His thoughts raced. In his home world (Earth), industry certifications typically come after gaining some basic skill, you earn the title and accumulate experience from there.
But this system was the opposite: one had to reach the level of an industry veteran before they could advance to the corresponding professional title.
"It's like buying the ticket after you're already on the train," Robb thought. He was starting to understand how this system worked.
Still, getting certified by the Order meant he could sign a formal contract to supply potions in exchange for payment and resources.
For him, this was clearly the best move right now. Becoming a professional Alchemist would not only stabilize his income, but also grant access to higher-grade materials.
"Additionally, as a certified Alchemist, you'd be exempt from many of the chores and guard duties apprentices are normally required to do,"
Lady Elena added, "The Order would prioritize your potion-making skills over your ability to stand watch. That means more time to focus on your training and research."
Robb nodded lightly, already forming a plan. "I'll apply for the Alchemist certification tomorrow. Thank you for the advice, ma'am."
She waved a hand dismissively. "Don't thank me yet. The certification exam is no joke. They'll randomly choose three intermediate potions for you to brew on the spot. Failure on any one of them means failing the entire test."
"I'm pretty confident!" Robb's eyes glinted with quiet determination.
"Of course you are." The old woman snorted, a trace of pride in her eyes. "I've never taken on a student without talent."
"If you pass the certification, you can apply for a Order-assigned workshop. I've noticed you've been looking for new housing within the Order. With your potential, getting a place with a built-in workshop shouldn't be a problem."
Robb's eyes lit up.
Housing had been a persistent issue for him lately. If passing the alchemy test could solve that, it would be killing two birds with one stone.
"You really think I could get my own workshop?"
He was surprised the Order would be that generous. Even someone as gifted as Talisa had to sign a service contract to get resource allocation.
"Of course. The Order values potential."
Lady Elena nodded. "Besides, you've already proven your worth. And I imagine adding a recommendation from me to your application wouldn't hurt your chances."
It was clear she wasn't just offering advice, she was subtly promising her support.
Just then, the bell above the shop door jingled. A uniformed messenger from the Order stepped in, glancing around.
"Is Apprentice Robb Reyne here?" the messenger asked.
"Yep, that's me," Robb said, stepping forward with a bit of confusion.
The messenger pulled a letter bearing a royal seal and a small package from his satchel. "This is from the Farwynd royal capital. Please accept it."
Robb took the letter and immediately recognized the seal, it was the emblem of the Farwynd royal family. He already had a pretty good guess what the message was about.
The messenger bowed politely. "If you wish to reply, please deliver your response to the Order's central hall within three days."
With that, he turned and exited the shop.
"Looks like you've received some important news," Lady Elena said casually.
"Go ahead and open it. We're just about done for the day anyway. You can head home early and start preparing for your exam."
Robb nodded and carefully opened the envelope.
The contents were mostly hollow praise from the royal side, typical political pleasantries. More importantly, there was a letter from his father, Count Reyne. It was concise and formal, offering a brief update on the family's affairs.
It seemed that the assets Robb had arranged to be transferred from the royal family to his house had indeed been received, one less thing to worry about.
The attached pouch contained twenty brand-new magic crystal fragments, each one gleaming with a pristine glow.
"Good news, I take it?" Lady Elena asked with interest.
Robb explained simply, "Just some things from my home country. I didn't expect the royal family to pay this much attention to me."
"That's perfectly normal," Lady Elena said offhandedly, as if it were expected.
"In this world, extraordinary power is the real currency. You've proven your potential, rising from a sixth-tier to where you are now. The royal family is simply investing in their future."
Robb agreed. In a world ruled by magic, a gifted sorcerer apprentice was worth far more than a powerful noble with vast lands.
He carefully stored the letter and the shards and prepared to take his leave.
Lady Elena gave him a sideways glance.
"Well then, go on. Get some rest and prep for the exam. Remember, stay calm. Trust your skills. Don't be intimidated by the examiners."
"Thank you, ma'am. I won't let you down."
Robb gave his mentor a deep bow, then turned and left the herb shop.
…
The next morning, having officially graduated from Lady Elena's tutelage, Robb headed to the central hall to register for the Potion Master Certification Exam.
According to protocol, the exam would be held one week later, giving applicants time to prepare.
After submitting his application, Robb stepped out onto the stone steps outside the central hall, lifting his head to the eternally overcast sky above the Black Fog Forest.
Sunlight filtered weakly through the clouds, casting mottled light across the ground, a rare sign of life in this eerie place.
"One week is plenty of time to get fully prepared," he murmured, already thinking about the materials he'd need to gather.
Robb pulled out a small notebook filled with neatly written entries tracking his potion inventory.
The custom order for Talisa last week had drained a lot of rare ingredients, and combined with his recent experiments and practice, his current stock was running dangerously low.
"I need to restock. Especially velvet pollen and moonshade. They're both likely to appear on the exam, it'd be best to get some practice in with them beforehand."
As he made his way toward the market district, Robb mentally mapped out his upcoming plans.
Since his breakthrough to apprentice over a month ago, his status and position had noticeably improved.
But in a place like the Black Mist Forest, rising too fast only drew unwanted attention.
"Even though my mental strength is now at intermediate apprentice level, this isn't the time to reveal it."
Robb thought to himself, "Better to pass the potion master test as an initial-stage apprentice. Give it six months, once I've built a stable foundation in the Order, then I'll consider applying for intermediate certification."