Transmigrated as an Extra: Awakening of The Ex‐Class'-Chapter 30 : Weekend part 3

The Trade Store, the most important trading house in the kingdom, controlled almost a third of the market, in addition to offering goods at an affordable price, whose quality is excellent, the structure of the place resembled a conglomerate. Today, when I opened its doors, a cool breeze greeted me gently, as I approached, I could notice some finely carved runic inscriptions on the walls that emitted cold air and gave me the feeling of a modern air conditioner.

As I walked down the hall, I noticed several figures moving in the distance. Warriors not only with swords or staffs, but also bows and spears, possibly mercenaries in the service of the store, moved with a serenity that reflected years of experience in battle. The bustle in the halls was constant, with murmurs of trade and conversations about the latest dungeon conquests or guild discoveries.

Finally, I arrived at the reception. A woman with a kind face and a business smile, dressed in an impeccable uniform, greeted me with an atmosphere that could not hide the experience she had acquired over the years.

"Good afternoon, gentleman, how may I help you?" she said, in a cordial but professional tone.

"Ah, yes. I have come to buy some herbs," I replied, looking around the shop curiously.

"What herbs do you need?" she asked, nodding.

"Mandrake tonic, five blue dragon leaves, one young ginseng, and two kudzu roots."

The receptionist came over and, in a flash, moved away to a shelf in the back. The place was fairly quiet but bustling, yet it felt almost like a distant murmur.

A few minutes later, the receptionist returned with the materials packed in a small wooden box carved with the initials CE, and handed it to me elegantly.

"Here. The total will be two silver coins."

"Here it is," I replied, handing him the money without looking at the contents.

My mind quickly calculated the value, remembering that, according to the novel, a silver coin was worth a small fortune in my world, about ten thousand dollars. At that moment, I took a breath, recognizing that the monetary system in this place, while different, had a similar logic to the one I already knew.

"It’s been a pleasure. Do you need anything else?" he asked me with a professional smile.

"Oh, yes. Could I borrow one of your refining vaults?" I asked, my voice slightly lower.

His gaze became more inquisitive upon hearing my request.

"Are you an alchemist?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Something like that," I replied indifferently, remaining calm.

"Could you show me your credentials?" he said, with a smile that was no longer entirely friendly, as if doubt was beginning to creep into his voice.

In this world, being recognized as an alchemist was no simple matter. Alchemy is divided into two branches: refining and transmutation. Both require years of study, sacrifice, and most importantly, the ability to sense mana. If you fulfilled all of that, you would be considered an aspirant, and most aspirants had to face rigorous tests under the critical eyes of the alchemist guild judges. Only the fittest achieved recognition. However, even the most brilliant rookies needed more than just talent to stand out in this highly competitive world.

I had yet to take that test, but I had something that could secure my identity: the NOVA bracelet, which represented an elite school that raised competent warriors in different fields, be it magic or science.

I slowly showed him the information on my bracelet, making sure he could see it clearly. The NOVA mark shone brightly as it caught the light of the surroundings, and he instantly noticed a change in his expression. Her face went from slight doubt to full understanding.

"If NOVA certifies it, follow me," she said quickly, her tone now much more respectful.

The bracelet I wore on my wrist endorsed me as a NOVA cadet and was known to everyone in the city. Cadets of this institution not only learned how to handle mana or combat, but also had a rigorous and supplementary education in which they were allowed to conduct experiments in personal laboratories with the backing of the school. In case of any damage, NOVA assumed the responsibility and expenses, which gave a guarantee of trust anywhere.

The receptionist led me to a private room, away from the hustle and bustle of commerce, and as we walked, I felt even more aware of the power that NOVA represented in this world.

***

The receptionist silently guided me through the halls of the complex. As we moved forward, the bustle of the shop slowly faded away, until suddenly, the sound of our footsteps resonated as the only echo in the air, marking the stillness of this private place. The receptionist stopped in front of an aged metal door that, from the outside, looked like an ordinary warehouse, but I knew it wasn’t. In the world of alchemists, every place has its own aura and mystery.

She inserted a key into a small panel located in a corner of the door, and with a shrill [trippp] sound the doors opened. As I crossed the threshold, the sight that unfolded before me was more impressive than I had imagined.

In the center of the room was a slightly large ding cauldron lined with black iron, a metal, known for its hardness, it glowed with a faint light under the runes engraved on its surface. These did not seem like simple inscriptions; They were magical patterns, of a complexity that only a master of alchemy could fully understand. Fire runes flashed with a vivid light, and other, more subtle inscriptions seemed meant to purify.

"Correct, student," the receptionist said, her voice as calm as ever and very professional. "Allow me to explain. This place is a level 1 vault, the most basic facility we can offer you in terms of refining. If you wish access to more advanced facilities, you will need to pass the alchemist exam. Depending on your rank, you will be able to access chambers from level 1 to level 10, depending on your preference."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"Now this cauldron," he said, pointing to the object located in the center of the room, "is lined with black iron," so its durability and efficiency are among the best. Also, the intricate rune patterns you can observe, are of two types. One designed to control fire, while the other is to clean the equipment of any residue and impurities that may affect the refining process."

I stood silently, staring at the cauldron with a mix of wonder and curiosity. I had read about them in various martial arts novels, but seeing one in person was a completely different experience. The magnitude of what I had in front of me not only impressed me; it also filled me with a deep reverence for the art of alchemy.

"That concludes the explanation, I hope it goes well for you," he said with a slight nod. "If you need anything else, whatever it is, don’t hesitate to call me," he said hinting at me but I ignored it.

When he left, I was left alone, surrounded by a silent atmosphere. My mind, like a sharp spear, began to analyze every detail in detail. The fire runes, the cleansing patterns...

"Everything is ready." I muttered to myself.

I slowly leaned down, touching the surface. deo cauldron ding slowly, touching the surface of the ding cauldron with my fingertips, and at that moment I felt a slight warmth run through my body. The power contained a slight vibration, as if something resonated with my own essence.