Realm of Myths and Legends

For the time being, Izroth set the thoughts about the Demonic Suppression Pill to the back of his mind. At the moment, the ingredients needed were too precious to acquire them on a whim. Even with the current abilities and resources of the Mystical Realm Palace, there was still a lack of manpower and networks in place.

Of course, Aurora was doing her best to set things up and get them in order; however, it was not something that could happen over night.

Besides, even if one had the resources necessary to purchase high quality ingredients, it did not mean that they were for sale.

Most of the high quality ingredients that circulated through the market ended up in the pockets of the top guilds. This was because those high quality ingredients were obtained by the top guilds themselves, a subsidiary of the top guild, or organizations with close ties to the top guilds. In this matter, their influence, manpower, and networks could not be underestimated.

...

〈System Alert: Your physical strength has increased by 0.50%!〉

〈System Alert: Your physical resistance has increased by 0.10%!〉

〈System Alert: Your Essence has increased by 0.20!〉

'It went up again.'

The one-hour mark was quickly approaching. With every passing moment, the pressure from the Nightmare Shroud Demon increased as an invisible force seemed to draw Izroth closer to it. However, rather than being a detriment, it served to benefit Izroth in its own way.

Over time, Izroth refined the demonic aura and made it his own. And, thanks to the effects of Unwavering Demonic Growth, Izroth gained 54% physical strength, 10% physical resistance, and 27 Essence.

While 27 Essence was not that much compared to Izroth's total Essence, it was still a staggering amount to obtain in just shy of one hour.

Initially, Izroth only had to last ten minutes to pass the fourth trial; however, he wanted to take advantage of the demonic aura of the Nightmare Shroud Demon and refine as much as possible. He also wanted to take the chance to see how far he could push the Unwavering Demonic Growth's absorption and test its rate of refinement.

Right as the one-hour mark hit, the pressure brought about by the Nightmare Shroud Demon disappeared. Simultaneously, a stream of golden text appeared before Izroth as a system alert sounded.

〈System Alert: You have passed the fourth trial «Essence of the Pinnacle»!〉

[Passed]

[Evaluation:

Time Elapsed: 1 hour - S

Points Earned: 100

Total Accumulated Points: 310]

〈System Alert: The fifth trial «Apothecary» will start in 15 minutes!〉

Izroth opened his eyes and stood up from his meditative position.

'It's been a while since I've had the chance to meditate so peacefully.'

If others could hear Izroth's thoughts right now, they would fall over in shock. The Nightmare Shroud Demon was a terrifying beast that most would avoid if possible. However, when faced with it and the pressure it brought about, Izroth actually took the opportunity to meditate peacefully? They would think he was insane or trying to arrogantly brag if he spoke those words out loud!

In the blink of an eye, the world around Izroth transformed as he returned to the white platform and garden.

The moment he did so, Haishe and the others members of the party walked up to congratulate him. Because this challenge was unique to the Apothecaries who passed the first part of the fourth trial, they could only view from an outside perspective. However, to them, they just saw Izroth sitting in darkness before a pair of glowing red eyes. They were unable to feel the pressure brought about by the Nightmare Shroud Demon.

"Ha... What a shame. This trial didn't seem all that difficult compared to the others. If everyone just worked together from the start, maybe more of us could have made it to this point." Steel Mountain said as he shook his head.

"Aye... There's no point in thinking about this any longer. What has passed has passed. Lingering on it won't change the outcome. For now, we should be grateful that Palace Master Izroth has managed to bring us this far." Mystic Lock commented with a satisfied expression on his face.

If not for Izroth, this trial dungeon would have been failed at the beginning of the fourth trial.

"Now, there's only one more wall left blocking our way to clear this trial dungeon. Though I have to say, I don't think I ever want to take part in one of these again." Haishe said in a half-jokingly manner.

The level of the trial dungeon was truly well above what Haishe anticipated. Even a grade four or even a grade five Apothecary might not necessarily have made it to the same point as Izroth.

Haishe looked over at Izroth and said, "Palace Master Izroth, when we leave this place, I won't forget our discussion from earlier. I'll be sure that Palace Master Izroth's efforts are rewarded. And, as long as we pass the final trial, I will ensure that you receive a great reward."

Izroth gave a small nod in response and replied, "Then, I'll be looking forward to it."

In truth, Izroth had already benefited a lot from this trial dungeon. The recipe for the Demonic Suppression Pill and the Mana Seals technique alone made this trip worthwhile. That being said, Izroth would not turn down some extra benefits being given to him for his efforts. Plus, he understood that this was Haishe's way of giving him a little more incentive to pass the fifth trial. After all, he was the only Apothecary that remained among the initial four.

"It is difficult to tell what the fifth trial will be about by its name alone. What do you all think?" Mystic Lock commented.

"I don't know, but I hope it involves a fight this time around. I feel like I haven't gotten a chance to stretch my muscles properly." Steel Mountain said as he slammed his hand into his fist.

There was nothing for them to do for the past few trials; therefore, it was possible that this trend would continue into the fifth trial. In that was the case, Izroth would have to face what was to come alone.

"Perhaps it will test what it means to be an Apothecary—whatever that may be." Autumn Winds commented.

"There's no point sitting around guessing. With a name like Apothecary it can be a number of things related to the profession. It might even ask Palace Master Izroth to craft a grade five pill. Either way, we'll find out in a few minutes." Haishe stated calmly.

A grade five pill? If such a thing was required to pass the fifth trial, then...

Everyone's gaze turned toward Izroth. If it were anyone else, they could only sigh in disappoint if it truly did turn out to be a grade five pill recipe. However, for some reason, they did not think it was entirely impossible for Izroth.

...

A few minutes later...

〈System Alert: The fifth trial «Apothecary» will start in 10 seconds!〉

Izroth stood alone on the white platform as the final few seconds to the beginning of the fifth trial counted down.

'The trials up until now have all tested different aspects of what it means to be an Apothecary as well as the potential to become a high-ranked Apothecary. This trial... I have no idea what's going to come my way. But, it doesn't matter what it is. As long as it's in front of me, I just have to overcome it.'

〈System Alert: The fifth trial «Apothecary» has started!〉

Just as the alert sounded, a stream of golden text appeared above Izroth. This time, the environment did not change as the platform and garden remained.

[If you have made it to this point, you have the potential to become a skilled Apothecary that will make it far in this world. However, making it far and reaching the pinnacle are two different things. If you just wish to be a successful Apothecary, then this is already good enough. But, if you wish to shine above all others—to create a legend of your own and have your name echo throughout the endless times, this is your chance. I hope that you can overcome that which awaits you.]

The golden text lingered overhead without show signs of disappearing this time around.

Izroth could not be certain, but he detected almost a form of regret in Franz Winsor's words. As for what reason that regret may exist, Izroth did not know. But, perhaps the answer lied in the challenge ahead.

Woosh!

Out of nowhere, five sealed scrolled appeared on the table in front of Izroth. These scrolls were different from the ones that previously appeared and were all different colors. Going left to right, the scrolls were white, yellow, orange, red, and black.

Izroth examined the scrolls carefully. And, as he was doing so, the seal on the white scroll dissolved as the scroll itself began to unravel.