Ten Lucky Draws: I Became OP - Chapter 427: What is Alchemy? (2)
Chapter 427: What is Alchemy? (2)
The Lord of Alchemy strode through the grand corridors of the Alchemical Council with measured, purposeful steps.
His black hair was neatly tied back, and his blue eyes burned with a mixture of resolve and lingering frustration.
The halls were lined with ancient alchemical artifacts — floating cauldrons that bubbled with eternal flames, shelves of preserved herbs that whispered their own properties, and walls etched with formulas that had shaped entire eras.
Without any pretense he entered the Council Chamber.
It was a vast, circular room of polished white marble and gold inlays, suspended in a pocket realm of pure conceptual clarity.
Only the twelve Council members were present — the highest authorities in Alchemy, each one radiating an aura of profound mastery.
They sat on elevated thrones arranged in a perfect circle.
Other than that, this place had no one else except the other five top alchemists who stood respectfully to the side.
Countless recording orbs floated throughout the chamber, displaying the competition grounds in real time.
As the playing field was already prepared — with two grand stations set up under the watchful eyes of the domain’s spectators.
However, even though a few hours had passed already…. Luna and Ash had not yet arrived.
The Lord of Alchemy stopped at the center of the floor and bowed deeply to the Council.
Before anyone could speak, the Third Alchemist stepped forward, his green hair and eyes gleaming with urgency. He bowed low to the Council, then turned slightly toward the Lord.
“Honored Council… I humbly request that this competition be rethought,” he said, voice steady but laced with concern.
“As you can see, the other contestant is obivously not confident in her ability.”
He said as he truly couldn’t allow for Luna to surpass him in the rankings….
Their rankings were something that had been almost solidified for countless cycles. Each of them had connections and much more all built upon their respective rank.
Yet, here Luna was… trying to not just surpass him but leap all the way to the top.
“I see no way that Luna can truly win against the top Alchemist. We should all agree that forcing this match will only waste immense resources — rare materials, high-grade catalysts, and vast quantities of mana stones. It risks damaging the prestige of the entire Alchemical community if the outcome is as predictable as it seems.”
A heavy silence fell over the chamber.
The twelve Council members exchanged glances. Some looked thoughtful, others visibly displeased at the interruption.
The Lord of Alchemy remained silent, his expression calm, though his blue eyes held a glint of coldness.
’This guy…’ He thought to himself with a shake of his head. He could clearly see the intentions behind the Third’s words.
Which was something he was sure the others felt as well, but in this case the Lord of Alchemy wouldn’t let this competition fall through for anything.
’I must attain that form of Alchemy.” He mused.
One of the senior Council members — an elderly woman with purple hair— finally spoke, her voice measured.
“The challenge has already been publicly accepted. To retract it now would damage our credibility far more than any potential loss. The match will proceed as agreed…. if you’re so worried about your ranking then maybe you should try besting the winner?”
The Third lowered his head, but his fists were clenched at his sides.
“As you command…”
The Lord of Alchemy finally spoke, his tone smooth and unconcerned.
As he went on to continue, he was cut off.
“Oh, seems like we have a generous lord on our hands, my love.”
Ash’s voice resounded throughout the room as they appeared at the door.
With him was just Luna.
As the other two had only stopped by for some fun earlier and had already left.
Holding hands, the two of them made their way directly in front of the Council. The sight of them being so…. close together brought brows to arch.
“What master-disciple relationship is this?” The third spoke with a frown.
Yet even with his words their steps never faltered, in fact Ash flashed the guy a smirk and a wink.
The moment they arrived in front of the Council.
Luna nodded slightly to the Council instead of bowing — a respectful but confident gesture that carried the quiet authority of someone who no longer felt the need to prove herself to anyone.
She then spoke, her voice clear and steady.
“I request that the competition begin immediately.”
The entire chamber fell into a brief, heavy silence.
The twelve Council members exchanged glances. Some looked surprised at her directness, others intrigued.
The Lord of Alchemy’s blue eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Ash and Luna standing side by side.
Ash simply smiled — as if he were attending a casual gathering rather than the biggest Alchemy event in recent history.
The Third Alchemist shot to his feet, unable to contain himself any longer.
“This is outright disrespect!” he snapped, voice echoing through the hall. “You stand before the Council and demand an immediate start without proper protocol? Without even a bow of respect? This is not how things are done!”
A tense murmur rippled through the chamber.
One of the senior Council members — the elderly woman with long purple hair and eyes that seemed to hold the depth of countless formulas — raised her hand.
Her voice was calm, measured, and carried the weight of absolute authority.
“Enough,” she said simply.
The Third immediately fell silent, though his jaw remained tight.
The elder Council member fixed her gaze on Luna, her face calm yet resolute.
“The challenge has been issued and accepted.”
“There will be no further delay. The rules are simple: each of you will craft three Alchemical products. The victor will be decided by the highest ranks and purity; if tied, time will break the deadlock. You may only use the materials and tools provided at your stations—no outside help, no interference.”
She lifted her hand, and a single, resonant bell rang through the domain—clear, final.
“The competition begins… now.”
