Chapter 360 360 Progress

In his thought, Nexus reflects, "This process is not just about meeting the demand; it's a chance for me to push the boundaries of my abilities. The heavenly flame courses through my veins, and with each elixir I created, I feel a deeper connection to its power."

While the concerns for his well-being circulate outside the lab, Nexus's focus is unwavering. His passion for alchemy fuels his dedication, and the success of the vitality elixir becomes a testament to his continuous growth.

Back in the sitting room, Madeline glances toward the lab with a mix of admiration and worry. "He's truly committed to this endeavor. I just hope he doesn't neglect his own health in the process."

Monica, always the pragmatic one, adds, "We should find a way to convince him to take a break, even if it's just for a day. His dedication is commendable, but we don't want him burning out."

Nora, understanding Nexus's drive, ponders, "Perhaps once the batch of ingredients is over, we can persuade him to consider a brief respite. A moment to recharge and appreciate the success he's brought to the family."

As Nexus continues his alchemical symphony in the lab, the girls outside are weaving plans to ensure his well-being. The balance between family prosperity and personal health becomes a delicate dance, echoing the intricate processes taking place within the alchemy chamber. The Russell family, driven by a collective purpose, navigates the challenges of newfound success and the toll it may take on the one powering their rise, Nexus.

Nexus, immersed in the continuous refinement of his alchemical skills, noticed a significant improvement in his mastery of the heavenly flame. The dance of the flames became more intricate, responding to his commands with precision. As he emerged from the lab countless times to take a new batch of ingredients. The Russell sisters had discussed with him the upcoming celebration they wished to organize in his honor.novE.lB(In

"We hope to celebrate your hard work by organizing a party, but we wish to ask for your opinion about that. Should we go ahead?" Nora said as they drew close to Russell.

"I really appreciate that, but you don't need to organize any celebration party for me" he responded

Madeline, ever the concerned one, voiced her worry, "Nexus, you've been at this non-stop. A celebration is the least we can do to show our gratitude. You need to take a break, at least for a day."

Monica chimed in, "She's right. Your dedication is admirable, but even the most powerful flames need a moment to rest and rekindle."

Nora, supportive but understanding of Nexus's relentless drive, added, "We want to celebrate your success, not see you burn out from exhaustion."

However, Nexus, fueled by his newfound proficiency and energy, resisted their suggestions. "I appreciate the concern, but I feel invigorated. This process is not just about the elixir; it's a journey of mastery. I've honed my control over the heavenly flame, and I'm not fatigued. Let's focus on the discussion later, maybe after I finish this batch."

Madeline sighed, knowing Nexus's determination, and exchanged a glance with her sisters. They understood that convincing him would be a formidable task.

In Nexus's thoughts, he reflected on his progress, "The heavenly flame is responding to me like never before. It's as if I've unlocked a deeper connection. Taking a break now might disrupt this rhythm, and I'm determined to push my limits further and gain more from this. and also the success rate of the elixir is higher than before, the success rate is now 95% and there are small impurities in the new batch I'm making, That is a lot of progress to stop now"

The Russell sisters, respecting Nexus's resolve, decided to support him in their own ways, ensuring that his efforts did not go unnoticed. As Nexus delved back into the lab, the celebration plans took a back seat, allowing him to revel in the continuous refinement of his alchemical prowess, oblivious to the concerns echoing outside the door.

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In the bustling streets of Castra city, the competition between pharmacies was fierce, and Mary Kay's pharmacy had always prided itself as the top choice for high-quality drugs. However, recent times saw a decline in Mary Kay's business, directly attributed to the rising popularity of the Russell family's vitality elixir, distributed exclusively by Selina's pharmacy.

Aware of the impact on her sales, Mary Kay seethed with annoyance. Her disdain for the Russells and her history of animosity with Selina intensified her frustration. Feeling the need to vent, she summoned Mike, the chief alchemist of her pharmacy, into her office, ready to unleash her pent-up anger.

As Mike nervously entered Mary Kay's office, he could feel the tension in the air. Mary Kay wasted no time, launching into a tirade that lasted for over an hour. She berated Mike for his perceived incompetence, questioning why he hadn't developed a product as successful as the vitality elixir.

"Mike, do you realize how much revenue we're losing to those Russell scoundrels?" Mary Kay exclaimed, her eyes ablaze with fury. "Your incompetence is not only costing me money but tarnishing the reputation of this entire pharmacy!"

Mike, standing there with a drooping posture, could only nod in response. He felt the weight of Mary Kay's disappointment bearing down on him. In the midst of her scolding, Mary Kay delved into his perceived failures, listing each one with meticulous detail.

Mary Kay's scolding was relentless. "How could you let Selina and those Russells surpass us? Are you incapable of creating something innovative? You're useless!"

"You couldn't even come up with a fraction of the innovation that the Russells managed with that elixir. What have you been doing all this time, twiddling your thumbs?" Mary Kay's voice echoed in the room, each accusation like a dagger aimed at Mike's professional pride.

Her scornful tone continued, dissecting his skills and questioning his dedication. "Are you an alchemist or just a glorified potion mixer? I expected excellence, not this mediocrity."

As Mary Kay continued to berate him, Mike's mental monologue revealed a mix of frustration, self-doubt, and a simmering determination to prove himself. "I've been trying my best, but it's hard to compete with the Russell family's elixir. Selina must have found someone with incredible alchemical skills, and I can't match that. How do I explain that to Mary Kay? I've been working day and night, but the pressure from her and the competition is suffocating. How can I match the skills of an unknown expert?"

Mike knows that he is just the target of Mary Kay's frustration, he had no choice but to absorb the verbal onslaught. He kept apologizing, his responses feeble in the face of her relentless criticism. Mary Kay's anger seemed boundless, fueled by the perceived threat to her pharmacy's reputation and revenue.

Mary Kay, fueled by a sense of superiority, intensified her scolding, hoping to provoke a reaction. "If you can't bring us back to the top, I'll find someone who can. Maybe someone who doesn't crumble under the pressure of a little competition."

Mike's silent acknowledgment of her words only fueled Mary Kay's disdain. The encounter left him feeling disheartened, the weight of his perceived inadequacy pressing heavily on his shoulders.