A few minutes pointlessly passed in the office of the Rosewood as we were exchanging courtesy none of us cared. After entering I once again apologized for forcing my host to wait to which he would respond with a flippant wave of his hand saying that there is nothing I have to apologize for. Then, he would demand to know what kind of beverage I would like to quench my thirst (and with the purest joy I was informed that Rosewood has a bar filled with something else than wine). I noticed premium class “Runner company” whiskey blend – Jericho’s favorite poison, at politely suggested stronger alcohol.

He was the one pouring glasses, a very polite gesture on his side – letting me know that he treats me as equal and honors me as his guest at the same time. Most of the nobles would order their servants to do that.

I was not a fool though and I exactly knew what my host wanted to achieve by that charade of kindness. He was trying me out – he wanted to know how would I react to being treated with such kindness by someone with a status beyond any form of comparison with mine. Would I be shocked? Tongue-tied? Or the opposite – take that as the sign of good fortune and become much more demanding?

I did neither, quite the opposite, when he uncorked the flash I was the one helping him with glasses for me, him, his accountant and leaving one additional glass for one empty seat to my right – it was clearly occupied not so long ago and by the mess that was left near it, it was quite obvious that whoever sat there was yet to return.

We sat down, said few more nice things to one another mentioning how pleasant it is to finally meet up. Aleister would eventually joke that making an appointment with me was a very tricky task and for a moment or two he considered that I am running away from him to which I replied that as every entrepreneur I am a slave to my duties and that leaves me with little time to spare for such joyful meetings.

He nodded with agreement, the sparks in his eyes told me that he understands and believes in everything I say… which only ensured my opinion regarding his skills on the field of negotiations – his mimic and gesticulation will tell me nothing.

“So, Mr. Whiteraven, what did convince you to start your little venture on such a hard and unwelcoming market that is Alchemy?”

He didn’t ask to learn the reason – I am pretty much sure that he already knew that, right now he wanted to check how many details I am willing to give on my own or/and if I would lie about it.

“When people are trying to kill you with seemingly no reason, you would naturally wish to learn what is their motivation. That means you need information, and information costs money, therefore, you need to finance this researches. And alchemy was something I happened to know – better or worse. The side effects were that I got a bit better connection with legal and illegal powers that rule this world, strengthening my position in the process. And in the meantime, I could play with potions which is the task I like. A win-win situation for me.” “So you weren’t motivated by money? Riches?” The accountant asked writing something down on his small note-book. “No. The company, as it is doesn’t motivate me at all, to be honest, I just can’t wait to make few more facilities, give the supervision over them to my apprentices, so I could quickly retire with percent of income as nothing more but an advisor every now and then.” “It’s simply incredible, that someone with your attitude managed to create an organization that made the whole market tremble…” “Adaptation, change, and evolution. Just as a caterpillar turns into a chrysalis to grown into mature insect late – the same way I see this little company of mine. A tool that now serves its purpose, once it will no longer be necessary it was meant to be cast aside like an old skin… but, I have to admit that its performances exceeded my calculation. Even if I would no longer be in charge, I will have to leave myself a backdoor to make a grant return if the situation would turn dire… What?” for the first time perfect poker-face of Rosewood twitched “Nothing, you just surprised me. Most of the people tend to hold to their enterprises with everything they got, as if their life depended on it, you, on the other hand…” “It all depends on priorities – perspective. If you would think about it as the process of buying bread – the merchants would be far busier and occupied with bread, they would count each and every piece they sold, they would be making prognosis how many breads they will be able to sell in day, week, month – to accordingly plan their supplies… and what about a customer? Is he thinking about bread all day and night? No, he wants to buy it, so he visits a bakery and gets it. Did he buy too little? No problem, he will just get in there again. What for you is a matter of life and death, something that you dedicated your life, to me is just a moment, an episode, a tool.” “I have managed to see a few of your supply deals… as for someone that says that his interest in the company's well-being is just temporary, you surly fight for each and every penny.” Rosewood said while opening the scroll being a copy of one of my agreement.

He shouldn’t have it. It was highly confidential agreement. Whoever gave it to him broke the confidentiality clause. Not that I was surprised, of course that he could locate any document he wanted, but him throwing it in my face was yet another test of my reaction.

I decided completely ignore it.

“Not at all, soldier sharpens his sword after ending each of his practice sessions, even though he may march into regular battle once in his lifetime. Just because I starve for perfection in each of my actions doesn’t mean I plan to do in every day till the end of my life. There is a saying: it’s better to be a warrior in the garden than a gardener in the battlefield… Or, dream about peace yet prepare for war…” “You never know when you will need something?” Aleister quickly picked up my chain of thoughts “And this is why your tools have to be in excellent condition, so they wouldn’t fail you in your time of need. Each coin I save during negotiation is a coin I can spend on something else. Plus, it’s better to have a reputation of good merchant, then you may pick curiosity of players that are playing on a bigger board…”

I left my speech with a silent suggestion. It was my time to test them. I have just implied that it wasn’t them that invited me here, but I let myself get invited which was a part of a bigger scheme. Of course, that was bullshit of colossal size and undeniable aroma, yet the circumstances I said it could indeed lead people less informed and with weaker faith into such belief.

On Rosewood's face huge smile bloomed, as expected he didn’t take my speech seriously, yet appreciated my little joke. The same thing couldn’t be said about his right hand, who choked on the glass of whiskey.

“Klark, you are embarrassing me in front of the wizard!” Aleister said smiling with the corner of his lips “… but, that’s rather sad information for all of us, you are surely a brilliant mind it’s a shame that it's focused on matters different than arts of selling. Our cluster could use some fresh ideas… especially regarding manufacturing processes..”

A-ha. Here we start. Two cases at the same time combined into one to make another side of conversation believe that he was asked fewer things that in reality.

“That’s very bold, Mr. Rosewood, even for you. There is no way that I would weaken my position on the market selling my processes. I have also mentioned that I am not really interested in staying in business for a longer period of time. I can cooperate with you in many fields, but joining your cluster is a one-way ticket… Since the day I joined society I have been avoiding joining any guild, formation or political party which would chain me down to perform periodically repetitive tasks. I was offered to be a Guild’s Alchemist, Senator, Sentinel, member of Noble family and many, many more. I am still trading and keeping up-to-date beneficial contacts… but I am working WITH them, not FOR them. This will never change. This is something I will never let anyone deprive me.”

An accountant’s attitude changed in the split of an eye.

“Are you happy now, Aleister?” he asked in a calm voice “…Don’t-give-a-damn,-and-your-wish-shall-be-grant kind of attitude? That’s a boomer.” “Not quite a man you were hoping for?” “No, not quite. He is really a nice lad, but in a longer period of time, you wouldn’t be able to count on him.” “His connections can be still really valuable.” “Yeah, that’s why I am still wondering how to use that…” “… I am still here, you know?” that sudden change of mood confused me a little. “Shush now, child, let the grown-up speak.”

A vein popped out on my forehead. I hated being patronized, and what they just did was patronizing. It surely was, wasn't it?!

Calm down Zari, calm down. Don’t let the hate control you. Let em’ do whatever they want as long as it does not involve you…

I just snorted and refilled my glass. Resting my backs against the armchair I took a huge sip. The door to my side was open as a nerdy-looking, yet really beautiful woman entered the room.

She was wearing a rich half-formal dress that perfectly boosted her natural class and beauty. Her long gold-like hair made a natural cascade of waves reached her lower back. She quickly inspected the scenery.

“… are they on it again?” she asked with an apologetic smile on her face “I have no idea how often THIS happens, but indeed, the IT is on.”

The two men completely ignored her appearance disusing some potential uses of my persona as if I wasn’t even there as she sat on the one seat that was left.

“I am Charlotte Rosewood and right away I wish to apologize for these two. They tend do… pay little attention to people whose presence… SHOULD BE HONORED! WHAT KIND OF HOSTS ARE YOU?!... I beg your apology, I shouldn’t yell…” “It’s good. Yell to your heart content. My mate is doing it all the time.” “Madame Redwing? I met her a few moments ago.”

There was something in her voice that just didn’t let me calm down.

“What did she do this time?” “She started a competition with few VIPs. To be precise – with those that were bragging how strong heads they got.” “... Poor fools. I myself can only keep up with her because of detoxification magic.. and I also like to think that I have a strong head.” “As long as they would survive, I won’t mind.” She joked “That’s not so obvious. There already was a man that had to be healed up from semi-agonizing state after one of such showdowns.” “… so it was a good idea that I ordered few servants to watch over them?” “Good idea? As long as they won’t join them.” “I assure you that they won’t! They are trusted prideful men that wouldn’t dishonor their duties just like that!” “You underestimate Giselle’s ability to drag bystanders in her mess…” “Now you are just exaggerating!... Maybe I will send another servant to watch over the servants.” “You can never be too cautious.”

She quickly shifted her gaze and looked at Robert with pledge in her eyes

“On it, My Lady.” The man bowed before leaving the room. “Now, I believe it is my duty to host you till my father would kindly cool his merchant-fever… Can I offer you some fancy red wi…” she noticed my glass “… with all due respect, I will never understand how someone can drink whiskey.” “Me neither, that’s why I stopped asking this question…” the door was slammed open as one of the mansion guards came in “My lords, my lady! Apparently there is a commotion in the town.” “What kind of commotion?” “We don’t know yet, but it's serious. Every guard was mobilized, few smaller shops are burning, few people are dead…” “My the goddess protect us! Who did that?” “We can’t be sure, but apparently - the beastmen. The mansion is heavily protected, so you are all safe in here. Still, I would suggest to advice all your guests to remain inside until the situation wouldn’t calm down.” “… Did they know about it?” “No. I made sure to inform you first and allow you to handle this situation.” “Good. Good. We will inform them soon in such a manner to cause as little havoc as possible. Panicking VIPs is the last thing we want now…” Charlotte look in my direction “… Mr. Whiteraven, I count that you will keep all information you heard here for yourself… at least for the time of ball.” “Trust me, last thing I want is getting dragged into something messy.|

She nodded with appreciation

So, the little sparks I felt before entering office indeed turned into conflagration? I have no idea who I should sympathize with? On the one hand, mostly innocent people could be dragged into the mess. On the other slaves were treated like objects for most of the time.

Politics. No matter which side you would pick, the bad taste in your mouth would remain. Just as one of my favorites authors said: If I have to pick between one evil and another, I would rather not picking at all.

And I will keep it this way as long as I can. That’s how much I care about his ness,

Slums and part of the merchant district turned into place of carnage. People were fleeing off their homes in panics as guards kept pushing beast-men back – to the exit of the city. Soldiers were much better equipped, trained and organized, but most decisive advantage was their number. The lines of beast-men kept getting thinner as more and more were leaving the city escorting another group of freed slaves, still, with their stronger bodies and rage unleashed after generations of humiliation they proved to be formidable enemy – especially that they were fighting on enemy’s territory, therefore they were using this fact to get as much ground as they could – setting stores and homes in fire they would force parts of enemies to focus on saving their citizens.

Dirty tactic, but it worked.

They were being pushed back by three main routes stretching from gate plaza – that’s where each force of rebels was slowly heading to while trading blows.

Yet, one of the alleys was bit special – with this specific alley the guards had most troubles, even though the defending squad was smallest. The reason for that was some kind of shapeshifting abomination that kept on decimating squads.

Three full squads of elite knights already fallen, before the commander that newly arrived on the battleground noticed the obvious – the victory wasn’t as obvious as one could think.

It was obvious, that when you spot a weaker enemy you would try forcing a direct contact, try overpowering enemy and eradicating it before he could regroup or get aid from his ally. That’s what three previous groups did. Groups, whose soldier’s body parts were adoring the sides of the road.

He changed his approach. He formed three separate smaller formations that were moving from three sides – left and right side of the street, while one was marching in the middle. They were slowly heading onward pushing the group away from the city.

The creature didn’t attack. Knowing that he has people it has to protect on his back he didn’t risk the attack. He was giving up the field. Step after step.

Stalemate? No. The officer was young, but far from being stupid. He sent one of his fellows for help. Normally, asking other parties but guards or soldiers was treated like a little stain on honor, but for him, wasting his people's lives in vain would be far worse than just a little dishonor.

“I – THE MIGHTY JUGGERNAUT – HAVE ARRIVED!”

A colossal figure wearing extremely dense armor and carrying a colossal battle-ax came onward pushing his men aside.

A-class adventurer. One could say that he was overconfident and far too prideful, but everyone that actually talked with him would know, that it was but a game. He pretended to be an idiot waving his ax over his head while yelling to lower his enemy’s guard. His skills were far more sophisticated that one could tell by looking at his weapon.

The creature stopped and shifted, taking form of an innocent child.

“… from all the beasts, abominations and devils that ever walked this god-forsaken land… these with face of a child are worst…”

No one heard words of the colossus. No one, except Kim, yet he didn’t care for it. He wasn’t wasting time to consider if his enemy was smart or foolish. Games like foolish his enemy by acting like a fool never would work on him – because, for Kim, battle is nothing more but a specific form of hunting. And in hunting, he never lower his guard.

His legs joint morphed again, curved and bended backwards. Adventure knew this kind of body joints. This little fucker is about to be fast… but how fa…

He vanished from his sight. In one moment, he was ten meters away, in the other he was flying near his ear trying to pierce his neck. Warriors raised his weapon in very lat moment, blocked the attacked, and using momentum of the weapon he pushed the creature aside. In air, he couldn’t change his position, so using same impact that before warriors raised his ax and prepared to split child-looking beast in two.

But he changed again. His frontal limbs became much more massive, covered in chitin armor. Using those he blocked the attack still lying on the ground, and by forcing his legs in rotating movement he quickly got up. It was dancing like pirouetting motions, and with each and every turn his hands, which morphed again, would slash the breastplates covering Juggernaut’s vital organs.

Pieces of metal were send flying before adventurer jumped back gathering distance.

He had the advantage of distance, using his longer weapon he had to keep him on medium-range, on the other hand, the close range of hand-to-hand combat would be lethal for him.

A plan of fighting appeared in his head.

“… Commander. If you could?”

He yelled to man that hired him.

“AID THE ADVENTURER LADS! Keep the formation! Archers! Pin him down! Focused barrage! Spearmen! On its sides! Surrender him!”

Juggernaut balanced the axe in his hands.

“Let’s do this.

Forgiving mother of all creation, lend your aid to children thy,

Give me strength of your salvation and bestowe…”

He was whispering, not many knew that he could use lesser body enchanting magic.

But Kim heard it all. And he already knew the concept of magic. There was no way he would let him end this chant.

… but then again, how does the magic-user taste like? He wondered. But hopefully, not for long.

Not.

For.

Long.