Chapter 71: Surprising Scores

Chapter 71: Surprising ScoresThe Alchemy Hall was shrouded in silence and the only sound that could be heard was the faint scratch of Professor Lira’s quill as she marked the test papers.

Every student watched her intently,


She called out their names, her voice neutral, and the students shifted uncomfortably, aware they’d barely passed.

"Another ten scored between 30 and 40," she continued, listing their names and scores.

Adrian noticed that the five students yet to be called included himself, Serena, Julian, and Serena’s two friends.

It wasn’t surprising. Purebloods from dukedoms were groomed for the Academy’s rigors right after their brain was restructured after Awakening.



Professor Lira’s voice drew him back.

"Three of you scored exceptionally: 58, 55, and 60." She nodded toward Serena, who beamed at her 60, and her friends, who exchanged proud glances for their 58 and 55.

Adrian caught Serena’s eye, and she flashed him a triumphant grin.

Professor Lira’s tone soon shifted into awe.

"What truly astonished me were the final two scores." She paused and asked.

"Who is Julian Borin?"

Julian, the only Borin with black hair, rose quietly from his seat.

His pale face was devoid of emotion and his eyes were distant, almost lifeless, as if he were merely observing the world rather than part of it.

Whispers rippled through the class, some students unnerved by his eerie calm.

Professor Lira, unfazed, continued,

"Julian scored 90%. In all my years as an Instructor, I’ve never seen such a score on my first test. Remarkable."

She raised her hands, prompting, "Put your hands together for him."

The class erupted in applause, though it was laced with murmurs of disbelief. Adrian clapped too, but his mind reeled.

’90%?’

Even if he had been led to study only the sections that came out, the score was just too good.

Adrian had memorized it all, but Julian? He couldn’t recall ever seeing his brother with a book, though they rarely crossed paths growing up.

Julian’s quiet nature made him a mystery, even to Adrian. Staring at his brother, now seated again with that same blank expression, Adrian felt a mix of admiration and unease. ’Who are you, really?’

Professor Lira’s voice cut through the fading claps.



"But what I saw next was even more extraordinary. One student didn’t miss a single question."

She paused, her eyes scanning through the class. "Who is Adrian?"

Adrian stood, his face composed but far less unsettling than Julian’s.

His classmates turned to him, some with wide eyes, others with sheepish expressions, remembering their earlier whispers about him giving up.

Professor Lira’s voice carried a rare warmth. "We have a prodigy in our midst. A perfect score... 100%. Give him a round of applause."

The class clapped heartily, the sound more genuine now, though a few students flushed, embarrassed for doubting him.

Adrian nodded slightly, sitting back down as the applause tapered off. Serena nudged him, but her grin was proud.

Professor Lira raised a hand for silence.

"Learning ingredients is merely the first step of alchemy, and it doesn’t define your skill as an alchemist. True mastery lies in crafting potions and pills, where precision and delicacy are paramount."

"Don’t let these scores inflate your pride, as you’ve only just begun."

She gestured toward a row of cauldrons along the wall to conclude:

"With that said, no grab a cauldron. Let’s get down to work."