“Is that really him? Huh?" Ir. Gregory?!"

“Would Mr. Gregory actually grace us with his presence?" Observing the growing restlessness among the people, Vivian quickly realized that a true Luminary had indeed come.

“Miss Maria Jenkins, who is this Mr. Gregory? So he isn't merely an ordinary old man selling drugs, right?"

Grover inquired, his voice low and filled with confusion when he saw Goodwin Gregory.

Maria nodded, but her explanation left Grover dissatisfied. "He dabbles in selling drugs as a hobby. Mr. Gregory used to oversee certain affairs within the Pill Alchemist Association.”

“Huh?

This explanation felt rather perfunctory.

What did Maria mean by “overseeing affairs"?

In what capacity did Goodwin serve? What exactly did he manage?

Had Goodwin handled the entire Pill Alchemist Association previously? Meanwhile, the sound of a booming voice echoed through the square as the host took to the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Gregory, the perpetual honorary president of the Pill Alchemist Association and a grade-eight pill alchemist. Let us shower Mr. Goodwin Gregory with our heartfelt applause!"

The host's voice resonated through Loudspeakers, stunning those unaware of Goodwin's identity.

But in the next instant, thunderous applause erupted, reverberating throughout the square.

"The perpetual honorary president of the Pill Alchemist Association?" grade-eight pill alchemist?”

“Do such lofty ranks truly exist within the realm of pill alchemists? Isn't it known that a grade-six pill alchemist is on par with the leader of an ancient martial arts clan? And that a grade-seven pill alchemist can disdain even the clan leader's very existence!"

“Then, what sort of Legendary figure is a grade-eight pill alchemist? A living deity, perhaps?”

Under the watchful gaze of countless onlookers, Goodwin made his deliberate way to the stage.

Mrs. Jenkins prepared to greet him, only to be ignored as Goodwin bypassed her and seized the host's microphone.

"Nonsense!"

That one word swiftly silenced the crowd

“I have never accepted the perpetual honorary presidency of the association. Since I'm retired, I hold no position.

Furthermore, what was that about me being a grade-eight pill alchemist? It has been twenty years since my injury, and my once-formidable talent has waned. I no longer possess the prowess required for a grade-eight designation or the ability to craft grade-eight pills!"

With those words, Goodwin went to his seat.

He left an awkward stillness hanging in the air