Trait Advancement

The chief examiner sat in the center, a long-bearded elder with hawk-like eyes that immediately revealed his experience as a master of Alchemy.

Robb recognized him at once, Magnus Clove, one of the most senior Alchemy instructors in the Order.

"Welcome, everyone, to this round of the Potion Master Certification Exam."

Magnus's voice was loud and powerful, betraying no hint of his age.

"I am Chief Examiner Magnus, and today, I will be judging your performance alongside two assistant examiners."

He gave a brief overview of the process: "The exam consists of three sections, theory test, material identification, and practical potion crafting. Only those who pass all three will be certified as Alchemists."

Assistants began distributing the theory exam papers. Robb quickly skimmed through his.

The questions covered all aspects of Basic Alchemy, from foundational concepts to more complex analytical problems.

Thanks to his recent intensive study, Robb found that most questions were well within his grasp.

He remained calm and composed, answering with clarity and focus:

"List and explain the four fundamental principles of pharmacology."

"Compare the temperature-based reactions of Stargrass and Moonshadow Flower."

"Why must 'Clarity' potion be brewed in a specially sealed container?"

As Robb worked through the exam, he felt his knowledge forming an intricate web in his mind.

Previously scattered facts were now connecting naturally. Every answer he wrote gave him a sense of fluid mastery.

To his surprise, he found he could recall every page of Foundations of Alchemy, even the footnotes and diagrams, as if he had photographic memory.

This near-perfect recall gave him full command over his answers.

Two hours later, the theory portion ended.

Robb reviewed his answers carefully before submitting his paper.

A faint premonition stirred in him, as if something inside was on the verge of evolving.

Next came the Material Identification phase:

Each candidate was brought to a workstation where twenty different materials were displayed. In thirty minutes, they had to correctly identify each one's type, approximate quality, and pick out any fakes.

Standing at his station, Robb took a deep breath and focused his mind completely.

Thanks to his Herb Identification skill, and the high-speed appraisal trait he gained after reaching Adept level, he could identify most materials at a glance.

He worked quickly and confidently.

The moment his fingers touched a sample, a flood of information poured into his mind through an enhanced perception:

This Silverglow Mushroom had been harvested too long ago; activity was slightly reduced.

This Dragonleaf was genuine, but poorly preserved, reducing its potency.

That supposed Stardust Crystal? Actually quartz powder, an outright fake.

As he worked, Robb realized that not only was his Herb Identification skill at play, he could now cross-reference obscure materials with old records he'd read.

Those scattered tidbits from rare tomes now surfaced clearly, merging into a fully formed understanding.

"Time's up!" announced the proctor. "All candidates, stop identifying."

Robb exhaled slowly and glanced at his response sheet, which he had checked multiple times to ensure perfection.

He was confident in his evaluations, especially in spotting the planted counterfeits.

Other candidates looked varied, some confident, some tense, some clearly disheartened.

"Apprentice Robb, step forward," Magnus suddenly called, motioning for Robb to approach the examiner's table.

Robb's heart skipped a beat as he quickly complied. "Lord Magnus."

"Your assessment of Material 18 is quite interesting," Magnus said, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Half the candidates thought it was a Moonshadow Orchid rhizome, but you identified it as a fake made from Winternight Grass. Care to explain?"

Robb paused for a moment, then answered directly:

"Genuine Moonshadow Orchid rhizomes show seven concentric rings on the cross-section and emit a faint sweet scent when crushed. Material 18 only had five rings and a bitter smell, typical signs of Winternight Grass."

Magnus nodded blankly. "Go on."

"More importantly," Robb added, "the silver striations on real Moonshadow rhizomes shift with the lunar phase. It's a waxing moon tonight, so the lines should slant left. Material 18's markings slant right, obviously painted on."

Magnus's eyes flashed with surprise but quickly returned to their stern look. "Where did you learn such detailed observation techniques?"

"I worked at a potion shop for a while. The shopkeeper taught me some basics," Robb replied honestly. "The rest I picked up from experience."

"A potion shop, huh…" Magnus narrowed his eyes, clearly making connections. "Very well. Proceed to the next phase."

Now came the most critical section: Practical Potion Crafting.

Each candidate was given a semi-private station with standard tools and materials.

Magnus approached Robb and handed him a slip of paper. "These are the three potions you must prepare."

Robb glanced at it and felt his pupils constrict: Wound-Healing Potion, Mental Stabilizer, and Clarity Elixir.

The Clarity Elixir was notoriously difficult, even professional alchemists struggled to perfect it.

This was clearly a high-difficulty bonus round, like the final question on a math exam designed for top students.

"This…" Robb looked up at Magnus, who smiled benevolently.

"Trouble, young man?" the old master asked, tone probing.

Robb took a deep breath and replied calmly, "No, Lord Magnus. I will do my best."

"Good." Magnus nodded. "You have four hours."

Robb immediately began organizing his workflow:

Start with the relatively simple Wound-Healing Potion.

Follow with the Mental Stabilizer, which needed slow simmering.

Save the Clarity Elixir for last, it required full attention.

He took out his Silverwing Separator and began preparing ingredients for the first potion.

The rare, precision tool immediately caught the attention of nearby candidates. Some whispered in surprise, clearly recognizing the advanced instrument.

However, such tools required great skill to use properly, or they could easily ruin a batch. Being able to use one was, in itself, a testament to mastery.

And bringing your own tools didn't violate the exam rules.

Ignoring the murmurs and gazes, Robb focused entirely on his work.

His movements were smooth and precise, every step measured, with no wasted motion.

He quickly completed the Wound-Healing Potion, which came out as a perfect amber liquid with a gentle herbal aroma.

Bottling it, he set it aside to cool and immediately began prepping the Mental Stabilizer.

"That kid finished one potion in half an hour…" muttered a nearby candidate in amazement. "And it looks high-grade too. Who is he?"

The Mental Stabilizer required a complex process, simmering at a controlled temperature while stirring constantly.

Robb used special techniques passed down by Lady Elena, modifying a few steps in the traditional recipe to increase consistency.

Just as he completed the stabilizer, a strange sensation overtook him. A translucent prompt appeared in front of his eyes:

[Basic Alchemy (Adept) +1 XP]

[BREAKTHROUGH! Basic Alchemy (Adept 100/100) → Basic Alchemy (Mastery MAX)]

[Trait Evolved:

High-Speed Memory → Deep Knowledge

(Super memory → Photographic recall;

Improved knowledge integration, faster learning;

As knowledge expands, intuition improves slightly)]

The moment he broke through, Robb's thoughts became crystal clear, like a fog in his mind had suddenly lifted.

Everything he had ever studied, from Foundations of Alchemy, to Lady Elena's verbal tips, to scattered formula notes, all reorganized into a perfect mental map.

It was as if puzzle pieces in his mind had spontaneously aligned into a complete image.

He could now see intrinsic relationships between materials, underlying reaction principles, and even predict potential variations under differing conditions.

"So this is the difference at the Mastery level…" Robb marveled inwardly.

An hour later, he finished the Mental Stabilizer, a rich deep blue liquid with floating silver motes, proof of its energetic potency.

Magnus, who regularly made rounds between candidates, lingered longer at Robb's station each time.

In the final two hours, Robb began the most difficult challenge, the Clarity Elixir.

Its high precision requirements meant any small mistake could ruin the batch.

But now, with his new mastery, Robb approached the task with deep insight.

He no longer followed steps mechanically, instead, he understood the reasoning behind each one.

He used the Silverwing Separator to extract pure Stardust Pollen, then followed Lady Elena's advice and added three drops of Moon Dew for stability.

As he mixed the other components, he maintained perfect control over the heat source, ensuring the temperature remained within the ideal range.

While most others still struggled with their second potion, Robb was already entering the final phase.

Thanks to his new perspective, he suddenly spotted a flaw in the traditional formula.

"If I add Silver Root Extract in the final stage, the effects will last longer and the color will stabilize…" he thought.

"It'll also enhance uniformity and overall quality."

Although Lady Elena had mentioned Silver Root's properties, applying it to the Clarity Elixir was Robb's own innovation.

He pulled out a small vial of the extract and added one drop during the final stir, rotating the mix three times.

The potion's color changed instantly, from pale blue to a clear sky-blue, emitting a refreshing scent.

Even better, the expected duration of its effects had increased from four to over five hours.

Another prompt appeared:

[Successfully Modified an Existing Potion Formula √]

Now, only one task remained to complete his advancement criteria: Independently formulate three advanced potions, the easiest of the remaining requirements. He could do that later on his own.

"All three potions are complete." He carefully bottled the potions in crystal vials and began checking every detail.

"Time's up!" announced the Eyewatcher Vine, which played back the pre-recorded command:

"All candidates must cease operations and submit your potions."

Robb placed his three potions neatly on a tray and glanced around.

Most of the other candidates looked worn and tense, about a third hadn't even finished their second potion.

"That kid… he really completed all three," murmured the lizardfolk beside him. "And they look high-quality even from a distance."

Magnus and the other two examiners began inspecting each candidate's work.

Their evaluation was extremely rigorous, examining color, scent, then taking samples to test for potency and stability.

When Magnus reached Robb's station, his expression turned particularly focused.

He carefully examined the three potions, then pulled out a special toolkit for deeper analysis.

"Wound-Healing Potion, very high purity, evenly distributed active agents, excellent consistency."

He nodded to Robb, murmuring, "Candidate Robb, your foundation is extremely solid, at least three years of intensive work, I'd wager."

Magnus showed no emotion outwardly, but inside, he was amazed: This boy looks fifteen or sixteen, yet already has such mastery… Lady Elena really found herself a gem!

Next came the Mental Stabilizer, he dropped a bit onto a special crystal plate.

The plate lit up with a blue glow, displaying intricate energy patterns.

"Stability exceeds expectations. Decay cycle extended by nearly 30%," Magnus observed, raising a white eyebrow. "An insightful refinement."

Last was the Clarity Elixir, the exam's hardest challenge.

Magnus dropped a bit onto a black slate.

The liquid spread into a perfect circle with razor-sharp edges.

Even more astonishing, faint starlike patterns appeared on the surface, glittering like constellations in the night sky.

Magnus paused, then turned to Robb. "This starlight pattern… what did you add to the formula?"

Robb calmly replied, "One drop of Silver Root Extract in the final phase, Lord Magnus. It stabilizes the energy structure and extends the duration."

"Silver Root Extract?" Magnus echoed, surprised. "That's not in the standard formula. Who taught you this?"

"I discovered it through experimentation, though I had some guidance from teachers," Robb said cautiously, not naming Lady Elena. "After multiple trials, I found it greatly enhanced stability."

The admiration in Magnus's eyes deepened.

Even if the technique came from Elena, the fact that Robb had fully internalized it at such a young age was astounding.

The old Alchemist had made up his mind: This young man's skill already approached that of many seasoned Potion Masters. He simply lacked the years of experience to create wholly new formulas.

But give him ten more years, and he would almost certainly become a brilliant professor of Alchemy.

Magnus exchanged a glance with the two assistant examiners and continued inspecting the remaining candidates' potions.

As the evaluations proceeded, the tension in the hall grew.

Many faces showed disappointment, clearly their work hadn't passed.

Finally, the inspections concluded. Magnus returned to the examiner's table and conferred quietly with his colleagues.

After a moment, he stood, surveying the room with solemn eyes.