Crystal Spire & The Four Directions

The examination hall was so silent that the faint humming of the magi-crystal lights could be heard. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the final results.

"There were twenty-seven candidates in this Potion Master Certification Exam,"

Magnus paused, sweeping his sharp gaze across the anxious faces of the examinees: "Only two have met the standards for certification."

A wave of sighs and murmurs of disappointment spread throughout the hall. Several older candidates turned pale, this was clearly not their first failure.

"First… Bazak the Lizardman. Your scores meet the requirements. You are hereby certified as a Professional Potion Master with a rating of Qualified."

In the corner, an elderly lizardman whose scales had lost their luster slowly stood up.

His claws were deformed from years of handling herbs, and his eyes were sunken.

Bazak stood motionless, overwhelmed by the sudden joy, as if unable to react.

After a moment, he bowed deeply to the examiners, his entire body trembling with emotion.

Then, Magnus turned his gaze to Robb, his lips curving slightly:

"Second… Robb Reyne, novice apprentice of the Black Mist Order."

All eyes immediately turned to Robb, some astonished, some disbelieving, and many brimming with envy.

"Scores meet the requirements. You are hereby certified as a Professional Potion Master with a rating of, Excellent!"

The hall instantly erupted into a buzz of murmurs, like a hive of startled bees.

"An Excellent rating?"

"You've got to be kidding. That kid looks fifteen, maybe sixteen!"

"Excellent? I've taken this exam five times and still haven't even managed a Qualified…"

A white-haired candidate nearly dropped his test tube in shock. Though he forced a smile, the deep imbalance in his heart was unmistakable.

Magnus raised his hand to signal for silence:

"The results are final. To those who didn't pass, don't be discouraged. There will be another chance next year. The exam is now concluded. Those who passed, stay to collect your certification. All others may leave."

Most candidates packed up dejectedly and began to leave. Only Robb and Bazak remained.

Magnus approached Robb and personally handed him a certification badge imbued with an anti-forgery enchantment.

"Young man," the old master said, stroking his white beard. His tone wasn't probing, it was genuine praise: "I've been overseeing Potion Master exams for decades, and it's rare to see talent like yours. Especially that Clarity Elixir, its quality far exceeded my expectations."

Robb accepted the badge respectfully. "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Magnus."

Magnus narrowed his eyes, a deeper meaning in his gaze.

"Tell me, was Lady Elena your mentor?"

Robb blinked in surprise. "Yes… How did you know?"

The old man smiled kindly and motioned for Robb to follow him into a small lounge adjacent to the examination hall.

Once seated, Magnus finally spoke:

"Heh… the technique you used to apply the Silver Root Extract was very particular. That's one of Elena's signature methods. And your brewing rhythm, that kind of precision is unmistakably hers."

His gaze grew distant, as if lost in memory:

"Over a hundred years ago, I worked briefly with Lady Elena. Back then, she was the brightest star of the Crystal Spire. Some of us even believed she might ascend to Grand Warlock…"

Robb was astonished by this revelation. "I didn't know she had such a past."

"She rarely speaks of those glory days to her students," the old man said with quiet strength. "But it's clear she's invested a great deal in you."

Robb bowed his head humbly. "I've simply done my best not to waste her guidance."

"Your humility is commendable," Magnus chuckled, eyes sharp, "but excessive modesty can sometimes be a form of pride."

Then he smiled knowingly.

"Well then, I imagine there's something else you want to ask me?"

Robb was briefly stunned. Seeing that the old man was open and attentive, he dropped the pleasantries and spoke directly:

"Yes, Lord Magnus. Now that I've passed the certification, I would like to apply to the Order for a private alchemy workshop for potion crafting."

He pulled out a neatly prepared letter.

"This is Lady Elena's recommendation, hopefully it'll help."

"Now that you're a certified Potion Master, you do indeed need a proper workshop." Magnus nodded and accepted the letter. He skimmed it briefly, then smiled. "Ah… a glowing endorsement from an old friend. I understand."

He closed the envelope and looked back at Robb.

"Approval for a private workshop usually requires authorization from the Order's higher-ups, it takes about two weeks. But considering Lady Elena's influence, and your performance today..."

A flicker of encouragement crossed Magnus's eyes: "I'll put in a word. I should be able to reduce the wait time to about two days. With your potential, I doubt the Order will deny such a promising young talent."

"Thank you very much, Lord Magnus." Robb replied sincerely. This outcome was far better than he had hoped.

"No need to thank me, it's for the future of the Order."

Magnus smiled. "Once you get your workshop set up, I'll expect a few of your first brews for evaluation."

"Of course. It would be an honor."

Robb understood the implication: Magnus was unofficially welcoming him into the Order's inner circle of Alchemists. He had no intention of declining.

He bid Magnus farewell and turned to leave, only to find that the moment he stepped out of the room, the other examinees had been waiting for him.

One by one, they rushed over, surrounding him.

"Apprentice Robb, I'm Conrad, I own an estate near Cedar City," said a white-haired elder, smiling broadly, though his eyes held a glint of complicated emotion. "Your skills are truly astonishing! Near the Black Mist Forest lies a rare mineral deposit that yields Starcrystal Ore, an excellent catalyst in potion crafting. If you're interested, I'd love to discuss a long-term partnership."

As he spoke, he handed Robb a pouch of glittering crystals, his enthusiasm barely masking his envy.

A youth less than a third of his age had just achieved what he had spent a lifetime chasing.

"Lord Robb!" A blue-skinned snakefolk male squeezed forward, elbowing Conrad aside. "I am Mistshadow, shaman of the Hydra Tribe. We reside in the eastern Duskmoon Lake Region, where many rare aquatic herbs grow, especially Dreambloom, known to enhance psychic potions."

"Don't trust that blue-scaled freak!" a curvaceous female Alchemist interjected. Her face was charming, though the crow's feet around her eyes betrayed her age.

"I'm Grace, an independent Alchemist from the southern edge of the Black Mist Forest. I work with several nomadic tribes and can source fresh beast parts, especially Bloodmoon Wolf hearts, excellent for body-enhancing tonics!"

Robb responded politely to their sudden enthusiasm, though he saw their true intentions clearly, they wanted to tie themselves to a rising star to secure personal gain.

But he didn't reject them. In a place like the Black Mist Forest, connections and resource channels were as valuable as potions themselves.

These sycophantic Alchemists, full of hidden jealousy, could also be windows into vital outside information.

"I appreciate everyone's kindness," Robb said warmly. "I'd be happy to keep in touch and exchange insights. But for now, I still have a lot to handle after the exam, hopefully we'll talk more soon."

Just then, Bazak, the lizardman who had earned the Qualified rating, walked slowly over. The crowd instinctively parted for him.

Unlike the others, who postured for influence, Bazak's eyes held genuine respect.

"Potion Master Robb," he said in a low, raspy voice. "I come from the southeastern Serpentscale Marsh, our ancestral land. I've studied Alchemy for over forty years, yet I've never seen someone as gifted as you."

He paused. Behind his scaled eyelids, his eyes glistened slightly: "If you don't mind, I'd be honored to provide you with rare swamp materials, like Abrasor Lifevine or Bluelantern Reed. They grow deep in the marsh and only our kind know their exact locations."

Robb could sense the old lizardman's sincerity. He gave him a small bow.

"To work with a veteran like Potion Master Bazak is my honor. I look forward to our future collaboration."

Bazak nodded with relief, his eyes glowing with peace.

"Forty years of persistence finally paid off. I'm satisfied to have earned certification before the end of my life. But you, you're like the morning star. Your future will far surpass anything we old-timers could hope for."

As more examinees joined the conversation, Robb gradually gathered detailed knowledge of the regions surrounding the Black Mist Forest:

The northeast was plagued by roaming orc and goblin tribes, numerous, invasive species with no formal supernatural professions. The Black Mist Order kept them as wild test subjects and slaves, capturing them when needed.

The north, anchored by Cedar City, was a major human stronghold bordering dwarven city-states, supplying fine minerals and crafting materials.

The east, home to Duskmoon Lake, was ruled by snakefolk and other aquatic species. Its flora was diverse but often toxic.

The south was a loose alliance of beastkin nomads, who worshipped the Blood Moon and frequently hunted magical beasts for their rare organs.

The southwest was the Serpentscale Marsh, homeland of the lizardfolk, sweltering and harsh, but filled with rare plants that could only grow in specific environmental conditions.

Strangely, everyone avoided discussing the western region, the Blackwater Bay side of the forest, as if some forbidden taboo lay hidden there…

In just this short exchange, Robb had acquired not only a wealth of geographic and botanical information but also formed the foundation of a personal network.

By the time the crowd dispersed, he held several contact slips and small pouches of rare materials given as "gifts."

From a distance, Magnus watched quietly, stroking his beard:

"Heh… In some circles, reputation can accomplish more than strength, and also invite more danger. But this child… I doubt he needs much warning."