Life After Prison by Silencieux novel Chapter 1929

Evening came, and Emery stood in silence by the entrance of the Alchemy Tower as she looked at the third-placed name on the ranking list—Severin Feuillet. She appeared exhausted, and even the luster of her eyes had dimmed slightly. Despite her continuous efforts during her third attempt, she managed to concoct only 998 pill recipes, falling short by the last two needed to complete the assessment. Mentally exhausted from all that exertion, she reluctantly left the place.

That ordeal marked Emery's first encounter with defeat and frustration. He looked at Severin's name again and uttered with a bitter smile, "Just how talented are you!"

She had strived for several years and failed the test thrice, yet Severin had passed it all in just over half a year. It was a huge blow to Emery's ego, especially since she had once asserted that her alchemical prowess could rival that of Celeste.

Emery left the Alchemy Tower in despair, haunted by the thought of Severin wresting away her third place. The news of Severin's accomplishments spread through the Sixth Mountain, overshadowing Emery's reputation and reaching every corner of the Grandiuno Sect. Many considered Severin the second alchemy genius of the sect, and the title of the number one alchemy genius seemed within his grasp. All that was left to confirm his true abilities was a direct competition with Celeste.

The elders in the sect took notice of that development and recognized how astonishing it was that Severin had surpassed Emery in the Alchemy Tower rankings. Emery's alchemical aptitude as a prodigy of the Sixth Mountain had initially garnered her much favor among the elders, as many expected her to challenge for the position of fifth core disciple upon becoming a sixth-grade alchemist. Severin's ability to surpass her indicated his near-freakish talent and skill.

Celeste then asked, "Do you think there are individuals in this world who are gifted both in attainment and alchemy?"

As one of the five core disciples, Celeste had learned that Severin was appointed the sixth core disciple because he had activated a divine constitution in a breakthrough at the sacred lake. She wondered about the possibility that geniuses who were proficient in every single aspect.