Chapter 15: The Alchemy Classroom

The moment Count Aldrick dismissed the class, a collective sigh of relief swept through the students. Wooden chairs scraped against the floor as everyone stood up, eager to leave the tension-filled room.

"That test was insane," one noble muttered as he walked past.

"Seriously, how does he expect us to know all of that already?" another groaned.

Most of the students left in clusters, still whispering about the harsh exam. Though some had scored decently, the difficulty of the test made it clear that the academy would not be an easy experience.

Ethan, Adrian, and Talia exited together, making their way toward their next class—Alchemy.

Adrian stretched his arms behind his head, letting out a dramatic sigh. "That test was brutal. Even though we got good scores, I still think it was unfair for a first-day evaluation."

Talia nodded in agreement. "It was too advanced. Most students wouldn't know half of those answers unless they spent years in specialized tutoring."

Adrian turned to Ethan, curiosity shining in his eyes. "Speaking of which…" He leaned in slightly. "How did you get a perfect score?"

Talia glanced at Ethan as well, her expression intrigued but less direct than her brother's. "You must have studied intensely before coming here. Even for someone well-educated, a perfect score is rare."

Ethan hesitated for a brief moment before giving a small shrug. "I was taught well."

It was a simple answer, but it was the truth. He had spent years under the guidance of the guardians, learning not only magic and combat but also history, strategy, and theory. However, he knew he couldn't speak of them openly, so he left his explanation at that.

Adrian whistled. "Man, I'd love to meet your teacher. They must've been a genius."

Talia gave Ethan a thoughtful look but didn't press further. "Either way, it's impressive."

Ethan offered a small smile, but inwardly, he wondered if he had drawn too much attention.

As they continued down the hall, the murmurs of other students still lingered in the air. Some nobles glanced at Ethan with thinly veiled curiosity, while others whispered among themselves.

But for now, Ethan focused on what lay ahead.

Alchemy class was next.

And if the first class had been this intense, he had a feeling the rest of the day would be just as challenging.

Ethan, Adrian, and Talia stepped into the alchemy classroom, immediately greeted by an array of scents—some sweet and herbal, others sharp and almost metallic. The air was thick with the mingling aromas of dried herbs, rare minerals, and faint traces of smoke from past experiments.

The room itself was vastly different from their previous lecture hall. Long wooden tables lined with glass vials, mortar and pestles, and neatly labeled jars filled the space. Cabinets with locked compartments held rare ingredients, their labels written in an elegant script. The walls were adorned with shelves of thick, aged books, their spines filled with knowledge of potions, transmutations, and chemical reactions.

Adrian wrinkled his nose. "It smells... weird in here."

Talia chuckled. "That's just how alchemy labs are. You'll get used to it."

The three of them found seats toward the middle of the room, setting down their books as more students trickled in. Unlike the previous class, there was an air of curiosity rather than dread. Even the nobles who had been whispering earlier seemed more relaxed—perhaps because alchemy, while complex, wasn't as intimidating as Count Aldrick's merciless exams.

Ethan observed the room in quiet fascination. The guardians had taught him the basics of herbs and medicine, but this was the first time he had been in a structured classroom dedicated solely to alchemy. He was eager to see how it would compare to what he had learned.

A soft click of heels against the stone floor caught everyone's attention.

A woman with warm brown eyes and wavy auburn hair stepped into the room, her presence immediately commanding attention—not through authority, but through an aura of kindness. She wore elegant yet practical robes, their sleeves embroidered with golden alchemical symbols. A gentle smile played on her lips as she surveyed the students.

"Welcome, everyone," she said, her voice smooth and inviting. "I am Olivia Amber, and I will be your instructor for alchemy. I hope you are all eager to explore the wonders of this craft."

Unlike Count Aldrick's cold, disciplined demeanor, Olivia radiated warmth. The tension in the room eased, and students sat a little straighter, ready to listen.

Ethan had a feeling this class would be different from the last.