Working in the alchemy hall was hard. The cauldrons were heavy and hot. The herbs had to be ground precisely. Malachi was a harsh taskmaster. He never smiled, and his punishments were severe. Once, Martin accidentally added the wrong herb to a mixture, and Malachi made him stand in a corner for an entire day without food or water.
But Martin endured. He also learned. He watched Malachi prepare elixirs and memorized the recipes. He learned about different herbs and their properties. He learned that the holy crystals were used not only for cultivation but also to power the alchemy cauldrons.
One day, while cleaning a cauldron, Martin found a small, cracked holy crystal at the bottom. It was useless for cultivation, but it still contained a tiny amount of holy energy. He slipped it into his pocket.
That night, he experimented with the cracked crystal. He placed it in water with the stone bead. The water became even more potent than before. He realized that the bead could absorb holy energy from crystals as well as from dew.
He began collecting discarded crystal fragments from the alchemy hall. Malachi never noticed—or if he did, he didn't care. Each fragment, no matter how small, could be used to enhance the bead's power.
Within a month, Martin's cultivation accelerated. He reached the second level of Gathering Light. He could now feel the holy energy flowing through his body like a warm current. His strength and endurance increased. He could run faster, lift heavier loads, and go longer without sleep.
He kept his progress hidden. He still wore his red robe and acted humble. When others asked, he said he was still at the first level.
But Sebastian was not fooled. One day, Sebastian cornered him outside the alchemy hall.
"Martin, I've been watching you. You're not as weak as you pretend to be. What's your secret?"
Martin looked at him calmly. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Sebastian sneered. "Don't lie to me. I can sense it. Your holy energy is stronger than mine, and I'm at the third level. How is that possible?"
Martin's heart jumped. He can sense my energy? He had underestimated Sebastian. But he kept his face neutral.
"Maybe you're mistaken," Martin said. "Or maybe your own perception is not as good as you think."
Sebastian's face reddened with anger. "You think you're better than me? I'll prove it. I challenge you to a duel. Tomorrow, at the training ground. If you refuse, everyone will know you're a coward."
Martin thought for a moment. A duel would expose his true level. But if he refused, he would lose face. Either way, Sebastian would make trouble.
"Fine," Martin said. "Tomorrow."
Sebastian looked surprised, then laughed. "Good. I'll enjoy humiliating you."
He walked away, laughing.