Big G, Coffee Machine and Goblin

Chapter 24 I'll be the recommender

“This is too valuable,” Ma Li said.

“Master Dalton’s potions are very popular in several nearby cities. An alchemical ring is nothing to him. You should accept it,” the blond man said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Ma Li did not refuse again. He was also very interested in the alchemical creations of this world and had been planning where to get one to study. He did not expect to obtain it so easily.

Jia Anda had someone bring over white parchment, carefully checked the text on it, and then the three of them signed their names in turn.

This is the Alchemist's Guild's assessment record form, in triplicate, to be kept by the headquarters, the branch offices, and the applicant.

After Ma Li accepted his share, Jia Anda spoke again, "Now, there's only one last step left. You need a recommender."

"The recommender?"

"That's right. Every new alchemist needs a recommendation from a senior member to join the Alchemist Association. This senior member is like a guide on your alchemical journey. Usually, this role is played by the applicant's teacher."

“But my teacher isn’t on the continent of Revatres.” Ma Li looked at the three of them.

“I understand what you’re thinking, but I’m afraid we can’t do that.” Dalton shook his head. “According to the association’s rules, the recommender cannot be an examiner, in order to prevent favoritism and cheating.”

"Are there any other alchemists in Eagle's Beak City now?" Is asked Jaanda.

“I can help you look for him, but how you convince him is up to you,” the female alchemist said to Ma Li.

Before she could finish speaking, she heard hurried footsteps behind her, along with the receptionist's somewhat panicked voice.

“Master Levi, an assessment is underway inside… You cannot go in now.”

"I'm only going in because of the assessment. Those idiots in the association don't know anything about ancient alchemy. I can't just stand by and watch them turn away a genius!"

The old alchemist strode into the garden, shouting as he did so, leaving his poor student behind, unsure whether to follow or stay.

Renee could only apologize to the receptionist repeatedly, but neither of them could stop Levi from moving with incredible speed.

He arrived in front of the four people in no time, like a whirlwind.

“Master Levi!” Jaanda bowed.

However, before she could continue speaking, the old alchemist waved his hand to interrupt her, "Enough nonsense, this assessment result is invalid. I will be the chief examiner, and we will retake the exam."

"This... is probably against the rules."

“What’s wrong with the rules? I’m a lifetime member of the association, and according to the regulations, I’m also qualified to conduct the assessment,” Li Weier said with a piercing gaze.

"Is there such a rule?" Is asked, somewhat surprised.

“Well… there are some,” Jia Anda recalled, “but lifetime members are usually very busy, and very few are willing to come out and serve as examiners.”

“Wolver’s sons, it’s not that I look down on you, but you know nothing about ancient alchemy,” Levi sneered. “You may be able to handle ordinary applicants, but with him, your past experience and knowledge will be useless, and may even become an obstacle to getting closer to the truth.”

"And what about you? Don't you know how?" Dalton couldn't help but interject. "Of course! I study ancient alchemy," Levi straightened his back. "If anyone on this continent is qualified to be its examiner, that person is me!"

"But how can you be sure that he has mastered ancient alchemy?" the blond-haired man asked, puzzled.

“Of course it’s because of this,” the old alchemist said, extending his left hand to reveal a small iron box in his palm. “This is a compass. I’ve seen records of it in ancient texts, but I only saw the actual object today. That’s why I’m so eager to find its owner.”

Levi looked around. "Now do you understand why I made him retake the exam?"

“But he has passed all three rounds of testing,” Is said.

"Huh? He passed." This time it was Li Weier's turn to be surprised.

“That’s right.” Jia Anda handed the white parchment to the old alchemist. “This is the result of the assessment. As long as he has one more recommender, he can officially join the Alchemist’s Guild.”

Who recommended him?

“I haven’t found it yet,” Ma Li said.

Levi's eyes lit up again, and he stepped forward to grab Ma Li's hand eagerly, asking, "What do you think of me?"

"Ok?"

"I am the Vice Dean of the Alchemy Division of the Staff of Radiance, a lifetime member of the Alchemist's Guild, a platinum donor to the Turtleback Library, an honorary knight of the Kingdom of Menia, and the foremost researcher of ancient alchemy on the continent of Revatres—Liville."

Ma Li looked at Jia Anda, who nodded. "Master Levi is renowned in the alchemical world and has written extensively. It would be wonderful if he were willing to be your recommender."

"Then thank you for your hard work."

For Ma Li, what he needs now is a recommender to obtain the identity of an alchemist. It doesn't matter who the recommender is, and besides, he doesn't have the right to be picky at the moment.

Since Levi had volunteered, he agreed.

The old alchemist was overjoyed upon hearing this, and as if afraid that he might change his mind, he cooperated with Jia Anda to sign all the documents as quickly as possible, and even wrote a brilliant letter of recommendation on the spot.

Jia Anda sealed the letter of recommendation and an assessment record together and had it sent to the association headquarters. Then he gave Ma Li a brooch and a robe.

"You paid the assessment fee of fifteen Golden Eagles before. I said that once you pass the assessment, you will get a return far exceeding this amount of money."

"This is a welcome gift prepared by the association for new members. Both of these items are alchemical creations. This robe can provide some protection against cold and heat, while the brooch can prove your identity. Even if you leave Eaglebeak City for other cities one day, as long as you wear this brooch, you can receive protection and assistance in any branch."

"However, there are a few points I want to clarify in advance. The Alchemist Association will not get involved in political struggles and national wars in principle, but it will not prevent its members from participating. However, the sanctuary regulations will be automatically repealed in the above two situations."

"Furthermore, members are not allowed to attack each other unless it is a public duel agreed upon by both parties and witnessed by witnesses. After the duel, the family members of one party are not allowed to seek revenge against the other party."

"The association adheres to the principles of friendliness and inclusiveness, and welcomes alchemists of different schools, backgrounds and philosophies. However, if an alchemist is found to be colluding with evil and falling into darkness, the association has the right to revoke his membership and punish him."

"Finally, association members must pay their membership fees on time. Each year, members receive ten Golden Eagles. New members are free for the first year. Membership will be revoked if fees are not paid within six months."

　Thank you to Unnamed Equation, Tongmu Shuxiang, Baibai Zhantang, Xina's Underpants, Silver Crow, and other users for their generous donations!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)