The Alchemy Association's Secret Vault (33)

First place was Ian. The value of ten Damage-Resistance Potions eclipsed the entire field; no one could question it.

Second place was Kalansir. The Full Enhancement Potion produced by this bona fide genius alchemist had an exceptionally high completion rate, and by additionally enhancing the physique, it even solved part of the problem of "aftereffects."

If Ian had not been there, he would have been the true first place.

Still, Kalansir accepted this loss wholeheartedly—when all was said and done, he understood one thing: he was competing with Isengard, not nursing some grudge against Ian. It was not as though he had never lost before, so why care so much about the ranking?

Of course, that was what he said. But when Ian saw Kalansir the next day, the expression on the big boy's face—unwilling to accept it, somewhat aggrieved, yet still showing Ian a faint smile—was rather amusing...

"Why does his face have so many expressions?"

Ian quietly asked Isengard.

"He was probably lectured by his family when he went home yesterday."

Isengard quietly replied, "Not taking first place is a small matter. The main issue is that you now have a laboratory, so his side will receive less funding. Especially with your reputation being so great, it will be harder to promote him afterward."

"But don't worry. There is competition within the Platinum-Iridium Workshop, but it is not that fierce. No one will become enemies and leave the two of you scheming against each other all day, unable to do experiments."

"He mainly feels the pressure. He does not want to keep losing to you—just as he has always hated losing to me."

"Young people being competitive is a good thing."

Ian showed an understanding expression, while Isengard complained, "Aren't you even younger than me? I really don't