Life After Prison by Silencieux novel Chapter 1649

Alchemists commanded the highest level of respect within any sect. Igor's two apprentices had reached second-grade high-rank and would likely become third-grade low-rank alchemists in due time if their progress continued unhindered. Alchemists of their caliber were treated with great reverence within the sect, and even the protectors accorded them the utmost respect. For his two students to kneel and apologize was akin to a blatant insult to their teacher.

Severin looked at Igor with a cold smile and asked, "Are you their master? They lost a bet to me and knelt to apologize for their loss. Is there a problem with that?"

Igor frowned. If his two students did lose, then he surmised that they had been competing with the young man related to alchemy, and neither of his students was able to outdo the young man.

"Haha, judging from your appearance, you must be the newcomer alchemist, yes?" Despite not understanding the reason for Severin's presence in the courtyard, Igor deduced that the young man before him was indeed an alchemist. Severin could even be a third-grade alchemist, either of low-rank or medium-rank. Becoming a third-grade alchemist was no small feat, and high esteem was accorded to alchemists of Severin's level within the sect.

As expected, Severin confirmed, "Yes, I'm new here, and I'm an alchemist."

"Haha, splendid! Let's have a little contest to determine which one of us is the better alchemist. If you are, I'll kneel and apologize to you too. If I am, then you will kneel and apologize to all three of us."

Felix had already accepted the fact that Severin's alchemical abilities surpassed his, and therefore, Severin had earned the right to be referred to as his senior.

Harris expressed support for Felix's idea. "Yes. We will get our chance some other time. It would be wiser to let this one slide. We're all alchemists from the same sect, aren't we? A loss, be it on his part or yours, benefits neither of you. It would only incite disharmony among us sect members."

Realistically speaking, Harris could tell from Severin's alchemy demonstration that the latter was profoundly better than Igor. Severin's ability far surpassed Igor's in every single aspect, from pill quality to proficiency in technique. Harris might not have intervened if Igor was stronger than Severin, but he felt compelled to do so for fear that his master might end up in an embarrassing situation.