Upon Lennox's arrival at the Eternal Pill Pavilion, he found himself unsure of what he was supposed to do. This was his first time entering a building like the one even on Terra he barely was able to enter building like these, particularly a high-end establishment. Unlike the low-end buildings he was accustomed to, this one surpassed even his own mansion, which he found uncomfortable to inhabit and but still he peace and as he said sleep gets rid of all worries.
As he wandered through the pavilion corridors, he encountered a young boy standing in front of a door, appearing almost like a security guard. However, there was a distinct disdain in the boy's gaze, he crossed his arms crossed over his chest as Lennox approached, his narrowed eyes glaring daggers at him.
Ignoring the unspoken hostility, Lennox inquired politely, "Excuse me, could you direct me to Elder Aria and Elder Alaric?"
Why is looking at me like that? I've faced hostility before, but this feels different. Is it because what I am Emberflare? No I can't let his prejudice get to me.
"We don't permit your kind in the pavilion," the boy retorted coldly, his eyes betraying his disdain.
"What?!" Lennox was taken aback. Never before had someone spoken to him with such blatant prejudice.
While there were always those who harbored resentment towards him for being an Emberflare, none had expressed it so openly. Anger coiled within him, a sensation he hadn't experienced before.
"Are you deaf to I said, we don't welcome your kind here!," the boy reiterated.
In a surge of anger, Lennox struck out, landing a powerful blow to the right side of the boy's face, causing blood and teeth to scatter. Another punch followed, this time from the left, eliciting more bloodshed. With swift precision, he delivered an uppercut, sending the boy airborne before crashing heavily to the ground. The excessive violence resulted in a flow of blood and teeth, the reason Lennox used all of his strength was because the boy was a Nexus Spirit.
Despite his injuries, the boy rose partially, glaring at Lennox with indignation. "Y-You!" he attempted to speak, his voice muffled due to the loss of teeth and biting down on his tongue from his uppercut that it caused it to sever. The boy's screams of pain attracted the attention of bystanders, prompting them to intervene.
"Boy, you dare attack someone in the pavilion?" one of the men exclaimed.
"Let's quickly beat him and carry him to the elders; let them deal with him," another suggested.
As the group closed in on Lennox, poised to launch their attack, a sudden hush fell over the scene as the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted the tension.
"What's going on here?" a cold voice rang out.
All heads turned towards the source of the voice, recognizing the figures of Elder Alaric and Elder Aria making their way towards them.
Elder Aria's smile softened as she caught sight of Lennox. "Oh, Lennox, you're here," she said gently.
"Yeah, but it's better I leave since the pavilion doesn't welcome my kind here," Lennox replied coldly.
Elder Aria's eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "Huh? What do you mean? What's happening here?" she asked, clearly puzzled.
Lennox pointed towards the boy on the ground. "Well, that boy said he doesn't welcome Emberflares like me into the pavilion, so I assumed everyone in the building must feel the same," he explained.
Elder Alaric's expression darkened as he glanced at the boy. "Quickly, carry him to the law enforcement hall and explain what happened. Let them deal with him," he commanded briskly.
When the boy heard the elder speak, he panicked and wanted to quickly apologize, but he couldn't speak. The men who were about to attack bowed to the elder and quickly dragged the boy out to the law enforcement hall. Everyone familiar with the hall's rules knew that the boy was in trouble for years.
"Lennox, I'm sorry about what happened, especially the first time you enter the pavilion as our guest," Elder Aria said softly.
Lennox simply nodded, harboring no ill feelings. He understood that such incidents could occur anywhere, and anyone could be the perpetrator.
Elder Aria gestured for Lennox to follow. "Let's go and discuss why we called you here," she said.
With a nod, Lennox moved forward, while the onlookers, including alchemists and customers, were left in shock by the events that had unfolded and the elders' reactions.
...
In a calm atmosphere at the back of the pavilion where it the halls and symbols of dragon and phoenix , Lennox found himself seated at a round table with the two elders, sharing cups of green tea.
"Can I know what the elder ask of me" Lennox asked.
"We want you to become an inner disciple of the sect," Elder Aria announced.
...
As Elder Alaric gazed upon Lennox, I harbored hopes, for Lennox's potential as a alchemy because he know a high grade pill ingredient, there was something about him that spoke volumes of untapped potential waiting to be unleashed that even the Nexarch pays close attention to him...also why does he know the Phoenix's Eighteen Needle Dance that something that has been lost of thousand of years not a lot of nexarcs currently have it.
I extended the invitation for Lennox to join our sect as an inner disciple, I trusting in his ability to rise above us with his potential maybe even master someday.
...
"What?!" Lennox exclaimed, surprised by the unexpected proposition. While he had been uncertain of the reason for their summons, he hadn't anticipated an invitation to join the sect, something he felt unsure about..
He lowered his gaze, contemplating the offer, Join the Eternal Pill Sect...It's unexpected to say the least, But then, he thought, if Malik is truly willing to grant me the sword, perhaps there's merit in joining the hall to find out more Or am I just grasping at straws.
"If I were to join the sect, could I also become a member of another hall, like the Weapon Forging Hall?" Lennox inquired, taking a sip of tea before elaborating, "What do you think about this?"
"Erm..." Elder Aria and Elder Alaric exchanged uncertain glances. "We don't know," they admitted.
As Lennox prepared to decline the offer, he paused, struck by a realization. "As much as I respect the traditions and wisdom of the elders, I must respectfully decline becoming a full-fledged alchemist. It's not because I don't appreciate alchemy or its significance within the academy and the world . Rather, it's an acknowledgment of my own journey of self-discovery and the recognition that my talents and passions may lie elsewhere.
You see, during my time here, I've realized that my true calling lies in the pursuit of knowledge in its broadest sense. While alchemy is undoubtedly powerful and venerable, my wanting to learn extends far beyond normal people. I'm drawn to the mysteries of the world.
Furthermore, I believe in the importance of adaptation and diversity in our pursuits. By confining myself solely to alchemy, I fear I would limit my potential for growth and discovery. My goal isn't mastery in one field, but rather a global understanding and excellence in all that I do.
My decision isn't a rejection of alchemy; it's my belief in the richness and diversity of knowledge. I hope you can understand and respect my choice, just as I deeply respect the traditions you uphold for alchemy."
Elder Aria and Elder Alaric were both shocked by Lennox's words, as they both understood that as a Nexarc they also wanted to excel in other skills beside alchemy, but they didn't have the talent for anything else besides alchemy. So, they were stuck with what they had and they enjoyed it.
...
As I awaited the response of Elder Aria and Elder Alaric,. I had truly made my decision, guided by a meticulous assessment of the situation and a careful consideration there so much other thing I saw that I can learn in the academy which I very well need for my sister's sake.
Even before the academy I did use learn and use knowledge for everything for some day finding her.
But would they understand the reasoning behind my choice, or would they see it as a rejection of their expectations?
As someone who grew up as an Emberflare, I often find myself pondering whether I'll ever truly fit in outside of the sect. Will becoming an inner disciple make me an outcast again? Will people resent me even more for this sudden change in status? Being an Emberflare, will others shy away from helping or being around me, just as they did before?...Maybe not I do have Kira, Theo and Nadia that who all I need right now...
But who's to say that one day I won't use my Emberflare abilities to help my sister?
...
Elder Aria's lips moved while he didn't hear what she said as a small ball of Nex flowed out her mouth then it flowed into Elder Alaric's ear. "Well, I think it's fine. Valarian agreed to whatever he asked for," she conveyed without sound.
Elder Alaric nodded "Ok we agree to your terms" he said
"I also agree to join the sect," Lennox exclaimed with a hint of excitement.
"That's great," Elder Aria responded.
Elder Alaric, his serious demeanor unwavering, handed Lennox a badge along with a peculiar pill marked with symbols Lennox had never seen before. "Use this when you go to the sect. It will help you get the sect techniques, clothing, and daily disciples resources," he explained.
Grateful, Lennox accepted the badge, though he couldn't hide his embarrassment as he scratched his head. "Could you teach me alchemy right now? I have something I want to make," he requested.
Elder Alaric's gaze narrowed at Lennox's impatience. "Lennox you do know that learning alchemy takes time, especially for someone new," he cautioned.
Undeterred, Lennox insisted. "I know, but I need to do it," he asserted.
Witnessing Lennox's resolve, Elder Aria offered a small smile. "Alright, I will teach you. But I'll also assist you in making what you desire," she agreed.
Lennox nodded eagerly, then retrieved the thunder tree, causing both Elder Aria and Elder Alaric to express their astonishment at its premium grade quality.