When Kai got up from Mr Fabian's research office, he started walking towards the exit of the headquarters. He knew that the estate manager should be there. The one who should definitely know where Diso was.
When he saw a handsomely dressed man in his fifties standing behind a round counter at the entrance to the building, Kai quickened his step.
- Hello, can you tell me where Diso is now? - Kai asked politely, approaching the man.
- Ooh! It's Councillor Kai! I'm glad you're back in good health! - The man said courteously and bowed.
- No need for courtesies, you are free to be free with me. - Interrupting the man, Kai said.
- This is my job Counsellor Kai. I dare not address you differently! - The butler smiled and continued, -I'll answer your question. Right now the Head of Diso is in negotiations... - Said the man, making a strange face.
- Is there a problem? - Asked Kai, noticing the butler's strange expression.
- It's not something that the Head wouldn't be able to deal with. There are just some conflicts with other alliances. - Said the man calmly.
It was obvious that the butler was piously loyal to the Trade and Research Alliance. Although he had only seen Kai two days ago, he addressed him with full respect and held nothing back.
- What exactly is wrong with that? Can you elaborate? Well, it's my problem now, too. If someone is inconveniencing us, it won't be long before they're in trouble... Hehehe. - Said Kai, smiling slyly.
- Oh, some alliances are preventing our people from leaving the city, and preventing us from trading. They are purposely underpricing their outlets that neighbour ours. There are other things as well, but I'm not at liberty to speculate about that..." the butler said respectfully.
- I see, you don't have to worry about this matter. Please inform Diso on his arrival to wait for me and not to go anywhere. I have important information and instructions for him. - Calmly said Kai, turned around and started to walk out.
- Erm... Do you have instructions for the Head of Diso? - The butler asked awkwardly. But Kai had already left without answering.
''There's no point in sitting here idly waiting for Fatty. He can solve his problems for a long time, it's better to do something useful." - Thought Kai, walking out of the union headquarters grounds.
"Hmm, how convenient. With our main building being in the very centre, all the administrative buildings are within walking distance." - Happily thought Kai.
Kai decided that while Diso would take care of the Trade and Research Union's problems, he would go take care of his own business. He was now moving towards the Alchemists' Organisation.
As he entered the square surrounding the Tower of the Source, he began to look around.
"This is it!" - Exclaimed Kai in his head.
Not far away from him stood a large round building, it even resembled an alchemical cauldron in shape, and the signboard read "Alchemists' Organisation".
Seeing this, Kai walked quickly towards the entrance of the building.
Once inside, he saw that everything was in subdued grey tones. It looked like everything here was in line with the Border Beast City. The Alchemists didn't seem to care much about standing out from the crowd.
At the entrance was a reception desk similar to the one in the Quest Hall. Looking at it, Kai walked over to get the information he needed.
- Hello, I wanted to register as an Alchemist, what do I need? - Kai asked the woman behind the counter.
- Welcome to the Alchemist Organisation! Do you want to work for us, or do you want to be a free Alchemist? - Asked the woman.
If you join the Alchemists Organisation, you will have your perks. Such as protection of the city, wholesale prices for ingredients, access to secret pill formulas, and more. But then, you wouldn't be able to be a member of any other organisation. Then, Kai wouldn't be able to join, not only the Trade and Research Union, but even the Array Masters' Organisation would be closed.
- I want to become a Free Alchemist. I need the right to perform crafting tasks, that's all. Also, I'm interested in theoretical materials. - Kai explained with a smile.
- ''Alright, that's not a problem at all. If you can pass the entrance test, then you'll get the status of alchemist. But in the library, you will only be able to visit the allowed sections. For secret materials, you need to be a member of the Alchemists Organisation.'' - Said the woman with a smile.
- I see what you mean, may I ask where to take the test and what kind of test it will be? - Kai decided to clarify right away, so as not to waste time.
- Go to one of the rooms in the corner of the hall, to my left, there you will find out everything. - With a smile said the woman, and pointed with her hand in the direction.
- Thank you very much! - Kai replied, nodding.
He started walking in the direction indicated. There were several doors, with queues of different people standing in front of them.
"Wow, it seems like a lot of people are trying to get Alchemist status... But why are so many people coming out sad?" - Kai thought curiously as he watched the crowd. Simultaneously getting in line.
At that moment, he heard a conversation.
- Maybe we should try it another time? They say Master Gustal is there today... - A guy in the queue said with a grin.
- Shit! Are you sure about this? They say he's one of the toughest examiners, so it's best not to get caught by him. If you fail his exam, you'll never join the Alchemist Organisation again...'' Saying that, one of the guys left the queue. After looking at him, many people also decided to leave to try their luck another time.
"Hehe, the queue has become smaller... Thank you, Master Gustal!" - Smiling thought Kai, watching as he very quickly moved almost to the beginning of the queue.
After standing for half an hour, Kai finally walked through the doors and saw a table in front of him. And behind it sat a gaunt old man, with a long beard and a menacing look.
"Wow, he's definitely above the Cloud Sphere, I can't understand his level of strength..." - Kai suddenly thought about it and became more respectful.
- Hello, I'm here for the Free Alchemist status. But I don't know what exactly the exam is about yet, and what is required of me. - After saying that, Kai clasped his fist near his chest and bowed. In this way, he was expressing his reverence.
- Hmm, good manners. There are four ranks of alchemists in Border Beast City. Apprentice, Apprentice, Master, and Master. Which level do you qualify for? - Calmly said the old man.
It seemed like it was pointless to ask this of such a young guy. To others, it would have been obvious that he had come here for the sake of apprentice status. But this old man was doing things strictly by the book. There wasn't even an ounce of disrespect in his eyes.
- Master, to be honest, I have absolutely no understanding of the ranking system. Let me just start taking the tests and you tell me what I'm worthy of. - Smiling, Kai said respectfully.
- Hmm, okay. You've even intrigued me...'' replied the old man calmly, ''Tell me, what are the ten basic herbs for bleeding? - The Master asked the question.
- 'Erm...' - At this moment, Kai's face creased slightly.
"Damn! How am I going to answer him if I don't even know what herbs are growing on the surface right now! If he showed me, I'd be able to pinpoint their characteristics!" - Kai realised that he had been wrong to come here at random. And he'd also fallen for a strict examiner. If only it didn't turn out that he wouldn't be allowed to take the exam at all in the future....
- Don't you know something so basic? Did my eyes fail me and you're just another stupid puppy. - Roughly said the old man, it was obvious that his mood began to change....