Liam observed the delicate vine in Engo's hand, noting the subtle glow emanating from its tendrils. Though unfamiliar with this specific ingredient, he understood the nuances of handling such a rare and temperamental plant.
"Very well," Liam replied calmly. "If this is the test you propose, I accept." Naturally, there was a reason why he was quick to accept a random test that he did not have to. A cold glint flashed past Liam's eyes as he gazed evenly at the man in front of him and flashed a small smile.
"If I win, I would be taking the herb, of course."
Facing Liam's confident demeanor, a brief flicker of hesitation crossed the alchemist's face but he casually shrugged it off. After all, a thousand year green vine pearl is not a simple item. After the meeting the previous time, Engo had already investigated Liam and came to know that he was a wandering rogue with no particular family backing him. There was no way someone like that could possibly get their hands on a green vine pearl, that too a thousand year old one.
The only problem was he was wasting a precious ingredient but Engo shrugged it off. Chances were Seraphine was going to reimburse him anyway for it.
"Yes. Yes. You can keep the herb. Now let's start the test. We have delayed it long enough." He snorted in annoyance.
"Ok. Let's start." Liam replied calmly.
Seraphine's eyes widened with concern. "Grandmaster Dante, the Green Pearl Vine is exceptionally fragile. Even the slightest mistake can render it useless."
He gave her a reassuring nod. "I appreciate your concern, Lady Seraphine. Rest assured, I will proceed with the utmost care."
Engo rolled his eyes, taking out another small green colored pearl. "Considering your age and status, I know it's not possible for you to catalyze the plant to my skill level. I will not be unreasonable. Let's call it your win If a small seedling sprouts." He chuckled, acting in a gracious manner.
Seraphine even gave him a thankful nod as it was clear that he was doing it for her.
Standing on the side, Liam's face was still calm and expressionless. With a wave of his hand, he lifted the pearl from the man's hand and placed it on his own.
He stood poised, the thousand-year Green Pearl Vine resting delicately in his palm. The room grew silent as all eyes turned toward him. The ambient energy seemed to shift, a subtle tension filling the space.
He closed his eyes, allowing himself to attune to the vine's life force. Though unfamiliar with this specific plant, Liam had a good understanding of alchemical principles and the flow of natural energies. He sensed the vine's fragile essence, its potential waiting to be unlocked.
He closed his eyes, allowing himself to attune to the vine's life force. Though unfamiliar with this specific plant, Liam had a good understanding of alchemical principles and the flow of natural energies. He sensed the vine's fragile essence, its potential waiting to be unlocked.
He could already see how difficult this was going to be. If he applied even a smidgen of more control than needed, the vital energy within would burst open and dissipate. If he applied lower control than what was required, then the vital energy would be instantly contaminated and the whole plan would rot in the blink of an eye.
It was not that he couldn't do it. Just that he needed some practice. If Liam had handled something a couple of months ago, he would probably fail for a few tries before he successfully catalyzed a plant. But now, in these two months, his alchemical knowledge has increased by leaps and bounds. Engo could only blame himself for his bad timing.
Liam began to channel a gentle stream of his own nature attuned mana into the vine, careful not to overwhelm it. He visualized the energy enveloping the pearl, nurturing it like soil nurtures a seed. The pearl responded subtly, its glow intensifying just a fraction.
Engo watched with a smug expression, confident that Liam would falter. Seraphine observed Liam intently, a mixture of concern and curiosity in her eyes.
Minutes passed, the room remaining utterly silent. Just as Engo was about to clear his throat and declare the winner of this competition, suddenly the pearl began to stir awake. Tiny shoots emerged from the pearl, unfurling into delicate leaves that shimmered with an inner light. A soft gasp escaped Seraphine's lips as she stared at the scene in shock.
Engo's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible," he muttered under his breath.
But the growth did not stop with that. Soon that small sapling became a small protruding vine which continued to grow and grow.
The vine continued to expand, its tendrils stretching and intertwining like intricate lacework. Leaves unfurled one after another, each shimmering with a vibrant emerald glow. Flowers began to bloom along the lengths of the vine—delicate blossoms that emitted a soft, luminescent light, bathing the room in a serene glow.
Gasps echoed throughout the chamber as everyone watched the thousand-year Green Pearl Vine mature before their eyes, reaching a state that should have taken centuries to achieve naturally. The air was thick with the scent of fresh foliage and a subtle, invigorating energy that seemed to emanate from the plant itself. Such potent vitality was an invaluable ingredient for many alchemical formulae.
If auctioned, this single plant would go for several A-grade mana cores and perhaps even an S-grade mana core.
Engo's composure cracked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "This is impossible," he whispered hoarsely. "It is not possible to cultivate the vine to this extent in a single session. It is not possible unless you possess a heaven-defying talent in-" His words hung mid-air as his hand reached out to touch the mysterious plant dangling in front of him. But right at this moment, Liam grinned and quickly put away the medicinal herb. "It seems a seedling has sprouted. As per our agreement, the herb is mine."
"I take it this is enough to prove you my worth as an alchemist?" Liam cocked his head. Engo's mouth became dry. His mind was spinning. His eyes became bloodshot from the pressure he was feeling at the moment. What the hell just happened?