Chapter 1518 Accumulate Points <TOC> Chapter 1520 Mushroom Witch
Translator: SumTLMan
“Yes,” Antonio briefly explained the Methods for Earning Points.
Currently, there are two main avenues. The first one is through individual achievements.
Whenever a member of the Research Institute releases an alchemy item that gains approval, they earn a certain amount of points. If they are willing to distribute the item more broadly under the Institute’s name, they would be granted even more points.
The display cases from the first to the fiftieth floors of the Research Institute are set up for this very purpose.
The second method of earning points is more straightforward: accepting missions from the Research Institute.
Missions generally come in two types. The first type is officially released by the Institute, while the second type is posted by its members. The distinction lies in the rewards: tasks issued by the Institute will undoubtedly grant points, while those put forth by members will have rewards determined by the individual issuer.
After explaining, Antonio paused and added, “By the way, currently, none of the Research Institute members have issued tasks that reward points.”
In other words, one either follows the path of individual achievement or takes on missions from the Institute.
Angel was more inclined towards the first option, but the catch is that not every alchemy item you release will necessarily be approved. That means it’s a long road requiring sustained research and bouts of inspiration.
Angel pondered for a moment and decided to keep the first method as a backup option. After all, it’s not something that can be accomplished in the short term. Besides, this particular route could be pursued at any time. He’ll first see if there are any simpler alternatives.
“Setting aside the 10 points I earned as a special judge, Antonio, do you have any suggestions for how I can quickly accumulate another 20 points?” Angel inquired.
Almost without thinking, Antonio responded, “There is a mission that will instantly get you at least 100 points, should you agree to it.”
“Instantly get 100 points?” Angel looked at Antonio with eager anticipation.
Antonio said, “Oversee the Research Institute.”
Managing the Research Institute is essentially a long-term commitment measured in years. Agreeing to it will immediately net you 100 points, and if you choose to continue in the role, the points will keep accumulating.
In essence, overseeing the Institute equates to acting as its Director. While the role promises considerable authority, it also demands a significant commitment. One of the most vexing aspects for members is the necessity of investing copious amounts of what feels like wasted time on tedious tasks that require your personal involvement.
The acting Director is responsible for all negotiations between the Research Institute and other organizations, work scheduling within the Institute, task assignments, project releases… and so forth.
This task is usually only accepted by individuals who possess an intense desire for power coupled with an overwhelming sense of responsibility; otherwise, very few actively volunteer for it.
Angel appeared puzzled and said, “I recall Midora once telling me that anyone who wishes to oversee the Research Institute must first be subject to a comprehensive evaluation involving multiple criteria. He mentioned that I wouldn’t be assigned to this role in the near future.”
Indeed, because the task necessitates an in-depth evaluation from various angles, extreme personalities like that of “The Grafting Lunatic” Dongola, also an alchemist, would never be considered suitable candidates for overseeing the Research Institute.
After a moment’s silence, Antonio added, “Once Lord Pat ascended to the status of a formal wizard, Director Muse personally endorsed you for this task, believing you are now qualified for it. However, according to the Institute’s regulations, you wouldn’t be assigned this role for several decades to come.”
“But if you want to take the initiative, you’re free to do so.”
“So, Lord Pat, what’s your answer?”
Angel didn’t hesitate and shook his head: “No.”
He has plenty to do and doesn’t want to invite trouble unnecessarily.
“Apart from overseeing the Research Institute, are there no other tasks?” Angel inquired.
Antonio pondered for a moment: “There is one that might be more suitable for Lord Pat.”
Antonio slowly uttered one word: “Teaching.”
In reality, both overseeing the Research Institute and teaching are routine tasks that all members of the Institute will encounter. The former task is done only when it’s obligatory or when it’s one’s turn in the rotation. The latter task, however, is often more willingly accepted by many members.
The reason the Research Institute has become a sanctuary for alchemists is not just because of the presence of master alchemists but also due to the intermittent classes offered. This is one of the factors.
Furthermore, teaching also serves as a method for organizing one’s own knowledge.
Most importantly, the timing of the classes is very flexible. You could even terminate it after just teaching one session if you wish.
“So, how many points would one earn for teaching a single class?” Angel asked.
“Points are calculated based on the effective duration of the class. However, based on the average points earned by all members during teaching, a single class generally yields at least 2-3 points, and could go up to 5 points or more.”
Angel did some quick calculations; although the points for teaching aren’t abundant, he only needs 20 points. Teaching fewer than ten classes would suffice to reach his target score.
This could indeed serve as a reference.
After all, teaching offers a fair amount of freedom. And since he doesn’t plan to stay in the Research Institute for long, wrapping things up in a short period would naturally be ideal.
Besides teaching, Antonio also suggested a few other ways to earn points. Some of these methods either restrict one’s freedom or require a specialization that Angel isn’t proficient in.
Taking everything into account, teaching appears to be the most suitable option.
Although Angel doesn’t believe he’s reached the proficiency to teach, according to Antonio, instructors have the liberty to design their own courses. Therefore, he could try to teach aspects in which he is particularly skilled.
Additionally, Midora had previously encouraged Angel to consider teaching. This way, he could not only earn points but also gain insights into his own alchemical journey based on questions posed by other alchemists.
“If the Lord decides to teach, you may want to consult other members about some of the issues. They could provide clearer guidance than I can,” Antonio suggested to Angel. After all, being a spirit, Antonio has never actually taught a class.
Subsequently, Angel discussed some matters about special evaluations with Antonio before bidding him farewell.
After leaving Enchanted Mechanical City, Angel’s original plan was to check on Nausica at the Woodrow Bar. However, since he was already near the opposite side of Sky Mechanical City where the Magic Potion Hut was located, he figured he could also pay Midora a visit.
Conveniently, Angel had questions about teaching that he wanted to consult with Midora as well.
…
When Angel arrived at the Magic Potion Hut, the door opened on its own before he could knock.
“Come in,” Midora’s voice echoed into Angel’s ears.
The warm yellow light bathed the cozy, lived-in hut in a soft and inviting glow.
As Angel walked in, his eyes immediately fell on Midora, who was standing next to the kitchen stove, intently observing the liquid in a pot.
At first, Angel thought that Midora was engrossed in concocting some sort of alchemical potion. However, a rich and aromatic scent — filled with the essence of mushrooms and seafood — wafted through the air, telling a different story.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out that Midora was simmering a pot of mushroom and fish chowder.
This tableau — the soft lighting, the cozy ambiance, the mouthwatering aroma of the chowder, Midora’s focused expression, and the serious demeanor he maintained despite wearing an apron…
This led Angel to unconsciously think that he hadn’t arrived at the home of an alchemist master, but rather a typical, warm family of three.
Angel, who had been feeling a bit restless, found his mood suddenly settling into a calm serenity because of this scene.
As the aroma in the air grew increasingly rich, not only did Angel’s long-suppressed appetite begin to stir, but even Toby, who had been feigning sleep in Angel’s pocket, couldn’t help but poke out his tiny head, looking utterly famished.
Midora remained silent, merely gesturing for Angel to take a seat at the table. After a while, as the aroma intensified, Midora extinguished the stove and carried the pot of chowder to the table.
Seeing Toby’s eager expression, Midora grinned and took out a small soup bowl, ladling a portion into it for Toby. He even went as far as placing an entire fish into Toby’s bowl.
“Go ahead, try my culinary skills,” he said.
Angel felt a bit embarrassed and was about to ask Toby to show some restraint, but the moment Toby heard he could eat, his little face was already immersed in the soup.
Midora then ladled a bowl for Angel as well, inviting him to taste it.
Feeling somewhat sheepish, Angel could only express his gratitude to Midora.
A warm bowl of thick soup settled in his stomach, elevating Angel’s already relaxed mood to a new level of coziness, even making him feel a bit lazy.
“Lord Midora, what brings you to the kitchen today? Is Lady Adelia not around?” Angel curiously inquired.
“Don’t call me ‘Lord’ and drop the formalities with Adelia too. You’ve advanced to a formal wizard and you’re a member of the Research Institute, so we’re essentially peers,” Midora replied, removing his apron.
After pondering for a moment, Angel amended his form of address, saying, “Master Midora.”
Even if, as Midora had claimed, they were equals, in Angel’s heart Midora would always be a figure deserving of respect.
Midora didn’t dwell on the titles and answered Angel’s question: “As you know, Adelia is particularly indulgent towards Tujo. These days, she’s gone off with Tujo to watch the Novastar Competition and has even taken up residence in the main city area, leaving me no choice but to cook for myself.”
Though Midora sighed and his words carried an undertone of complaint, it was clear that his affection for Adelia was incredibly genuine.
“Tujo enjoys the Novastar Competition too?”
“Yes, he can’t stop talking about Princess Coral. He keeps pestering Adelia to take him to see her matches. That kid is smitten with the tribe’s princess at such a young age; he’s definitely headed for trouble when he grows up.”
‘Princess Coral’ is actually Coral from the Savage Grottoes.
Angel had previously learned from Tujo that he and Coral actually hailed from the same tribe. In their tribe, Coral was the chieftain’s daughter, hence she is often referred to as ‘Princess’.
However, Coral had left the tribe quite early on to practice in the Savage Grottoes. Tujo had only seen her a few years ago during a tribal ceremony.
Perhaps it was that brief encounter that left an indelible impression on young Tujo, causing him to harbor feelings for Coral.
Chapter 1518 Accumulate Points <TOC> Chapter 1520 Mushroom Witch