A stinky cultivator has arrived in the magic world.

Chapter 34 I really feel like I know that alchemy genius!

Lorne stared intently at the cafeteria entrance ahead, where wisps of smoke were already rising, and the faint aroma of roasted meat wafted through the air.

"I heard it's an alloy of copper and white copper, costing less than one-fifteenth of pure gold, and with an exceptionally high magic conductivity," Viola continued, her tone filled with longing.

"Alchemy students all say this is a once-in-a-century breakthrough. The workshop owner even met with that person. I wonder which college he's from. He's amazing."

Lorne had already entered the cafeteria, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of food at the tables before heading straight for the barbecue section.

"Sigh, I wish I could get to know him. Maybe I could learn something from him."

Viola followed behind, chattering on and on:

"Although I specialize in water magic, alchemy is universal. Besides, the dwarves will definitely offer rewards; I've heard the Forge Holy Court is quite generous..."

Lorne, carrying a plate of roasted foie gras, found a seat and began to eat.

"And another thing, I heard that person found the recipe with just one spell. One! What kind of brain do you have to come up with that? I wish I could just see the recipe..."

Lorne picked up a piece of foie gras, put it in his mouth, and chewed with a satisfied expression.

"Lorne, don't you think so?"

"Uh-huh."

"Do you think he might be a third-year student? Or a fourth-year student?"

"Possibly."

"I think he must be a senior student majoring in alchemy. He might have already received an invitation from a major chamber of commerce..."

Lorne picked up another piece of foie gras.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Viola finally noticed his perfunctory attitude.

Lorne looked up, sauce still on his lips: "I'm hungry, let's eat first."

Viola sighed and had no choice but to pick up her fork and start eating her own portion.

As she ate, her mind was filled with anticipation.

I wish I could get to know such an outstanding genius. I wonder which prestigious family he comes from.

……

After seeing Viola off, Lorne walked back to his dormitory, picking his teeth as he calculated his savings.

Even at the magic academy, it costs money!

Leaving aside the major expenses like buying magical items, potions, and alchemy materials, even daily accommodation, food, and basic living expenses can be quite a burden.

Silver Academy has a fairly comprehensive scholarship system that ensures students don't have to worry about basic living expenses, but it's not enough to live a comfortable life, such as ordering good food in the cafeteria or buying a wand.

For example, Lorne didn't have much savings to begin with. After paying for his accommodation, he only had a few dozen gold coins left. These past two days, he's only dared to take bread slices from the cafeteria.

If it weren't for Viola treating him today, he wouldn't even be able to afford foie gras, let alone barbecue.

We need to make some money.

"Otherwise, we'll only be able to eat bread slices for every meal. We can't exactly be hooking up with rich women every day, can we?"

"And then there's the matter of buying crafting materials, concocting potions—all of that requires gold coins. Without money, you can't do anything."

While at the alchemy workshop, Senior Amber mentioned that the Dwarven Forge Sanctuary would definitely offer some rewards, and Viola also said that the Dwarves were quite generous, wondering how much they would give.

Rubbing my hands in anticipation.

……

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

Lorne has hardly left his dormitory, staying there to cultivate diligently, absorbing spiritual energy and striving to make the vortex in his dantian stronger. After his day and night cultivation, although his spiritual energy vortex is still far from filling his dantian, it is at least no longer the bare state it was when he first broke through.

In addition, his weapon-forging skills have also improved.

In addition to the Spirit Gathering Pearl, he also crafted a low-grade magic artifact called the "Mind Stabilizing Pendant".

This thing was made by him using the leftover magic crystals from last time. It was about half the size of a palm, and the runes on it were more complex than those on the Spirit Gathering Bead. Its effect was to stabilize the mind, help eliminate distracting thoughts during meditation, and prevent one from going astray.

"Excellent, quite befitting of my status as a venerable immortal!"

On the morning of the third day, Lorne stood at the door, tucked the calming pendant into his waistband, looked it over with satisfaction, then closed the door and walked toward the Morning Glow Lawn.

Today is Professor Mérené's second class, and she will also give extra credits to the ten students who are most proficient in using the elements.

Of course, Lorne had no expectations for this.

After all, he can't strictly be considered a magician. Although he can also manipulate spiritual energy, the way he uses it is different. If he were to be exposed, it might cause other trouble.

Crossing the stream and stepping through the morning mist, Lorne arrived at the Morning Light Lawn.

By this time, most of the students had arrived. Lorne found his old seat and plopped down, looking around before asking Viola in a puzzled tone:

"Why does the atmosphere feel a bit strange?"

Viola, who was secretly playing with the jade pendant at Lorne's waist, looked up and glanced at it, then rolled her eyes:

"It's still the same old system of commoners versus aristocratic families. It's just a bunch of people with connections and backgrounds getting together to enjoy the feeling of being superior."

Lorne suddenly realized.

He had heard from his senior, Cat, that the feud between nobles and commoners, as well as students of fantasy races, at Silver Academy had a long history.

Wherever there are people, there are class divisions.

Students with connections, talent, and strong foundations gathered together, calling themselves the Student Self-Government Association, wanting to seize more of the academy's resources and compete for scholarships, precious magical materials, meditation rooms, and so on.

Others, whether intentionally or unintentionally, from ordinary backgrounds, from remote border regions, impoverished noble families, or fantastical races, were categorized as "peasants" and ostracized, falling behind in various resources. Correspondingly, they united and formed a group called the "Mutual Aid Society."

This is also due to the prevailing atmosphere in the magic world. Those with resources naturally have an advantage and want to monopolize more resources. There was no difference when school first started, but now that a few days have passed, the freshmen have more or less come into contact with the upperclassmen, and this factional division has also spread to the freshmen group.

The seats near the front are occupied by some arrogant teenagers, who look resentful that their seats have been taken.

"Look, see that guy?" Viola gestured to a tall young man in front of her.

"The finance minister's son, a fire-elemental specialist with a level nine mental affinity, is a hypocrite. I heard he's been telling people these past few days that he's definitely going to take first place in Professor Merenie's evaluation this time."

Lorne glanced at him; he was a blond-haired young man surrounded by a group of peers, all of whom were very charming and had a reserved smile.

Ok?

Wait, why are they coming this way?

He frowned as he watched the blond-haired man and his gang approach them.

His gaze swept over the group, ignoring Lorne and Tormon, and landed on Viola, as he politely said:

"My name is Chrysace, Viola. The view from the back is not good, but there are still empty seats in the front row. Why don't you move to the front so you can hear the professor's teachings more clearly? Someone of your outstanding temperament should sit with someone of equal standing."