The day the road was finished, the Black Dragon territory welcomed the first group of unfamiliar guests traveling on this new road; it was none other than the alchemists Isaac had sent letters to seek out beforehand.
Jasmine received them in the grand hall of the Black Dragon castle, where torches flickered on the stone walls. There were five people in total, far fewer than the dozen or so Isaac had mentioned previously. Furthermore, all five were men, and their condition would startle anyone who saw them.
Since the decline of magic, the status of women had also significantly dropped in human society. Many professions requiring intellect and technical skill strictly forbade women from studying and joining, considering it taboo. Even the alchemist profession, rife with frauds and mysteries, was no exception.
