The inside of the Guild made the outside look like a ghost town. The marble floors could barely be seen with all the people standing on top of it. Seifer quickly approached one of the counters, having no desire to be in the crowd longer than he had to.

“I would like to take the Journeyman Test” he said.

"Very well, sir. Please follow me" replied the blonde man at the desk and leading him to a room at the opposite end of the first floor, away from the crowds.The guild employee knocked at the door and left immediately.

“Enter” said a gravelly voice from inside the room and Seifer walked in, making the man inside raise an eyebrow.

“Greetings Adjudicator, I am Seifer Nox” he said with a bow to the Second Step Transcendent, a black haired, green eyed man with high cheekbones and a strong jaw.

“Have a seat. My name is Noah Graves” he said, gesturing to one of the leather seats.

“Are you aware that if your score is too low then you will be fined for wasting the Guild’s time? It is very rare for first step Transcendents to become Potions Journeymen.” continued Noah once Seifer had sat down.

“I am confident, Lord Graves” said Seifer simply.

“Very well, it will cost 500 credits to take the test, but you will not need to pay if you are invited to join the Guild. We will begin with an oral theory test that is worth 50 points and then the Practical will be worth 100”.

“I understand” said Seifer.

“What is the most important element for potions making?” asked Noah, if Seifer did not answer this he would slap him across the face.

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“Water, the universal solvent, no potions can be made without water to aid in combining the various ingredients” replied Seifer, unaware of Noah's violent thoughts.

This went on for half an hour, the questions getting harder with time. Seifer answered most of the questions correctly but made sure to slip up occasionally. He knew all the answers but did not want to perform too well on this test.

After all, a first step cultivator that was as young as him becoming a qualified Potioneer was already exceptional and an excellent performance on top of that would be far too attention catching.

He had no intention of suppressing himself and appearing to be average. Being perceived as a prodigy would allow him to grasp the most opportunities. Appearing too exceptional, though, had no real benefits and could potentially lead him to danger.

Not as much danger as appearing average though. Grandfather would kill me he thought.

“You have scored 38 on the theory examination. Excellent work, Seifer!” said Noah, faking a smile. Inwardly, he was beyond upset that he had no excuse to slap the silver eyed man in front of him.

“It is time for the practical exam.” said Noah, walking to a metallic door at the corner of the room. On the other side of the door was a large laboratory filled with dozens of vials, beakers and machines.

For nearly three hours, Noah had Seifer make potions or perform certain procedures that were necessary for potion making. Seifer did the easiest ones perfectly and did well on the harder ones, occasionally faking minor mistakes.

“You have scored 80 points, bringing your total to 118 points. Henceforth, you are a Journeyman of Potions. You will receive an official certificate from the Ceres Potions Guild, as a proof of your skill.” said Noah sadly when the practical came to an end.

“Thank you, Lord Graves” replied Seifer, wondering what was wrong with this Adjudicator.

“Seifer Nox, you possess exceptional talent for potions. It is my honor to invite you to become a registered member of the Ceres Potions Guild.” said Noah.

“I gladly accept.” replied Seifer.

“You really don’t have the excitement of someone who has achieved something so difficult” said Noah with a raised eyebrow.

“It was within my expectations, Lord Graves” he said simply.

A few minutes later, Seifer left the guild clutching his cheek, cursing the Lord Graves who had slapped him for being arrogant.

"What arrogance? This is confidence! Have you built a snowman with Lucifer? No, of course not, Noah! Not with your stupid mortal sounding name" he muttered as he made his way back home.