The delicate calligraphy showcased his name, meticulously inscribed amidst the esteemed Junior panel. This was a rare honor, typically reserved for alchemists who had achieved mastery in a decade or less. It was a testament to his dedication and skill in the field.
As he read further, his excitement grew. The invitation promised enticing rewards for the best works, with the renowned Vanyar panel serving as the judges. The bounty was indeed lavish:
[10 Honorable mentions - 5 batches of tier 6 ingredients]
Such a reward would be a treasure for any serious apothecary. But the true prize, the one that set his heart racing, was the recognition of a Distinguished Exhibit.
[3 Distinguished exhibits - added 2 batches of tier 7 ingredients]
Tier 7 ingredients held a legendary status among the apothecary community. They were the stuff of legends, substances that no amount of spirit stones could buy. They were rare and precious, like the [celestial essence] he own, ingredients that apothecaries guarded like a dragon hoarding its gold.
Emery had spent long months laboring over the [Metamorph potion], a creation aimed at fixing the genetic inconsistencies in his plant creatures. While he had made considerable strides, the lure of tier 7 ingredients promised a breakthrough and will certainly further improve the potion's potency.
The possibility of winning such coveted resources intensified his resolve to participate in the prestigious Vanyar Potion Master Forum. All that remained was the selection of his three best original potions, the gathering of the necessary ingredients, and the honing of his skills in their creation. The question hung in the air,
"Which one should I exhibit?" Time was of the essence - the forum was just a week away.
#####
Fast forward a few days, and the city of Vanyar Canta hummed with an electric atmosphere. It was hosting the much-anticipated Vanyar Potion Master Forum, an event that came around only once every decade. Visitors from every corner of the planet and even beyond flocked to the city, eager to witness this grand gathering. The usually serene city was transformed into a bustling hive of excitement and anticipation.
Emery, ready to make his mark, walked towards the Canta City Grove, the designated venue for the forum. Accompanying him were his trusted companions: Morgana andTwik, plus the respected father-daughter duo of Grand Magus Agnor and Helena, renowned in the apothecary circles for their wisdom and expertise.
The event was a selective gathering, only the most prominent of the apothecary world, along with the most influential nobility of the wood elves. It was a sight to behold, with saints, magus, and even a smattering of grand magus congregating for the spectacle.
Seeing so many gatherings of elves, even the arrivals of some high elves, dark elves, and even a few humans made Emery a little cautious. Elder Agnor however assures him that none will be making trouble on such Vanyar grand event.
The Grove itself was a testament to nature's architecture. A sprawling edifice crafted entirely from forest vines, it teemed with blossoms of countless hues and vibrant foliage. It emanated an aura of tranquility and ancient wisdom that enveloped every visitor, setting the stage for the alchemical marvels that would soon unfold.
Crossing the threshold into the central chamber, Emery felt an intoxicating rush of enchantment. Sunlight filtered through the immense flower-shaped windows, casting a soothing, otherworldly glow over the space. The air was laden with the scent of rare herbs and exotic blossoms, an olfactory symphony that both calmed the nerves and ignited the imagination.
The central chamber was an ode to Mother Nature herself. A canopy of towering trees stood sentinel over a carpet of emerald moss and grass, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling activity. Each sunbeam that filtered through the leaves cast a dappled pattern on the ground, adding an ethereal touch to the already enchanting scene.
Emery and his companions, now immersed in this captivating atmosphere, were received by a battalion of Sylvari guards and Grove officials, all garbed in vibrant attire that complimented the surrounding greenery.
They methodically checked the invitations of the incoming guests, a task executed with precision and grace. The Elder pair of Agnor and Helena required no such formality, their stature within the community beyond question. As for Emery, he had assigned Morgana and Twik as his apothecary assistants, allowing them to accompany him to the prestigious gathering.
Inside the heart of the Grove, wood elves adorned in flowing robes moved with a delicate, purposeful grace. Many faces were familiar to Emery; despite its wide reach, the apothecary community fostered a close-knit camaraderie. He recognized Maksin, the prodigious young wood elf from Canta City who had been making waves within the community. Another familiar face was Liandrin, a disciple of a renowned Apothecary grandmaster. Her presence attracted attention from every corner of the Grove, like a shining beacon.
'Master Merlin" Helena called with much excitement as she pointed toward two apothecary masters named Valandil, from Vanyar Otso, the sixth colony. Standing with another figure name Logain, from Vanyar Totlto, the eighth colony. The two were known friends and rivals within the Vanyar apothecary community.
All these renowned names fixed their gaze upon Emery and his companions with a mixture of curiosity and interest. It was not just his recent rise to popularity that drew their attention, but also the fact that he was human amidst a sea of elves.
As Emery observed the conversations and interactions happening around him, he noticed occasional glances directed his way, accompanied by whispers and raised eyebrows. The elves, though polite and restrained in their manners, couldn't entirely conceal their surprise and intrigue at the sight of a human making his mark in their esteemed community.
Emery couldn't help but be reminded once again that, despite his accomplishments and wisdom in the field of alchemy, he would always be judged based on his race.
In the midst of the sensory overload, Emery was taken aback by the sight of a human figure. An elderly man, seemingly out of place, approached him. "You must be the one they call Merlin. I am Grand Master Hazard," he declared.
Took him a second to regain the memory of the past, when he had been evaluated by one of the examinees to become an Artisan more than five years ago. However, the man before him didn't recognize him in his new identity and appearance.
"Yes, I am," Emery replied respectfully.
"Good, young and talented, and courteous," the old grandmaster remarked.
The grandmaster had been invited due to his reputation and friendship with the Vanyar, but he also harbored a genuine interest in seeing a young human apothecary master emerging among the wood elves.
"I will look forward to seeing what you exhibit today, Merlin," he said.
Although it was pleasing to meet a familiar face, Emery chose to keep his true identity concealed, understanding that revealing himself as the reincarnated Merlin could complicate matters. It was pleasing to encounter a familiar face, but the risks outweighed the benefits.
The forum was officially inaugurated with the arrival of Grand Maestro Fein Al Thor, a venerable elf with over 5000 years of wisdom and experience. As he addressed the crowd, his words resonated with profound insight, holding the audience in rapt attention. His commanding presence set the tone for the event, inspiring both awe and reverence.
The seek of knowledge, an eternal perfection. was the message he convey to the audience before calling upon the 100 participants from the crowds to be seen by the whole audience.
With a wave of his hand, Fein Al Thor signaled the commencement of the exhibits. A hundred alcoves materialized around the periphery of the Grove, each carefully designed to provide an intimate space for the participants to showcase their creations. The stage was set for the alchemists to demonstrate their skills and ingenuity, to push the boundaries of their craft.
With the resonating voice of Grand Maestro Fein Al Thor commanding, "Let the Forum begin!"
The competitors embarked on their journey of creation. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, for within those alcoves lay the potential for groundbreaking potions, the alchemical marvels that would captivate the hearts and minds of all who beheld them.
All participants sprang into action, they had exactly three hours to brew and present their three original potions.
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