End-of-Year Feast

"Go, go, go! Of course we're going!"

Michael said excitedly, "The Alchemy Competition is like the Quidditch World Cup—it's only held once every four years! It's one of the Wizarding World's top international competitions! I'd only heard about it before; I've never seen it for myself! We can't miss an opportunity this good!"

As they walked toward the Great Hall, Ryan asked curiously, "Even if Wade isn't competing, couldn't you just buy a ticket and go as a spectator?"

"You don't get it, do you?"

Walking backward to face them, Michael wagged a finger. "The Alchemy Competition isn't like the Quidditch World Cup. It's invitation-only."

"The organizing committee directly invites young Alchemists who have made a name for themselves over the past four years. Spectators are also limited to wizards who receive Gold Foil Invitations, though competitors and judges can bring family and friends!"

"And the spectators who receive invitations are usually academic bigwigs, celebrities and high-ranking officials, wealthy businessmen, and representatives of Pure-blood families, along with a few famous editors and reporters. Ordinary people have no chance to buy tickets, and might not even know this competition exists!"

Ryan stroked his chin. "That secretive?"

Wade explained, "After all, Alchemy isn't like Transfiguration or Charms. There's no direct confrontation between competitors, and the competition doesn't look all that exciting. Without a certain level of Alchemy knowledge, most people would find it very boring."

"Besides, many alchemical products have to be examined up close to appreciate their mysteries. If there are too many spectators, most of them would just have to sit there for hours on end, only to still have no idea what the judging criteria are."

"But your Alchemy was spectacular in the arena, Wade!" Ryan said. "Even without the battle afterward, it was more than pleasing to watch."