Teacher by day, Farmer by passion-Chapter 151: Alchemy Battle [2]

"Follow me!"

With purpose in every step, she led the way toward the training grounds.

The crowd stirred with excitement, following in hushed whispers.

Ace, in contrast, walked arrogantly, his posture lazy, yet radiating complete assurance, as if he were strolling through his own courtyard rather than heading to a trial.

Meanwhile, Milson followed from behind, maintaining a very careful distance from Ace.

Amon, adjusting the monocle over his right eye, took note of it all.

Interesting.

As they walked, Amon turned sharply toward Pot Black, his expression dark with irritation.

"What is wrong with your head?" he hissed.

Pot Black merely smirked, unfazed. "But you agreed."

"Not to this! Not in front of the Duke's son!" Amon's voice rose, but he had already placed a sound-repelling barrier around them, ensuring their conversation remained private.

Pot Black shrugged, his smile never wavering. "Well, it's already in motion. We might as well see it through."

Amon scowled but knew there was no turning back now.

After a pause, he shot the old man a sharp look. "What did you say to Lotus?"

Pot Black's smirk deepened. "That's a secret."

Amon clenched his jaw but didn't press further.

By the time they reached the training grounds, a crowd had already gathered.

Two cauldrons stood at the center, their polished surfaces gleaming under the sunlight.

Ace's gaze flicked toward them, his smirk widening. So this was all predetermined.

He wasn't surprised nor was he actually afraid either.

Stepping forward, he let out a chuckle. "Don't tell me… we're refining Mind-Calming Pills?"

His voice was laced with amusement, though he already knew the answer.

Lotus froze.

He hadn't even seen the pill. She hadn't spoken its name.

And yet… he knew. Instinctively, her hands clenched, unease creeping in.

No. It had to be a coincidence.

The only possible clue was the faint scent of the ingredients, and yet, that alone had been enough for him to identify the pill they were about to refine.

That was what unsettled her.

She had always been praised for her Divine Nose, an extraordinary sense of smell that had given her an advantage in alchemy.

It had allowed her to detect the subtlest of changes in herbs, something even seasoned alchemists struggled with.

But now, she realized she wasn't as special as she once believed.

Ace had sniffed out the answer effortlessly.

Her hands clenched into fists. This isn't going to be as easy as I thought.

Still, she refused to back down. Not when my family's fate is on the line.

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. "Yes, as expected, we will be refining Mind-Calming Pills."

Then, to her surprise, Ace chuckled.

"Of course. Makes sense, especially since you'll need to eat the Mind-Calming Pill I refine."

Lotus froze. What?

Her brows furrowed as she stared at him in confusion.

Ace smirked, his voice dripping with amusement.

"It wouldn't be fair if all I got out of this was a qualification, right? The Royal Family and the Duke's household already vouched for me. So, it does not really make sense for me to prove anything."

Lotus studied him carefully, searching for any sign of hesitation.

She found none.

She exhaled. "Fine. I'll take one."

Ace merely chuckled, as if he had already expected her answer.

With a sharp clap of her hands, two female students stepped forward, each carrying a tray of herbs.

Ace casually reached for a Moonstone Herb, rolling it between his fingers. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

"Ah, how nostalgic," he murmured, rolling the herb between his fingers before snapping it in half.

The crisp crack echoed through the training grounds. He glanced at the fractured stem, lips curling.

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"This one's faulty. Replace it." His tone was light, but firm.

The girl stiffened. "A-ah! Y-yes, of course!" She turned, ready to rush off.

But before she could take a step, Ace stopped her with a raised hand.

"Wait."

She turned back, eyes wide.

Ace gestured toward the tray. "Change these as well, this Yin Bell Herb is too young, and the Pink Ginger is missing a leaf. Bring one with a full leaf."

His gaze locked onto her, his smirk deepening. "Do you know how many leaves a full Pink Ginger should have?"

The girl trembled slightly under his gaze.

"Y-yes… I do."

Ace nodded approvingly. "Good, good."

Meanwhile, in the stands, the crowd grew restless.

Some murmured amongst themselves, irritation creeping into their voices.

"He's just stalling."

"Trying to claim Elder Lotus cheated."

"Yeah, he's looking for an excuse in case he loses."

A few even snickered, already convinced that Ace was trying to shift the blame.

Even Lotus found herself second-guessing her earlier unease.

She had checked the ingredients personally, each one had been carefully selected, examined, and confirmed to be in perfect condition.

Yet here was Ace, picking them apart one by one.

Her doubts faded.

He's just making excuses.

Her confidence returned, stronger than before.