Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1241: Destruction To Fight Destruction

"Aye, it’s a shame. He was so close to reaching the end. It’s impressive that Apothecary Izroth was able to prevent the Natural Energy of Lightning from slipping out of his control for so long. But, no matter how impressive, it means nothing if a pill is unable to form." Koralena sighed.

"It is said that the Natural Energy of Lightning is most difficult to control during a pill’s forming stage. If Apothecary Izroth can find a way to overcome it, he might show us something incredible. Apothecary Rozomius, I am curious—why did you include the Seven Element Change Pill for this part of the test?" Po stated.

"A few years ago, I came across some old ruins. It was in those ruins that I found the Seven Element Change Pill along with two other pill recipes. After deciphering the text, I succeeded in crafting all of the pill recipes. That is, except the Seven Element Change Pill. Since the recipes only included the pill’s name and required ingredients, it took me a lot of time researching the proper crafting methods. In theory, crafting the Seven Element Change Pill should not be possible as there are too many opposing elements mixing together. Although the chances are small, I thought a fresh and new perspective might help me better understand the Seven Element Change Pill. Of course, my personal matters just happened to align with the goal of this test. Truly, I never expected anyone to choose the Seven Element Change Pill." Rozomius explained.

Most Apothecaries were overly curious by nature. Therefore, it was not uncommon for them to get ahead of themselves or become greedy. That is why, as part of the last time, a mysterious pill they had never heard of before was included on the list. While it was not a bad thing to be curious and explore that curiosity, there was a time and place for it. One also had to know how to properly restrain themselves.

"That said, Apothecary Izroth has taken an interesting approach. He is using a method that is only possible because he has obtained the Natural Energy of Lightning. For his first time using Natural Energy, his creativity to make the most of his unfortunate circumstances is admirable." Rozomius said calmly.

"Apothecary Izroth is certainly making the most of his situation. But, the two Apothecaries who seem close to him are outstanding. As expected, those two were the first to finish crafting their pills and become grade five Apothecaries." Koralena said as her gaze landed on Worldly Skies and Celia.

At the moment, Worldly Skies and Celia were off to the side. On their sleeves was an Apothecary badge that displayed their new rank as a grade five Apothecary.

It took Celia roughly twenty minutes to craft a Bonesteel Reshaping Pill and claim her spot among the top Apothecaries of this promotion test. However, surprisingly, Worldly Skies was even faster than Celia, who had acquired Triple Natural Energy with perfect compatibility. She spent just under ten minutes crafting a Bonesteel Reshaping Pill!

As for the other participants, the closest other person to their time who also chose to craft the Bonesteel Reshaping Pill was Pierce, who spent roughly one hour and fifteen minutes.

Although Pierce’s time was not bad when it came to crafting a Bonesteel Reshaping Pill, he was completely overshadowed by Worldly Skies and Celia. As for the other Apothecaries, there were only a small handful who chose to craft the Bonesteel Reshaping Pill. And, they were still in the middle of their attempts.

Though there were some Apothecaries who finished crafting almost as fast as Celia.

One of the Apothecaries, a young man by the name of Helios, completed crafting a Heart Surging Pill in twenty-eight minutes.

While it was not as attention grabbing as crafting the Bonesteel Reshaping Pill, it was still considered a splendid performance.

"The Palace Master is still not done yet. Did he run into some trouble with his Natural Energy, after all? Ah, I wish we could see inside the barriers." Celia said as a concerned look found its way onto her face.

"If there is anyone who can find a way to use the Natural Energy of Lightning, it is the Palace Master. Your concerns are wasted." Worldly Skies stated reassuringly.

"You’re right. Even when those other Apothecaries couldn’t help the Holy Maiden of my Order, the Palace Master found a way. How can a little Natural Energy trip him up?" Celia said with a fired up look in her eyes.

She suddenly paused before she turned to Worldly Skies and said, "But... You don’t think the Palace Master chose that Seven Element Change Pill, do you?"

"This..." Worldly Skies wanted to say there was no way Izroth would make such a reckless choice. But, knowing Izroth, Worldly Skies would not put it completely past him.

"It’s a shame though. I really wanted to try crafting it myself. If I didn’t have to wait half a year for another chance to take the promotion test, I would have gone for it." Celia sighed with regret.

"There will be better opportunities in the future. Besides, perhaps you will get a chance to fulfil your wish." Worldly Skies commented with a light smile.

...

’I have to create a path to guide the timing of its destruction. Controlling the flames and using the traces of the ingredients that linger within it from the tempering process, it should be possible.’

Izroth activated his Energy Vision Sense and further increased the intensity of the flames.

At the same time, the tempered ingredients that had only loosely formed into the shape of a pill was struck by the Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning.

After the Heavenly Lightning struck, it drifted around the Cauldron as if it were circling its prey. Then, a few seconds later, it struck the loosely shaped pill again. This time, however, the amount of destructive force it exuded was twice as strong as the last.

As this process took place, the loosely shaped pill started to stabilize and form into an actual pill. However, despite witnessing this, Izroth knew that it was not over yet.

Although the pill was starting to take a more solid shape, Izroth could see with his Energy Vision Sense that the pill was reaching its limit.

’Each strike of Heavenly Lightning is at least twice as powerful as the previous one. It has already struck nine times and the force is close to shattering the pill. But, I can’t turn back now after coming this far. One more—if it can survive one more strike, then...’

Izroth could sense that the Seven Change Element Pill was one step away from forming. However, if the Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning’s nature was anything like the real Heavenly Lightning, Izroth knew that the final strike would be incomparable to all the previous ones combined.

’In its current condition, it won’t survive the final strike. I have to redirect some of the force into the flames itself. There is a chance that it will damage the fire core, but it’s a risk I have to take.’

Crrrckle...! BOOOOOOM!

The Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning within Izroth’s cauldron exploded forth and rushed toward the forming pill with vigor unlike anything it had unleashed before.

Right as the Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning made contact with the pill, it trembled and looked as if it were ready to fall apart and turn to ashes. But, right as it was reaching its very limit, Izroth made his move.

Swoosh!

Izroth waved his hand above the cauldron before slamming his palms into the cauldron’s side.

Rmmmmmble!

With this simple action, the flames within the Dark Abyssal Cauldron surged and released a burst of an intense heat wave as the flames shot two meters high.

Just now, Izroth disabled the limiter placed on fire core inside the Dark Abyssal Cauldron. This limiter was in place to help control the temperature emitted by the fire core. It also prevented the fire core from pushing itself too far over its limit and becoming damaged.

Izroth planned to use the burst of flames to essentially "fight" against the Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning that was currently clinging to the forming pill.

Though using this method came with other risks besides damaging the fire core.

If Izroth mistimed it by even a second, when the Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning subsided, if he did not control the flames from the unrestrained fire core, it would immediately destroy the pill.

Izroth was using destruction to fight destruction. Naturally, it came with several layers of danger.

Bzzzt...

Suddenly, the pill stopped trembling as the Natural Energy of Heavenly Lightning started to slowly dissipate.

Izroth watched closely. And, the moment the Heavenly Lightning faded without a trace, he crashed his hand into the cauldron’s side and stopped the surging flames from the unrestrained fire core.

At the same time, a powerful and refreshing medicinal scent flowed throughout the area.