Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 1373: Section 1374 Statements of Members

After appraising the exterior, everyone turned their gaze to Muse, Midora, or Nail Granny. Only the three of them were physically present, while the others had sent their illusionary forms through special techniques.

Although they had already vaguely recognized the extraordinariness of this alchemical creation, they needed Muse and the others to determine if the piece had reached a high grade.

Upon seeing the Ocean Rhythm, Nail Granny and Midora had an idea in mind, and they murmured to each other as if exchanging thoughts.

After taking a glance, Muse slowly said, “This is indeed a high-grade alchemy piece.”

With that said, Muse turned to Maguston, “The fact has proven that Angel has qualified for membership.”

Maguston wanted to argue, but he knew that no matter what he said, Angel had already passed the test today.

The truth was that Angel possessed both the skill and the caliber. Even if his alchemy technique and knowledge weren’t as polished as the other members present, it was undeniable that Angel had reached the minimum threshold for becoming a member of the research institute.

Of course, meeting the threshold didn’t guarantee passage. For instance, the ‘Mithril Reformer’ Jelal had met the threshold but was never admitted to the circle because Muse hadn’t given the final approval.

Now, however, Muse apparently had taken Angel’s side, so no matter what, the outcome of today’s event was unchangeable.

Maguston silently took his seat, choosing not to speak further.

“It seems there are no other objections now. Let’s prepare to start the witnessing ceremony,” Muse said.

As soon as Muse finished speaking, someone suddenly said, “I have something to say.”

This was a young-looking blonde witch, her features veiled by a water-colored sheer scarf, blue pendants dangling from her ears, and she wore a blue, fish-scale-like long skirt that sparkled with crystal clarity.

“Ah, it’s the Water Pattern Witch. What would you like to say?” Muse’s eyes showed some surprise since she was the most amicable and neutral person present and had never obstructed any previous witnessing ceremonies. When she spoke, the others perked up their ears, eager to hear any dissenting opinions she might express.

The Water Pattern Witch chuckled softly, a delightful sound to the ears.

“Since I’m here, it is naturally to support the director’s view. What I want to say is purely a personal inquiry,” the Water Pattern Witch turned her head towards Angel, “May I know some information about this alchemy piece you created, such as its name and effects?”

As soon as the Water Pattern Witch finished speaking, Midora frowned and said, “This is Angel’s private creation. If you are probing, that seems somewhat inappropriate.”

If this creation was of an offensive nature, revealing its effects would be like exposing one of Angel’s trump cards, making it easier for anyone with designs against him to prepare in advance. Thus, although everyone present was filled with curiosity about this alchemy piece, no one had brought it up, not even Maguston.

Unless your relationship with Angel was exceptionally close, making such a request could easily lead to conflict.

The Water Pattern Witch showed a slight look of apology to Angel, “I’m just very curious. If you would rather not disclose the specifics, that’s fine. Mainly, the Sea God old fellow is full of covetousness for this item, and I am really curious to know what kind of effects it has that he can’t forget it.”

‘Sea God’ Florenza, one of the top wizards of the Southern Domain.

The others present had heard that the people of the Ocean Song were particularly fond of the piece Angel had concocted at sea, but it was the first time they learned that there was a deeper secret involved, driven by Florenza’s intentions.

After hearing the Water Pattern Witch’s explanation, everyone understood a bit better, because there was some kind of relation between her and the Sea God that outsiders were not privy to, making it no wonder she couldn’t help but ask.

In fact, what the Water Pattern Witch mentioned actually added credibility to Angel. The mere fact that Florenza couldn’t let go of the piece was a testament to Angel’s alchemical strength.

Angel pondered for a moment. If they really wanted to inquire about the effects of the Ocean Rhythm, they could find out, as there were some apprentices who had used it in the Barbarian Cave.

Moreover, the piece itself was only of a supportive nature and held no concerns of being kept as a secret trump card.

Thus, Angel eventually disclosed some limited information: “This piece is called the Ocean Rhythm. Its main function is to amplify the affinity with the Water System; the degree of enhancement varies according to individual talent.”

Angel only mentioned the basic information, but he kept the crucial “enlightening” effect of the Ocean Rhythm a secret.

After listening, the Water Pattern Witch knew that Angel certainly had more to tell, but she did not press further, instead smiling and nodding her head, “The Ocean Rhythm, the name alone is quite interesting. If there’s a chance to meet again, I’d love to truly experience this Ocean Rhythm.”

Angel replied, “There should be an opportunity.”

The Water Pattern Witch smiled and said to Muse, “I have no further questions.”

Muse’s gaze swept around the room, his eyes questioning, clearly checking if there were any more dissenting voices. After scanning the room and seeing that everyone’s expression was calm, including Maguston now appearing peaceful, he continued.

“It appears you all agree with the addition of a new member. Let us then proceed with the witnessing ceremony.”

No one had any further objections.

The witness ceremony finally began to officially proceed after an inquiry that was not too tumultuous.

Angel had thought that the witness ceremony might be very complicated; after all, being named a “ceremony,” it certainly seemed to require many procedures.

But what surprised him in the end was that the ceremony was so simple that it was over before he had a chance to react.

Antonio took out a contract for the ceremony and suspended it in the middle of the long table, with the terms appearing one after another in mid-air.

These terms were quite straightforward, stipulating that one is affirming having witnessed the admission of a new member, while also including some lenient clauses about knowledge exchange.

When the terms had fully appeared, a line of text emerged at the end:

“Based on the above terms, do you agree to the new member’s admission?”

Midora was the first to express her agreement, “I agree.”

After Midora finished speaking, Nail Granny also nodded, “Agreed.”

This consensus spread contagiously, and within a few seconds, voices of agreement rose from all sides, some even addressing Angel directly after expressing their agreement.

“I am very pleased to see new blood join, and I have a keen interest in Enchantment Studies. Angel… I assume it’s fine to call you Angel? If you ever have the chance to come to the Magic Flute Taoist Institute, I hope we can engage in an all-night exchange,” said an elder in a god-serving robe, nodding to Angel.

Angel reciprocated without hesitation, as he had known of this old man from the very beginning of his exposure to Alchemy.

Matthew, the “Alchemist” from the Magic Flute Taoist Institute, is an exceptional master of the blending school of Alchemy.

“I trust Midora’s judgment, and likewise, I look forward to the new member bringing about change to the Alchemy Circle,” said an elderly man with white hair and a cane, exuding a sense of kindness as he spoke, “I also agree.”

This speaking elder was none other than Gandolf, known as the “Holy Light Walker,” an expert in Potionology and a longtime friend of Midora.

“I certainly agree,” Portia said with a smile, gazing at Angel, “I’d also like to discuss Enchantment Studies with you, but I’m different from Matthew; you don’t have to come to me specifically. I’ll be coming to the research institute soon… cough, not to preside over it, but because I need some specific Demonic Materials. When that time comes, shall I come to you instead?”

Angel’s face showed difficulty, “I will be leaving with my mentor soon and probably won’t stay in Sky Mechanical City for too long.”

Portia expressed regret, “Then it can’t be helped, but there will always be opportunities in the future.”

Several others also expressed their agreement, who had previously appeared calm and indifferent to Angel but now showed their enthusiasm. Perhaps it’s due to the Ocean Rhythms, or maybe just polite conversation. However, for Angel, none of this was of importance.

Finally, it was Magnus’s turn.

By now, there had already been ten people who had expressed their stance. According to the rules, Angel’s membership was already a certainty. However, since Magnus had been the only one to raise an objection before, not only Angel but everyone else wanted to know if Magnus would make a statement.

Magnus remained silent for a long time before he slowly said, “Since I didn’t choose to leave earlier, it means I accepted what the president said.”

Magnus paused, looking intently at Angel, “There are many empty display cases in the research institute; I hope to see your work in a display case someday soon.”

Finally, Magnus nodded, “I agree.”

Magus’s stance surprised Angel as well, but people’s thoughts are always changing; perhaps Magnus had a sudden change of heart.

After Magnus agreed, the contract finally flew towards Angel.

Angel sat up straight, thinking he needed to do something, but the contract merely took the research institute access card from him and flew back to Muse.

“This access card itself is blank. After infusing it with new information, it will be returned to you,” Muse paused, looking at the others, “The witness ceremony is now concluded. Lastly, I hope everyone will visit the research institute more often.”

The crowd smiled without saying a word.

After the meeting, Angel had a brief exchange with the other Alchemists, getting to know each other, and then they all went about their own business.

Once everyone had left, only Angel, Midora, and Muse remained in the meeting room, even Nail Granny had to leave early for her store.

Muse said to Angel, “That will do for here; let’s go back to Fantasy Mechanical City. I will go ahead and complete your information.”