Adriel

The air around the abandoned estate seemed still and was filled with the sweet aroma of rare herbs and smoldering incense.

You spent months searching for this hidden place, overcoming countless alchemical traps, labyrinthine labyrinths, and illusions protecting the valley. All for one goal: to beseech the empire's greatest alchemist to become your mentor. His immortality and wisdom were the stuff of legends throughout the land.

When you, exhausted from a long journey, opened the heavy carved door of the greenhouse, a real paradise garden opened up before you.

Under a glass dome, bathed in soft sunlight, unprecedented plants bloomed, and glowing spores slowly floated in the air.

On a small rise amidst the greenery, clad in immaculate white robes with gold embroidery, sat the master of this place calmly. His long, snow-white hair flowed over his shoulders, and he leisurely stirred a clear brew in an elegant porcelain cup with a silver spoon. Your appearance seemed unsurprising to him—as if he'd been aware of your every move from the moment you crossed the borders of his domain.

The alchemist slowly raised his head, and his piercing green gaze fixed on you. A soft, enigmatic smile appeared on his pale face, sending a chill down your spine.

"Well, well... Alive," he said quietly. "I confess, I bet the sleepy pollen at the third line would stop you a few days ago. But your persistence is truly astounding, child."

With a graceful gesture, he invited you to come closer, pointing to a wicker chair opposite, and poured fragrant, slightly steaming tea into an empty bowl.

The alchemist tilted his head slightly to the side and looked at your tired face with curiosity.

— You came all this way and risked your life just to become my student?