Chapter 1201: Fault of the Owner

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Approximately five minutes later...

’This is where the coordinates lead. The Apothecary Guild building in the capital city of Amaharpe was luxurious. But, this place makes that building look like a beggar’s den.’

Izroth arrived in front of the main Apothecary Guild building. The main Apothecary Guild building stood taller than any other in the Apothecary District and gave off a grand and majestic aura.

The building itself was made out of expensive and sturdy materials with an intricate design. The most amazing part was that each block of material contained traces of reinforcement magic. This meant that every last material used to construct the building was individually granted reinforcement magic so that even if one failed, it would not affect the others.

Celia let out a helpless sigh as she shook her head. She was still having a hard time processing the shocking words that left Izroth’s mouth. Did he really plan on taking the grade four Apothecary promotion test and challenging the Wall of Pills to earn enough achievement points to take the grade five Apothecary promotion test all in roughly one hour?

"Ha... If I keep this up, will I end up just like my master? Forget it. He is the person who healed the Holy Maiden when even those grade eight Apothecaries were powerless to do anything. If anything, he has the skill to speak those words and not sound completely delusional doing so." Celia thought to herself.

"The main Apothecary Guild Building serves three core purposes. The first is hosting promotion tests. The second is handing out profession quest. Of course, true profession quests are rare. Rather than calling it a profession quest, it’s more of a quest that just happens to be related to our profession. It’s closer to a commission than an actual quest. As for the third core purpose, it is managing the Wall of Pills. I’ve already told you about it, so I won’t go over it again." Celia explained.

She then continued, "I already obtained all the achievement points I need to take the grade five Apothecary promotion test. Since that’s the case... Can I just observe you?"

Celia had a look of anticipation as she made her request. There were too many unbelievable things that surrounded Izroth. Of course, Celia did not believe that the Holy Maiden would grant the title of Honorary Saint to a fraud; however, she wanted to see Izroth in action with her own eyes as an Apothecary.

"Do as you wish." Izroth replied casually.

’Since I plan on having her join the Mystical Realm Palace, it won’t hurt to let her learn a thing or two. Of course, she will have to rely on her own ability to gain any insights.’

Celia eyes sparkled with excitement as a smile appeared on her face.

"Don’t worry, I promise I won’t get in the way! I’ll just observe quietly from the side!" Celia said as she rubbed her hands together.

"Ah, did you know? The head of the Apothecary Guild will be making an appearance today since the promotion test is an important event. Since this is your first time in Danaharpe, you might not know this, but it’s a huge deal. The head of the Apothecary Guild is reclusive and never shows their face. However, I heard rumors that if you can impress them, it’s possible to take them on as a teacher. I already have a master, so it’s not suitable for me. But, with your talent, I think you can catch the head’s eyes." Celia stated.

On their way to the Apothecary Guild building, Celia had asked Izroth the identity of his master. However, she was surprised to find out that Izroth did not have a master.

Celia found such a thing to be ridiculous and thought that Izroth just wanted to hide things from her. But, she was also not the type of person to pry into the affairs of others. Well, at least when it didn’t come to crafting pills.

Either way, she thought it was still a good opportunity for Izroth if he really did not have a master.

"Oh? I see." Izroth responded nonchalantly.

Master? Izroth was someone who turned down being the successor of a grade ten Apothecary. Why would he walk backwards on a path?

Izroth and Celia walked up to the entrance of the main Apothecary Guild building. There were five guards, two each who stood on both sides of the large doors and one who was positioned at the center.

"Halt! Only Apothecaries are allowed beyond this point! I will have to review your badges!" The center guard said.

Izroth and Celia had already attached their badges to their shoulders in preparation of the check.

The two cooperated as the guard thoroughly examined their badges. He then stood to the side and saluted.

"I have confirmed your identities. It is an honor to receive you, Apothecaries." The guard said respectfully, as the other guards also saluted.

The following moment, the large doors opened as Izroth and Celia made their way inside.

"By the way, you said you had something to take care of first, but... Do you really have the time to spare? The longer you wait, the more difficult the tasks that will be left on the Wall of Pills. You will get more achievement points if you solve them; however, most high rank tasks on the Wall of Pills take at least a few days minimum to complete. There are some that can take months or even years to complete." Celia reminded.

"What I have to do won’t take that long. As for the Wall of Pills, I’ll worry about it after I finish the grade four Apothecary promotion test." Izroth said calmly.

"Where did this ignorant fellow come from? He’s already thinking about challenging the Wall of Pills when he hasn’t even become a grade four Apothecary. Arrogance has its limits, but I guess those limits are ignored if one lacks the experience to understand the harsh reality of the world." A voice sounded from nearby.

The voice belonged to a young man who sat at a table with a group of six others—two young women and three young men. They all appeared to be in their late teens to early twenties and wore clothes that gave away their identity as people of high standing.

’Hm?’

Among the group was a person that Izroth recognized. He sat at the head of the table and seemed uninterested in what was going on as he took a sip from his teacup. This young man was Pierce, the Apothecary Izroth saw back at the entrance to the Apothecary District who gave off an unusual aura.

"Your words are too harsh, Konpel. What’s the use of living if you don’t dream a little? It’s natural that one’s dreams should be grand." Pierce said as he gently placed his teacup down.

"Young master Pierce is wise and kind. Even giving some face to two nobodies—as expected of the eldest son and heir of the Duvelle family." Konpel commented as he rubbed his hands together.

Celia’s gaze turned sharp as she immediately turned to the direction that voice came from.

"Who dares insult the H-!" Celia started, but she suddenly halted her words when Izroth extended his hand before her.

"Save your breath. People who like to talk to impress those around him—it isn’t worth much. Plus, you’re talking to the wrong person. When a dog misbehaves, it’s the fault of the owner, not the barking dog. Let’s go." Izroth said as he resumed his steps.

On the surface, it might seem like Pierce was chastising Konpel for his harsh words; however, he was simply adding insult to injury. Saying that Izroth’s "dream" to become a grade four Apothecary and challenge the Wall of Pills was grand could be taken as his life aspiration. In other words, it was no different than saying that was all he would ever amount to.

’Talking carelessly while in the safety of the Apothecary Guild building. There’s no need to waste time entertaining such nonsense.’

Celia glared at the young man before turning her nose up and following after Izroth, "Hmph...!"

"You-! Stay right there! Hey!" Konpel shouted angrily.

"Konpel, mind your manners." Pierce said calmly while he glanced at Izroth and Celia as the two walked away.

Konpel clenched his fists tightly before slamming it angrily against the table and returning to his seat.

"Young master Pierce, my younger brother is participating in the grade four Apothecary test this time around. I heard there will be two parts to the test this time—a Pill Forum and an open challenge where two grade three Apothecaries will have to compete against one another. I would like to set up an entertaining show for you to watch, young master Pierce." Konpel said with a grin.

"Do as you please. Naturally, it has nothing to do with me." Pierce replied indifferently.

"Then, excuse me. I’ll contact my younger brother right away. Heh, I want to see how long he can stay arrogant." Konpel stated.

...

Meanwhile...

"Those guys—how dare they! I want to give them one of these! And some of this!" Celia said as she punched the air to vent her frustration.

She looked over at Izroth and pouted, "Why didn’t we teach those guys a lesson? I know there’s no fighting allowed here, but we could’ve thought of other ways!"

"You still have a lot to learn." Izroth responded with a carefree smile.

’Is someone intentionally targeting me? How interesting.’

At first glance, it might have looked like a random encounter; however, Izroth was perceptive.

For some reason, that group seemed to be waiting for him.

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