The Trials of an Alchemist

Chapter 9: The Trials of an Alchemist

Sanjeev, having taken in the grandeur of the Alchemist Association Hall, approached the registration desk with a mix of anticipation and resolve. The air buzzed with the energy of countless alchemists, their presence palpable in the very stones of the ancient building.

"I wish to take the alchemist certification test," Sanjeev stated, his voice clear and confident.

The registrar, a stern-looking man with spectacles perched precariously on his nose, nodded curtly. "Very well. To become a certified alchemist, you must pass three rigorous trials. First, your knowledge of herbs and ingredients will be tested by an elder. Second, you will demonstrate your control over your spiritual fire. Finally, you will refine a pill according to established procedures. Each stage is crucial."

He paused, peering at Sanjeev over his spectacles. "Which rank are you aiming for?"

Sanjeev considered for a moment. He wanted to make a statement, but also adhere to his grandfather's advice about keeping a low profile. "I will attempt the One-Star Alchemist certification," he replied. It was a respectable rank, a good starting point.

The registrar raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed. "One-Star it is," he muttered, shuffling through a stack of parchments. "Fill out these forms, and you will be directed to the testing areas."

As Sanjeev filled out the forms, a familiar voice reached his ears. "Sanjeev? Is that really you?"

Sanjeev turned to see a young man with a wide grin and a mop of unruly brown hair. It was his best friend from his younger days, before his blocked meridians had become the subject of ridicule: Aarav.

"Aarav!" Sanjeev exclaimed, a genuine smile lighting up his face. "It's been too long!"

Aarav rushed forward, clapping Sanjeev on the shoulder. "What are you doing here? I haven't seen you since… well, you know."

Sanjeev nodded, a shadow of his past pain flickering in his eyes. "I'm here to take the One-Star Alchemist test."

Aarav's jaw dropped. "One-Star? Seriously? But… but your meridians were blocked! Did you… did you somehow awaken your spiritual power?"

Sanjeev chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Let's just say I've been working on it. What about you? What brings you to this grand hall?"

Aarav puffed out his chest, a proud grin on his face. "My grandfather is the Chairperson of the Alchemist Association, Master Elara. I'm here to… observe, and perhaps offer some 'encouragement' to the testers."

Before Sanjeev could reply, a booming voice echoed through the hall. "Sanjeev Xue, your turn for the first trial!"

Sanjeev took a deep breath, offering Aarav a reassuring smile. "Wish me luck," he said, and strode towards the testing area, a raised platform where a stern-faced elder sat behind a table laden with various herbs and ingredients.

The elder, Master Theron, fixed Sanjeev with a piercing gaze. "You claim to possess the knowledge of a One-Star Alchemist? We shall see. I will present you with a series of ingredients. You will identify them, describe their properties, and explain their alchemical uses."

Master Theron presented the first ingredient: a shimmering, purple flower. "This," he said, his voice challenging, "is Nightbloom. Tell me what you know."

Sanjeev examined the flower, his mind instantly recalling its properties from the countless texts he had devoured. "Nightbloom," he began, his voice clear and confident, "blooms only under the light of the full moon. It possesses potent calming properties, capable of soothing even the most agitated spirit. Alchemically, it is used to enhance the stability of elixirs and is a key ingredient in dream-weaving incenses."

Master Theron's eyes widened slightly. He presented another ingredient, a cluster of glowing, golden crystals. "And this?"

"Sunstone Crystals," Sanjeev replied without hesitation. "They radiate pure spiritual energy and are used to amplify the potency of alchemical concoctions. They are also essential in creating elixirs of vitality and are often used in forging enchanted weapons."

The questioning continued, each ingredient more challenging than the last. Sanjeev answered every question with ease, his knowledge seemingly boundless. A murmur of astonishment spread through the hall as onlookers gathered, drawn by the display of such comprehensive understanding.

One particularly pompous alchemist-in-training, a young man named Baruk, who had been sneering at Sanjeev earlier, decided to try and trip him up. "Tell me," Baruk interjected, a smirk on his face, "what is the precise ratio of Aethelroot to Moonsilver in the Elixir of Tranquility, down to the last grain?"

Master Theron frowned at Baruk's interruption, but allowed Sanjeev to answer. Sanjeev paused for a moment, his mind sifting through the alchemical formulas he had memorized. Then, with unwavering precision, he recited the exact ratio, including several obscure variations and the alchemical reasons behind them.

Baruk's smirk vanished, replaced by a look of stunned disbelief. The surrounding alchemists gasped, their initial skepticism turning into awe. Even Master Theron was visibly impressed.

"Remarkable," Master Theron admitted, his voice grudgingly respectful. "You possess a truly exceptional grasp of alchemical knowledge." He paused, then announced, "Sanjeev Xue, you have demonstrated knowledge far exceeding the requirements for a One-Star Alchemist. Your understanding is more akin to that of a Two-Star Alchemist."

A wave of astonished murmurs rippled through the hall.

The second trial took place in a large, open arena, where the air crackled with raw spiritual energy. Sanjeev stepped into the center, facing a panel of examiners, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

"For this trial," the lead examiner announced, "you will demonstrate your control over your spiritual fire. You must shape it, manipulate it, and show us its unique properties."

Sanjeev took a deep breath and summoned the Agni flame. The crimson fire erupted from his palm, not as a wild, uncontrolled blaze, but as a focused, swirling vortex of intense energy. The examiners gasped, their eyes widening in shock. They had never seen a flame of that color, that intensity, that… life.

Sanjeev, channeling his spiritual energy, began to manipulate the Agni flame. He shaped it into a roaring dragon, its crimson scales shimmering in the air. He then transformed it into a delicate flower, its petals unfolding with mesmerizing grace. He made the flame dance, weave, and pulse, demonstrating a level of control that was simply unheard of, even among seasoned Two-Star Alchemists.

The examiners were utterly speechless, their initial curiosity replaced by stunned amazement. One of them, a seasoned alchemist with centuries of experience, stumbled backward, muttering, "It's… it's alive! I've never seen fire like this!"

Sanjeev, with a final flourish, extinguished the Agni flame, leaving behind a lingering warmth and a profound sense of wonder. The examiners exchanged bewildered glances. They had witnessed something extraordinary, something that defied their understanding of spiritual energy.

The final trial was the refinement of a pill. For this particular trial, Sanjeev was tasked with creating a "Vitality Enhancer," a common but essential alchemical pill used to boost energy and promote healing. The ingredients were laid out before him: three pinches of Sungrass, known for its revitalizing properties; two measures of Dragon's Breath Essence, a potent catalyst; a sliver of Mooncrystal, to ensure stability; and a single drop of Phoenix Tear, a legendary ingredient said to amplify the pill's effects.

Traditionally, the alchemist would use a meticulously calibrated furnace, heating a specialized crucible to a precise temperature while adding the ingredients in a specific order. The mixture would then be stirred with a jade rod, imbued with the alchemist's spiritual energy, until the ingredients melded together and solidified into a pill. The entire process could take several hours, requiring constant attention and a delicate balance of heat and spiritual energy.

However, Sanjeev, having already demonstrated his unconventional method, decided to showcase his unique skill. He gathered the necessary ingredients and held them in the palm of his hand.

The examiners watched with rapt attention, expecting him to use the traditional furnace. But Sanjeev had other plans. He closed his eyes, focused his intent, and summoned the Agni flame once more.

The crimson vortex reappeared in his hand, swirling with controlled power. The ingredients began to levitate, dancing within the fiery vortex. The Sungrass shimmered as its essence was extracted, the Dragon's Breath Essence pulsed with energy, the Mooncrystal dissolved into a fine powder, and the Phoenix Tear glowed before being absorbed into the mixture.

Sanjeev carefully manipulated the Agni flame, increasing and decreasing its intensity with minute precision. The ingredients swirled faster and faster, merging and bonding at a molecular level. He could feel the pill taking shape, the spiritual energy coalescing into a perfect, potent form.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the swirling vortex of Agni flame subsided, leaving behind a single, luminous pill, floating serenely in Sanjeev's palm. It pulsed with a soft, golden light, radiating vitality and energy.

The examiners were beyond shocked. They had seen skilled alchemists refine pills, spending hours meticulously following established procedures, but never like this. It was alchemy performed with an almost supernatural grace, a testament to Sanjeev's unique control over the Agni flame.

A very old master, his beard reaching his waist, who claimed to be over 500 years old, hobbled forward, his eyes wide with disbelief. He grabbed Sanjeev's arm, his voice trembling. "How… how is this possible? I have never seen such a technique in my entire life!"

Sanjeev, maintaining his composure, presented the finished pill, a perfect sphere of concentrated energy, to the examiners. "It's a… an innate ability of my fire," he said, echoing the explanation his grandfather had given.

The old master stared at the pill, then at Sanjeev, his mind reeling. He suddenly grabbed Sanjeev's hand. "Young man," he said, his voice surprisingly strong, "you must marry my granddaughter! She is a… a very talented alchemist herself, and with your skills…"

Sanjeev blinked, taken aback by the unexpected proposal. "I… I appreciate the offer, Master," he stammered, "but I am already engaged."

The old master deflated slightly, but quickly recovered. "Engaged? Ah, well. Still, your talent is undeniable. Tell me more about this 'innate ability' of your fire. What other wonders can it perform?"

Before Sanjeev could elaborate, the lead examiner stepped forward, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and a hint of disbelief. "The council has convened and reviewed your performance. We have reached a decision." He paused for dramatic effect, then announced, "Sanjeev Xue, your skill and knowledge far surpass the requirements for a One-Star Alchemist. In recognition of your extraordinary talent and potential, and considering your unprecedented skill at such a young age, the Alchemist Association hereby certifies you as a Two-Star Alchemist."

A stunned silence fell over the hall, followed by an eruption of excited whispers. Alchemists exchanged incredulous glances, realizing they had witnessed the birth of a legend.

The lead examiner continued, his voice ringing with authority. "At the age of sixteen, Sanjeev Xue becomes the youngest Two-Star Alchemist in the history of the Alchemist Association, shattering all previous records. His name will be etched in the annals of this institution for generations to come."

The examiners, still reeling from Sanjeev's display, quickly explained the benefits of joining the Alchemist Association, the resources and opportunities it offered. Sanjeev listened politely, but his mind was already racing, contemplating the path ahead.

He thanked the examiners, bowed respectfully, and then, with a final glance at the awestruck faces in the hall, turned and walked out, ready to embrace his destiny as an alchemist in the shadows, his name already whispered with a mixture of awe and disbelief.