Alchemist Association
Alicia stood with the Elders of the Alchemist Association as they gathered in the grand hall, making their final preparations for the journey to the Floating Island, where the Seven Great Faction Games would soon be held.
Like the Cloud Soaring Sect, the Association had already chosen the seven representatives who would carry their banner. However, unlike most factions that held intense competitions, the Alchemist Association had selected their candidates by measuring physical strength and power with specialized instruments.
Their faction, after all, existed primarily for concocting pills and potions, not for matial contests.
"Elder Alicia," one of the male Elders spoke up, his brows knitted with concern, "shouldn't we wait for the Association Master before departing for the Floating Island? It wouldn't look right for our faction's leader to be absent from such an important event..."
Alicia turned toward him. She paused, thinking for a moment before giving her answer.
"No, Elder Gabo," she replied seriously. Her gaze shifted to address all the Elders assembled. "Before he left—two years ago—he entrusted me with all authority regarding the Seven Great Faction Games. Even now, he is likely still journeying across the kingdom. He won't be able to return in time to attend."
The man they spoke of—Morris Haqin—was the most renowned alchemist in the Sacred Dragon Kingdom, the leader of the Alchemist Association, and Alicia's own teacher. It had been two full years since he'd vanished, and none had heard a word of him since. But no one truly worried; Morris was a Sky Rank Adventurer. Even in foreign kingdom, he had more than enough power to protect himself.
Yet before any more could be said, a familiar, commanding voice interrupted their discussion.
"I've returned."
The Elders froze.
'That voice.'
They all turned as one. A tall, white-bearded man in a travel-stained cloak walked calmly into the hall.
"Association Master! We are overjoyed at your return!" the Elders chorused in relief and awe.
"Teacher!" Alicia herself lowered her head in a respectful bow.
None of them had expected Morris to reappear now.
Morris inclined his head, acknowledging their greetings. The Elders straightened their body, standing properly before one of the most influential figures in the entire kingdom. Even the king showed this man respect. How could they—mere Elders—do less?
But as their gaze adjusted, they noticed Morris was not alone.
A young man walked at his side, radiating an unrestrained arrogance. He had striking blue hair and piercing blue eyes. His fair skin looked almost polished, as if he spent every day tending to his appearance. The scorn in his gaze was unmistakable, and he didn't so much as nod in greeting. Instead, he smiled faintly—superior, dismissive.
An unsettling pressure washed over the hall.
"6th Level Scarlet Gold Rank!" gasped one of the Elders.
A 6th Level Scarlet Gold Rank cultivator—at such a young age? Who was he? Where had he come from?
Alicia's brows drew together in a hard frown. "Teacher, who is this young man?"
Morris smiled, resting a hand proudly on the youth's shoulder. "This is my new personal student—Brien Latter. Brien, greet the Elders. They may guide you when I'm not here."
Brien swept his gaze over the Elders with visible disinterest. "It is an honor to meet you all."
He didn't bow. He didn't even incline his head. The Elders stiffened in quiet displeasure.
But Morris didn't seem to notice—or perhaps he simply didn't care.
"I have returned because I must announce something," Morris continued in a calm but unyielding tone. "From this day forward, Brien will serve as the leader of the Alchemy Seven. Alicia, I leave the arrangements to you."
Shock rippled through the assembly.
Alicia's lips parted in protest. "Teacher, the Alchemy Seven is already complete. Each member was chosen through rigorous selection. We can't simply replace one of them now. It wouldn't be fair!"
"This is my decision as the leader of the association," Morris said firmly. "You will comply. Offer appropriate compensation to whomever is removed. And make the preparations quickly—we still must reach the suction at the Floating Island."
Resignation passed across the Elders' faces. They were his subordinates. His word was final.
"If you are unsatisfied with my decree, I will share my reasoning," Morris went on. He looked at Brien, his expression softening into something like pride. "Brien comes from no powerful clan. He is an orphan—what some might call a Rogue Adventurer. While I journeyed across the Sacred Dragon Kingdom, I found him traveling alone, displaying talent I have never witnessed in one so young. He is not merely an Adventurer, but an Alchemist—an extraordinary one."
Morris gestured. "Brien, show them your alchemy flame."
Brien raised his index finger. A vivid blue flame bloomed from its tip.
"A Blue Alchemy Flame!"
Gasps broke out across the room.
This was no ordinary flame—it was something legendary. None of them had ever seen one in person. Until now, it had only been described in books or rumored in distant lands.
Except for Alicia, every Elder felt an immediate surge of excitement and envy. They barely cared anymore whose place Brien would take. To possess an Alchemist that owned a Blue Alchemy Flame would elevate the association's prestige beyond compare.
But Morris noticed Alicia's steady expression and arched a brow. "You still seem displeased, Alicia."
She inclined her head slowly, then lifted it to meet his gaze. "It is not that I disagree with your decision, Teacher. I am pleased you have found a promising student. But to be frank, I find his sudden appearance here—and that flame—deeply suspicious."
Indeed, suspicion gnawed at her. How could an orphan with no backing have attained this level and rank?
Brien's smile tightened.
"Hm? I have investigated him thoroughly," Morris said. "I assure you he is a citizen of this kingdom. As for his strength, he told me he stumbled on great treasures in an abandoned cave. That is how he rose so quickly."
"Then I have nothing further to say," Alicia replied coolly. She shifted her gaze to Brien, her eyes steely. "But understand this, Brien Latter: if you believe you alone possess a Blue Alchemy Flame, you are mistaken. You have no cause to be so arrogant. There's a flame that is rarer and purer even than yours."
He looked faintly amused. "Elder Alicia, you flatter yourself. The Blue Alchemy Flame is the pinnacle of alchemy flame across the entire continent. As for this supposed Blue-Green Alchemy Flame—nothing but an unfounded legend. It has never appeared."
He spoke as though he were lecturing a child. He didn't care that she was his Elder. With Morris's approval, he clearly believed himself equal to any authority.
Alicia let out a short, mocking laugh. "Once, perhaps, it was only a legend. But I have personally met the young man who possesses that legendary alchemy flame. You may believe what you wish."
Her statement detonated like a bomb. Even Morris looked genuinely startled. Brien's smile vanished, replaced by a scowl.
"Is that true, Alicia?" Morris demanded. "And if so, why did you not bring that young man to us?"
She shook her head. "Whether you believe me or not, I swear by the heavens I have spoken no lie. But unlike this arrogant student of yours, he shows respect and humility, despite wielding the fabled Blue-Green Alchemy Flame. He comes from an Ordinary Clan. His name has become notorious because of a certain... scandal."
"A scandal? An Ordinary Clan? You must mean Finn Doria of the Azure Wood Family," murmured an Elder. "The boy involved in that dispute with Tiffanya Frois of the Nine Ice Family."
"You are correct," Alicia confirmed with a sigh. "And the reason I did not bring him here is simple—he refused."
"He refused?" Brien sneered, folding his arms. "And you call that humility?"
Alicia narrowed her eyes. "I am not finished. Before I could formally invite him, his family came under threat due to that feud. I thought it a perfect chance to recruit him—but someone else had already extended a hand. The Cloud Soaring Sect."
"The weakest of the Seven Great Factions? Why would he choose them?" a young Elder asked in bewilderment.
"The Cloud Soaring Sect may lack strength, but its current leader is...special," Morris said quietly.
Many Elders nodded, though the youngest among them still looked confused.
"That young man is honorable," Alicia said firmly. "He gave his word and would not break it, even knowing the benefits I offered. In the end, he joined them. A waste of his Blue-Green Alchemy Flame, but the choice was his."
"If he joined the Cloud Soaring Sect, it is indeed a loss," Morris admitted. "But what's done is done."
Brien was the only one who looked more resentful than regretful.
"When I see him at the competition, I'll challenge him and prove he is nothing but a trash," he declared, clenching his fist.
"You will likely never get the chance," Alicia replied calmly. "He is only 9th Level Gold Rank. It's improbable he was chosen as a representative."
"Then after the competition, I will go to the Cloud Soaring Sect and challenge him there!" Brien snapped.
"Hmph." Alicia met his glare, her voice like a blade. "Underestimate him, and you will regret it."
She turned back to Morris and the other Elders. "Teacher, fellow Elders—please examine this potion. It was personally refined by Finn Doria. Judge for yourselves whether he is truly worthy of recognition."