Chapter 93: Chapter 89: Crystal Tower The entire examination hall was so quiet that one could hear the slight hum of the Magic Crystal Lamp; everyone held their breath, waiting for the final result. "A total of twenty-seven candidates participated in this Alchemist certification exam, after comprehensive evaluation over three stages..." Magnus paused momentarily, sweeping his gaze over the tense faces of the crowd: "Only two candidates have passed the certification standards." Low murmurs of sighs and disappointment spread throughout the hall, with several older candidates even showing pale expressions, clearly not their first time facing failure. "First is... the Lizardman Bazak, who has met the standards and obtained Professional Alchemist certification with a rating of ’Pass’." In the corner, an elderly Lizardman whose scales had begun to lose their luster slowly stood up. His claws were deformed and bent from years of handling herbs, his eye sockets sunken. The Lizardman stood dumbfounded in place, seemingly overwhelmed by sudden joy, unable to react for a moment. After a brief daze, Bazak bowed deeply to the examiner, his whole body slightly trembling with excitement. Next, Magnus’s gaze fell on Ron, and the corners of his mouth slightly lifted: "Secondly is... Ron Ralph, an Elementary Apprentice from the Black Mist School." In an instant, all eyes focused on Ron, filled with surprise, incredulity, and barely-concealed jealousy. "He has met the standards and obtained Professional Alchemist certification with a rating of ’Outstanding’!" Immediately, the hall erupted in buzzing discussions, like a swarm of disturbed bees. "Outstanding rating?" "Are you kidding me, this kid looks barely fifteen or sixteen years old!" "An outstanding rating? I’ve taken the exam five times and never even reached the basic ’Pass’ rating..." One of the white-haired candidates was so shocked that the test tube in his hand almost fell, maintaining a stiff smile while unable to suppress his extreme internal imbalance. Magnus gestured for silence: "The certification results are confirmed; don’t be disheartened, there is another chance next year. The examination is now over; the two successful candidates may stay to receive their certification while others can leave." Most candidates packed dejectedly preparing to leave, leaving only Ron and Bazak in the hall. Magnus walked over to Ron and personally handed him a proof badge with a magic power anti-counterfeit mark. "Young man." The elder stroked his white beard, his tone not overly probing, seemingly just pure admiration: "I have been serving as an alchemy examiner at the school for several decades now, and it’s rare to see someone with your talent. Especially that ’Awakening’ potion, its quality far exceeded my expectations." Ron respectfully accepted the proof badge: "Thank you for your recognition, Master Magnus." Magnus squinted his eyes, gazing at him with deep meaning: "By the way, I have a question; is Lady Allen your mentor?" Ron slightly startled: "Yes, how did you guess?" The elder showed a kind smile, signaling Ron to follow him to a small resting room beside the examination hall. Once seated, Magnus began speaking: "Haha, the technique you used with that Silver Tree Root Extract was very special; it is a signature technique of Lady Allen. Moreover, the precise rhythm when you were refining... it’s her distinctive style." His expression turned distant, as if lost in reminiscence: "More than a hundred years ago, I had a brief period working with Lady Allen. At that time, she was one of the most brilliant talents in the entire Crystal Tower; people even believed she had the potential to advance to a Great Wizard..." Ron felt surprised by this history: "I’m sorry; I didn’t know she had such a past." "She seldom mentions those glorious days in front of her students." The elder’s voice was deep and powerful: "It is evident that Lady Allen has devoted significant effort on you." Ron humbly bowed his head: "I simply strive not to let down Lady Allen’s teachings." "Your humility is commendable, but sometimes excessive modesty is a form of arrogance." Magnus chuckled softly, observing him keenly: "Well, I suppose you have other matters needing my assistance, don’t you?" Ron paused, seeing the elder listening attentively, decided not to waste time on pleasantries, and straightforwardly stated: "Yes, Master Magnus. Actually, after passing the alchemist certification this time, I want to apply for an independent workshop at the school for refining Magic Potions." While speaking, he took out a letter he had prepared long ago: "Please, this is a recommendation letter from Lady Allen, hoping it will aid the application." "Since you’ve become a Professional Alchemist, you indeed need an independent workshop now." Magnus nodded, taking the letter and reading for a moment, the corners of his mouth slightly lifting: "Moreover, a warm recommendation from an old friend... I understand." He closed the envelope, his gaze returning to Ron: "Applying for an independent workshop requires approval from the school’s upper management, usually taking about two weeks. But considering Lady Allen’s influence, coupled with your outstanding performance today..." Encouragement flashed in Magnus’ eyes for the young man: "I will exert some influence to potentially shorten this time to about two days. I believe, given the potential you’ve demonstrated, the school would not refuse such an excellent young individual as yourself." "Thank you very much for your help, Master Magnus," Ron said sincerely, finding this to be smoother than he had anticipated. "You’re welcome; it’s also for the future of the school." Magnus smiled: "Once you get into the workshop, make sure to let me assess your first batch of magic potions." "Of course, it would be my honor." He understood the Elder Alchemist’s implied meaning—to integrate him into the school’s circle of alchemists—and naturally, he would not refuse tactlessly. Politely taking leave of Magnus, Ron was just stepping towards the door to leave when... The examinees, seeing this young alchemist come out from Magnus, brightened up and returned one by one to surround him. "Ron the Apprentice, I’m Conrad, and I own a plot of land in Cedar City." An elderly man with graying hair stepped forward first, with a smiling face but complex glimmer in his eyes: "Your refining skills are truly astonishing! Near Cedar City, which is close to the Black Mist Jungle, there’s a special mineral vein producing a rare mineral called ’Star Crystal Stone,’ which greatly benefits magic potion refining. If you’re interested, we can establish a long-term cooperative relationship." He said while taking out a small pouch of shimmering crystals, his enthusiasm barely concealing inner jealousy. This young man, not even one-third his age, had attained the alchemist certification he endlessly sought yet failed to achieve. "Master Ron." Another blue-skinned snake-man race individual pushed forward, nudging Conrad aside forcefully: "I am Mist Shadow, the shaman of the Hydra Tribe. Our tribe has lived by Dusk Moon Lake in the east for generations, where many rare aquatic plants, particularly the ’Dream Spirit Flower,’ grow. It’s said to enhance the spirit amplification effect of magic potions." "Don’t listen to that blue-skinned monster; they’re full of poisonous plants!" A female alchemist with graceful curves interjected, with seductive features though her crow’s feet exposed her actual age: "I’m Grace, an independent alchemist from the southern edge of the Black Mist Jungle. I’ve worked with many nomadic tribes, acquiring the freshest beast materials. Especially the heart of the ’Blood Moon Wolf,’ which is an excellent material for refining physique-enhancing potions!" Ron politely dealt with these sudden overtures, yet saw through them—they simply wanted to establish a connection with a promising alchemist for their benefit. But he did not refuse; in a place like the Black Mist Jungle, networking and resource channels are equally valuable. These jealous yet superficially flattering alchemists could become windows through which he could gain external information. "I appreciate everyone’s kindness," Ron said gently: "I’m very willing to establish contacts and exchange magic potion insights. But I just certified, and there are many things to handle, so I hope there will be chances for deeper exchanges in the future." At this moment, Bazak, the lizardman who received a "Qualified" rating, walked slowly forward, and people spontaneously cleared a path for him. Unlike others’ obsequiousness, the weathered old lizardman’s eyes revealed genuine admiration. "Alchemist Ron," Bazak’s voice was low and hoarse: "I hail from the southeastern Snake Scale Swamp, where our lizardmen have resided for generations. I’ve been researching magic potions for over forty years, yet I’ve never seen a gifted young individual like you." He paused, his eyes under scaly eyelids slightly reddening with excitement: "If you don’t mind, I can provide some swamp-unique materials in the future, like the ’Abra Death Vine’ and ’Blue Lantern Grass,’ which grow deep in the swamp, known only to us lizardmen." Ron sensed the old lizardman’s sincerity in his words and bowed slightly: "It’s my honor to associate with a seasoned alchemist like Mr. Bazak, and I look forward to future cooperation." Bazak nodded with satisfaction, his eyes flickering with some kind of relief: "Forty years of persistence finally paid off; to receive alchemist certification in my lifetime fills me with gratitude. Whereas you, with radiant morning-star talent, your future achievements will surely surpass our own." As more examinees joined the conversation, Ron gradually understood the distribution of forces around the Black Mist Jungle: The wandering half-beastman and goblins are the most numerous alien races, considered invasive species in this region. With strong reproductive capabilities and lacking their own extraordinary professions, they’re left to roam, captured as needed for experimental material and slavery by the Black Mist School. Cedar City in the north of the Black Mist Jungle is one of the human territories, bordering the Dwarf City-States, thus acquiring many excellent mineral materials; The eastern Dusk Moon Lake is the realm of the Snake-men and other aquatic races, with a wide variety of aquatic plants, most bearing some degree of toxicity; The South consists of a loose nomadic alliance of beast race tribes, worshiping the blood moon, regularly engaging in hunting rituals, with a fascination for magical beasts’ extraordinary organs; In the southwest, Snake Scale Swamp is the lizardmen’s habitat, intolerably hot and humid, yet housing many rare materials growing only in specific conditions; Yet coincidentally, everyone avoided discussing Blackwater Bay on the western side of Black Mist Jungle, as if concealed there were some unmentionable taboos... In a short exchange, Ron not only gained abundant geographical and material information but also established preliminary networking. As the gathering dispersed, he now had several contact slips and a few small bags containing sample materials given as "meeting gifts." Magnus watched all this not far away, stroking his beard: "Hehe, in certain situations, reputation can sometimes exert more impact than actual skill, though it equally invites danger. But this child... should not need much warning from me."