In the laboratory.
Augusto let out a sigh of relief. Ian wore a smile, while Connor and Finley looked terrible.
"Keep this matter confidential for now. I need to report it to the Academy first."
Augusto said as he looked at everyone.
"Understood, Minister!"
Everyone nodded.
Ian soon returned to the laboratory, where everyone was looking at him eagerly.
Ian nodded.
Cheers immediately erupted.
They understood that they had rendered the foremost merit this time, so every Wizard's reward would be substantial.
"Lord Ian."
Hayden looked at Ian, and in a daze, he felt that Ian was no different from those Second Ring Alchemists.
Fanny, the fanatic, looked even more fervent, as though she were worshipping him.
Elsewhere.
After leaving, Connor also went to the laboratory where his father was.
Ove, who was conducting an experiment, raised his head and casually asked, "You're back. How did it go?"
"The product received the Minister's approval, but Ian happened to bring their product as well, and we..."
"Oh?"
The abruptly cut-off words made Ove raise his head, only to see that Connor's expression had turned ugly beyond measure.
A guess rose in his heart.
But how was that possible?
"Father, we lost."
Connor finally sighed, then slowly explained Ian's new product and its specific effects.
Ove fell increasingly silent as he listened.
Several seconds later, he slowly said, "Connor, this is not your fault. Your opponent is a monster."
He understood very clearly.
Just how valuable this coating was, especially its effect against Darkfire Runes—it held tremendous value even for the Academy.
And was it difficult to develop?
"Very difficult."
Even Ove could not help sighing.
It required an exceptionally profound understanding of Darkfire Runes, one nearly reaching the pinnacle, before one could threaten this system.
Yet the absurd thing was that