Self-Introduction

When the host of the International Alchemy Conference formally announced that Albert Anderson had received the Pioneering Contribution Gold Award, the venue suddenly fell deathly silent. There was no applause, no cheering—only scrutinizing, doubtful gazes. As the alchemists present turned their heads, every eye settled on Albert.

Being stared at by so many people with such scrutiny and suspicion felt truly awful. The alchemists present had even selectively forgotten that continuously staring at others was highly impolite. Yet under the pressure of over a hundred gazes, Albert's expression barely changed. He had seen grand occasions before; the malicious looks from that crowd were not enough to make him back down.

Isobel, who was especially sensitive to other people's stares, could not help frowning. She quietly reached out and held Albert's hand, trying to give him courage, encouragement, and support through her palm. But Albert was clearly not someone lacking in courage, or he would not have been sorted into Gryffindor.

Of course, he knew many people were gloating, eager to see him embarrassed and humiliated, perhaps even forced by the pressure to give up the Pioneering Contribution Gold Award and leave the International Alchemy Conference in disgrace, becoming a joke for everyone to discuss after dinner. However, they were destined to be disappointed.

The awkward atmosphere did not affect Albert in the slightest. He rose from his seat and slowly walked onto the stage beneath the hostile stares of countless wizards.

The host looked at Albert. He had probably not expected things to turn out this way, and quickly handed him the microphone after he came onstage.

"The view from here is quite nice. I can see quite a few old friends below." Albert took the microphone and casually said, as though testing it, "Of course, I know many of