Finally, mindful of his potential distress, Maria sought to divert the conversation.

“There is another talented girl in the Jenkins family. Her name is Barbara Herrera."

However, Anthony shook his head and stated firmly, "Oh? Barbara? Unfortunately, she does not merit the title of genius."

Noticing his lingering displeasure, Maria playfully stuck out her tongue, choosing not to engage further.

"The Jenkins family's days are numbered," Anthony asserted.

“They are but a collection of individuals versed only in petty schemes."

In the main house of the Jenkins family's manor.

“Elton is a smart guy. He is too afraid to leave the Jenkins. After all, he's been a level three pill alchemist for almost a decade with no discernible results to show for it!"

Mrs. Jenkins spoke out. She spoke about Elton with obvious disdain for him.

The elderly lady's glazed gaze shifted to the person sitting next to her. A lovely young lady, really!

“Barbara, you are a good girl. You didn't let me down at all. You're a genius given that you made it to level four by the time you're twenty-one!"

Barbara put on an obedient expression and smiled softly.

For a moment she was smiling, and the next she was frowning, asking, “Grandma, why did you take Maria back to our family? When I saw her... I felt uneasy in every part of me when I saw her!”

Mrs. Jenkins wasted no time pondering Barbara's question

Her gaze upon Barbara concealed a self-appreciation as if savoring the fruits of her own Labor.

“It was purely accidental," Mrs. Jenkins murmured, her words trickling slowly. "I presumed you would require her presence. Yet, fate played its hand, and the Reverse Pill materialized before me, which I promptly acquired."

Barbara's expression grew intricate upon hearing the explanation. Reluctantly, she acknowledged the validity of her grandmother's words. After contemplating for a moment, she mustered the courage to admit, “With the aid of the Reverse Pill, I shall ascend to the ranks of a fourth-grade pill alchemist. With my innate talent, soaring to the fifth grade is undoubtedly within reach. Perhaps, even attaining the heights of a sixth or seventh-grade alchemist during my lifetime! So long as I toil relentlessly, Maria's presence becomes inconsequential!"

“You are so out of this world! I believe in your ambition and talent." A hearty and content chuckle escaped Mrs. Jenkins’ lips.

Yet, her tone shifted abruptly as she posed a hypothetical question, “But what if Maria proves valuable?”

What if?!

Barbara's instinctual reaction led her to raise her hand as if reaching for something, but she promptly restrained herself, putting her hand behind her back.

"Why not to be too impulsive." Mrs. Jenkins chided in a critical tone.

“Recognize that the reason you stand where you are today

Like a needle prick, Barbara instantly interjected, "Grandma, I also have dedicated myself tirelessly at the healers association's headquarters!"