My Skills Can Evolve Infinitely in a Game-Like World

Chapter 8: Alchemist

If other Players were asked to obtain a Sub-Class, they would have to overcome several hurdles and face certain dangers before they could succeed.

Although the poster had created a thorough guide on how to obtain it, it would still take Players hours, if not days, to become Alchemists.

Thankfully, Aurelius did not have to go through all this trouble.

The very next morning, he left the Sol mansion alone. This time, his destination was not the Dryad Forest but another part of the city.

Before long, he arrived in front of a series of complex buildings, working together to make a giant campus.

A plaque hung above the entrance, with the words "Ernst Academy" beautifully handwritten.

Students could be seen going in and out, all around the same age as him. At most, they were only a couple of years older.

Aurelius only paused briefly to take in this sight.

Having obtained this body’s memories, he was quite familiar with this place.

He didn’t hesitate for long.

Soon, he walked through the entrance and entered the academy.

Nobody came to stop him.

After all, Aurelius was actually a student here, albeit a failing one.

’This is the influence of being born in a noble family. Even a bastard like me can enroll in academies that most commoners would have to spend years and their entire wealth to qualify.’

’Even if I fail, nobody dares to kick me out,’ Aurelius thought silently as he continued his walk.

Surprisingly, he didn’t choose to visit the lecture halls.

Instead, after several twists and turns, he arrived before the Ernst Academy’s library.

Since it was early morning, the students were either sleeping or getting ready for the upcoming lectures.

As such, Aurelius saw no other students around the building.

After nodding politely to the elderly man behind the counter, Aurelius walked straight to the second floor.

Although the room was smaller and there were far fewer books in here, his eyes lit up.

He was familiar with the rules of the library.

The first floor contained ordinary books, pertaining to this world’s history and other ordinary subjects.

Though useful for most people, these were not what he was seeking.

On the second floor, however, were the truly extraordinary books. The ones involving Awakeners and the supernatural as a whole.

Without hesitation, Aurelius stepped toward the nearby bookshelf.

Several titles entered his sight as his gaze swept across the books.

"Potion Making Guide 101". "208 Most Valuable Herbs". "An Introduction to the Common Classes".

The number of books was impressive, and every single one was enough to pique Aurelius’ interest under normal circumstances.

Since he had come here with a certain goal in mind, however, he didn’t pick them up, but continued scanning the many shelves.

Minutes passed. Aurelius went through several bookshelves.

Just when he was starting to believe that he might have overthought things, his face suddenly brightened.

His gaze landed on a worn-out book, and its title emerged before his eyes.

"Alchemist: A Three-Step Guide to Promotion".

Aurelius picked it up the moment he spotted it.

This book was the reason behind his visit to the academy.

He wished to confirm whether the poster’s words had been true, as well as something else.

The library provided tables for the students to sit at.

Soon, Aurelius chose an empty table and began flipping through the book’s pages.

Perhaps because of his enhanced Intelligence, he found that reading had become far easier.

Only half an hour later, he was on its last page.

As he read the final word, he blinked his eyes and waited.

One second. Two seconds. Three seconds.

Just as he was starting to doubt himself, what he had been waiting for finally arrived.

"Ding!"

"Discovered a Sub-Class—Alchemist. Player Template has been activated!"

"Requirements: INT 12. Passed!"

"Do you wish to obtain the Alchemist Sub-Class?"

A simple [Yes] and [No] menu appeared. Without any hesitation, Aurelius clicked on "Yes".

The notifications immediately changed.

"Congratulations to the Player for taking up the Sub-Class—Alchemist."

"Gained Stats: INT +2, AGI +1."

"Gained Skill: Transmutation. Gained Talent: Alchemist’s Touch."

As he watched them fade away, Aurelius nodded. Then, he summoned the Player Panel to confirm the changes.

...

[Name: Aurelius Sol]

[Template: NPC (Common), Player]

[Title: Rabbit Killer]

[Class: Arcanist]

[Rank: 1 / Level: 2/20 (0/300)]

[Sub-Class: Alchemist—Level 0/5 (0/10)]

[Base Stats:] Strength: 16, Agility: 18, Intelligence: 27, Vitality: 15, Luck: 10, Spirit: 270/270

[Skills: Awakener’s Physique Lv. 3, Spirit Bullet, Synthesis, Transmutation]

[Talents: Arcanist’s Heart, Alchemist’s Touch]

[Reputation: 0]

[Skill Points: 1]

[EXP: 12]

...

Compared to Main Classes, Sub-Classes brought far fewer changes, especially when compared to a Mythical one like Arcanist.

Even so, Aurelius was happy.

As his eyes landed on the Sub-Class column, he confirmed that the poster’s information had been true!

Leveling Up the Sub-Class was several times less costly compared to Main Classes.

In the "early game", it was indeed a far more efficient upgrade than the main Class.

The only thing Aurelius had to confirm was whether the stat increase was static or would change.

Looking at his EXP, which was just enough for him to give it a try, he didn’t hesitate.

[You’ve Leveled Up. Your Sub-Class has reached Level 1.]

[You’ve gained: INT +2, AGI +1]

’As expected,’ Aurelius nodded, finding it difficult to maintain a calm expression.

If it were not for being in public, he would have wanted to burst into laughter.

This became even more true upon noticing that reaching Level 2 required only 20 Points.

Fortunately, he was able to suppress his emotions.

Several seconds later, he was finally in the state of mind to look at his new Talent and skill.

...

[Transmutation Lv. 1: With the recipe and the right materials, you are able to craft Relics and brew Potions.]

...

[Alchemist’s Touch Lv. 1 (Talent): Alchemists have an excellent understanding of extraordinary materials. Through a mere touch, you can roughly estimate the value of items and materials.]

...

An appraisal-like Talent and a craftsmanship skill.

The Alchemist Sub-Class had everything an Awakener would ask for.

Sure enough, the poster had not praised it without a reason.

Moreover, if his words were to be trusted, both the Talent and the skill were relatively easy to upgrade, not requiring the expenditure of any Skill Points.

Rubbing his hands together, Aurelius knew that he had gained everything he had wished for during this visit.

Yet he didn’t rush to leave the library just yet.

Looking at the hundreds of books around him, his gaze settled on the Skill Bookshelf he had long identified.