Chapter 28: Fate Enjoys Our Company
John slowly turned over the smooth wooden badge in his hand, the number etched into its surface catching the glint of spiritual light overhead.
"Number 159," he read quietly.
His gaze swept across the enormous hall, scanning rows upon rows of cauldrons, alchemy kits, and nervously shifting cultivators, each standing near their designated refining stations.
Some were already checking the ingredients.
Others were fidgeting with nervous anticipation, whispering among themselves or meditating silently in place.
John’s eyes narrowed as he searched for his number among the countless rows.
Then he saw it.
His steps paused as a faint sigh escaped his lips.
Station 159 was right next to Riara GreenBlade.
Of all the placements...
It wasn’t that he feared her, far from it, but dealing with her relentless boasting during the examination was bound to be a distraction.
Still, he had long since learned to keep a calm face under any circumstance.