CHAPTER 228: BECOME THE ASSISTANT

Ambar was speaking, praising Gara over and over in front of the Alchemist Class students, while Gara sat stiffly, unsure how to react.

Fortunately, neither the Chief nor the professors asked him to give a speech, or Gara’s composure would have snapped.

’They could have called me to their room before or after class, instead of creating this extra spectacle,’ Gara grumbled in his heart.

They knew he was hiding his real identity and wasn’t chasing popularity, yet they announced him to the public like this.

Even though Gara complained internally, his face only showed a strained smile.

The Alchemist Class session was filled with information about the Vena Pill.

The study of the Vena Pill was far too complex for beginners, it required a solid basic knowledge of alchemy. Still, Professor Ilyas and Chief Ambar explained it with minimal use of difficult terminology.

"Why does the venaleaf have to be dried before mixing?" Professor Ilyas asked Gara.

"The water inside the leaf will reduce the effectiveness of the final product," Gara answered.

The professor and Chief Ambar asked Gara a few more questions regarding the technical reasons. For a moment, Gara felt like he wasn’t in a fantasy world, but back in his high school biology class.

Beyond everything happening in the class, one question persisted in Gara’s mind, what was Professor Aura doing there, watching the alchemy session?

At first, Gara thought Alchemists and Herbalists would be like fire and water, constantly competing. It turned out they were complementary.

This really helped Gara, as he had started as an herbalist and was shifting toward alchemy.

Only after class ended did Gara know Professor Aura’s reason.

"Are you really the herbalist who made the prescriptions for Alrova products, Gara?" she asked, though her face already showed certainty.

Gara nodded.

By now, all the students had left the class. He was left alone with three middle-aged people who stared at him as if he were the most precious crystal in Bhumi.

"I’m from a herb village where the villagers made a living from planting herbs. That’s why I’ve been familiar with herbs since childhood," Gara hurriedly explained, though it was only half true. "Actually, the people from Alrova were the ones who gave me guidance and the idea. I just followed through."

He tried hard to make it seem like his part wasn’t significant, but the high-status people in front of him were already convinced of his genius.

"That’s why you know about Niskara. It turns out you’ve already figured it out, you’re one step ahead. I’m very proud of you, Gara." Professor Aura smiled with her always-gentle expression.

"Thank you, Professor," he replied stiffly.

"With your vast knowledge and ahead thinking, I don’t think you are suitable to remain just a student, Gara..."

The short Professor looked serious, making Gara a little flustered. ’What is this? Does she want to kick me out of her class?’

"...You’re more suitable to become my assistant."

"Assistant?!" Gara exclaimed, but hurriedly lowered his voice. "Professor Aura, I’m not qualified enough to be your assistant."

"No. You already have basic knowledge of herbs— no, advanced knowledge, nonetheless. You are a thinker, thinking outside the box.

Even I am still studying the part of Niskara that can increase the stamina of Liners, but you’ve already found it.

The most important thing is that your prescriptions, everyone acknowledges them. They are very useful. If not you, then who is more qualified?"

For a moment, Gara felt touched. He had made all those products to ease his own life in this foreign world.

Now that other people were using them and finding them as useful as he thought, and hearing such a sincere statement spoken directly to him, his heart was moved.

’Maybe I really can save this world with my babies... and make everyone’s life more comfortable and happy.’

"Thank you, Professor Aura. If you truly think my ability can help you in class, then I’ll try my best."

Now, Gara gave his thanks with a lighter and sincere heart.

"Of course, you will." Aura patted the young man’s hand, as she couldn’t reach his shoulder.

To the side, Professor Ilyas also had an idea. "Then, Gara, you can become my assistant, as well."

Shifting his head, Gara showed a troubled look. "Professor Ilyas, I don’t think I can—"

Before Gara could finish, Aura cut in. "Prof, don’t add burden to my assistant’s shoulder. He is a Class S student. He has too much on his plate. We’re not going to let our student fail because of our ego, right?"

Professor Ilyas didn’t respond, but his face clearly showed disagreement.

"Actually, I can’t claim to be an Alchemist, Professor. I’m still learning the basics. I can make the Vena Pill because it’s made from a leaf, which is also a herb plant. So, I hope I can learn more about alchemy."

Gara’s gentle voice and reasonable excuse caused Ambar, who had been silent, to finally chime in. "Gara is right. Let him study the basics. Then he can become a proper alchemist later. But..."

The chief shifted his gaze to Gara. "I want you to join me in the lab. Only one time per week, and the association’s members will escort you there and back."

Gara didn’t answer immediately, even though the answer was already obvious. He would accept Ambar’s request. With that, Professor Ilyas wouldn’t pester him to become his assistant.

After a few minutes, Gara nodded.

Among the four of them, only Ilyas was dissatisfied, but he suddenly looked bright. It seemed some idea struck his brain. What kind of idea? Gara would find out later.

...

It took just one day for the news to spread throughout the entire academy about the arrival of Ambar, who came to meet the Alchemy Genius who was also the herbalist who made Alrova products.

In the cafeteria, from his table, Gara heard Miki gossiping about that genius.

"Wow, isn’t he too smart for a student?" Even Andine couldn’t stop herself from commenting.

"Not only smart. He is more than that. Capable, knowledgeable— no one can be like him," Madha chimed in, making Andine stunned.

She had never heard Madha praise another person besides Gara. This tall man was generally polite and kind, but it always felt formal. He only seemed sincere and genuine in front of Gara.

Andine was only pulled out of her astonishment when she heard Vania’s annoying voice.

...