CHAPTER 62: [63] PRIVATE MEETING & REQUEST

When the ceremony concluded, Ryan gestured for Theon to follow him. The crowd parted like water before them as they made their way through the hall and toward the upper floors of the Geneticist Guild building. The fifteen grade 2 Geneticists who had accompanied Ryan remained behind, though Theon could feel their intense gazes boring into his back as he walked away.

They ascended through corridors that grew progressively more luxurious with each floor, passing through security checkpoints where guards snapped to attention at Ryan’s approach. Finally, they reached the top floor and entered a spacious study that radiated quiet power.

The room was dominated by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with ancient texts and pharmaceutical manuals, some of which looked centuries old. A massive desk carved from a single piece of dark wood sat before panoramic windows that offered a breathtaking view of Galaxy City stretching out below them. Various alchemical instruments and cultivation treasures were displayed in glass cases along the walls, each one worth more than most people would see in a lifetime.

Ryan closed the heavy door behind them, and immediately the ambient noise from the rest of the building vanished, replaced by a profound silence that spoke of powerful sound-dampening formations built into the walls.

Then, to Theon’s complete shock, President Ryan turned toward him and bowed deeply.

Theon’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. A C-grade Geneticist, one of the most powerful figures within ten thousand miles, was bowing to him?

"President Ryan, what are you doing?" Theon asked, unable to keep the surprise from his voice.

Ryan straightened, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I recognized the invitation letter you used to gain direct access to the certification examination. They are the personal mark of the Fifth Envoy of Galaxy Reign Academy."

Theon’s expression remained carefully neutral, though his mind raced. He hadn’t realized the invitation letter would be so recognizable to those with sufficient knowledge and experience.

Ryan continued, his voice filled with respect. "The Fifth Envoy is not merely an academy administrator. She is a Grade Six Geneticist, one of only seven individuals on this entire country to have reached such heights in the alchemical arts. For her to personally provide you with an invitation letter speaks volumes about your potential and her expectations for your future."

Understanding dawned on Ryan’s face, and he added, "You should be her personal disciple, which would explain your extraordinary performance today despite your low measured elemental affinity. The techniques and knowledge passed down from a master of her caliber would naturally produce results that seem miraculous to those of us operating at lower levels."

Theon raised a hand, interrupting the president’s words. "President Ryan, I appreciate your courtesy, but this is simply a misunderstanding. The Fifth Envoy is not my master. She helped me procure the invitation letter on a whim, nothing more. Our relationship does not extend to that of master and disciple."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Ryan’s face, gone almost as quickly as it appeared.

Without the backing of a Grade Six Geneticist as his master, Theon’s value and potential political connections were significantly reduced. He was still talented, certainly, but he was also more vulnerable and less immediately useful as an ally.

Still, Ryan’s expression quickly settled. He had not survived decades in this dangerous world and as a President of a branch no less without being smart and quick thinking.

"I see," President Ryan said, nodding slowly.

"Nevertheless, your performance today was genuinely impressive, regardless of whose backing you may or may not possess. The skills you demonstrated are the result of real talent and dedication. "

He moved to sit behind his massive desk and gestured for Theon to take one of the comfortable chairs facing it. When they were both seated, Ryan leaned forward with genuine sincerity in his eyes.

"Theon, let me be clear about something. Regardless of your connections or lack thereof, I see value in you as a talented individual."

Ryan paused, then continued. "If you ever need advice on concocting serums or pills, or encounter difficulties in your alchemical studies, you can reach out to me directly. I may not be a Grade Six Geneticist like the Fifth Envoy, but as a Peak Grade III Geneticist, I possess both knowledge and influence that could prove useful to you."

The offer was generous, far more than most newly certified Grade One Geneticists could ever hope to receive.

Theon nodded his head, genuinely appreciative of the gesture. "Thank you, President Ryan. I will certainly remember your offer, and I’m grateful for your willingness to provide guidance."

Then Theon hesitated, his expression shifting subtly as he considered his next words. Ryan noticed the change immediately.

"Is there something you wish to ask or discuss?" Ryan prompted gently.

Theon took a breath and spoke. "Actually, there is something. I would like to take the Grade Two Geneticist examination."

Silence filled the study.

Ryan’s eyebrows climbed toward his hairline, genuine surprise breaking through his usual composure. A Grade Two examination? Immediately after passing the Grade One certification? It was almost unheard of. The gap between Grade One and Grade Two was significant, requiring not just theoretical knowledge but practical experience, refined technique, and a much deeper understanding of alchemical principles.

Most Geneticists spent years, sometimes decades, working at Grade One before they felt ready to attempt advancement to Grade Two.

But then Ryan remembered the invitation letter from the Fifth Envoy. Even if she wasn’t Theon’s master, she wouldn’t have provided such a letter to someone without genuine potential.

"That’s quite an ambitious request," Ryan said carefully, studying Theon’s face for any sign of false confidence. He found none.

Theon’s face was calm and serious.

The President frowned slightly and spoke.

"The Grade Two examination is considerably more difficult than Grade One. The theoretical portion covers advanced alchemical theory, including formation interactions, energy resonance patterns, and multi-phase refinement processes that most Grade One Geneticists haven’t even begun to explore."

"I understand," Theon replied simply. "But I believe I’m ready."

Ryan leaned back in his chair as his fingers rubbed his chin.