Translator: AnubisTL
Jieming carefully examined the scroll. The contents were largely the same as what had been displayed on the alchemy academy's promotional screen, but with more detailed explanations.
During the apprenticeship period, the academy's alchemy workshop would provide basic room and board, systematic knowledge instruction, and a limited allocation of experimental resources.
Apprentices were required to complete learning tasks assigned by the academy and miscellaneous duties assigned by the workshop to earn credits, which could be exchanged for advanced knowledge and resources.
The mandatory obligation was that upon reaching the first-tier official wizard rank or completing ten years of study, apprentices had to serve the workshop on the front lines for a full thirty years.
During this period, they were required to follow orders and complete various tasks, including but not limited to brewing magic potions, repairing equipment, and participating in research projects.
The consequences of breaching the contract were terrifying. They included not only massive compensation in merit points and resources but also damage to the soul's essence. Minor violations could lead to a decline in mental power, while severe breaches could cause the soul to collapse, leaving the offender in a state worse than death.
As for why contract breaches weren't fatal, it was simply because wizards themselves were valuable research materials. In times of manpower shortages, the workshop wouldn't waste such resources.
"I have no questions, Mentor," Jieming said, lifting his head with unwavering resolve.
Mentor Clark glanced at him, a flicker of light in his eyes. The smug smile he had worn while addressing the other mentors vanished, replaced by his usual stern expression.
He nodded, signaling Jieming to drip a drop of blood onto the scroll and extract a strand of mental power from his mind to merge with it.
As the blood seeped in and the mental power fused, the scroll instantly erupted with an even more intense light than before.
Complex runes danced and flickered, finally coalescing into a stream of light that vanished into the apprentice badge on Clark's hand.
The alchemical cauldron emblem on the badge seemed to come to life, glowing faintly.
The contract was sealed.
Mentor Clark put away the scroll, his tone returning to its usual calm. "Very good. Since you've chosen alchemy, you must cultivate patience and resolve. Here, there are few thrilling adventures, only day after day of experiments, calculations, and failures. But if you persevere, the rewards will not disappoint you."
He retrieved two thick books and a heavy-looking wooden box from beneath the table.
"This is the Basic Alchemy Manual, covering all the fundamental knowledge a beginner alchemy apprentice must master. From material identification to magic potion preparation, from basic rune engraving to the simplest alchemical constructs, all your foundational credits will be assessed based on this material." Mentor Clark handed the top book to Jieming, its pages feeling weighty in his hands.
Clark handed Jieming another, slightly thinner book:
"This is the Basic Meditation Technique. You have ten days before formal classes begin. During this time, you must master the technique and achieve a basic level of proficiency. Failure to do so will result in the deduction of one month's worth of resources."
"This chest contains your basic tools and some commonly used foundational materials. The academy has public laboratories, but you'll need to reserve time slots. All material consumption must be recorded, and exchanging for advanced materials requires merit points." He handed the wooden chest to Jieming.
"Finally, some fundamental rules." Mentor Clark's expression turned serious. "First, safety comes first! Alchemy experiments are inherently dangerous; any negligence could lead to explosions, toxic gas leaks, or worse. Strict adherence to operational protocols is mandatory! Second, private duels are strictly prohibited within the workshop. Any disputes must be submitted to a mentor for arbitration. Third, respect knowledge. All borrowed books and equipment must be handled with care and maintained properly. Fourth, merit points are your sole currency within the workshop. Strive to earn them diligently."
After giving a few more instructions, Mentor Clark seemed satisfied that he had covered the essentials. He waved his hand dismissively. "Your dormitory is in District One; there's a map in the student handbook. Go now and master the Basic Meditation Technique as quickly as possible to ignite your spiritual fire. Remember to preview the Basic Alchemy Manual. If you have any questions, you can come to me, but only after you've exhausted all your own efforts to solve them."
Jieming bowed respectfully to his mentor once more, pinned on the alchemy apprentice badge, and turned to leave the alchemy district, clutching his heavy books and wooden crate.
Following the map signs along the road, Jieming soon found the alchemy apprentices' dormitory.
The entire dormitory building seemed to be constructed from an unknown metal that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.
From time to time, faint explosions echoed from within the dormitory rooms, and occasionally, unfamiliar odors drifted through the air.
Fortunately, the building's ventilation and safety systems were well-designed. The escaping gases were quickly sucked away, and there seemed to be no major casualties... probably.
Jieming watched as a wizard apprentice, foaming at the mouth and convulsing violently, was swiftly dragged away by a group of silver humanoid constructs. He fell into silence.
Well, it seems it's not as safe as I thought.
After finding his room number, he opened the door with his apprentice badge.
The dormitory space was small, no more than fifteen square meters.
Apart from the private bathroom near the entrance, the room contained only a bed, a desk, and a chair.
The most striking feature was a somewhat worn-looking small experimental workbench in the corner, along with various glass beakers, test tubes, and an exceptionally intricate mechanical clock on the desk.
This would be his living and learning space for the foreseeable future. Though the accommodations were basic, they were adequate for a dormitory.
Jieming placed the Basic Alchemy Manual and Basic Meditation Technique on the desk. He opened the heavy wooden chest to find it neatly packed with essential alchemy tools: a crucible, mortar and pestle, measuring cups, tweezers, a small flamethrower, and various jars and bottles containing colorful powders, liquids, and plant materials.
Without bothering to organize the contents, Jieming plopped down in a chair, sensing the energy fluctuations and qi around him—completely different from the true essence system within his body—and gazed absently at the sky through the window.
The Basic Alchemy Manual and experimental tools at his side, the unfamiliar glassware on the table, and the majestic, mysterious academy buildings visible outside the window all silently proclaimed: he had stepped into a completely new world.
"Hah..."
After taking a few deep breaths, as if exhausted, Jieming finally regained some composure.
Though the process had seemed remarkably smooth, his mind had been under extreme tension until now, when he finally began to relax slightly.
"I was still a bit careless..." Jieming shook his head and sighed.
With his keen senses, Jieming had certainly noticed the Logistics Department mentors' particularly fervent gazes and realized he had become too conspicuous.
"This is a problem stemming from insufficient intelligence. To align with today's performance, it seems I'll need to slightly revise my plans for future actions..."
(End of the Chapter)
Translator's Corner:
Another story that I would absolutely recommend is Hijacking the Timeline. It follows our MC in a post apocalyptic world on the verge of destruction as he tries to use his ability to travel to the future to thwart this grim destiny. It is available exclusively on CinderTL.
🔓 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦 — 13 Series (7 Ongoing) | 14+ New Chapters Daily | 6,100+ FREE