The blue mes danced in my palm, casting an otherworldly glow across the stunned faces surrounding me. In the sea of shock and disbelief, Sofia Carrera''s expression stood out most vividly—her earlier confidence had shattered, reced by wide-eyed astonishment.


    "Blue Spirit Fire," someone whispered from the crowd. "I thought it was just a legend."


    I maintained the me steadily, letting it grow slightlyrger before I closed my fist and extinguished it. The afterimage lingered in the air for a moment, like a ghostly reminder of what they''d witnessed.


    Elder Leung cleared his throat,posing himself. "As you can see, Master Knight''s qualifications are beyond question. The Blue Spirit Fire hasn''t been seen in the Guild for over a century."


    Sofia''s lips pressed into a thin line. Her hands trembled slightly as she bowed her head. "I... apologize for my outburst, Elder Leung. And to you, Master Knight."


    I nodded in acknowledgment. "Your Green Spirit Fire is impressive in its own right. Few achieve even that."


    The words seemed to offer little constion, but she straightened her shoulders and stepped back, dignity intact despite her humiliation.


    Elder Leung seized the moment to regain control of the proceedings. "Now that introductions areplete, let us continue with the formal testing for our other applicants."


    As the crowd''s attention shifted to the next order of business, Elder Leung gestured for Sofia and me to follow him. We walked silently through a side corridor until we reached a more private chamber.


    "That was quite the demonstration," Elder Leung said once the door closed behind us. "You''ve certainly silenced any doubts about your appointment."


    I inclined my head. "I didn''t mean to create a spectacle."


    "Sometimes a spectacle is necessary," he replied with a small smile. "Now, let me show you both to your quarters and exin your duties as Guild members."


    We followed him through the sprawlingplex. The further we ventured, the more impressive the architecture became—jade pirs supporting vaulted ceilings, intricate carvings depicting the history of alchemy, and asional glimpses of inner gardens where rare medicinal nts grew.


    "As a Master Pharmacist," Elder Leung exined to me, "you''ll have ess to our most valuable resources, including the Celestial Library and our premium ingredient stores. You may conduct your own research and create your own forms, provided you document your findings for the Guild archives."


    He then turned to Sofia. "As an Ordinary Alchemist, you''ll work primarily in the preparation halls and treatment centers. With your talent, I expect you''ll advance quickly."


    Sofia nodded stiffly, still avoiding my gaze.


    "Both positionse with considerable benefits," Elder Leung continued. "Room and board, of course, plus a monthly stipend of spirit stones. You''ll receive protection under the Guild''s name, and ess to our extensivework of contacts throughout the provinces." <cite ss="story-note-vis">Раrt оf а sеriеs hоstеd by Мy Virtuаl Librаry Еmpirе (МV&LЕМР&YR).</cite>


    As we walked, I calcted my timeline. "Elder Leung, about the Guild''s requirements—I understand new members typicallymit to at least one month of continuous residence?"


    He nced at me. "That''s correct."


    "I may need more flexibility," I said carefully. "My current situation demands I maintain certain responsibilities outside the Guild."


    Elder Leung frowned. "Exceptions to our rules are rare, Master Knight. However, given your unique circumstances... the Pavilion Master will need to approve such arrangements."


    "Pavilion Master Valerius?" I asked.


    "Yes. Mariana Valerius. She''s away on business but expected to return within the week. Until then, I suggest you settle in and familiarize yourself with our facilities."


    We reached a fork in the corridor. Elder Leung pointed Sofia toward the eastern wing. "Your quarters are in the Apprentice Sector. An attendant will show you the way."


    After Sofia departed with a young attendant, Elder Leung led me in the opposite direction. "Master Pharmacists reside in the western wing. You''ll find it considerably morefortable."


    My quarters proved to be a spacious suite with a bedroom, study, and private garden. The furnishings were simple but elegant, crafted from rare woods and adorned with jade ents.


    "Rest today," Elder Leung advised. "Tomorrow, I''ll have someone show you around the facilities you''ll be using."


    After he left, I explored my new amodations. The garden contained several rare herbs I recognized immediately—spirit ginseng, frost lily, and even a small golden lotus floating in a stone basin. My study was equipped with alchemical apparatus of exceptional quality.


    I sat on a meditation cushion and closed my eyes, feeling a mix of satisfaction and urgency. I''d gained entry to one of the most prestigious institutions in the realm—but time was still working against me.


    ---


    Three days passed in a blur of activity. Each morning, I explored a different section of the Guild—the vast libraries, the experimental chambers, the treatment halls wheremon citizens came seeking cures. I absorbed as much as I could, memorizing theyout and identifying resources that might prove usefulter.


    On the fourth morning, I decided to maintain my training regimen with an early jog around the Guild''s expansive grounds. The air was crisp with autumn''s first hints as I followed a stone path through gardens and past training yards.


    I was halfway through my thirdp when a sharp pain pierced my chest.


    I stumbled, nearly falling to my knees as the sensation intensified. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I pressed a hand against my heart, feeling its irregr rhythm.


    "Not now," I muttered through gritted teeth. "Not yet."


    The pain subsided gradually, leaving me breathing heavily. I leaned against a cherry tree, waiting for my heartbeat to normalize. The episodes were bing more frequent—a concerning development I couldn''t afford to ignore.


    When I finally returned to my quarters, a message awaited me: Third Elder requested my presence in the east wing immediately. Sofia Carrera had received the same summons.


    I cleaned up quickly and headed to the meeting point. Sofia was already there, her red dress reced by the emerald robes of a Guild alchemist.


    "Master Knight," she greeted me formally, her tone neutral.


    Before I could respond, a door slid open, revealing a thin man with a severe face and calcting eyes. Unlike Elder Leung''s calm presence, the Third Elder radiated a cold intensity.


    "You''ve kept me waiting," he remarked, though we were precisely on time.


    "Apologies, Elder," Sofia said quickly. "We came as soon as we received your message."


    He waved dismissively. "I have a task for you both. A patient arrived this morning requiring immediate treatment. I would handle it myself, but urgent matters demand my attention elsewhere."


    His eyes lingered on me with undisguised assessment. "Consider this your first official duty, Master Knight. Miss Carrera will assist you."


    "What''s the patient''s condition?" I asked.


    "See for yourself. The symptoms are... unusual." A thin smile crossed his face. "The patient awaits in Treatment Room Four. Don''t disappoint the Guild with your performance."


    With that, he turned and strode away, leaving an ufortable silence in his wake.


    Sofia and I exchanged nces. For the first time since our confrontation, her expression wasn''t guarded or resentful—it was concerned.


    "We should go," I said, starting toward the treatment wing.


    Sofia fell into step beside me. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke in a low voice. "Be careful with this assignment."


    I nced at her. "What do you mean?"


    She looked around to ensure we were alone in the corridor. "The Third Elder has a reputation. He doesn''t appreciate new talents that might overshadow him." She lowered her voice further. "Especially those who arrive with special privileges."


    "You think he''s setting us up?"


    Sofia''s eyes met mine, serious and direct. "I think the Blue Spirit Fire made you a target. And I''m worried about what kind of ''unusual symptoms'' await us in Treatment Room Four."