CHAPTER 52: GROUP PROJECT 4

A gauntlet thrown down.In the background, Mors, the student coordinator, hardened his expression. He knew my capabilities, and a flicker of a smile crossed his lips as he realized I hadn’t been defeated by the professor’s petty politics. Professor Ty’s curiosity was piqued, a new, calculating glint in her eyes. The game had just changed.

"Huh."

My words made Mors laugh, a deep, knowing laugh that seemed to shake the air around him. It was completely understandable. Previously, I might have been able to improve the performance of a potion by changing one or two ingredients, but this time was different. The challenge now wasn’t simply about finesse or intuition; it was about transforming a potion entirely, under conditions that defied everything we had practiced.

How could I make a potion with the same performance even stronger, in an environment with completely different materials, under scrutiny from master alchemists? It was a task that would make most adults hesitate.

The A-Grade Health Potion’s key ingredient was the Light Mushrooms—rare, delicate, and unpredictable. They were legendary, not just for their potent healing properties but for the way they reacted to outside stimuli. Their very essence was a concentrated form of mana, and extracting it required a precise, intricate ritual. Without them, an A-grade potion was impossible.

And yet, using the tail of a Glowcap Mushroom to substitute the main component sounded almost too audacious. I wasn’t even certain it would behave the same way in the brewing process. One wrong step, one miscalculation, and the potion could turn from a life-saving elixir to a hazardous mess.

Professor Maizen shot Mors a cold glare, his silence speaking volumes. He quickly closed his mouth, unwilling—or perhaps unable—to voice the skepticism that lingered in the room. He had dedicated his life to this specific potion, and the idea that a mere student could revolutionize it was an affront to his expertise.

"...That’s interesting," he finally said, his tone neutral, though his eyes betrayed surprise. "Can you really make an A-Grade Health Potion with that material? Even I, who invented this potion, did not think it possible."

"Yes," I replied calmly. "This is a recipe our team came up with." I deliberately included my teammates, giving them a share of the credit for my insane plan.

The members of my group were visibly shocked. Nad’s expression in particular screamed, What do you mean, you madman? Her wide eyes reflected the disbelief that hovered like a tangible weight in the room. Clara looked hesitant, uncertain if my confidence was bravado or genuine understanding. Silva, ever the optimist, simply watched me, a silent vote of confidence in his gaze.

Clap! An alchemist from the visiting organization applauded softly. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked at Professor Edel Ty and then back at me. He was clearly intrigued by the sheer audacity of my claim.

"Living as an alchemist gives you countless opportunities to experiment and make mistakes," he said, his voice carrying authority yet tinged with intrigue. "But this one... this is very interesting. I really like the composition. An alchemist must keep all possibilities open." He turned to Edel Ty. "How do you wish to proceed? We are about to begin the disqualification process."

Edel Ty nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Continue as planned. Observe carefully. The students will soon show us their capability." She was playing her own game, using this as a lesson for the other students.

The three visitors nodded in agreement, their interest piqued by the unusual combination of ingredients and the sheer audacity of my plan. If I failed here, humiliation would strike not once, but twice—first before my peers, and second before these master alchemists who would likely never forget such a failure.

"Good. The time limit is one hour. Complete an A-Grade Health Potion." Edel Ty’s voice softened as she muttered, "Do your best, Kael Vi-rel."

"Of course," I said, my tone calm but my mind racing. I knew the recipe, but it was a complex one, a delicate dance of heating, cooling, and mixing. There was no room for error.

"Yes... shall we get started?" Annie’s voice cut through the tense air, drawing everyone’s attention. She began the countdown, her fingers tracing the numbers in the air like a conductor signaling the start of an orchestra. A number appeared on the board, engraved in glowing magical script, and the countdown began.

At that moment, the eyes of all the students shifted. They surged forward toward their lab tables, determination etched in every movement—everyone except for my group.

"Are you crazy?!"

Nad hissed urgently, her voice low but trembling with concern. Clara followed suit, her tone timid but firm. They were worried for me, but also for themselves. Failure meant a public setback, a stain on their academic records.

"Ka, Kael... no matter what, I don’t think this is right," Nad said, her hands trembling slightly. "Even if it hurts your pride, sometimes you have to bend. If you insist on doing something impossible..."

These kids worry too much, I thought with a quiet sigh. Their hesitation was natural, a product of a lifetime of following rules, but their lack of faith in the process was unnecessary.

"Trust me. Follow my instructions exactly. Can you do that?" I asked firmly, my gaze sweeping over each of them. My voice held a silent command, a quiet authority that left no room for doubt.

"...There’s nothing else we can do if we work as a team," Nad replied, the desperation in her voice giving way to a new kind of determination. Time was ticking, and I had no intention of wasting another second.

"The reason the Light Mushrooms are so rich in nutrients is because they possess a special healing property," I explained, holding up a particularly thick tail of a Glowcap Mushroom. "This can be both beneficial and dangerous if mishandled." I didn’t just tell them what to do; I explained the why behind each step, making them partners in the process, not just passive helpers.

"So I know a little about the processing... Can I handle this?" Silva asked, his voice steady. He was a natural-born student, eager to learn and improve.