'Two gold coins can't get it? Maybe even need more?'
In the eyes of the young boy who had always lived a life of not having enough to eat or wear, with low material standard and low consumption level, two gold coins were so much that he might not be able to earn them in most of his life.
The little boy stared for a long while at the drawing he had personally made according to Asher's description.
Nodded his head, with a serious expression said, "Don't worry, I'll definitely find a way to get it for you."
Even if he really couldn't get a photo of it, he would still make an exact replica according to this.
Not for anything else. Just to be worthy of the two gold coins that Asher gave.
Asher had no idea about the little boy's thoughts.
After giving the boy a few instructions, Asher briefly talked about his upcoming itinerary.
Tana Town.
Three Hundred Town.
Ander City.
Twin City.
"Might also be other unexpected things? If so, I'll find a way to contact you and let you know."
The little boy had no objections.
"These towns all have alchemists and developed transportation, as long as you're in them I can get in touch with you."
"Don't worry!"
"What you've entrusted to me, I'll definitely get it done!"
Whether or not he should worry, hard to say.
Asher had more or less handed over this matter to the little boy.
As for other parts of Tana Town, Asher wasn't too interested anymore. What he was most interested in now was that alchemy workshop.
Asher planned to go have a look.
———
"From the sound of it, this should be a natural-type alchemist."
In the small room.
Asher was changing into his clothes while thinking about the news he had just heard from the little boy.
And also Amelia's attitude before.
Very much recommended he come to Tana Town and Ander City.
If nothing unexpected happened, most of the alchemy workshops and alchemists in these two places leaned toward the natural school.
But to Asher it didn't matter.
He had never intended to become an alchemist.
Having talent was one thing. But that didn't mean he had to do this thing.
After changing into his clothes, he draped on the black cloak. Limited Disguise Edition Asher grandly appeared.
Thinking it over, Asher brought along the Cat-Worm.
"Meow!"
"Meow! Meow!"
The Cat-Worm released by Asher had a proud look on its face.
That head held high and chest puffed up expression, just short of writing the word "proud" on its face.
Okay… the Cat-Worm didn't hold back at all.
It just straight up wrote it on its face.
"Meow! Meow!"
'Hmph hmph~'
'Big Sis Boss isn't here!'
'Today this dragon is the king!'
Asher: "..."
Asher helplessly facepalmed.
He knew it.
Asher knew even more…
Little Raven was currently making a ruckus in the mental sea's beast space.
That was also quite normal for Little Raven.
As for why Asher chose the Cat-Worm instead of Little Raven…
"Good little one, good."
"At this moment, the Cat-Worm is more inconspicuous, and if we're being honest, it actually fits the natural school's definition of familiars more."
Creatures that had been nurtured and modified to a certain extent, possessing intelligence similar to humans.
Compared to Little Raven who only looked fierce on the outside, the Cat-Worm gave off more of that feeling.
Little Raven: ╭(╯^╰)╮
Although, but.
Understanding is one thing.
Being angry is another thing.
'Damn it!'
'When Big Sister Raven comes out, she's definitely going to give this stinky cat a good beating.'
Asher: "..."
'Alright, alright! This bowl of water really can't be held level.'
'Just let it be like this!"
'Make do and get by!'
Otherwise, what else can he do?
Thinking of this, Asher helplessly sighed again and gave the Cat-Worm a "good luck" kind of look.
The Cat-Worm, happy to the point of madness, didn't even notice Asher's look.
'Good luck? What good luck?'
'Isn't this my moment of joy right now?'
Asher bent down, raised his hand, and prepared to pick up the Cat-Worm.
Then… exerted strength, took a deep breath, exerted strength again.
Asher repeated this action twice before he barely managed to lift the Cat-Worm.
"This weight…"
Asher wanted to say something, but when he lowered his head, he was met with the Cat-Worm's teary puppy-dog eyes.
Just ask, what can Asher do? Nothing.
Asher helplessly waved his hand, "Alright, alright, as long as it doesn't affect your weight, just make do like this for now."
The Cat-Worm was fine.
The tears were instantly gone.
Not even a drop left.
Asher gave a dry chuckle.
He knew it.
Holding the Cat-Worm with one hand, its soft belly was just caught.
The Cat-Worm kicked its six legs uncomfortably.
Asher used his other hand to lightly pat the Cat-Worm's butt.
"That's enough already."
"You've got thick scales."
"It can't possibly be that uncomfortable."
"Meow! Meow!"
The Cat-Worm whimpered and protested twice, but the voice gradually faded.
Cat-Worm: 'Fine, it's still manageable!'
'Then let's go with this for now!
———
The location of the alchemy workshop wasn't hard to find.
However…
"Sigh! This is already my third time here, and I still haven't seen that master's workshop…"
"This is only your third time, I've already been here fifteen times! Still haven't seen it!"
"Hehehe! I'm different! I saw it on my eighth visit! The master even specially had someone invite me into the workshop to organize tools!"
"That's just doing chores!"
"…Hmph! Not everyone is qualified to go in and do chores!"
Asher: 'Hm?'
'Can't see it…?'
'But isn't this alchemy workshop right in front of me?'
Asher looked again uncertainly.
A very interesting structure.
A clever blend of plants and parts.
The door looked kind of like the large vault doors Asher had seen before, with a big rotating handle.
Looking closely, one could see that there seemed to be carvings of patterns and designs on the door.
All of them were plant patterns.
Asher, however, thought of the teleportation array he had encountered before.
That was also an alchemist's trick.
Asher couldn't help but question in his heart, 'No way? Is this really an alchemist, or a magician?'
'This isn't scientific!'
'Although beast taming isn't very scientific either.'
But at least it was still within Asher's understanding.
But these things in front of him…
"How many visits does it usually take to see that master's workshop?"
Taking advantage of a lull in the discussion around him, Asher softly asked.
What Asher didn't expect was—
This question was like a spark landing on dry hay.
Instantly igniting the crowd with massive energy.
"My neighbor's kid saw it on the sixth time!"
"That's nothing! My aunt's nephew's girlfriend saw it on the fifth visit!"
"That's still too many! My village teacher's son's classmate saw it on the fourth visit! Rumor has it he even became that master's apprentice!"
"You wish! See it in four visits and become an apprentice? That's a rumor! Definitely a rumor! That master personally said it, three times is the limit! Beyond that, absolutely won't accept apprentices!"
"…What if that classmate was an exception?"
"Pfft! Keep talking nonsense!"
"I really know this! An orphan from our village saw that master's workshop in just two visits and was then taken in by the master's disciple!"
Everyone who had just been comparing fell silent.
Two visits.
That was already the limit of their understanding.
Any faster than that… they truly hadn't heard of it.
And couldn't even imagine it.
Could someone really see through the alchemy array set by that master in just one try?
Totally unimaginable.
Even the gifted… would need at least two times, right?
Asher, who had first asked the question, stayed silent hidden in the crowd, quietly absorbing the information he needed.
And at the same time, he felt relieved about his initial decision.
Good, good.
He hadn't said it out loud, otherwise it would've been hard to explain.
Seeing the crowd starting to calm down, with signs of dispersing, Asher timely threw out another topic.
"When does that master usually come out?"
"Wonder if I'd be lucky enough to encounter him."
'Oh?'
"Young man, you're asking the right person! I've personally seen that master!"
"Nonsense! When did you see him? Name the time if you dare!"
"Why wouldn't I have seen him? I saw that master just a month ago! He came out to greet a friend!"
"Yeah right! That master never comes out the main door. He has a personal teleportation array for visiting friends!"
Noisy chatter.
Even more information revealed.
Asher did a simple summary.
He does go out, but rarely.
There is a personal teleportation array.
At least the common destinations are covered.
But in special situations, he might use other ways to go out, people who've seen the alchemist must've met him under such special circumstances.
Summary:
A chance encounter is extremely difficult.
Asher's wish to see the familiar also fell through.
The chances of meeting were just too small.
Asher clicked his tongue.
'Is it really that exaggerated?'
'Surely not every alchemist is socially anxious?'
Just like beast tamers. There are socially anxious beast tamers. But also very flamboyant ones who love to show off.
Human diversity, fully displayed in moments like this.
So… Asher didn't want to dive into conspiracy theories.
But his brain wouldn't allow that.
A bunch of strange possibilities flashed through Asher's mind.
Every one of them was quite interesting.
But to match the current situation… he'd need to see it with his own eyes, get close to a real alchemist, that's when he'd get the most information.
Thinking that, Asher silently withdrew from the crowd.
Among the black-robed people, Asher's solitary departure didn't attract any attention.
———
He left right away.
Asher was not someone who dragged things out.
He found the means of travel in this era.
Luxury version: teleportation array, costs 10 to 100 gold coins to nearby towns.
Asher had money, but not for that, decisively passed.
Affordable version: carriage, costs 10 copper coins to 100 silver coins depending on the destination.
Depending on how far the place was.
Carriage luxury and comfort level.
Level of security.
Asher felt this was the most suitable way for him to travel.
Free version: walking.
Unless one was truly broke without a single coin, they wouldn't pick this option.
At least Asher certainly wouldn't go that cheap, even if he could secretly use his jellyfish as transport.
This was just in case. What if something unexpected really happened?
Asher looked around and ultimately chose the highest-tier carriage to Three Hundred Town.
"100 silver coins, guaranteed to provide you with the most comfortable service."
"The entire trip takes one day and one night, with top-notch meals provided."
"Please rest assured."
Asher nodded nonchalantly.
Also, this time, Asher wasn't going to be that dumb rich sucker anymore.
One gold coin.
Got 1000 silver coins in change.
The carriage company probably still profited, they could sell it at market highs later.
That wasn't Asher's concern.
He wasn't settling in this era, no need to pinch pennies.
80 gold coins, no, 75 gold coins and 1000 silver coins, should be enough for his next expenses, right?
Asher nodded.
Completely unaware he had just set up a flag.
Getting on the carriage to Three Hundred Town, Asher sighed again: the technological tree of alchemy was really being invested in some weird places.
No bumps the whole ride.
Didn't even feel like he was riding transportation.
If not for the speed, Asher would've felt like he was on a bullet train.
Of course, because Asher chose the most expensive package, the comfort and space were even better than business class on a bullet train.
'
Wait no.'
Looking at the food served, Asher mentally drew a big X.
'Not better, not better.'
'It really isn't as good as high-speed rail.'
Even if high-speed rail food is expensive, it's understandable.
And the taste is still okay.
But this?
Asher didn't even want to comment.
"Honestly, if I really had to settle in this era, I think just by cooking instant noodles, I could become the world's richest man."
His instant noodles were tastier than this stuff.
And Asher didn't just know how to cook noodles.
He could make some simple meals too.
Living alone meant being this versatile.
No other choice.
If you don't want to eat, there's nothing else anyway.
Surely he can't just eat cat treats, right?
That's not Asher's style.
"That's it. Once full, you don't feel so bothered," Asher slumped in the carriage, lazily petting the Cat-Worm.
Then Asher snapped out of it.
'Can't keep slouching like this. Who knows what time it will be when I go back.'
'What if time passes differently like "a year in the mountains is a thousand years in the world"?'
Of course.
Asher didn't think something like that would really happen.
Some deviation in time was normal.
But he still couldn't waste time.
'Train! Meditate!'
If his pets couldn't train, then he needed to grow stronger himself.
The stronger, the better.
Taking a few deep breaths, Asher calmed his messy mood and began deep meditation.
Having not meditated for a while, Asher noticed, 'Huh?'
'Maybe it isn't my illusion?'
It was easier to enter meditation here, and once in that state, the effect was even better.
Not just a slight improvement.
But the kind you could clearly and intuitively feel.
Asher couldn't help but widen his eyes.
Although he didn't know what was going on, he wouldn't waste the opportunity.
Make the most of it.
Quickly train.
What Asher didn't know was that while he was meditating, something stirred outside the carriage.
The coachman and bodyguard responsible for protecting Asher both showed surprised expressions.
They exchanged glances.
"Inside, is that…"
"An alchemist?"
"Shouldn't be, right? Don't alchemists all use teleportation arrays to travel? They wouldn't care about our carriage service."
"Maybe it's a quirky alchemist?"
They lowered their voices and whispered.
As for Asher being poor?
That option never crossed their minds.
Not to mention whether Asher was really an alchemist.
The fact that Asher casually paid with a gold coin and didn't care about the change proved he was definitely not short on money.
Not someone they could afford to offend.
But if Asher really was an alchemist, could they try to get on his good side?
Everyone's imagination ran wild.
"Achoo—", Asher sneezed loudly and rubbed his nose.
'So who is talking about me behind my back?'
'Vicky?'
Asher shook his head.
Didn't think his good buddy had that kind of courage, probably could rule that out.
"But…", thinking of Vicky, Asher sighed again, "I wonder how things are going back there."
Was he missing for over a day, or unconscious?
If he really was missing…
'Hopefully, nothing serious happened!'
Asher thought sometimes it was better to be optimistic.
———
As expected by Asher—
The alchemist in Three Hundred Town was also someone hard to see.
Almost impossible to meet.
The only interesting thing to Asher was that alchemist's workshop.
Compared to the one in Tana Town, it had more of that feeling.
"Then no need to go to Ander City, straight to Twin City."
Asher stroked his chin and decisively made the call.
After all, he didn't plan on bumping into Amelia again.
Just go to the city he was more interested in, Twin City.
Got on the carriage again.
———
This time it took even longer.
Three whole days and nights later, Asher finally arrived at Twin City from Three Hundred Town.
Looking at the towering, metallic-colored city walls, thick, massive, ancient yet carrying a sense of freshness, Asher couldn't help but show a surprised expression.
'This… this really is…'
"Amazing!", Asher muttered.
What surprised Asher even more, at the city gate, there was no one guarding.
Asher: "?"
The carriage moved forward, and Asher took a closer look, then he discovered the reason.
Cannons.
Magic arrays.
And things that Asher couldn't even identify based on his knowledge, all engraved on the city wall.
"No wonder it's a big city," Asher commented with emotion.
The staff outside the carriage nodded at his words, "Twin City is the most prosperous town in this region!"
Saying that, the staff's tone carried a hint of pride.
Asher grew curious.
"What about Ander City?"
The staff coughed, his voice sounding hesitant. After mumbling for a bit, he still said, "Ander City is also impressive… but it's different from Twin City."
"Different!"
The staff's tone gradually became excited.
Asher wasn't intimidated.
He nodded, "Yeah, I haven't seen Ander City, but this Twin City in front of me definitely looks very impressive."
Hearing Asher's words, the staff slowly calmed down.
He showed a slightly embarrassed expression, "Really sorry for scaring you, sir."
The carriage passed inspection and officially entered Twin City.
In front and behind Asher's carriage, there were many others like it.
All travelers coming to Twin City.
The carriage stopped at the station, and Asher got out, ready to leave.
Just then, the staff who had spoken excitedly before hurried up, leaned close to Asher, hesitated for a moment, then still spoke:
"Sir… if you truly admire Twin City from your heart, I suggest you absolutely do not go to Ander City."
After saying that, before Asher could ask, the staff turned and left.
Asher looked at the man and in the end said nothing. He too turned and walked away.
As for what the man said… Asher neither confirmed nor denied.
Just listened.
Making the judgment, this was something for him to decide.
Whether or not to go to Ander City, and when to go to Ander City, were both his personal decisions.
Asher patted his clothes and turned to enter Twin City.
Old routine. First find a place to stay, then wander around and gather some information.
And by the way, see if there were any channels through which he could learn about alchemy.
Asher's calculations were clattering away.
Just as he lifted his foot and hadn't yet stepped out, the scene around him suddenly changed abnormally.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Countless streams of light streaked past Asher's side.
Strange phenomena also appeared in the sky.
Golden, red, black… all sorts of colored meteors carrying blazing flames came crashing down fiercely onto this land.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Asher seemed to hear the sound of a huge explosion.
The sound of weeping.
Countless chaotic noises mixed together.
In front of Asher's eyes flashed a kaleidoscope of brilliant lights.
He reached out as if he could touch something, but in reality, he couldn't touch anything.
Asher took a deep breath.
He opened his eyes wide and stared at the scene before him.
What Asher didn't notice was, when he wasn't aware of it, the contracted beasts in his spirit sea beast-taming space came out one after another.
Until Little Raven threw itself into his arms, only then did Asher come to his senses.
"…Why did you all come out?", Asher's expression blanked out for a moment.
What? His spirit sea beast-taming space, the contracted beasts at home could already come and go freely?
Seems like not all of them.
Previously, Little Raven had seemed able to come and go freely in his beast-taming space.
But Asher had sensed it early and suppressed the eager Little Raven.
This time Asher let down his guard.
And Little Raven seized the opportunity.
Asher looked down at Little Raven helplessly.
Little Raven opened its big gold-red eyes and looked up at Asher with a pitiful gaze.
"Chirp!"
"Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!"
'The bird was worried about you.'
'The bird wanted to see you.'
Asher was instantly speechless.
Who could reject such a heartfelt concern?
Whether others could or not, Asher couldn't.
Completely unable to refuse even a little.
Asher hugged Little Raven in one arm and scooped up the Cat-Worm with the other.
"Meow! Meow!", The Cat-Worm hung happily on Asher's elbow, its simple doodle face showing a strangely joyful expression.
'As expected! What the Beastmaster loves most is this dragon!'
'Even at a time like this, he didn't forget this dragon!'
Little Raven: "..."
╭(╯^╰)╮
'The bird is not jealous!'
'The bird is the Beastmaster's true favorite!'
Balancing affection must be done thoroughly.
Asher helplessly turned himself into a display rack.
Little White Snake tightly coiled around Asher's thigh and waist.
Little Jellyfish was more like hugging Asher from behind.
Angel and World Tree Lily stood on Asher's left and right like his bodyguards.
"This is… the scene of mythical creatures from ancient times descending upon the world?", Asher looked at the strange visions in the sky and the era's strange events, and couldn't help muttering.
Little Raven and the others also stared unblinkingly at this seemingly fast-forwarded scene.
Not necessarily.
Asher looked at the giant beasts surfacing from the surging sea.
The monsters awakening from the sun.
The hulking giants roused from the mountains and rivers… maybe they originally came from this world?
Just had always been in some dormant state.
What awakened them?
Asher's gaze involuntarily fell upon those alchemists. An answer already formed in his heart.
The conflict between two factions.
Bit by bit, drop by drop, it accumulated until finally it became a giant mountain pressing down on the head of this era.
Asher let out a long sigh.
There were still questions left unanswered.
But for him right now, the problem was—
"What the—?"
"How am I supposed to get back?"
Asher felt his head swell with confusion.
Everything around him didn't seem to have affected him much.
But that didn't mean Asher could just move.
He didn't dare move rashly.
Afraid that one wrong step would cause him to step into the rapidly flowing streams of time.
Asher definitely didn't think this was all fake.
It was real. Far too real.
At this moment, the slideshow-like rapid flashes of scenes suddenly stopped.
Asher froze.
He was still standing there, not moving.
Everything around him quieted down. Only then did Asher dare to cautiously take a small step forward.
And that single step seemed to alert the people around.
"Who's there?"
"Come out!"
"How did a stranger sneak into the Alchemy Workshop?"
"Wait! Those summoned beasts…"
"No, wait? They don't look like summoned beasts?"
A group of people looked at Asher and his beasts with guarded expressions. They tightly gripped the weapons in their hands, looking like they would rush forward and subdue Asher at the slightest provocation.
Asher, rare to be treated as the villain: "..."
He opened his mouth to explain.
But after a long pause, he didn't know what to say.
No matter what he said, it all felt a bit off?
"Uh…", After thinking for a bit, Asher still opened his mouth to ask, "Where is this?"
"Is this still Twin City?"
Asher couldn't be sure how much time had passed in the slideshow.
Maybe ten or twenty years.
Maybe a hundred or two hundred years.
The sudden arrival of the event had been too fast.
So fast that no one had time to react.
Hearing Asher's question, the people still showed no signs of lowering their guard. Their eyes toward Asher became even more wary.
Several people exchanged glances.
Even though they didn't speak.
Even an onlooker like Asher could roughly guess what they were discussing.
'Take me in?'
Asher was helpless.
If it came to a fight, don't blame him.
He wasn't the type to sit and wait to die with a good temper.
Waiting for death didn't match his aesthetic.
Before both sides could fight, a sudden shout rang out.
"Everyone stop right there!"
Asher hadn't reacted yet.
The others froze instantly upon hearing it.
Their expressions all turned serious and respectful.
"Sir!"
"What brings you here?"
"Did the disturbance outside bother you? We'll immediately—"
Before they could finish, a black-robed figure slowly walked out of the shadows.
Asher could clearly feel a pair of eyes landing on him.
Asher raised his head and looked in that direction.
There was clear confusion in his gaze.
"It really is you."
The person spoke.
Asher: "?"
The man lowered the oversized hood that came with his cloak.
A strange, aged, and thoroughly elderly face appeared before Asher's eyes.
"You are…?", Asher asked uncertainly.
He was very sure.
He didn't know this person.
But the look in the other person's eyes made him feel… maybe they had interacted before.
'That can't be right?'
Asher recalled all the people he had come across recently and mentally compared them one by one with this old man.
Asher furrowed his brow.
"Little Bro…?", The old man across from him chuckled softly when he heard that, the laughter filled with happiness and a hint of calm.
"Didn't expect you'd still recognize me."
"It's been so many years."
"Little Bro… so that's what you used to call me? That's quite amusing. I like it."
Little Bro… ah no, using that name at this moment seems no longer appropriate.
The aged Little Bro had a wrinkled face and weary eyes, but when looking at Asher, there was still vitality and a smile in his gaze.
The others around had already fallen into prolonged shock.
They stared dumbfounded at the scene before them.
They felt as if they had been immersed into the environment.
Otherwise, how could they imagine something so absurd?
"Mm… should we change places to talk?", Asher glanced at those people and once again said something similar to what he had said in the past.
But the difference was, this time, Asher could tell that the aged Little Bro had gained great fame and prestige. Those people were all worshippers of the aged Little Bro.
Seeing their idol display a side they had never seen before… the emotional blow to these people must've been significant.
The aged Little Bro nodded with a smile.
"Please come with me."
"Just in time, the thing I promised I'd help you find, I've already gotten some clues. It's time to hand it over to you."
As he spoke, the aged Little Bro turned and walked ahead.
Asher quickly followed.
The others just silently watched the aged Little Bro take Asher away, having no thoughts of stopping him, nor did they dare to.
The farther Asher followed the aged Little Bro inward, the more a strange expression surfaced on his face.
It wasn't his imagination.
Asher felt like the road beneath his feet… seemed kind of familiar?
Even the surrounding architectural style looked somewhat familiar.
Could it be because of the Alchemy Workshop?
He hadn't explored the Alchemy Workshop of this era.
But in his own time, due to archaeological research, Asher had encountered Alchemy Workshops before.
If the internal structures were similar, then finding it familiar wouldn't be that strange.
The aged Little Bro walking in front didn't know what Asher was thinking.
He only spoke softly.
"One hundred years have passed, and you're still as young as before."
Asher: "???"
'Wait wait wait?'
'When?'
'A hundred years have passed?'
The aged Little Bro didn't need Asher's reply, continuing to speak to himself, "Back then, when I received your request, I began searching for that fragment."
"Unfortunately, just as you said, it was incredibly difficult."
"Like a stone sinking into the sea."
"A stone that doesn't even cause a splash."
"If it were me now, I definitely would've given up. But back then, I didn't want to, couldn't accept it, and wasn't willing."
"So I came up with a plan: become an alchemy apprentice."
The aged Little Bro quietly spoke of his thoughts back then.
Asher didn't speak.
He simply listened silently.
"I spent a year and a half gathering information. Altogether, I spent two hundred silver coins. Just as you said, the expenses were too high."
"That was a world I couldn't even imagine before you told me about it."
Two hundred silver coins just to gather information.
And no results.
Saying it didn't hurt would be a lie.
Back then, Little Bro saw that throwing money at the issue likely wouldn't work, so he gritted his teeth and made a decision, become an alchemy apprentice.
It was an incredibly difficult thing.
At least for the Little Bro of the past, it was completely unthinkable.
He had learned to draw only because he held a tiny spark of dream in his heart.
After searching fruitlessly, Little Bro developed other ideas.
His social status was too low.
The circles he could access were too limited.
If he were higher in status, more powerful, would he be able to fulfill Asher's commission?
That was a gold coin.
A gold coin that freed him from ragged clothes and starvation.
Young Little Bro, whether or not he was a good person, was definitely someone with a conscience.
So, the young Little Bro went to take the alchemy apprentice examination.
Children over the age of ten could participate.
Qualification test.
Ability test.
Three days total. Self-funded: one gold coin.
A full gold coin.
To the high-ranking noble class, it wasn't much, perhaps even too cheap.
But to the lower classes, it was a dream that could almost never be achieved in a lifetime.
Because they didn't accept silver coins.
No matter how many.
Only real gold coins.
But Little Bro had one.
He went. It went even more smoothly than Little Bro imagined.
"I passed the test."
"I had the highest innate potential among all the children, a full decahedron."
When others only had one or two faces, unable to form even a solid shape, he had a ten-faced polyhedron.
It shocked everyone.
And he immediately received the best treatment, he was swarmed by alchemists.
Everyone wanted to take in this hidden gem as their most talented disciple.
And then…
"I chose a natural school alchemist, sir."
Asher: "?"
'Huh? That's not right?'
Asher looked left and right.
Confirmed that his eyes weren't mistaken.
There were clearly mechanical school patterns on the walls.
Asher was very sure.
These two schools, he had learned enough beforehand to know how they worked and wouldn't mix them up based on pattern.
The aged Little Bro didn't look back.
But just from the rustling Asher made while glancing around, he could already guess what Asher was thinking.
Thinking of this, the aged Little Bro curled his lips and smiled slightly.
He had truly grown up.
"Yes, I joined the natural school at the time, because I thought you were there."
The aged Little Bro didn't hide a thing as he spoke, "Back then, I thought, even if I couldn't find any information alone, at least I could find you and be your assistant."
Provide information.
Offer help.
Make Asher's path smoother.
But Little Bro never imagined, after parting with Asher back then, it was as if it were a farewell forever. He never saw Asher again.
"I found the alchemist associated with the badge from that time, but still couldn't find any clues about you."
Only scattered words.
Only one apprentice said the spatial pouch given out contained quite a few badges from the teacher.
Nothing else beyond that.
Little Bro firmly believed that Asher wouldn't be in trouble.
But part of him also felt… Asher looked kind of silly. If something did happen to him, maybe it wouldn't be that surprising?
"Don't think I can't tell you're roasting me in your head just because you're not talking," Asher said helplessly.
The aged Little Bro chuckled, "If you know, then you know! I don't mind!"
'He's old & thick-skinned.'
Asher: "..."
This kind of person who doesn't care at all… Asher truly didn't know what to do with him right now.
"And later…", after laughing, the aged Little Bro's tone turned melancholic again.
Later?
With his outstanding talent and bright future, Little Bro never forgot Asher's commission, but he no longer pursued it as his most important mission like when he was young.
Instead, whenever he had the chance, he investigated.
Letting fate guide it.
Until—
"Before I officially became an alchemist, I encountered the core of the natural school, I couldn't accept it."
"It was cruel, an irresponsible approach to life."
"The natural school… was nothing but those who would stop at nothing for their ambitions and goals."
The aged Little Bro coldly snorted.
Asher sighed lightly, "You're amazing."
Asher could imagine the situation back then.
Already part of the natural school, about to rise, with great potential as an alchemist, right before taking the stage, he saw an unacceptable side of it.
Would natural school alchemists be willing to let a profit like him walk away? Impossible.
So, conflict arose.
As someone still young, Little Bro must have had a hard time facing it all.
But…
"You still did it."
"Yeah, I did," The aged Little Bro chuckled, "But what I didn't expect was how quickly their retribution came."
The world changed.
Mythical creatures appeared.
They were irreconcilable with alchemists.
The mechanical school fared a bit better.
Not a single one of the natural school survived.
But even mechanical school alchemists couldn't rejoice, space for their survival was being squeezed as well.
At this rate…
"Extinction is also our fate," the aged Little Bro said without exaggeration.
The mechanical school would just die a little later than the natural school.
No better off.
"We went through a very difficult, painful, mentally struggling time."
"What supported me through it all was your still-unfulfilled commission."
Asher was stunned.
'Huh?'
"Yes," The aged Little Bro nodded, leading Asher through a corridor, turned a corner, and another corridor appeared.
They kept walking.
"I couldn't find the fragment you wanted me to look for."
"I was unwilling."
"Even if I were to die, I wanted to head into death without regrets."
"So I started investigating the fragment again, but no trace."
Hiss—
Asher felt a headache coming on.
Truly nothing?
He had a feeling, if he wanted to go back, he might really need that thing.
Just then, Asher heard the aged Little Bro say, "I thought of an idea."
"What is it?", Asher couldn't help sounding curious.
"If I can't find it, and I'm an alchemist, why can't I make one myself?", said the aged Little Bro as he stopped, turning back to Asher. [T/N: Holy s*it.]
Asher showed a shocked expression.
'Wait… wait what?'
'You can do that?'
The aged Little Bro used his actions to tell Asher, 'Yes! Of course I can! Why not?'
He made it. Exactly the same.
The aged Little Bro brought Asher to a massive room.
Behind them was a tightly shut heavy door.
The aged Little Bro didn't go back, instead, he pulled out a complete circular object from a set of instruments in front.
Asher took one look and confirmed.
It was this.
The fragment that brought him to this era.
At this moment, it was finally whole, and brand new.
Asher took a deep breath.
He truly hadn't expected it.
'That this thing… is actually made by Little Bro?'
'For real?'
'What kind of closed-loop is this?'
Even more shocking to Asher… was that tightly shut, heavy door.
Asher held the disk and looked at that door, his eyes flashing with emotions no one else could understand.
Only Asher knew how shocked he was inside.
That was, the place where he had encountered the "Ultimate Weapon" before.
Behind that door was the ultimate weapon.
His Angel.
Asher looked again at this aged Little Bro, and his gaze changed.
He did know, the ultimate weapon came from the end of the Alchemy Era, created by those powerful alchemists.
It was the culmination of mechanical school alchemy.
But Asher never expected, 'Little Bro was the one overseeing the operation?'
The aged Little Bro also noticed how long Asher stared at the door, "What's wrong?"
Asher thought for a moment, then softly asked, "Behind that door… what is it?"
The aged Little Bro stared at Asher for a while.
Finally, he showed a meaningful smile.
He looked at the door, eyes filled with indescribable melancholy, "What is it…"
"Maybe it's our last ambition and hope…"
Hope. Hope that the Alchemy Era wouldn't fall.
Hope. Hope that their descendants could still walk freely on this land.
Hope that… the aged Little Bro shut his mouth.
But Asher already understood what he meant.
"I…", Asher thought he might say something, but before he could speak, that feeling of weightlessness and time flying returned once more.
The disk in Asher's hand began heating up again.
Asher: "!"
'I am going back?'
The aged Little Bro also whipped around to look at Asher.
Just one glance, and the two were now separated by two eras.
Asher personally witnessed the fall of the Alchemy Era.
Alchemy became a relic of the past, never inherited by anyone again.
Even the "Ultimate Weapon" created at the time couldn't defeat the mythical creatures. Even awakening was difficult and shaky.
Asher looked at the "Ultimate Weapon" about to be extinguished and couldn't help it, he made one more attempt.
To Asher's surprise, the attempt that had always failed before, miraculously succeeded this time?
He took the Ultimate Weapon's body away.
The Ultimate Weapon gave birth to a soul.
It stood quietly there.
And fell asleep.
"…It's really mine now?", Asher's mouth fell open, unable to say a complete sentence. Even more shocking to him was, "The painstaking material gathering step can just be skipped?"
He swore, he had never imagined it could go like this.
Not even a little.
This was truly an unexpected development.
Angel flew out from Asher's spirit sea beast-taming space. One eyeball and a larger mechanical eyeball began to fuse.
Before Asher could take a good look at this strange scene, his gaze was pulled away by another scene.
The golden crow sank in the west.
The Kunpeng dove into the sea.
The golden dragon fell.
It was the extinction of mythical creatures.
They defended their dignity with their lives on this land, completely altering the landscape of an entire era.
And then, came the coexistence of humans and beasts.
Many emotions passed through Asher's heart.
He wanted to see more, but his vision blurred, a pitch-black darkness.
Before Asher could react, he felt a figure pounce heavily onto him.
"Brother Asher!"
"Holy crap!"
"I thought you were dead!"
Vicky's loud voice suddenly rang in Asher's ear. Asher's eyes flashed with a moment of confusion.
"…What's going on? How long has it been? Why are you so worked up?"
Vicky slapped Asher's shoulder hard and shouted, "You suddenly disappeared just now. A whole hour! If I couldn't find you, I was really gonna call someone!"
"You almost scared me to death, you know that!"
Asher: "..."
'Less than an hour?'
'You're joking, right?'
He felt like he'd spent far longer in that time-rushing space.
"Let's go back first."
"Sure sure sure!"
Vicky had no objections.
Way too nerve-wracking for the heart.
Better go back fast.
Asher glanced at the fully formed Angel in his spirit sea beast-taming space and once again confirmed—
Yeah. Everything that just happened wasn't a dream.
It was all real.
So… next, he had a lot to digest.
———
"Elite talents gathered."
"The stars shine."
"This is an era where geniuses rise in droves."
"Countless brilliant stars light up the night sky of this era together."
"But one star took everyone's gaze."
"It's a star, a moon, and a sun! The undying radiance of the era!"
"Lighting up above us! Illuminating our sky and our heads!"
"He is—"
"The greatest pet beast evolution research professor of this era, a world-class national treasure."
"And also an extremely outstanding Tier 9 Beast Tamer."
"He and his beasts once saved the world."
"Provided us with a safer, more stable environment to live in."
"Let us all shout his name—"
Countless cheers and shouts rang out, gathering together, forming one name.
The name of the era.
The name of glory.
Whether you walk the path of a Beast Tamer or a pet evolution professor, or even if you're just an ordinary person, you've definitely heard this name:
"ASHER!"
Asher. A name that pioneered a new era.
Never to be forgotten.
[🎉 Shoutout to—Kearnsy8, Greysubzero, Lanterny, ທ້າວບຸນປະເສີດ, Incapable_Baker, Natthan, Derrick, Farhan, VS, Karnto—for joining patreon. Thank you very much.🤗]
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