The Third Realm (Ten Realms, #3)

by Michael Chatfield

“Copper for Novice, silver for Apprentice, gold for Journeyman, Sky-grade iron for Expert. Master is made from a glowing crystal and Star-classed alchemists will have a black medallion that seems to suck in the very light, but is marked with glowing stars. The lines on all of the emblems except Master and higher show low, mid, and high grade alchemist.

“There are in total ten stages of formations: Power, Function, Direction, Tapping into Elements, Drawing External Mana, Use External Mana, Domain, Elemental Hub, Environment Alteration, and Mana Well.