On the next day, inside the luxurious room of a large manor in the northern part of Avon City, a blonde-haired middle-aged man sat in his seat, reading a piece of paper that contained a report in his hand. He showed surprise several times, even shock, as he read through it.

After finishing, he placed the report on the table in front of him and put on a serious expression.

"Who is he? Able to concoct pills of the six-stripe grade? And he's also a blacksmith? Even forging a divine-grade artifact? All of it done with a 100% success rate." He thought in astonishment.

The report, of course, contained detailed information about Aldrian, who had done all of that to attract attention. However, the populace still did not know the identity of the person responsible, or if the two extraordinary events actually came from the same individual.

He only received this report thanks to his informant inside the two organizations, which confirmed that both events were actually caused by the same person.

That individual had already concocted several six-stripe pills, causing an uproar within the Alchemist Association. This led the association to award him the Three Golden Star badge, a rank and certification held by only a few people across the continent. The Association Master himself had personally given that badge after coming in person upon hearing the news about the six stripes pills.

That same man had also created two divine-grade artifacts, prompting the Blacksmith Association to give him special treatment. They granted him the title of Grandmaster and even bestowed upon him the same status as the Vice Association Master.

Just like the Alchemist Association, the Association Master personally came in person and conferred the status after hearing the news of two consecutive divine-grade artifacts and both of them at the middle divine grade.

The blonde-haired man sat with blank expression… all of it had come from a single individual.

"Wearing a mask and black robe. Low pseudo-Immortal Establishment stage cultivation. His energy is also strange, described only as suppressive to others."

The more he read the description of this figure, the more it felt like something out of someone's imagination. Yet it was real, and that man had accomplished all of it. This was the first time he had ever known of someone like this, truly mysterious.

Even just one of his capabilities, whether concocting six-stripe pills or forging divine-grade artifacts would be enough for the imperial family to extend an invitation. And he was certain these events would reach their ears. But this man could do both, something unheard of in history.

There was no doubt. The imperial family would want him as a special guest or even try to bring him into their ranks, even if it meant offending someone powerful. This person was simply too valuable to ignore.

The man then took a communication artifact from his pocket.

"Yes, my lord," a voice answered from the other end.

"Invite that mysterious man. I would like to meet him. Don't push it if he's unwilling," the blonde-haired man said.

"Understood, my lord."

The connection cut off, and the man let out a sigh. Of course, he would not miss the chance to build a connection with someone like that. His city was fortunate to be visited by such a figure, and he intended to take full advantage of it.

--------------------------------

On the other side of the city, the situation was truly bustling even chaotic, due to the two extraordinary events. Over the past three days, countless people had been visiting the two associations, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pills and artifacts created by the mysterious figure.

Even those from outside the city had already heard the news and begun their journey to Avon city. At this moment, Avon City had become a regional highlight, on a scale comparable to the major news from the Barisan Continent. Whether they were from the Ancient Blue Gate World or other stars, everyone wanted to see the pills and artifacts for themselves.

Because of this, the two associations were overwhelmed by the sheer number of visitors, including nobles from other territories. Many sought to meet the one who had created those remarkable items, but both associations seemed determined to keep the identity of the figure hidden.

Those people also did not dare to push too hard or force their way into uncovering the identity of the mysterious person, fearing they might offend the two associations. The Alchemist Association and the Blacksmith Association, both with branches spread across the Orian Continent, held immense influence.

With their respective specialties, no one wanted to risk provoking them, especially with the possibility of being banned from their services.

That would be a great disaster!

Even so, the excitement and determination of many people did not fade. They continued to come, hoping to try their luck.

As for the man responsible for all of this, Aldrian, at that very moment, he was enjoying a cup of tea inside a luxurious room. The past three days reminded him of the time he concocted six-stripe pills and successfully forged a divine-grade artifact in the Barisan Continent.

However, this time felt far more chaotic. There were more people, and the news had spread to a much wider region.

What he did in the past three days was basically the same as in the Barisan Continent. The difference was that he wore a white mask to hide his face, and this time, he intended to obtain certification as both an alchemist and a blacksmith in this continent.

In the Barisan Continent, he was a 10-star badge alchemist, but he knew that kind of badge held no power here. The Orian Continent had its own certification system to reflect one's professional status.

That was why he needed this continent's official certification as an alchemist. As usual, with how things worked for him, he caused an uproar, he was able to concoct six-stripe-grade pills, and he did so far more easily than in the past.

With his cultivation now much, much higher than in the past, his ability to concoct pills had increased as well. The same applied to the Blacksmith Association. He had never held any official certification as a blacksmith, but he certainly had the skill.

When he took the test, he simply forged a divine-grade sword using materials he bought on the spot at that time, which immediately sent the association's higher-ups into a frenzy. They then asked him to create another artifact, a shield, this time using materials provided by the association. And just like that, he created two divine-grade artifacts.

With that kind of success rate, there was no hesitation. They contacted the association headquarters in the empire's capital, and they did not hesitate to grant him the title of Grandmaster, along with the same status as the association's vice master.

Aldrian, of course, did not refuse any of the preferential treatment and privileges, including this grand mansion provided by the Alchemist Association. The only thing he asked of them was to keep his identity a secret. He still wanted to maintain his air of mystery, while drawing the kind of attention that would reach the high-ranking figures of this empire.

While he was still enjoying his tea, a knock suddenly came at the door, followed by a woman's voice.

"My lord, my apologies for disturbing you, but there is an envoy from the City Lord manor requesting an audience."

Aldrian nodded.

"All right, bring the guest to the guest room. I'll be there in a moment," he said.

He wasn't surprised that someone from the City Lord manor had found out where he lived, even though only a few people knew his location. The manor could have easily obtained the information through his informants inside of the associations in this city.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to build a connection with the City Lord before approaching the imperial family, he was, after all, in the man's city.

Aldrian then put on his black robe and white mask before leaving the room and walking toward the guest room. The only ones who had seen his face were a few maids in the mansion, all of whom were bound by contract not to reveal anything that happened within the estate.

After walking for a while, Aldrian finally arrived at the guest room. The moment he entered, he saw a middle-aged man with neatly kept brown hair and a mustache. The man wore knightly armor bearing the symbol of the City Lord manor.

The man immediately stood up upon seeing Aldrian and bowed.

"My apologies if my visit has disturbed your time, Your Excellency. I hope you don't take offense at my presence here."

Aldrian shook his head.

"No, of course not. In fact, I was already expecting a visit like this," Aldrian replied, which caused the man to raise his eyebrows slightly before nodding.

"I see. Then allow me to introduce myself. I am Bordin Vinalles, the City Lord's personal knight. You may call me Bordin, Your Excellency."

Aldrian gave a nod and took a seat in the master's chair.

"Your Excellency, I am here as a messenger from my lord to your esteemed self," Bordin said. "My lord wishes to invite Your Excellency to the City Lord manor as a sign of his personal respect and admiration for your achievements and capabilities. We hope to build a friendly relationship with Your Excellency."

"We sincerely hope that you might spare some time for the City Lord manor, even in the midst of your busy schedule," he added with a slight bow.

There was a brief pause before Aldrian responded.

"I see. That's very kind of the City Lord… Alright, I will come."

Bordin was slightly stunned. Just like that?