"A path is only truly hopeless when there is no one willing to walk it. It would be a great sha for Apothecary Izroth to waste the great fortune he has been given because of an accompanied misfortune. I hope that you do not see this mont as the end of your journey." Koralena stated.
"I appreciate your thoughtful words. But, regardless of my results, I have no intention of giving up on the path I’ve decided to walk. It is as Apothecary Rozomius said—as long as there is a tomorrow, a way forward must exist. If I must find that way forward myself, then so be it." Izroth said as he removed his hand from the Guiding Light.
Rozomius, Koralena and Po could not hide the pity and regret in their eyes. By now, most Apothecaries would have had an expression of despair if they received the Natural Energy of Lightning. But, Izroth his head up and was already thinking about a way to move forward despite the tough journey that lied ahead of him.
"This kind of attitude is hard to see even among the most experienced of Apothecaries. It is easy to say that you will walk a harsh path, but doing so without wavering is another story. I will look forward to the future you show , Apothecary Izroth." Rozomius thought to himself.
"Natural Energy of Lightning. Potential, tier S10." Rozomius announced.
Izroth made his way back over to Worldly Skies and Celia.
Celia’s expression was sowhat awkward as she was not sure what to say to Izroth. Did she congratulate him or try to cheer him up? In truth, she still didn’t see what was so bad about the Natural Energy of Lightning. Nevertheless, if everyone was making that big a deal of it, then she had no choice but to reevaluate her outlook.
Seeing Celia’s troubled expression, Worldly Skies was the first to speak up.
"Congratulations, Palace Master. It seems you’ve left quite the impression on everyone. But, Advisor Aurora might be a little disappointed that you did not ntion the Mystical Realm Palace." Worldly Skies said with a warm smile.
"The timing seed ill suited. Besides, with the attention you two have already brought to the Mystical Realm Palace, I’m sure Advisor Aurora will be more than satisfied." Izroth replied in carefree manner.
"Ah... Congratulations, Palace Master. The Natural Energy of Lightning—it’s pretty cool, isn’t it?" Celia said without thinking.
Though, the mont those words left her mouth, Celia wanted to pull her own hair out in frustration.
"Why of all things did those words leave my mouth? He won’t be upset and think I’m mocking him, will he?" Celia thought to herself in a panic.
"No, I didn’t an-" Celia started; however, Izroth quickly cut her off.
"It’s alright. Your words—I know they are your genuine thoughts. There’s no need to hold back." Izroth said nonchalantly.
If those words ca from others, it could be seen as an attempt to mock Izroth because he obtained an undesirable Natural Energy. However, coming from soone like Celia, Izroth understood that she genuinely found it interesting. After all, those who obtained the Natural Energy of Lightning had already given up on the path of being an Apothecary. Therefore, it was extrely rare to see any Apothecary using the Natural Energy of Lightning.
Celia breathed a small sigh of relief.
"Besides, the words I spoke earlier still remain true. It does not matter what Natural Energy one receives. It’s simply a matter of taking advantage of its strengths and overcoming its weaknesses. I, Izroth, am never one to walk away from a challenge." Izroth stated.
’I refuse to believe that there is no way to control the Natural Energy of Lightning. Though, I suppose in my case, it might be a bit more complex than that.’
Izroth looked at the system alert that popped up when he placed his hand on the Guiding Light that he had yet to close out.
〈System Alert: The «Natural Energy: Heavenly Lightning» has been manifested within you.〉
Izroth did not receive the normal Natural Energy of Lightning. Instead, he acquired a variation. Not just any variation, but one that even soone as experienced and long lived as Rozomius did not seem to pick up on.
Heavenly Lightning—this was a force that existed below the firmant that suppressed anything that attempted to go against the Laws of the World.
The Heavenly Lightning was a force so overwhelming and overbearing, that even those at the peak of the legendary realm shuttered at the re thought of facing it. Even two peak legendary realm powerhouses working together could only slightly slow it down for less than half a breath at best. And, from what Izroth learned, that was not close to the Heavenly Lightning’s full strength.
That being said, if the Natural Energy of Lightning was seen as difficult to work with, just how many tis more challenging would it be to use sothing like the Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning?
Izroth had no idea. But, it would not be long until he found out the answer himself.
’The last part of the test will involve crafting a grade five pill. Since no one said anything, I assu the Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning does not look that much different from the normal Natural Energy of Lightning. If that’s the case, it should not draw any unnecessary attention. It’s even more likely since most eyes should be on Worldly Skies and Celia.’
Izroth did not bother correcting Rozomius because there was no reason to do so. At most, it would have drawn so attention to him. However, Izroth did not plan on joining any of the organizations or clans present. What need did he have to speak up for the sole purpose of attracting their attention? At least, in this way, he could avoid any recruitnt attempts without having to say a word.
"All participants have now received their Natural Energy. To those who dropped out, I wish you the best on your journey. For those of you who are still here, congratulations on making it past the first part of the grade five promotion test. I know that so of you are disappointed with your results. However, I must remind you that one’s Natural Energy and its potential does not define you as an Apothecary. There have been those with talent who have been left behind by those who work hard and put in the effort to grow. Do not beco complacent. And, more importantly, do not place self imposed limitations upon yourself." Rozomius said firmly.
So of the Apothecaries were moved by Rozomius’ words. They had been feeling down because of their lackluster results and seeing others shine brightly. To hear that all hope was not lost for them caused them to regain so of their confidence as Apothecaries. Of course, there were also those who found Rozomius’ words to be a sore reminder of their results and sighed in self disappointnt.
"Now, we will continue on with the next part of the promotion test. A total of six Apothecaries have dropped out. As a result, there are now 35 of you that remain. Under normal circumstances, there are already few enough participants for all of you to pass to the next part of the promotion test. However, due to the recent rule changes, we must still proceed with the question portion." Rozomius stated as he waved his hand.
In the blink of an eye, a scene similar to the one Izroth witnessed during the very beginning of the grade four promotion test unfolded. And, in a few seconds, each participant received a scroll and feather quill.
"That being said, given the number of you that remain, I have decided to keep things simple. I, along with Apothecaries Koralena and Po, will each ask one question for a total of three questions. Each question will not exceed the knowledge of a grade five Apothecary and will be sothing that every grade five Apothecary should be aware of. You will have five minutes from the mont we finish presenting the question to submit your answer. There is no reward for submitting your answer early, so take your ti and think carefully. If you answer any question incorrectly, it will mark the end of your ti at this promotion test." Rozomius explained unhurriedly.
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