“Did you teach her anything about potionology at home before?”
Hearing Adela's words, a trace of confusion flashed in Orion's eyes. He frowned slightly and shook his head gently.
“No, Erylin said before that she wasn't interested in potionology, so I had no intention of teaching her.”
“Besides...”
Orion seemed to think of something and waved his hand with a smile.
“How could anyone study magic and potionology at the same time?”
“Erylin is talented enough in magic. Adela, what you said is right, everyone has their shining points...”
“But no matter how bright a star is, it cannot monopolize the entire night sky.”
In Orion's eyes, a person who could balance both magic and potionology had yet to be born.
“So you mean... this wasn't sent to Erylin?”
Orion chuckled.
“Perhaps it's just a notification letter or something else. Let's open it first.”
Hearing this, Adela took the letter. She instinctively looked at the red text that occupied most of the center and read softly, “I believe this commendation is but a patch of green on your life's journey. Your talent is the greatest I have ever seen...”
Adela was about to continue reading when a voice like a sudden clap of thunder interrupted her.
“Oh my god, is this... Dawn's Crown of Thorns?!”
Orion looked at the opened box in his hand in disbelief, his hands trembling slightly.
Adela asked in confusion, “Is that... a badge?”
The badge was nestled inside a deep blue velvet-lined box. It was a mix of gold and white, with Hermetica's potion extraction array engraved on the front.
“No, no, no, Adela. This is far more than just a badge!”
Orion excitedly clutched the badge in his hand. Feeling its weight, he held it above his head to let it bathe in the sunlight, saying excitedly, “With a base of mithril, refined with Star-forged Gold...
“This is the most representative award in the field of potionology!”
“From the initial academic evaluations of various academies to the final review by the Imperial Royal Pharmaceutical Institute, and finally awarded by the academy itself—Adela, do you know what this means?!”
Orion was extremely excited.
“The pinnacle of knowledge in potionology! You won't find more than a handful of people like this in the entire world!”
Recalling what she had read in the letter, Adela covered her mouth in disbelief, her eyes gleaming with excitement and anticipation.
“No way...”
“Are you saying Erylin secretly studied potionology behind our backs and even achieved such an honor?”
At this moment, Orion couldn't care less about Ain. His face was covered in smiles.
“That child didn't say a word. She probably wanted to give us a surprise.”
“It's hard to imagine that our child could have such high talent in both magic and potionology studies!”
As Orion spoke, his contempt for Ain deepened once again.
Strength, talent, brilliance... the gap between them could no longer be described as the difference between heaven and earth.
What on earth did Erylin see in that kid?
Orion was thoroughly baffled.
“Adela, don't you see? Ain will only drag down Erylin's future development. She belongs to the radiant clouds, not falling into the dust with Ain.”
Disappointment, regret... Adela couldn't quite describe what she was feeling inside at this moment.
Suddenly, a voice came from the corridor outside the room.
“Father, Mother, did a letter get delivered to our house this morning?”
Just as she spoke, Erylin appeared at the doorway. Looking at the opened box and letter on the desk, a wave of guilt washed over her.
Ain had asked her to receive it on his behalf, saying it was just some minor, unimportant items. Yet now, this privacy that belonged to him had been opened by her family without a second thought, making Erylin feel very uncomfortable.
Just as she was about to explain, Adela stepped forward and hugged her.
“We saw it all, Erylin! I didn't expect you to hide such a huge surprise from us when you came back this time!”
“...Eh?”
What surprise? Did I hide a surprise?
Erylin's dazed expression was rather adorable.
Orion also wanted to hug his daughter, but maintaining his dignified composure, he chimed in, “Erylin, I am so glad that your talent isn't just limited to magic. I never expected you to be a potionology scholar with such outstanding talent!”
“A potionology scholar?”
Me?
Erylin seemed to realize something and quickly waved her hands. “No, how could I be a potionology scholar! I don't even know anything about...”
“Silly child, why be so modest in front of your father? I am genuinely happy that you can win this glory for our family! Looking at your current achievements, you've already left your father's past achievements in the dust!”
Erylin looked at her father suspiciously. After asking for a moment, she took the letter, placed a hand on her hip, and said helplessly, “Father, I don't know any potionology!”
“Look at this!”
Erylin picked up the letter and pointed at a key phrase that wasn't highlighted in red. She laughed unreservedly like a happy child, eager to share Ain's honor with her family.
“On behalf of all the mentors of Hermetica, we present this year's Dawn's Crown of Thorns to...”
“Ain?!”
The two cried out in unison. Orion couldn't help but snatch the letter up, scrutinizing the words written on it, terrified that he had misread them.
Seeing her family's jaw-dropping reaction, Erylin nodded in great satisfaction.
Exactly!
Ain is super amazing!
...
Looking at his right hand, Ain couldn't help but recall last night's “battle.”
In order to have good energy today, even though the brave demon-slaying Hero Little Ain's strength had reached its peak, he didn't make a move.
After all, this was his first mission. Moreover, his current reputation was already terrible. If he showed up to meet Senior Emil with dark circles under his eyes and a face full of sleepiness, he would probably get scolded again.
Yesterday, Ain spent most of his time in front of the computer, using his right hand's “operations” and “techniques” to conquer the esports player—Lillian.
And along the way, he gave her some tutoring on chantless water magic.
Is Lillian still pure?
Yes, she is.
But if she comes to cause trouble again tonight...
Ain couldn't guarantee she would stay that way.
Prepare to face the wrath of Hero Little Ain, Lillian!
Excalibur!
Walking down the bustling street and looking at the map in his hand, Ain felt for the first time how pleasant life could be.
“It's really... been a long time since I went out for a stroll.”
Since resolving Mordred in Act One, he hadn't rested for more than a few days.
Looking at the lively and bustling streets, Ain also felt the beauty of this world.
Perhaps influenced by the Goddess's blessing, seeing the people around him laughing and enjoying their leisure, Ain couldn't help but smile slightly.
It wasn't entirely a trash game.
Soon, following the guidance of the map, Ain arrived at the mission meeting point.
Moros Harbor.
The sunlight slanted down, and a gentle sea breeze blew. Several cruise ships were moored at the harbor entrance, with gentle waves lapping against the shore.
In just a moment, Ain spotted a robust figure not far from the shore.
He was about to shout Emil's name, but as he drew a few steps closer, he noticed something was off.
The physically strong man had taken off his shirt, exposing his bear-like muscles, leaving only a piece of clothing on his lower body that could either be swim trunks or underwear.
At this moment, he was squatting next to a petite girl, incessantly whispering something to her with an incredibly sleazy look, attracting the attention of many onlookers.
Ain couldn't help but slap his forehead and grumble.
“Damn it...”
“Who is that dumbass?”
Rate on N.U.
