The elder then looked at those who had failed, his eyes sweeping over the dejected faces of the alchemists who had been unable to form a pill.
"As for the other participants..."
Their expressions changed immediately, the joy of the finalists contrasting with the disappointment of those who had failed.
The alchemists who had been unable to form a pill lowered their heads slightly, their eyes fixed on the ground. Some gritted their teeth, the frustration evident in their tense jaws.
Others stared at their own cauldrons, still bearing marks from the mistakes made during the refinement, silent witnesses to their failure.
The opportunity to enter the Association with a higher position had passed before them, and they had failed to seize it.
"You demonstrated talent by making it this far into the final." The elder said, his voice softer now.
