"Let's start. We will first test your talent in herb synergy." The elf Marcel stood up from his desk.
Marcel was also a master alchemist just like Dranuk and Giotto.
Some of the important proceedings such as testing new trainees were handled by the master alchemists, taking time from their precious practice hours.
Unlike alchemy disciples who simply assisted in very mundane physical labor, alchemy trainees handled more important things.
So this was an essential process.
Each trainee needed to be appropriately nurtured based on their talent.
And in order to do this effectively, their talent was tested at the beginning and recorded.
Master Marcel retrieved a bunch of things from his space pouch and laid it out neatly on the table in front of him.
He then turned towards Marvin and patted him gently.
"Young master Marvin. Please pick up a seed from this pile with some soil in your hands."
"Now begin to circulate your mana and nourish the seed and the soil together."
"This will allow us to evaluate your innate talent in herb synergy."
"Do you have any questions?" Marcel explained the test in detail.
"Ha Ha. I am ready, Master Marcel. I have already practiced this several times." Marvin smiled and gave a thumbs up. He confidently started the test.
Without any hesitation, he rotated his cultivation base and nourished the seed in his hand with mana.
The small seed started vibrating with energy and right in front of their eyes germinated and slowly started even sprouting.
But it didn't stop there.
Soon one leaf emerged, two leaves emerged, a stem took shape and the plant started growing taller and taller.
Tang Yue was visibly stunned. Master Marcel's mouth was wide agape.
Marvin looked at both of their expressions and became even more excited.
He chuckled and casually stood there, while the plant in his hand started budding.
Several buds emerged one by one and by the time the test ended, there were a total of ten plus buds.
Though none of the buds had flowered and born fruit, this in itself was an impressive feat.
Only people with high herb synergy can achieve such a result.
And this was only the beginning.
The more Marvin practices alchemy, the more this talent would further grow and improve.
This skill is almost as important as an alchemy practitioner's innate affinity to the fire elemental.
Synergy with the plants and vegetation and synergy with the elementals are the two most important factors in the field of alchemy.
"Young master, Marvin. This is amazing! You have excellent first tier talent in herb synergy."
"All the first tier talents recorded in our association have gone on to become great alchemy and combat experts."
Marcel started applauding the young elf's natural talent.
Every single first tier talent so far has contributed greatly to the empire and the alchemy association. So this was huge news!
Master Marcel wanted to hurriedly inform the other alchemy masters and alchemy experts in the association, so he quickly prepared to leave.
"Come. Come. Let's go. I will immediately show you to your private practice chamber and the field allotted to you."
In all his excitement and happiness, Master Marcel had completely forgotten about Tang Yue.
"Cough. Cough. Master Marcel, I still haven't tested yet." The snake chuckled and reminded everyone about her presence with a smile on her lips.
Talent is something that is blessed by the heavens and carried in the lineage. How could a grand master's son's talent be worse?
Tang Yue couldn't care less about how special the prodigal son was.
She was more concerned about her own herb synergy talent.
Beasts typically had a very good harmony with nature and so she couldn't help but feel excited about her own affinity.
"Oh! Of course. Of course. My mistake. One second, young master Marvin."
"Let's finish this one as well and then we can proceed." Marcel hurriedly apologized.
Marvin chuckled. He tied his hands behind his back and loftily looked at Tang Yue, patiently waiting for her to realize the difference between earth and heavens.
Tang Yue ignored the arrogant brat and focussed on the seed in her hands.
She as well slowly circulated her mana and willed her energy to nourish the small life in her hands.
The seed in her hand trembled and started germinating.
In this talent test, one's cultivation level was not important. This was why Tang Yue was still able to perform the test without any hindrance.
The snake's emerald eyes gleamed with interest as she watched the sapling in her hand, slowly start sprouting leaves.
In a matter of seconds, three leaves had already sprouted from the sapling in her hands.