It was a new day. Chi and Yu had just stepped into the classroom, chatting as usual about something that probably wasn't related to studying.
Right behind them, Teacher Loch walked in. His calm but commanding presence instantly quieted the room — even the air seemed to straighten its back.
Just as the two boys sat down, Loch's voice sliced through the murmurs.
"Everyone, get your things ready and line up outside. Today's test will be conducted in the alchemy room."
Chi and Yu froze mid-motion.
Yu turned to Chi, deadpan. "He said 'test,' right? Not 'mass execution'?"
Chi sighed. "Depends how you define execution."
All the students lined up outside, the air thick with nervous energy. Loch gave a nod to another instructor, then turned his unreadable gaze to the duo.
"You two. Come with me."
That tone never ended well.
They followed him down the hall, each step feeling like a march toward their spiritual doom. Sweat began to bead on Yu's forehead.
Yu whispered, "Where's he taking us?"
Chi shrugged. "How would I know? You think he sends a memo first?"
What's this monster planning to make us do… Yu thought, quietly praying his will wasn't about to be tested again.
They stopped outside a door marked "Alchemy Room – Special."
But before Loch opened it, faint voices drifted through the half-open door.
"...I'm telling you, we should at least look composed," said a calm voice. "We're the top of Class 12-A. The juniors will be nervous enough already—no need to look like chaos incarnate."
Another voice answered lazily, "Please. They're the 'prodigies from 11-C,' remember? They'll be the ones sweating, not us."
"That's exactly why we should set an example."
"Example, huh? Fine. But if one of them blows up a cauldron, I'm not cleaning it up."
"You're hopeless."
"Relax. I'll just smile wisely and pretend I expected it."
Chi and Yu exchanged looks behind the door.
"Did they just call us prodigies?" Yu whispered.
"Yeah," Chi muttered. "And I'm still sweating, so they're half-right."
Before Yu could respond, Loch opened the door.
"Come in."
Two students from 12-A straightened up so fast it looked like they'd been caught doing something illegal.
"Sit," Loch said simply.
The four sat. Loch's gaze moved between them like a blade and a shield at once.
"You four are geniuses," he began, his tone flat yet heavy. "But talent without discipline is wasted potential."
He turned to the older pair.
"Arin, Kael — as seniors, you're examples. The juniors look to you not just for skill, but composure. Act like it."
Arin nodded politely. Kael leaned back with a smirk.
"Sure thing, Teacher Loch. We'll behave... mostly."
A single glance from Loch erased that last word from existence.
Then he turned to Chi and Yu.
"You'll be learning and competing in alchemy today. Your goal—" he placed a small jade vial on the table "—is to refine two hundred Foundation Establishment Pills within one hour."
Yu's face drained of color. "Two hundred? That's—three per minute!?"
Chi muttered, "At this rate, even my hands will ascend before I do."
Loch ignored the suffering entirely.
"You'll work in pairs. Arin and Kael will guide you—but don't expect them to save you."
Kael whistled. "Two hundred, huh? Hope you brought extra hands."
Arin sighed. "Ignore him. Focus on your rhythm, not speed."
Loch folded his hands behind his back.
"Alchemy isn't about fire or herbs. It's about control. If your Core Qi wavers, you'll lose more than just a pill."
The room fell silent.
"Do you remember the ingredients?" Arin asked Chi, calm but expectant.
Kael leaned toward Yu with a grin. "Yeah, kid, let's see if you actually studied."
"The main ingredients are Spirit Grass, Azure Lotus Petals, and Ground Moonroot," Chi replied.
Yu continued, "And stabilizers—Mist Crystal Powder and Silverleaf Essence."
Arin smiled. "Good. You've done your reading."
Kael smirked. "Not bad. Let's see if your hands can keep up with your mouth."
Chi grinned. "Watch us."
They began. The room filled with flickering light and the soft hiss of cauldrons.
A minute later—one perfect, glowing Spirit-grade pill.
Then another. Then—
"Hurry up!" Kael barked. "Quantity, not perfection! You think patients care about your 'artistry'?!"
Arin said calmly, "Take enough for three at once. Even a mortal-grade pill will do."
Both boys clenched their teeth and pushed harder.
Time blurred. Heat, scent, sweat—their hands moved on instinct now.
An hour later—
Thunk! The final cauldron settled. Steam drifted through the air.
They'd done it.
Chi and Yu, drenched in sweat, stared at the pile of pills.
Their seniors exchanged a look, both mildly surprised.
Arin gave a nod. "Not bad. You actually made it."
Kael smirked. "For first-timers, that's impressive. Maybe you're worth the rumors after all."
Loch, watching from behind, allowed the faintest curve of pride at the corner of his mouth before returning to his usual stoicism.
"Clean up," he said. "Your next trial begins tomorrow."
Chi and Yu barely had energy to breathe.
Arin chuckled. "Oh, don't relax yet. You'll be facing us next time."
Kael cracked his knuckles. "Try not to embarrass yourselves, juniors."
Yu chuckled, exhausted. "We'll try not to make you look too bad, seniors."
Chi added, smirking, "Just don't hold back."
Laughter rippled through the room — easy, genuine, and proud.
Time passed.
Soon, the lunch bell rang.
Both boys froze.
Their hearts pounded.
Their first-ever friend group meeting was about to happen.
Yu whispered, trembling, "It'll be okay… right?"
Chi nodded nervously. "Probably."
They stepped into the cafeteria's teleportation array—it shimmered to life, pulling them into light.
When the glow faded, they were surrounded by a grand, floating hall filled with laughter, energy, and the smell of food and spirit essence.
It was beautiful. It was loud. It was terrifying.
Then a familiar voice cut through the noise—
"Over here!"
Lina waved from across the hall.
Chi and Yu straightened their backs instantly.
"Okay," Yu muttered, "this is it."
Chi replied grimly, "May the heavens protect us."