The most shameless alchemist in history

"Excuse me, please replace this crystal with another one." Du Lei said casually. At this moment, the staff came over and cleaned up the crystal fragments, and soon delivered a brand new crystal. Moreover, this crystal was even larger than the previous one, reaching the level of a hundred magic energy units index capacity!

"Mr. Du Lei, there was a slight mishap just now, but please rest assured, this crystal will definitely be fine." The staff member assured him confidently. He couldn't bear to see a third problem occur, and besides, he had his assistant test the crystal himself, confirming that it was indeed working properly.

“Understood, then…” Dure grasped the magic crystal for the third time. The previous two attempts had resulted in the crystal shattering due to unexpected events. Now, as he attempted for the third time, all eyes were on him. Initially, people were not optimistic about this unknown guy, especially given Ruben's example of having a magic energy index of 128 units. Therefore, people did not take Dure seriously. However, after the two unexpected events, people were starting to have some expectations.

"Crack." To the astonishment of the staff, the third magic crystal shattered again, and it shattered even faster and more thoroughly than before. In just an instant, its surface was covered with cracks, and it scattered into countless crystals that fell to the ground.

"What on earth is going on? This is the third time already. Even if there's a problem with the quality of the crystals, it's impossible for all the crystals to have quality issues," someone said in surprise. This was truly unbelievable.

"Hey, you don't actually think the crystal shattered because of a quality issue, do you?" Someone nearby scoffed, clearly having a different opinion.

"If it's not a quality issue, what else could it be?" This only made people more puzzled. They thought it would be an ordinary day, but unexpectedly, such an unbelievable thing happened.

"Besides quality issues, there's another problem that can cause crystals to shatter: when the amount of magical energy it carries reaches its critical point, it breaks," some knowledgeable people in the crowd explained in detail.

"What? The magical energy it can withstand has reached the critical point? This is a crystal with a power of one hundred units!" The bystander exclaimed in surprise and astonishment.

"And that's not all. A mere hundred units of magic energy index is not enough to shatter it. Not only that, it's impossible to even cause it to crack. Under normal circumstances, a crystal can withstand twice the magic energy pressure of its own index. It's just that for the sake of more accurate testing, a lower value is used to label crystals." The person next to him continued to explain.

"So that's how it is. Even a crystal with a hundred magic units shattered. Doesn't that mean... those young men's own magic unit index reached two hundred? Are you kidding me? That's the level of a Steel-rank magic user!" The man who had just raised the question said incredulously.

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753 Different Attributes

"What nonsense are you talking about? I only have 128 mana units, how could he possibly have more than me? There must be some mistake here, you should check it carefully." Upon hearing this, Ruben immediately retorted loudly, he refused to admit it!

"Then, please continue." Du Lei, the person in charge, was not in a hurry. He waved his hand, signaling the staff to continue preparing new magic crystals. Others speculated about his level, but he himself was also very curious.

Keep in mind that he was already at the Steel Rank level eight years ago, and the standard for the Magic Energy Unit Index of the Steel Rank level is two hundred. Clearly, he has reached that standard.

However, his Steel Rank is somewhat different from others because when he faces a powerful opponent, he can have Blackie come out to help him, and with Blackie's power, he can defeat opponents who are much stronger than him.

However, after sleeping in the Abyss of Winter for eight years, he discovered that Little Black and Little White had disappeared. During his slumber, he found that his body had not stopped absorbing magical energy from the outside world, which allowed him to accumulate a considerable amount of magical energy. Therefore, when he faced Restia in the town of Winter Town, he was able to put up a fight, but in the end, he was no match for that powerful woman and suffered a humiliating defeat.

The first reason Du Lei chose Winter City as his first stop after waking up was to follow in his footsteps and complete the task he hadn't finished eight years ago. The second reason was that he also wanted to figure out where he was now.

Although he felt some regret about losing eight years, the amount of magical energy stored in his body was much stronger than it was eight years ago.

"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and exchange for magic crystals. This time, exchange for five hundred units of magic crystals, quick!" The staff member scolded his assistant. Soon, the assistant brought over a magic crystal. This magic crystal was larger than the previous one, and it shone with a crystal-clear luster. Five hundred units was already the standard for a Flame-rank magic user.

"Five hundred magic energy units?" Dure picked up the magic energy crystal and examined it carefully. Soon he gripped it, and a strong panic appeared inside the crystal, while the numbers displayed on the crystal soared!

"Look, look! 300, 400, 480, 500... Oh my god, it's already reached 500, has it finally stopped?" The person next to him watched nervously. In his vision, the number soared to 500 in just two or three seconds, which greatly surprised him, because he had not seen such a powerful magic user for a long time, especially at such close range.

"This isn't just a pause; it's already soared to its peak! Oh no, look, the crystal's surface is cracking again!" someone shouted. At his warning, people noticed that cracks had indeed appeared on the crystal's surface. Soon, these cracks merged together, and the cracking sound resumed.

"Bang." When all the cracks merged, the crystal shattered, just like the other crystals. This made Ruben's eyes widen in disbelief, because he only had 128 magic energy units, which already made him very proud, but how many did others have? They had already soared to 500, and what's worse, this was not the end!

"I'm very sorry, it seems I've broken another magic crystal. Please rest assured, I will compensate you." Du Lei said apologetically. This was already the fourth magic crystal to break. Not only were the people watching speechless, but even the staff couldn't recover for a long time. He worked here every day and witnessed so many outstanding magic users, but this was the first time he had seen someone give him such a shock.

"No, no, it's alright. It's an honor for our association to have such a powerful magic user as Mr. Du Lei. It was my oversight that delayed you for so long. Go and get the largest capacity magic crystal!" The staff member quickly waved his hand. He knew it was his mistake, and he was already lucky that no one blamed him. At his signal, his assistant immediately took action.

The largest magic crystal in the Winter City Magician Association branch can withstand a maximum of 3000 magic energy units. 1000 magic energy units is the standard for a Battle-Rank Magician, so 3000 magic energy units is equivalent to a six-star Battle-Rank Magician.

This is already a very high level, because the next level above the Battle Rank is the King Rank, and the number of King Rank magic users is extremely rare. Even in a large country like the Snow Kingdom, the number of King Rank magic users would not exceed ten.

Normally, the Winter City branch can't test it; only the Frost City Magic Power Association can. Now, Dure has easily broken through the 500 Magic Power Unit index. To be on the safe side, the staff directly chose the largest capacity Magic Power Crystal to suppress it. If the crystal breaks again, it will not only cause losses to the Magic Power Association, but he will also have to bear the corresponding responsibility.

At the staff member's command, his assistant quickly brought up the magic crystal that could test 3000 units of magic energy index. The crystal was crystal clear and emitted a pure light. People around cast surprised glances at it. They had never seen such a pure magic crystal before. Even Ruben stared wide-eyed.

"Mr. Du Lei, please rest assured, there will be absolutely no problems this time. Please continue with the test." The staff member assured him confidently. He couldn't afford to make mistakes again and again, otherwise it would be a devastating blow to his promotion path.

"Can it withstand a crystal with an index of 3000 magic energy units? I'll give it a try then." Dure nodded and placed his hand on the crystal as before. At first, the crystal did not react, which relieved the staff.

But soon the crystal began to emit a blue glow. When the blue light reached one-fifth of the crystal, a layer of golden light appeared. This was quite surprising, because one color represents one attribute, and two colors mean two attributes. For magic users, they can only cultivate one attribute. Putting different attributes together is not only very difficult, but also very dangerous.

"What's going on with this kid? How can he master two different types of magical energy at the same time?" Someone nearby exclaimed in amazement, expressing his bewilderment at the scene.

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754 Please be lenient

"Although it is difficult to possess two types of magical energy at the same time, it is not without precedent. For example, two types of magical energy with very similar attributes can be combined." A knowledgeable person next to them pointed this out.

"But look, it's not just two anymore, another type of magical energy has appeared." Someone exclaimed in surprise. Three different colors of magical energy appeared in a single crystal, which was something he had never heard of before.

"It's not just three types, it's increasing. Now there are four, no, five! What's wrong with that thing? Is it a monster? How can it possess so many complex magical attributes at the same time?" In the eyes of the onlookers, the colors of the magical energy inside the crystal increased, and soon these different colors intertwined, creating a colorful and peculiar sight.

"Look, cracks are starting to appear on the surface of the crystal again. No way, this is a crystal with an index of 3000 magic energy units, capable of testing a 6-star Dou-rank magic energy user. How come even this kind of crystal can't withstand his magic energy?" This was unbelievable to everyone. It was completely beyond their imagination, and they were all dumbfounded.

"Stop, stop, stop, Mr. Du Lei, we hope you will be lenient and stop immediately." The staff member next to him couldn't sit still any longer. His face was very ugly because this crystal was the most precious crystal that the association branch could possess. If even this crystal was broken, then they would really have nothing to show for it.

"Stop the test? But my test results..." Dure stopped as he was told, but he was still a little hesitant. He was quite worried about his test results.

"We can only classify you as a six-star Dou-rank Magic Power User here, and issue you a Gold Star Badge representing Dou-rank Magic Power Users. If you want to upgrade, you can only go to the Frost City branch. There, my colleagues can test more accurately." The staff member wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile.

"I understand, so that must be a six-star Dou-rank magic user. I'm sorry for the trouble." Du Lei nodded, satisfied with the result. Actually, he knew his own strength; he was probably only at the eight-star Dou-rank level, still a bit short of the King rank. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been chased and beaten by Restia that day in Winter Town.

"Mr. Du Lei, please wait a moment, I'll register you now." The staff member gave Du Lei a grateful look. Luckily, Du Lei was the easy-going type. If it were someone difficult, it would be a real headache.

"It's alright, you guys continue. I'm a little tired too, I'll just sit over there for a while." Du Lei nodded and stepped aside, since the test wasn't over yet and there was still one last person to be tested.

The last person to be tested was naturally Ellen, who arrived late. Her test result was 642 magic energy units, which is already at the level of the Flame Rank. Under normal circumstances, this would definitely attract people's attention.

However, compared to Dure's magical energy unit index of 3000, this seemed rather ordinary. During the break when Ellen was being tested, the association completed the registration of Dure's information. After all, it was his first time visiting the Magic Energy Association, and the association did not keep any information about him.

"Mr. Dure, thank you for waiting. This is the Gold Star Badge representing your status as a Battle-Rank Magic Power User. As a distinguished member of the Magic Power User Association, you can enjoy many benefits. Please feel free to contact our association if you have any questions." After preparing the Gold Star Badge, the staff member handed it to Dure with both hands.

"The Venus badge? Thank you. May I leave now?" Du Lei accepted the Venus badge and nodded.

"Sure, of course, please go ahead." The staff member paused for a moment, then waved his hand, indicating that Du Lei was free to come and go as he pleased, and no one would stop him.

“Then I’ll take my leave…” Du Lei immediately prepared to leave, because he had other things to do, and the places he was going to today were not just the Magic Power Association.

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Dure." At this moment, someone called out to him from behind. He turned around and saw that it was Ellen, the girl he had just met and who had obtained a two-star Flame Rank badge.

"Ellen, is something the matter?" Dure asked. Ellen's achievements surprised him greatly. After all, she had reached this level at such a young age. If she were given a few more years, who knew how high she would go.

“I haven’t congratulated you yet, Mr. Du Lei. Congratulations on becoming a Battle-Rank Magic Power User,” Ellen said very seriously.

“So this is what you wanted to talk about, Ellen. You’re really amazing, Ellen, you’ve actually reached the level of a Flame-rank Magic Power User.” Dure nodded and replied with a smile.

“No, I’m nowhere near as good as Mr. Dure. By the way, Mr. Dure, where are you going next?” Ellen asked curiously.

"Next, I'm going to the next room," Du Lei said, pointing to the exit.

“Next door? What next door?” Ellen was stunned for a moment. She didn’t understand what Dure meant. This “next door” made her feel a little confused.

"It's the Alchemist's Association next door. I saw it on my way here. Isn't the Alchemist's Association still open as usual?" Du Lei was referring to the building next to the Magic Power Association building. He had been a little worried before coming.

After all this time, he wasn't sure if the two associations were still around. These were extraordinary times, and he wouldn't be surprised if they had moved away.

However, upon arriving here, he discovered that both associations were still in existence. Moreover, he had successfully obtained the Gold Star Badge for a Battle-Rank Magician from the Magician Association. Now that he had settled matters with the Magician Association, he should head to the Alchemist Association, since he had prepared for the alchemy level test eight years ago.

"Oh? Mr. Dure, you're going to the Alchemists' Guild? Is there something you need?" Ellen asked curiously.

"What's the matter... well... I'm going to test my alchemy skills, something like this." Du Lei had already reached the entrance of the Magic Power Association, where he could clearly see the Alchemist Association building.

"What? We have to take an alchemy test? Mr. Dure, you're not just an excellent Battle-Rank Magic Power User, you're also an alchemist?" Ellen was very surprised. It's already extremely rare to be a Battle-Rank Magic Power User, but to be an alchemist on top of that is simply monstrous!

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755 The Talking Cat

"Mr. Ruben, what's wrong? Is there anything else?" After everyone left, Ruben remained standing there, stunned, unable to come to his senses for a long time.

"No, it's nothing." Ruben waved his hand, indicating that he was fine. He looked down at the Iron Star badge hanging on his chest. He should be very excited because he had achieved his goal today, but why couldn't he feel happy at all?

Ruben was confused about what was wrong with him, and so was Dure. However, Dure didn't even remember what Ruben looked like. After leaving the Magic Power Association, he went straight to the Alchemist Association next door.

Compared to the imposing and majestic building of the Magic Power Association, the Alchemist Association was rather shabby. It was an ordinary three-story building that hadn't been renovated for who knows how many years. Even the main entrance, which was supposed to be the face of the building, was dilapidated.

When Du Lei went in, he saw that the door was wobbling and looked like it might fall apart at any moment. The words "Alchemist Association" above his head were also very faded, and even the spelling of "gold" was faded. If you didn't know better, you would think this was a shady shop that cheats people out of their money.

"Is anyone here? Excuse me, is anyone here?" Du Lei asked cautiously. Compared to the Magic Power Association building where cute maids greet you warmly as soon as you enter the gate, this place is too deserted. There is a rotten smell in the air, no lights, very dark, and a lot of weeds grow on the ground. This place could be a haunted house, and it doesn't even need to be repaired.

With a creak, just as Du Lei was looking around, the door of the room upstairs suddenly opened. Hearing the noise, Du Lei immediately looked over. It seemed that someone was responding to him, which made him feel somewhat relieved. But at this moment, a shadow suddenly pounced down, which startled him.

"This is... a cat?" Du Lei saw a black cat pounce on him and realized that the commotion he had made from rushing out of the door was caused by this cat. The cat looked at Du Lei warily. Obviously, strangers rarely came to this place. It would be on high alert and ready to fight anyone who broke in.

"Young man, who are you? What are you doing here?" Just as Du Lei hesitated, the black cat's mouth moved slightly, which surprised Du Lei, because he had never seen a cat that could talk before!

"What on earth is going on? Why is the cat talking?" Du Lei was bewildered and momentarily forgot to answer the black cat's question.

"Answer me, what is your purpose in coming here?" the black cat continued to ask, pacing back and forth and staring at Du Lei. This made Du Lei tremble with fear and a chill run down his spine, especially down his back.

"I'm here to... participate in the alchemist ranking assessment..." Dure answered cautiously. This place was too gloomy, and everything about it exuded a strange atmosphere, which made him feel uneasy, and cold sweat dripped down his forehead.

"The gold star you're wearing on your chest... are you a member of the Magic Power Association?" The black cat examined the shining gold star on Du Lei's chest, the mark of a Battle-Rank Magic Power user, which he had recently acquired.

"Well... I'm not really a member of the Magic Power Association. I just got the badge for convenience. Is there a problem with that?" Du Lei was really unsure of the other party's background, so he answered cautiously.

"Just for a badge? You're already a Battle-Rank Magic Power User at such a young age. You must be a key candidate being groomed by the Magic Power User Association, right?" Black Cat scoffed at this, his words clearly showing his disdain for Du Lei.

"No, no, the Magic Power Association not only didn't focus on training me, but they also sent people to hunt me down before. I just got lucky and escaped. I only just got the badge..." Du Lei explained in a panic. What he said was true. The hunting incident happened eight years ago when he had just returned to Maple City from the Mountain Kingdom. Grenier came to mediate, but he didn't expect that Grenier would become the vice president eight years later.

"So, what exactly is your ulterior motive for coming to our Alchemist Guild? Do you want to steal our intelligence and destroy us?" the black cat asked coldly, its eyes, which gleamed in the darkness, making Dure tremble with fear.

"I already told you I'm here to take the test and get the badge. I don't have any ulterior motives. At least listen to what I'm saying..." Dure felt a headache coming on. He had no way of communicating with this black cat. So there really is an irreconcilable generation gap between species?

"Who exactly sent you here, that old man Faroussie?" the black cat continued to question him.

"Please, I have absolutely no idea who you're talking about. How am I supposed to answer you?" Du Lei felt that the other party was being completely unreasonable.

"Get out of here. Our Alchemists' Association doesn't welcome lackeys like you from the Magic Power Association. Get as far away as you can, get as far away as possible." The black cat directly issued the order to leave.

"Your attitude here is really..." Du Lei wasn't going to leave just like that. Thinking about the treatment he received at the Magic Power Association next door, it was like night and day compared to here. The difference was huge. Sure enough, the Magic Power Association's building was bright and shiny, and it was thriving, while the Alchemist Association was dilapidated. There was a reason for that.

"If you don't leave, I'm going to kick you out." The black cat's attitude was very firm.

“You want me to leave like this… Oh right!” Du Lei really didn’t want to leave in such a sorry state, so at that moment, he had a flash of inspiration and immediately took off the gold star on his chest.

"In this way, I will no longer be a member of the Magic Power Association." Du Lei put the Venus badge he had just obtained into his pocket.

"Oh, that's right. So, young man, what brings you here?" The black cat's tone softened immediately, and it asked slowly and deliberately.

"What?! This actually works?" Du Lei had only done it on a whim, and he hadn't expected it to actually come in handy. He stared at the black cat in disbelief. "Um... as I just said, I'm here for an alchemist level assessment."

He said somewhat guiltily that before coming here, he had heard that alchemists had strange tempers, each one a first-rate oddball, and there were all sorts of unbelievable rumors. Many adults even used alchemists to scare children, which made Du Lei particularly puzzled. After all, the alchemists he had met were all quite normal, and he himself was also very normal. This was very inconsistent with the rumors!

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