“What?” Everyone shouted in shock. A bottle fell out of someone’s hand and broke into pieces as it crashed to the ground. Nobody expected the medicine they tasted to be poison!
It was supposed to be just an easy examination to identify the components of the medicine. How did it turn into a life-threatening situation? Was it necessary for the examination to be so extreme?
“Dr. Watkins, isn’t this going too far?” The invigilator frowned. Linden had always done his best to save lives, so using poison to test them seemed unusual.
“There is a fine line between medicine and poison. There are times when poison can also be used to save lives. It all depends on how someone uses them. As long as it’s effective, it doesn’t matter how it’s being used,” Linden said seriously. “But-”
“Enough.” The invigilator was about to say something when Linden raised a hand and cut him off. “The Stoneray Order does not accept incompetent students. Anyone who isn’t confident in your own skills, you may choose to quit.
“All you need to do is walk straight to the door, collect the antidote, and get the hell out of here. However, your life will be in your own hands if you continue.”
“I. I’m out!”
“Forget it. I don’t want to risk it. I’m giving up.”
“Damn it! This is gambling with our lives! Who would be brave enough to continue? I’m quitting too!”
When they learned their lives were in danger, most gave up.
Although being accepted into the Stoneray Order would promise them a bright future ahead, nobody was willing to risk their lives for it. The price to pay was too high.
Furthermore, if the first test was so difficult, won’t the second test be even more challenging?
Who would want to take such a risk when they were not confident?
Before 30 minutes were over, most people in the hall had left, and only a few people stayed. The remaining ones were either really confident or really skillful.
Since Dustin had already made known that there were aconite and Fritillaria bulbs in the
concoction, it increased their chances of producing the antidote.
“Alright, those who should leave have already left. Those who passed the first test can proceed directly to the second test,” Linden announced.
As soon as he said that, a large door at the side of the hall slowly opened, leading to a big alchemy
room.
It had everything they would need. Many herbs, alchemy furnaces, charcoal, and minerals were
available for them to use.
“Go in.” The invigilator led the group into the alchemy room.
It was a large room. Besides the alchemy equipment, there were rows of cabinets filled with various medicinal herbs. At a glance, it had all sorts of medicinal ingredients. There were even some rare and precious herbs.
“Your second test is to produce a medicinal pill.” When everyone was ready, the invigilator
continued, “On the table before you is a recipe. All you need to do is produce Curax, which will be
your antidote.
“The judging criteria are easy. Whoever produces a higher-quality Curax will receive a higher score. You have an hour. If the pill is successfully produced before times up, it will be considered
a pass.
The timer started counting down, and the invigilator announced, “Your test starts now!’
With no time for hesitation, everyone began moving.
Producing a medicinal pill was challenging to accomplish. And with the time limit of an hour, it was even more difficult
Everyone had to be quick and careful to avoid making mistakes while producing the medicine. Once there was any mistake, it would be a failure.
“You just got lucky in the previous round, bastard! This time, I’m going to crush you!” Preston glared at Dustin and then quickly made his pill. He was going to beat everyone by producing the highest quality Curax!
“Hmph! He’s just an ordinary doctor! Let’s see what other tricks he has up his sleeves!” Miranda said angrily, unwilling to admit defeat.
She put all her effort into producing the medicinal pill. Her pride as a genius did not allow her to be defeated a second time.
“Curax?” Dustin ignored them and read the recipe given. He smiled thoughtfully.
Many people were able to produce medicinal pills. But to stand out and beat everyone, one must put in extra effort and skill.
“That’s odd. Why does my head hurt?”
“I’m having a stomachache. I feel like I might shit my pants!”
“Oh no! It’s the poison’s effect!”
