Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2493

Titus looked at Theon deeply, his lips curling into a faint, unreadable smile. "Looks like being the chief alchemist isn't enough to satisfy your appetite, Mr. Orben.

"Fine. Ambition isn't a bad thing. If you can close those remaining deals, then I won't even bother reporting to the headquarters. I'll step down myself, and you can take over as head of Sovereign's Apothecary."

Theon burst into laughter, brimming with confidence. "Then, I'll make sure you hear good news soon."

With that, he stood up and strode out of the room.

Titus remained seated, his mysterious smile never fading.

A few moments later, Brielle returned quietly, as if she had never left.

She said, "I warned you that Theon's ambition runs deep. You've seen it now for yourself. He used to be just an alchemist under us, but now he's bold enough to reach for leadership itself."

Titus waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine. This isn't a big deal. Ambition can be useful. A man with fire in his heart can spark great change, and right now, our sect needs that kind of fire."

He added, "Ever since Julius abandoned alchemy to focus solely on martial arts, the Divine Alchemists have started to decline. Our creed has always been to master alchemy, using it to stand equal with the martial world, to challenge and compete with it.

"But Julius could never overcome the humiliation Reginald brought upon him. That shame broke him so deeply that he turned away from the very art our ancestors built."

Brielle said nothing for a long time, lost in thought. Then, she asked, "Have you ever met Reginald?"

Titus' eyes softened as he reminisced, saying, "Of course I have. Three moves. That's all it took for him to defeat Julius, who was already a martial emperor at the time. Back then, you and I were still chasing after Julius' achievements, both in alchemy and in martial arts. The Divine Alchemists hadn't seen such talent in 100 years, yet he was crushed by a mortal noble."

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