The blue flas danced in my palm, casting an otherworldly glow across the stunned faces surrounding . In the sea of shock and disbelief, Sofia Carrera's expression stood out most vividly—her earlier confidence had shattered, replaced by wide-eyed astonishnt.
"Blue Spirit Fire," soone whispered from the crowd. "I thought it was just a legend."
I maintained the fla steadily, letting it grow slightly larger before I closed my fist and extinguished it. The afterimage lingered in the air for a mont, like a ghostly reminder of what they'd witnessed.
Elder Leung cleared his throat, composing himself. "As you can see, Master Knight's qualifications are beyond question. The Blue Spirit Fire hasn't been seen in the Guild for over a century."
Sofia's lips pressed into a thin line. Her hands trembled slightly as she bowed her head. "I... apologize for my outburst, Elder Leung. And to you, Master Knight."
I nodded in acknowledgnt. "Your Green Spirit Fire is impressive in its own right. Few achieve even that."
The words seed to offer little consolation, but she straightened her shoulders and stepped back, dignity intact despite her humiliation.
Elder Leung seized the mont to regain control of the proceedings. "Now that introductions are complete, let us continue with the formal testing for our other applicants."
As the crowd's attention shifted to the next order of business, Elder Leung gestured for Sofia and to follow him. We walked silently through a side corridor until we reached a more private chamber.
"That was quite the demonstration," Elder Leung said once the door closed behind us. "You've certainly silenced any doubts about your appointnt."
I inclined my head. "I didn't an to create a spectacle."
"Sotis a spectacle is necessary," he replied with a small smile. "Now, let show you both to your quarters and explain your duties as Guild mbers."
We followed him through the sprawling complex. The further we ventured, the more impressive the architecture beca—jade pillars supporting vaulted ceilings, intricate carvings depicting the history of alchemy, and occasional glimpses of inner gardens where rare dicinal plants grew.
"As a Master Pharmacist," Elder Leung explained to , "you'll have access to our most valuable resources, including the Celestial Library and our premium ingredient stores. You may conduct your own research and create your own formulas, provided you docunt your findings for the Guild archives."
He then turned to Sofia. "As an Ordinary Alchemist, you'll work primarily in the preparation halls and treatnt centers. With your talent, I expect you'll advance quickly."
Sofia nodded stiffly, still avoiding my gaze.
"Both positions co with considerable benefits," Elder Leung continued. "Room and board, of course, plus a monthly stipend of spirit stones. You'll receive protection under the Guild's na, and access to our extensive network of contacts throughout the provinces." Раrt оf а sеriеs hоstеd by Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе (МV&LЕМР&YR).
As we walked, I calculated my tiline. "Elder Leung, about the Guild's requirents—I understand new mbers typically commit to at least one month of continuous residence?"
He glanced at . "That's correct."
"I may need more flexibility," I said carefully. "My current situation demands I maintain certain responsibilities outside the Guild."
Elder Leung frowned. "Exceptions to our rules are rare, Master Knight. However, given your unique circumstances... the Pavilion Master will need to approve such arrangents."
"Pavilion Master Valerius?" I asked.
"Yes. Mariana Valerius. She's away on business but expected to return within the week. Until then, I suggest you settle in and familiarize yourself with our facilities."
We reached a fork in the corridor. Elder Leung pointed Sofia toward the eastern wing. "Your quarters are in the Apprentice Sector. An attendant will show you the way."
After Sofia departed with a young attendant, Elder Leung led in the opposite direction. "Master Pharmacists reside in the western wing. You'll find it considerably more comfortable."
My quarters proved to be a spacious suite with a bedroom, study, and private garden. The furnishings were simple but elegant, crafted from rare woods and adorned with jade accents.
"Rest today," Elder Leung advised. "Tomorrow, I'll have soone show you around the facilities you'll be using."
After he left, I explored my new accommodations. The garden contained several rare herbs I recognized imdiately—spirit ginseng, frost lily, and even a small golden lotus floating in a stone basin. My study was equipped with alchemical apparatus of exceptional quality.
I sat on a ditation cushion and closed my eyes, feeling a mix of satisfaction and urgency. I'd gained entry to one of the most prestigious institutions in the realm—but ti was still working against .
---
Three days passed in a blur of activity. Each morning, I explored a different section of the Guild—the vast libraries, the experintal chambers, the treatnt halls where common citizens ca seeking cures. I absorbed as much as I could, morizing the layout and identifying resources that might prove useful later.
On the fourth morning, I decided to maintain my training regin with an early jog around the Guild's expansive grounds. The air was crisp with autumn's first hints as I followed a stone path through gardens and past training yards.
I was halfway through my third lap when a sharp pain pierced my chest.
I stumbled, nearly falling to my knees as the sensation intensified. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I pressed a hand against my heart, feeling its irregular rhythm.
"Not now," I muttered through gritted teeth. "Not yet."
The pain subsided gradually, leaving breathing heavily. I leaned against a cherry tree, waiting for my heartbeat to normalize. The episodes were becoming more frequent—a concerning developnt I couldn't afford to ignore.
When I finally returned to my quarters, a ssage awaited : Third Elder requested my presence in the east wing imdiately. Sofia Carrera had received the sa summons.
I cleaned up quickly and headed to the eting point. Sofia was already there, her red dress replaced by the erald robes of a Guild alchemist.
"Master Knight," she greeted formally, her tone neutral.
Before I could respond, a door slid open, revealing a thin man with a severe face and calculating eyes. Unlike Elder Leung's calm presence, the Third Elder radiated a cold intensity.
"You've kept waiting," he remarked, though we were precisely on ti.
"Apologies, Elder," Sofia said quickly. "We ca as soon as we received your ssage."
He waved dismissively. "I have a task for you both. A patient arrived this morning requiring imdiate treatnt. I would handle it myself, but urgent matters demand my attention elsewhere."
His eyes lingered on with undisguised assessnt. "Consider this your first official duty, Master Knight. Miss Carrera will assist you."
"What's the patient's condition?" I asked.
"See for yourself. The symptoms are... unusual." A thin smile crossed his face. "The patient awaits in Treatnt Room Four. Don't disappoint the Guild with your performance."
With that, he turned and strode away, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake.
Sofia and I exchanged glances. For the first ti since our confrontation, her expression wasn't guarded or resentful—it was concerned.
"We should go," I said, starting toward the treatnt wing.
Sofia fell into step beside . After a mont of hesitation, she spoke in a low voice. "Be careful with this assignnt."
I glanced at her. "What do you an?"
She looked around to ensure we were alone in the corridor. "The Third Elder has a reputation. He doesn't appreciate new talents that might overshadow him." She lowered her voice further. "Especially those who arrive with special privileges."
"You think he's setting us up?"
Sofia's eyes t mine, serious and direct. "I think the Blue Spirit Fire made you a target. And I'm worried about what kind of 'unusual symptoms' await us in Treatnt Room Four."
Reviews
All reviews (0)