68: The choice of pharmaceutical path (I)

There was still no news from Adler.

Grimm's work in the Grade A Laboratory had new developments.

This day—early January, year 21 of the wizard's path.

As soon as Grimm arrived at his experiment room 13, he saw a small note posted on the door.

“Apprentice Grimm:

Upon seeing this message, please report to Mentor Bridger in Main Laboratory 1 immediately.

This concerns the allocation of your Pharmacology research direction. Thank you.”

... “Knock knock... knock...”

“Come in...”

Grimm pushed the door open, and as he entered, he saw both Mentor Bridger and Westley.

Their thin figures formed a stark contrast to Grimm's exceptionally robust physique.

“Grimm, you've come at just the right time.”

“I was waiting for you so I could explain to both of you at once, saving time by not having to repeat myself.”

“Come sit there.” Mentor Bridger said in a simple and direct manner.

“Yes, Mentor.” Grimm replied, taking a seat on the sofa chair next to Westley, quietly awaiting his mentor's words.

Mentor Bridger took a small sip of the unknown liquid in his cup.

He said:

“Grimm, Westley, both of you are excellent talents.”

“To have passed the 3-Star Apprentice Alchemist assessment and remain here is quite remarkable.”

“I presume you are already prepared; you are no longer apprentices in a probationary learning period, but officially joining the Grade A Laboratory as Pharmacology researchers.”

“Therefore, you must now shoulder your responsibilities.”

“This means you can no longer just focus on learning as before, without a care in the world.”

“You will be assigned a certain workload, and your performance will determine your benefits and treatment, do you understand?”

... “Mentor, I understand. I've looked into the academy's rules.”

“Mentor, please rest assured, I will complete my work diligently.”

Grimm quickly responded, giving his future boss a guarantee.

“Understood, Mentor.”

Westley, on the other hand, said flatly, as if he didn't care about anything.

“Alright, as long as you're mentally prepared.”

“I won't say much more; you have both graduated and have your own life choices.”

Mentor Bridger's reaction to their differing attitudes was equally calm.

He didn't show favoritism because of Grimm's honest demeanor.

Nor did he erupt in anger due to Westley's lack of engagement.

“These are all their own affairs; as a mentor, I can't manage so much.” Mentor Bridger thought to himself.

“Presumably, they wouldn't be so irrational. As long as they complete their tasks on time, it's fine.”

... “All tasks in our Grade A Laboratory are integrated.”

Mentor Bridger cleared his throat and said:

“There are three main directions for you to choose from for your development.”

“First is the Apothecary Mentor path. This is the academy's most traditional path, and also the easiest, but it is also the most difficult.”

“This path has the longest history, and currently, many outstanding Apothecaries have emerged from it, such as the heads of various laboratories, seven or eight out of ten are Apothecary Mentors.”

“This path only requires you to specialize in refining potions and teaching newcomers Pharmacology. For apprentices aspiring to reach the pinnacle of Pharmacology, this is the best path.”

“But precisely because it is so good, the competition is also the fiercest.”

“This path requires apprentices to pass the 4-Star Apprentice Alchemist title within 10 years, after which you will be assigned apprentices to mentor, and you must train 5 3-Star Apprentice Alchemists within 20 years.”

“Only then can you obtain the title of Apothecary Mentor.”

“Generally speaking, the biggest hurdle is passing the 4-Star assessment within 10 years, and during these ten years, your workload will be very light to facilitate your study and push for 4-Star, so your salary and benefits will be relatively low.”

“You can consider it carefully based on your own circumstances...”

“My suggestion is that only apprentices with substantial resource support and a certain degree of talent should consider this path.”

“After all, once you graduate, many of the academy's benefits are gone.”

“To specialize in Pharmacology and aim for 4-Star Apprentice Alchemist, you will need a large amount of resources, ten times the resources of a 3-Star.”

After Mentor Bridger finished explaining the first path, he lowered his head, savoring the sweet-smelling liquid in his cup. Grimm didn't know what kind of drink it was, probably concocted by Mentor Bridger himself.

The three sat quietly, lost in thought... Seeing Westley's contorted expression of struggle.

Grimm knew that Westley wanted to take this grand path, but lacked sufficient confidence. So he was constantly agonizing over whether to take the plunge.

Grimm didn't have this problem.

Grimm thought to himself:

“My Pharmacology aptitude is only average, not outstanding.”

“Passing the 3-Star Apprentice Alchemist assessment was entirely due to the help of my Golden Finger.”

“But my Golden Finger cannot be used solely for Pharmacology. My life's goal is not to be a powerful Apothecary in a stable and secure manner.”

“Besides, I'm currently deep in debt and need to work quickly to pay it off. I don't have the resources to aim for 4-Star Apprentice Alchemist.”

“My journey is towards the stars and the sea; a Formal Wizard is my true pursuit.”

“I definitely cannot choose the Apothecary Mentor path.”

With a clear idea in mind, Grimm was exceptionally calm and even poured himself a cup of Mentor Bridger's drink.

Hmm, it was sweet but not cloying, smooth and refreshing, quite delicious... “Grimm, do you also like my newly concocted sweet tea?”

Mentor Bridger asked in surprise:

“Oh, if you like it, I can give you a few packets to take back and try properly.”

“Mentor, this sweet tea is quite to my liking. I won't be polite with you.”

After several years of interaction with Mentor Bridger, Grimm had become familiar with him, knowing that Mentor Bridger was straightforward. So he didn't stand on ceremony.

“Alright, Westley...”

“Don't rush to make a decision. I will first explain all the paths to you, and then give you three days to consider carefully.”

“Do you have any questions now regarding the Apothecary Mentor path?”

“If so, raise them now, and I will resolve them for you.”

Mentor Bridger continued... “No, Mentor, you've explained it very clearly.”

“I have no questions.” Grimm answered first.

“I... I... I also have no questions.”

Westley hesitated for a moment, wanting to say something, but swallowed it back.

“Westley, don't be so hesitant. If you have something to say, just say it directly.”

“I'm very busy too. After today, don't come looking for me privately again, saying you have problems.”

Mentor Bridger said with some displeasure.

“Mentor, I have no more questions.”

Westley said firmly this time.

Mentor Bridger stared intently at Westley for quite some time.

In the end, he said nothing more, only letting out a deep sigh...