The Rise of a Master It Starts With Rejection novel Chapter 1004

After chatting a while longer and getting Felix's number, Janet left.

A few minutes later, Barry appeared. He entered cautiously. "Wow, this is one of Westville's high-end restaurants! A meal here costs at least 500 emeralds. You really know how to pick a place."

Felix laughed and said, "Come on! You're an Intermediate-grade alchemist now. Can't you afford this much?"

Barry gave a bitter smile. "Felix, I may have succeeded, but my pill-forming rate is low. So, I'm barely hanging on at Harmony Clinic. Do you think all Intermediate grades are doing well?

"Those of us with average talent spend most of our time making basic pills just to meet requirements, or we'd be kicked out."

Felix understood this well. As an Intermediate-grade alchemist, if he could not deliver the required monthly quota of intermediate pills, he had to make up for it with basic ones. If he failed a few times, he would be expelled from Harmony Clinic.

This created a vicious cycle. With low pill-forming rates, the alchemists had to spend an enormous amount of time cultivating basic pills, severely limiting time for intermediate ones. This meant little chance for improvement. It showed just how crucial natural talent was for alchemists.

"It should have been cause for celebration, but given my lack of talent, I asked my family not to make a big deal out of it. I've got to stay humble, you know?"

Changing the subject, Felix asked, "Do you know about Ghosttown?"

A flash of fear crossed Barry's face as he lowered his voice. "Yeah, it's a unique town in Martial City, located deep in the Silent Forest. The royal family has no control there. Only the most vicious people hang around there.