MMORPG: Rise of the Primordial Godsmith

Chapter 1823: The Journey So Far

"Citizens of Thymesion."

Standing behind a podium, the Grand Sage’s voice echoed throughout the entire plaza as he began his opening remarks.

"It has been some time since we’ve last seen each other." He chuckled, sweeping his gaze across the large crowd. "Did you miss me?"

A great portion of the crowd clapped and cheered back at him in response, while the remainder looked at him with great awe and admiration.

After interacting with the crowd for a bit longer, Genesius eventually returned everyone’s attention back to the matter at hand.

"For those not in the know, we are gathered here on this day to shed some light and to celebrate the contributions made by the world’s greatest Scholars."

"For those unfamiliar with them, Scholars are those that pursue the truth that lie beneath the inner workings of the world, with their goals being to shed light on what was previously unknown, as well as deepen our understanding of what’s already known."

"Though they only came to be around a hundred years ago, we already consider them to be a profession that’s just as important as the Sages."

"That’s because they share the knowledge and information they obtain from their research with us, improving our general understanding of the world in the process," said Genesius. "Then again, although they all strive to obtain greater knowledge, not all Scholars are made equal."

"There are Scholars out there who pursue topics that are of their interests, yet do not contribute much to the betterment of the planet," he continued. "Then, there are those that focus on certain topics that contribute greatly to the planet in one way or another, with some of them even publishing articles that drastically transform our understanding of a certain concept we thought we had already thoroughly understood."

"And it’s precisely because of these earth-shattering contributions that I want these Scholars to be recognized throughout the world."

As those words left his mouth, he gave the crowd a warm smile.

"With that being said, I shall be establishing the Thymesion Great Scholar Award for Scholars that have published articles that have made great contributions to the planet, as well as the Thymesion Grand Scholar Award for those whose articles have transformed our understanding of the world as we know it."

"Now, without further ado, let us proceed with our first recipient."

...

"...Whew."

Watching her fellow Scholars obtain their accolades from backstage, Veradine could not help but have a slight smile on her face as she thought about how she got to where she was today.

Though there were a lot of other people that helped her along the way, the main reason why she was recognized as one of the greatest Scholars in the world was undoubtedly due to her own efforts.

After reaching the rank of a Two-star Scholar in just seven years, she stunned the world after she published an article that discussed the concept of growth mechanics in detail.

To no surprise, the flora industry experienced a second wind of sorts because of it, causing a renaissance in the industry as more articles and inventions related to plants were created and published after hers was out.

Because of how influential her article was to the industry, her title as the Scholar of Great Earth was unanimously flipped on its head to the Great Earth Scholar.

After all, who among the Scholars would know more about the world and nature than the Great Earth Scholar?

Then again, although Veradine’s article was attributed to be the article that revitalized the flora industry, everyone also took note of the name that was co-authored on the article.

Because of that, Lawrence, who thought that his contribution to the article would only make it easier for him to become a First-tier Student at most, was instead promoted to a true Scholar.

In fact, after Veradine had shared the news that Lawrence was the one that discovered the concept of universal plant growth mechanics in the first place, he was deemed and recognized as the forefather of universal plant mechanics.

After publishing the article that brought both her and Lawrence great fame in the flora industry, it was only then did Veradine finally push the direction of her research to where it was more in line with concepts that involved either Sages or magic.

Naturally, she approached this bit by bit, making sure to choose minor topics and concepts that were still related to her original research direction in a way.

Though, as she gained confidence in her understanding of Sages and magic, as well as her future research direction, she began to be a bit more aggressive in her shift, publishing a number of articles that would eventually secure her ascension to a Three-star Scholar.

However, just as she thought that there wouldn’t be any problems with her new research direction, her inability to wield magic eventually caught up to her once she tried approaching concepts that intertwined with the core of Sages.

’It took three years for me to go from Two-star to Three-star, then it took another five years to go from Three-star to Four-star,’ thought Veradine, clapping as another Scholar received an award from the Grand Sage.

’Although it took more time than I thought to get to this point, I feel like the current trajectory isn’t half-bad. After all, compared to other Four-star Scholars, I’ve gotten to this level in just a fraction of the time.’

’Aside from that, my current methodology for topics related to the core of Sages has vastly improved compared to the first one I dabbled in it.’ Veradine faintly smiled at the thought. ’It’s definitely convoluted, but at least it’s effective and it works.’

’If not, I wouldn’t be here to receive an award from the Grand Sage.’

As the Grand Sage came to mind, Veradine could not help but think back to the verdict the Grand Sage gave her back when she was a teenager.

Though the years she spent researching various topics had caused its impact to now dwindle into nothing, she had to admit that the verdict was the main reason why she had taken her current path.

’I guess it all comes full circle, then,’ she muttered to herself, only to be informed that she was the next one to go on stage.

Nodding back in response, Veradine took in a deep breath as she composed herself for what was to come.

’As the first and only Scholar to obtain the Grand Scholar Award in this event, I’ll be given the opportunity to talk with the Grand Sage face-to-face after this is over.’

’I wonder what questions I should ask him...?’

’...’

’...’

’...On second thought, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.’