Finn was startled by Alicia's reaction when she saw the alchemy flame he possessed. He was also confused about what this mysterious flame used in alchemy really implied. The only reason he even had an alchemy flame was because it was granted to him by the Rise of Gods game system. And the game system never provided him any information about different kinds of alchemy flames, because this type of flame was perfectly normal in that world.
'Legendary Blue-Green Alchemy Flame? What's that?' he wondered.
Alicia noticed the puzzled expression on his face. She composed herself and gently released his hand. She studied him intently, as if trying to see through everything about him.
"I've only ever read about the Blue-Green Alchemy Flame in books, and I still can't believe there is actually an Alchemist who possesses this kind of flame. In the world of alchemy, there are different grades of alchemy flames, distinguished by color: Red Alchemy Flame, Orange Alchemy Flame, and Blue Alchemy Flame. The Red Alchemy Flame is just an ordinary kind, while the Orange and Blue are considered uncommon. As for the legendary Blue-Green Alchemy Flame, it exists only in old legends recorded in books," Alicia explained.
After a few moments, she continued, "In the entire history of the Alchemist Association, there has never been a record of an Alchemist possessing this quality of alchemy flame. Even the Blue Alchemy Flame has never been seen in our faction. Only Red and a few Orange Alchemy Flames have been documented. In fact, I myself possess an Orange Alchemy Flame."
Finn could hardly believe what he was hearing. He hadn't expected something like this to exist in this world. He didn't know that even alchemy flames had their own tiers.
"Forgive me, Elder Alicia. But may I know what your real purpose is in coming here?" Finn asked carefully but respectfully.
The young man still didn't understand Alicia's intentions. And truthfully, her presence in the territory of his clan was a major threat.
Alicia's expression turned calm and solemn as she met Finn's golden gaze. She spoke gently, "I heard the news that you are a 9th Level Gold Rank. So I came here to invite you to become a member of the Alchemist Association. Once you are with us, we can ensure your protection as an Alchemist."
'An invitation to join the Alchemist Association? She came all this way to recruit me?' Finn thought.
"But now that I've seen the quality of your alchemy flame, not only can we guarantee your protection—we can also guarantee the protection of your entire clan if you join the Alchemist Association!" Alicia continued, her voice filled with anticipation.
Finn swallowed hard at her words. These were exactly the kinds of words he longed to hear.
'Protection for my whole clan…' he murmured softly.
If he really did become a member of the Alchemist Association, he could ensure his clan's safety. And surely, the Nine Ice Family would no longer dare to harass them. But…
"I'm sorry, but I must decline your very tempting offer," Finn said firmly, closing his eyes for a moment.
Alicia was shocked by his direct rejection. She knew the Azure Wood Family was under threat from the Nine Ice Family, so she couldn't understand why he would refuse such an offer.
"Think it over carefully, Finn Doria. Think about what would be best for you and your clan," Alicia urged.
Finn shook his head gently and spoke in a calm voice, "Elder Alicia, this decision is final. I'm very sorry."
"May I know why?" Alicia asked, slightly frowning.
Finn took a deep breath before replying softly, "I already have an agreement that, in a few days, I will formally join the Cloud Soaring Sect. I cannot break that agreement. Forgive me."
"Cloud Soaring Sect?" Alicia asked, her brow furrowing. She gazed at him steadily and said, "The Cloud Soaring Sect cannot compare to the Alchemist Association. It's true that they have strong backers, but you must understand that they will not protect your clan unless you become one of their most important members. And at your current level and rank, you can forget about that. It might take you years before you become a core member of the Cloud Soaring Sect. You're only a 9th Level Gold Rank. They will never risk the entire Cloud Soaring Sect for you. But in the Alchemist Association, once they learn about your alchemy flame, I can guarantee you would immediately become one of the most important members and receive countless privileges and benefits."
Alicia wasn't belittling him. There was truth in what she said. If he really was only a 9th Level Gold Rank, he had no chance of becoming a top member of the Cloud Soaring Sect; even becoming a core member would be nearly impossible.
But Finn was not a 9th Level Gold Rank. Someone had already sponsored him to enter the Core Division. And when everyone eventually learned his true level and rank, they would be astonished.
Besides, he didn't like this path. He didn't want to earn the Alchemist Association's protection just because they valued his alchemy flame. What if it suddenly disappeared? Would they still have any interest in him? Would they still protect his clan if he was no longer useful to them?
On top of that, if he joined the Alchemist Association, he would be wasting precious time, because their main priority was refining pills—and that was not his purpose.
In this world, it was no exaggeration to say that Finn knew more about alchemy than anyone, thanks to the Rise of Gods system and Kurt's memories. He held countless pill formulas unknown to the Alchemist Association. If the higher-ups learned of this, they would do whatever it took to seize everything from him. He still had many secrets hidden within him, and he was not yet strong enough to protect them—so he needed to be cautious.
He didn't want to complicate his life any further, so he was prepared to keep refusing Alicia's tempting offer. Even if she got angry, there was nothing he could do. He was simply doing what he believed was best.
"I'm sorry, but I've already agreed with an acquaintance that I will join the Cloud Soaring Sect as a core member. I cannot break that agreement," Finn insisted politely but resolutely.
Another reason he refused was that he despised people who couldn't honor their agreements. Because he hated that kind of person, he himself never wanted to be one. He was determined to uphold every promise he made, no matter how powerful the forces he faced.
"In that case, it seems I can't persuade you anymore. But I'm simply curious…could you tell me who your acquaintance is who recommended you to the Cloud Soaring Sect? Was it the Institution Master of the Sacred Dragon Institute?" Alicia asked seriously.
Finn was surprised by her question. He was stunned because it seemed Alicia knew something about Kiden's true identity.
'Perhaps she knows Institution Master Kiden!' he thought.
'Kiden Sylveria, the Institution Master of the Sacred Dragon Institute, was two levels stronger than Alicia. But why was Kiden only an Institution Master?' This question troubled Finn. Everyone knew that in this kingdom, the stronger an Adventurer was, the higher their position.
The two of them spoke for a while longer. After several minutes, Alicia finally rose to take her leave. Since she could not convince Finn to join their association, there was no reason for her to linger any longer.
Once Alicia had departed, Creed immediately approached Finn and gently asked, "Is there a problem, son?"
Finn shook his head slightly and gave a small smile. "Father, I'll be leaving the clan today. After I say goodbye to Mother and Meiyin, I will set out right away. Also, I almost forgot—please accept this gift for our clan."
Finn took out an interspatial ring and carefully handed it to Creed. When Creed saw it, he accepted it reverently.
"Inside this ring are various ranks of skills and techniques. I know our clan lacks such resources, and most of our skills are weak," Finn explained.
Creed was stunned once more. Even though he was getting used to his son producing such treasures, he still couldn't help but be amazed—these were skills and techniques!
Skills and techniques were among the most valuable assets an Adventurer could possess. Throughout the Azure Wood Family, they only had a single Rank 3 Skill because their clan was too poor to buy higher-ranked skills from auctions or excavate them in abandoned sites.
In addition to training in his Myriad World Mirror, Finn had also been copying skills from the Rise of Gods system, preparing them for future needs or to share with those close to him.
"There are also pills in there for you, Mother, the Elders, and Family Head Neleos. Those pills will be especially beneficial to Family Head Neleos," Finn added with a smile.
The pill he referred to was the Longevity Pill, capable of extending an Adventurer's life by a hundred years. He didn't bother explaining its effects to Creed—instead, he left a letter inside the interspatial ring.
The two of them began walking toward Creed and Olivia's home. As they walked, they talked about many things.
By the time they reached their destination, the sun was high in the sky. Meiyin immediately ran to Finn and hugged him when she saw her brother. Before anything else, the family gathered for lunch and happily talked together. Each one wore a smile on their face, thanks to Meiyin's lively spirit.
--
Territory of the Nine Ice Family
In a place completely covered in ice and snow, a young woman and a man were talking in the vast hall of a mansion.
"Did I hear you correctly? The First Elder of the Black Tiger Family reported that they tried to have Finn Doria killed—but failed?" the young woman asked sharply, narrowing her eyes at the man. "And according to them, they sent a 2nd Level Scarlet Gold Rank to assassinate him?"
The man forced a smile and nodded. If Finn had been present, he would have recognized them immediately—Guhen and Tiffanya!
"Hmph! They said the severed head of the assassin was sent to them from the Adventurers Guild in Mulberry City, along with a threatening message. The Black Tiger Family suspects the Golden Lion Family helped Finn Doria kill the assassin," Tiffanya said coldly.
"That may well be the case, Young Miss. They still haven't admitted their failure. Utterly useless," Guhen said, shaking his head. Then, remembering something, he continued, "I sent spies to the Aurora Town, and I've learned that no member of the Azure Wood Family has left their territory for the past month and a half."
"News just arrived that an Elder from the Alchemist Association was seen entering the Azure Wood Family's territory."
Tiffanya's previously indifferent expression was instantly replaced by shock. She turned sharply to Guhen and demanded, "An Elder from the Alchemist Association?! What connection does the Azure Wood Family have with that faction?!"
"At first, I wondered the same thing. But…do you remember, Young Miss, when Finn Doria shredded and burned the contract in front of everyone?" Guhen asked softly.
Of course, Tiffanya hadn't forgotten—she'd been humiliated in public for the first time in her life. As she recalled it, her face darkened with anger. But then, something occurred to her. She turned to Guhen and asked, "He used a flame to burn that contract he tore up. I noticed it wasn't a flame made from soulforce…was that…an alchemy flame? If it really was, then the Elder must have come to recruit Finn Doria to their association!"
Everyone knew that the Alchemist Association had unique standards for recruiting members: an Adventurer must have sufficient strength and possess an alchemy flame. This was the main reason their membership was so exclusive.
"If that's the case, I will have to seek the help of the Ice Feather Sect this time. Even if Finn Doria joins the Alchemist Association, that doesn't mean his clan will automatically be protected! I won't rest until I've repaid him for the humiliation he caused me!"