บท 13: Gathering
---
For the first time, Uriel and Igris finally showed an obvious reaction different from their usual nonchalant attitude.
Igris narrowed his eyes toward Uriel. "What do you mean by that?" he asked, his voice edged with a sharpness that matched his form.
Uriel's gaze was unwavering. "Exactly what I said. I can travel through the Spirit World faster than you, and I bet I make a better escort too," she retorted, her voice steady but carrying an underlying challenge.
"Huh, who do you think you are? I am the most suited to be the master's messenger," Igris countered, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice.
Uriel crossed her arms, her posture defiant. "Your strength means nothing if you can't navigate the Spirit World as efficiently as I can. I am more versatile and adaptable."
Igris's eyes flared with starlight. "Versatility? You think that trumps raw power? The master needs someone who can protect and intimidate."
Uriel stepped forward, her expression softening slightly but her tone firm. "Protection is not just about power, Igris. It's about being where you need to be, when you need to be. It's about understanding subtlety and strategy."
Their bickering continued, their usual elegant demeanors slipping away to reveal a more raw, competitive edge. It was clear they both felt strongly about their roles and their desire to be of service.
"Okay, okay, stop," I said, raising my hand to calm them down.
They both stopped their argument and turned toward me.
"I'm sorry for showing this disgraceful side of me, Master," Igris said with utmost sincerity.
Uriel just bowed her head with a sad expression while saying, "I'm sorry, Master."
Seeing them both like this made me realize that Igris and Uriel could feel emotion too. I was kind of glad that they were not the usual statue-like angels.
"Uriel, why are you dissatisfied with my decision?" I asked Uriel gently.
"Master, you gave Igris a job just after his descent, but you never gave me any task before. Am I not good enough for you, Master?" Uriel said with a sad tone, her eyes cast down.
Hearing this, I realized the problem. I had never given Uriel any task since I had been just lying around for the past nine months. She must be eager to help me after her descent. She must have felt disheartened after seeing Igris get the first job and thought her value paled compared to Igris.
Understanding this, I gently spoke to Uriel, "Uriel, I picked Igris because he has an imposing image and will make people respect me more, not because I feel that your ability is lacking." Seeing her silence, I continued, "Naturally, I also have a job for you this time."
Uriel seemed to regain her joyful mood after hearing this.
"Please give me the job, Master. I naturally won't disappoint you," Uriel said seriously, her eyes shining with determination.
"Go and get me a Black Emperor card at the Roselle Museum tomorrow," I said. I remembered Klein got this card first, and I would use it as an interaction with the Fool in the future. Sorry, Klein, I muttered inwardly.
---
At the Braveheart Bar
"Do you mean that he has drunk the Sequence 6 potion?" Maric asked with an incredulous expression.
Sharon, hearing this, just nodded her head. She also found this hard to believe. Usually, people will take at least a year before advancing to Sequence 7. This is the first time she has met a person who advances so quickly.
As the two of them chatted, Kaspar entered the room.
"Do you remember the handsome boy that I introduced to you a long time ago?" Kaspar asked.
Sharon and Maric naturally remembered Arthur. Arthur had a face that people would not easily forget.
"His guard is here. He seems to invite you both to his house," Kaspar continued.
"Why is he inviting us?" Maric asked.
"I don't know, don't ask me," Kaspar left as he delivered the news.
"Do you want to go, Sharon?" Maric asked.
Sharon contemplated after hearing this. The profit she had made from being Arthur's middleman was not small. She had made at least 20,000 pounds profit for acquiring his potion. She felt that it would be rude to decline the invitation.
"Yes, let's go," Sharon replied.
Sharon and Maric left the bar and got into the carriage that had been provided by Arthur outside the bar. After a while, they arrived in front of an extravagant mansion.
"I already knew that he is rich but damn," Maric muttered to himself.
Sharon just stared calmly. Little did they know that this was only one of the mansions that his family owned. Arthur had to choose this mansion because he didn't want to discuss extraordinary things in the presence of his parents.
The mansion was an architectural marvel, boasting a blend of classical elegance and modern luxury. Tall, grand columns supported the entrance, and intricate carvings adorned the facade. Large, arched windows allowed ample light to flood into the spacious rooms within. The sprawling gardens surrounding the mansion were meticulously maintained, with a variety of exotic plants and flowers creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Marble statues and fountains dotted the landscape, adding to the overall grandeur.
The maid escorted them into the spacious library. The library itself was a testament to wealth and refinement, with towering bookshelves filled with rare volumes and first editions. Rich, dark wood paneling and a large, ornate fireplace gave the room a cozy yet opulent feel. Plush chairs and a large, mahogany desk dominated the center of the room.
There, Arthur sat on a couch with a blond girl standing beside him. Seeing them, Arthur got up from the couch and politely welcomed them, gesturing for them to sit.
"So, why do you call us?" Sharon said straightforwardly.
Arthur, seeing Sharon speak straight to the point from the start, naturally didn't waste any more time. He understood that they might feel uncomfortable in his house.
"I want a formula and potion for Sequence 5 White Tower pathway: Mysticism Magister," Arthur replied.
"Wait, do you already digest the Polymath potion?" Maric asked in a surprised tone. It is just four months after Arthur consumed the Polymath potion. Even a genius would take at least a year. He still remembers Arthur just taking his first potion ten months ago. He already can advance to Sequence 5, the same as himself?
Sharon, hearing this, just stared calmly at Arthur while thinking in her mind, "He must have powerful backing. I wonder which organization supports this young noble."
Sharon naturally thinks more out of the box than Maric. She knows that only people with powerful backing can increase their sequence so quickly. As long as the organization behind Arthur didn't conflict with her or her friends, she naturally didn't mind.
"Sequence 5 might be a bit harder since it is only below the demigod level. What is your budget?" Sharon asked.
"Just focus on acquiring the potion quickly. The price is naturally not a problem," Arthur said as a matter of fact.
After concluding the deal, Sharon and Maric went back to the bar.
---
When the night comes
Sharon disappeared from the bar and seemed to be going to a certain place. After arriving at the place, Sharon quickly put on her mask and entered the room. There, she saw the usual participants with a lady with brown hair standing in the middle. At the secret gathering that Sharon attended, many weird and high-quality things were being auctioned. After the situation began to calm down, she finally spoke, "Can anyone here get me Sequence 5 White Tower potion and ingredients?"
"2000 pounds for the formula," a rather elderly lady said.
"Deal," Sharon agreed instantly.
Seeing no one had the ingredients, everyone continued to discuss another topic.
---
After the meeting ended
Sharon glanced at the formula and saw the ingredients, "This will be hard," she muttered to herself. She knew that acquiring the ingredients for Sequence 5 was arduous. As she flew toward the bar, a figure suddenly appeared before her.
"Ms. Bernadette," Sharon said in a slightly surprised voice
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