MMORPG: REBORN MARK ADVENTURE IN ONLINE GAME

The arena remained eerily silent for a moment after Varian turned to leave. The weight of his words—"Not bad"—still lingered in the air.Then, like a dam breaking, the crowd exploded with noise.> "That was insane!""He actually beat the golem!""Did you see how he adapted? That wasn't brute force—that was real alchemy.""No wonder he passed so fast.""What's his name? Anyone know?"Raven ignored the chatter, stepping down from the platform with the same calm, composed expression he had maintained since the trial began.But he wasn't naive.He could feel the weight of their gazes—players and NPCs alike. Some were filled with curiosity, others admiration… and a few with jealousy.This trial had done more than just grant him the Alchemy Apprentice title.It had drawn attention.> Tch. More eyes on me than I'd like.Still, there was no regret. This had been necessary.The Trial Proctor's VerdictThe Trial Proctor approached him, his face set in its usual neutrality, though there was a flicker of something deeper—acknowledgment.> "You have completed the Alchemy Apprentice trial. Your performance was…" He hesitated briefly, then finished, "…noteworthy."The system prompt flashed before Raven's eyes.---[System Notification]Congratulations! You have passed the Alchemy Apprentice Trial!Title Unlocked: [Alchemy Apprentice]Perk: +10% efficiency in crafting alchemical itemsPerk: Basic potion effects increased by 5%Reward: [Alchemy Academy Badge] – Grants access to advanced lessons & restricted materials---Raven glanced at the badge now appearing in his inventory—a small, ornate piece of metal with engraved alchemical symbols, glowing faintly.> Access to restricted materials, huh?That would be useful.Varian's Final GestureJust as Raven was about to step away, the crowd parted slightly—Varian had stopped at the exit of the chamber.He hadn't left yet.Instead, he tilted his head slightly, just enough for Raven to see his knowing smirk.Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he tossed something toward him.Raven caught it effortlessly.A small, dark glass vial.> [???]A mysterious alchemical sample given by Varian. Its purpose is unknown.Before he could question it, Varian spoke one last time.> "If you're serious about alchemy, this won't be your last test."His voice was as calm and unreadable as ever. But something about it felt almost expectant.Then, without another word, he disappeared down the corridor.Raven glanced at the unlabeled vial in his hand.The Players ReactAs soon as Varian left, the players in the chamber swarmed closer, their hushed whispers turning into outright discussion.> "Wait. Did Varian just personally hand him something?""That's not normal.""I've failed this trial three times, and that old bastard barely even looks at people.""Who is this guy?"A few bold players approached him directly.> "Hey, man, that was impressive. Got any tips?""You doing commissions? I could use a decent alchemist in my party.""That secret reaction you pulled—was that an in-game recipe or custom?"Raven ignored most of them, simply giving a short nod before moving toward the exit.> I've wasted enough time here.A Shadow in the CrowdAs he passed through the gathering, one figure stood apart from the others.A hooded player, watching him silently.Unlike the others—who were filled with excitement or curiosity—this one's gaze was sharper, more calculating.Raven didn't stop.But he noted the presence.> Someone's interested in me for the wrong reasons.And in a place like Viles Town, that was something to be wary of.---Outside the Alchemy Academy – A New Path OpensStepping out into the streets of Viles Town, Raven felt the cool evening air settle around him. The sounds of vendors, mercenaries, and wandering players filled the space.His next steps were clear.Investigate the vial Varian gave him.Use his new Alchemy Apprentice status to access restricted materials.Prepare for the rising chaos in Viles Town.The Dark Solution guild was still operating in the shadows. K was still hunting them.> And in the middle of it all…Raven had just put himself on the map.---

A Storm of Invitations

As Raven stepped out of the Alchemy Academy, the cool evening air of Viles Town greeted him. But he had barely taken two steps before the first voice called out.

> "Hey, wait!"

A man in silver-trimmed robes strode toward him, a confident smile plastered on his face.

> "That was an incredible display inside! I'm Alan, from the Iron Serpents. We're looking for promising alchemists like you. If you're interested, we offer a starting salary of 10 credits per week plus access to our guild's private workshop!"

Before Raven could even ignore him, another voice cut in.

> "Ignore those amateurs."

A tall woman in black armor, her eyes sharp with calculation, stepped forward.

> "The Night Ravens could use a talent like you. We'll double whatever they offer."

> "I'll triple it!" someone else shouted.

The floodgates burst open.

A dozen guild representatives pushed forward, all eager to claim him for their own. Their offers piled up quickly—not just credits, but promises of rare ingredients, personal crafting stations, and even in-game property.

> "Join us, and you'll get direct access to a personal alchemy lab!"

"We have an exclusive supplier of monster materials—things you won't find anywhere else."

"If you sign today, we'll throw in a bonus of 50 credits!"

One even tried to shove a contract into his hands.

---

Raven's Indifference

Raven barely glanced at the offers.

To most players, these deals would be insanely tempting. Alchemy materials were expensive, and a guaranteed credit income was rare in the early stages.

But Raven wasn't most players.

> Do they think I'm stupid?

A contract this early in the game?

It was an obvious trap.

The fine print would likely lock him into guild obligations—forcing him to craft exclusively for them, restricting his independence, and ensuring they made ten times more profit from his work.

10 credits per week might sound decent for a third-rate employee, but for someone who understood the true potential of alchemy? It was a joke.

If he wanted, he could make ten times that amount on his own.

No thanks.

Without a word, Raven walked past them.

> "Hey! At least give it some thought!"

"We can negotiate!"

"You're making a mistake rejecting this!"

He didn't even slow down.

He had no interest in being someone else's alchemy slave.

---

Varian's Summons

As he reached the outer gates of the Academy, a voice—calm and familiar—cut through the noise.

> "Enough."

Varian.

The crowd instantly fell silent. The guild representatives—so full of confidence a moment ago—tensed.

Varian wasn't just some NPC.

He was one of the highest-ranking alchemists in Viles Town. His presence alone was enough to command respect and fear.

His gaze flickered over the gathering before settling on Raven.

> "Follow me."

Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and walked back into the Academy.

Raven didn't hesitate.

Ignoring the murmurs behind him, he followed.

---

Inside Varian's Chambers

Unlike the grand alchemy halls, Varian's personal chamber was dimly lit, filled with shelves of strange materials and old tomes.

The air carried a faint scent of burnt herbs and metal.

Varian closed the door behind them and turned, studying Raven with his usual unreadable expression.

For a long moment, he said nothing.

Then, he gestured toward a small wooden chair.

> "Sit."

Raven complied.

Varian leaned against his desk, arms crossed.

> "You knew what you were doing in that trial. That wasn't just blind luck."

A statement, not a question.

Raven met his gaze without flinching.

> "I learn fast."

Varian's lips twitched—a hint of amusement, quickly buried.

> "You're not an ordinary beginner. And I don't just mean in skill."

Raven remained silent.

Varian watched him for a moment longer, then sighed.

> "Those guilds will hound you."

He reached into his desk and pulled out a small silver emblem.

> [Alchemy Academy Sigil] – Grants official recognition within the Alchemy Academy. Protects the bearer from external recruitment attempts within Viles Town.

He placed it on the table between them.

> "Take it. It'll keep them off your back—for now."

Raven picked up the emblem, rolling it between his fingers.

This was unexpected.

> "Why help me?"

Varian's smirk returned, just barely.

> "Because I want to see how far you can go."

Then his expression turned serious.

> "You've passed the first trial. But alchemy isn't just about mixing potions and memorizing formulas."

He leaned forward slightly.

> "It's about understanding the world itself."

A pause.

Then—

> "So tell me, Raven. Do you want to stop here? Or do you want to learn the real secrets of alchemy?"

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