Chapter 183: Tools for a better future
Following the guard’s explanation, the next couple of weeks passed by in a blur.
Luckily, the man didn’t dwell much on the totem’s strange state. As it turned out, it was a lot more reasonable to assume there was something wrong with the relays supplying the structure with mana, than to guess Enki was possessed by an alien ghost. Who’d have thought?
The guard was then kind enough to escort the blind kid to the local alchemists’ association, even going as far as to hold his hand through the registration process. Better still, the people there were all shocked upon learning how Enki had managed to pass the test despite all his handicaps, showering him with praise.
‘Percy… I know I should be happy about this, but why do I feel like a fraud?’ the boy asked at the time.
‘Don’t even go there. It’s true I did the test for you, but you’ve absorbed everything I’ve taught you like a sponge. I have no doubt you’ll make a splendid alchemist, especially with Ea’s Gift helping you. Just work hard until you feel like you deserve to be here.’
Percy didn’t say that merely to console his host. He genuinely meant every word. The boy had proven quite hardworking during his stay in Atlantis, whether it was back when he was clearing his channels, or his subsequent alchemy practice. As far as Percy saw it, he’d done nothing more than level the playing field for an unlucky orphan, giving him a chance to make it in the world.
Upon hearing the words of encouragement, the boy nodded enthusiastically, tears glistening by the corners of his still-burning eyes. Suffice to say, it was with great eagerness that he followed the association’s people as they escorted him to his new room, supplying him with brand-new tools and reading materials to further his studies. At that point, Percy was just as excited as his host, keen to put the new equipment to the test, getting a better feel for his newly mastered alchemic principle.
Even better, Enki’s eyes were done mutating about a week later, allowing them to make leaps and strides with their practice.
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