Chapter 228 - Secret Recipe (1/2)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“Balbo, I heard you were looking for me?”

“Small matter. Right, Burnside, you’re almost done with the things on hand?”

“There’s still a little more left, but I’ve sent someone to keep an eye on it. It’ll definitely be done before the discussion.”

“It’s been hard on you.”

“Heh heh…”

After a round of smalltalk, Balbo dived into the main point. “Actually, I need to discuss an important matter with you today.”

“What is it?”

“You’ve heard about Elin having concocted the Catalytic Potion, haven’t you?”

“Mhm, someone has told me. Congratulations, Balbo. Elin has finally done you proud.” Old Grimm was all smiles at the mention of the Catalytic Potion. The problem that had bothered the Pharmacists Guild for decades was finally solved by Elin. As a member of the Pharmacists Guild, Old Grimm naturally couldn’t help but be happy.

“Ai…” Balbo laughed bitterly at Old Grimm’s congratulations. “Looks like you don’t know yet…”

“What’s that?”

“Elin, that brat, has ruined everything.” There was some helplessness on Balbo’s face as he spoke about his only disciple. He finally recounted what happened under Old Grimm’s constant prompts.

“Felic, that lad…” Old Grimm had no idea whether or not to laugh at the thought of Felic berating the group of pharmacists. The kid’s temper was as usual after so long. He was still unwilling to suffer any loss.

“Anyway, that’s what happened…” Balbo recounted the story off and on. His aged face was shaded with melancholy. “I did make a mistake. When you told me about this young man, I always thought he was just a talented pharmacist. Little did I know that he’s at such a high level regarding pharmaceutics. It’s too late for me to regret now. Such a pharmaceutical genius has been enlisted by the Guild of Magic. How am I supposed to face Aldwin in the future?”

“Haha…” Old Grimm now understood that Balbo’s melancholy was not because his disciple had made a mistake, but because the gifted pharmacist he’d taken an interest in had been snagged by the Guild of Magic. He chuckled, and said, “If you are only worried about Aldwin, then I can tell you that you can put all your heart at ease. So far, Felic has no plans to join the Alanna Guild of Magic. Macklin has complained to me several times because of this…”

Balbo’s interest was piqued. “Oh?”

“I’ll tell you, Felic is not an ordinary young genius. He has an almost perfect gift, whether in magic or pharmaceutics. Maybe in less than 30 years, he will be at the top of these two professions. Wait and see, this young man will become the next Geresco and Salados…”

“Are you sure?” Balbo frowned. Despite having witnessed the amazing gift of this young man, he could hardly believe what Old Grimm said. Who was Geresco? He was the most powerful mage after the Dark Ages, and was known as the G.o.d of Mages. Salados was even more remarkable. He was the legendary elite pharmacist who had laid the foundation of pharmaceutics and perfected the pharmaceutical theory. Legend had it that even human beings who had been oppressed by the High Elves had to acknowledge Salados’ high status when it came to pharmaceutics.

Yes, Felic was indeed an excellent young man. He was better than most in the Pharmacists Guild, including Elin. But it was still hard for him to believe that Felic could surpa.s.s Geresco and Salados. It seemed like a myth.

“I’m sure.” Old Grimm nodded, and a.s.sumed an unprecedented seriousness.

“All right…” Balbo was slightly surprised by the chief pharmacist’s insistence. He had known him for decades, but had never heard him praise a young man like this before. After shaking his head, Balbo decided to abandon the topic. “We’ll discuss this later. You haven’t told me why the Alanna Guild of Magic couldn’t enlist this young man.”

“As I said earlier, Felic is not an ordinary young genius. He has his own ideas. You know, when I met him in Jarrosus, he was only a level-nine mage. But at that time, he had rejected Gerian’s proposal to hand the guild over to him. Do you think such a person would be tempted by a little benefit?”

“Level-nine mage? Burnside, if I remember correctly, it’s only been less than two months since you’re back from Jarrosus?” Balbo couldn’t believe it. He clearly saw that this young man had at least the strength of a Magic Shooter. If it was as what Old Grimm said, didn’t Felic make a leap from level-nine to level-15 in two months?

Six levels’ progress in two months…

Was this a magic gift a human should possess? Even the legendary G.o.d of Mages couldn’t have possessed such an exaggerated degree of a gift…

Balbo’s eyes lit up again. “You mean the Pharmacists Guild still has a chance?”

“I mean, everybody has a chance…” Old Grimm couldn’t bear to lay the blow on Balbo seeing that he was so enthusiastic. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but try to persuade him. “Actually, Balbo, don’t be too enthusiastic. This boy’s talent is amazing, but his temper is also amazing. When I met him in Jarrosus, he had almost killed Aldwin’s grandson. Look at Andoine. Ever since he’s accepted such a disciple, he’s always worried about what trouble he might get into. If you bring him into the Pharmacists Guild, I’m afraid you’ll have more white hair than Andoine…”

“It doesn’t matter. He can make some trouble. Anyway, there’s no trouble that the Pharmacists Guild can’t handle with our strength… unless he a.s.sa.s.sinated the king. Burnside, don’t try to persuade me. We have to get this kid into the Pharmacists Guild.” Balbo sighed involuntarily as he finished. “You’ve seen how worse the Pharmacists Guild has gotten in these few decades. Apart from us both, there hasn’t been a potion master in 30 years. Elin does have the potential, but look what he’s done this time…”

“Balbo, you should keep a rein on Elin. If he doesn’t change that utilitarian character of his, he’ll get into big trouble sooner or later.”

“Mhm.” Balbo shook his head helplessly. “I’ll keep him in check. I’ve decided to make him an apprentice for two years and let him have a taste of what hards.h.i.+p is like. Do help me keep an eye on him if you have the time.”

“I’ll try my best…”

“Forget it, we’ll talk about Elin again. I’ve asked you here to discuss about Felic. I say, Burnside, do you have any idea how to get the young man into the Pharmacists Guild?”

“Let me think about it…”

At this time, Lin Li was back downstairs, sitting in a quiet corner while chatting with Shaun.