Meeting Alessio

"You're worth it, and even without my help, you would still pass your intermediate pharmacists test," Devin assured Ethan.

"I know, but it would have taken me more time. What you did was create a haven for pharmacists like us, an opportunity to pursue our passion without the restrictions of corrupt guilds. Not only do you cater to my needs, but you also aren't stingy with prescriptions. We all know how these people safeguard their prescriptions. You even let me take commissions from the potions I make," Ethan argued.

"Well, we are all contributors to the village," Devin replied.

Ethan realized it was time to further convince these guys, so he took out four potions and showed them to his friends. "These are the Golden Sore potion, the Acceleration potion, and the Detoxification potion, all sold for ten gold coins for top grade. And this one, the Body Augmentation potion, is not on the market yet. We're only using it internally for now," Ethan explained as he passed the potions to Jesse and Manny.

The two friends' eyes widened as they examined the concoctions. "This is remarkable, Ethan. I can feel the energy emanating from these potions. You made the Body Augmentation potion?" Jesse asked.

"I started it, but I got stuck. Thanks to Devin, we were able to complete it. This guy is a monster, I tell you. He's a natural talent when it comes to pharmacy," Ethan teasingly commented.

"I had a good teacher," Devin responded with a playful tone.

"I'm truly impressed by this," Jesse admitted.

"For the sake of our friendship, I'll give you guys one each. The next time you need it, you can pay for it," Devin offered as he passed one potion to Manny.

"Hey, Devin, that's not fair. If it's only digested in-house, how are we supposed to get it?" Jesse questioned.

"You can join Sun Haven, then you won't have to worry about it," Devin suggested.

"Are you soliciting us?" Jesse inquired.

"Isn't it obvious? Honestly, we are a developing village, but I can promise you that if you join, you won't lack resources. What we lack right now is pharmacists. You meet our potion quota, and you'll get the resources you need, as well as a share of the profits. It will help with your experiments. We all know that making potions isn't cheap," Devin explained his intentions.

"You're right, making potions is not cheap. Can we take some time to think about it?" Manny asked.

"No problem, take your time. Also, you must be familiar with some pharmacists around here who are like us, not belonging to any faction and just wanting to practice. You can help us recruit them. If they need clarification, they can find Ethan. He's the head pharmacist of our village," Devin suggested, elevating Ethan's status and setting the groundwork.

Jesse and Manny exchanged glances, their hearts filled with a sense of possibility. The frustrations they had been facing began to fade away. This direction seemed worth considering.

As the celebration came to an end, they all departed to prepare for the next day. "Do you think they will join us?" Ethan asked.

"I hope so, but we can't force it. We'll let nature take its course," Devin replied.

"You're right. Are you ready for tomorrow?" Ethan inquired.

"I'm ready," Devin answered but noticed someone following them. Initially, he tried to ignore it, but the person made it difficult to ignore their presence.

"Ethan, go back to the hotel by yourself. I have something to take care of," Devin instructed.

Ethan nodded, accustomed to Devin's tendency to disappear. He simply wished him to be careful before parting ways.

Devin made his way towards a dimly lit corner, where he noticed the person who had been following him. "Why are you following me?" Devin questioned.

"I didn't exactly make it difficult for you to notice," Jasper retorted.

"Do you have any information for me?" Devin inquired.

"My boss saw your competition today and wanted me to tell you to be careful. You've definitely caught the attention of powerful individuals," Jasper informed him.

"That's exactly my intention," Devin replied confidently.

"You're bold, and my boss seems to be intrigued by your idea. He wants to meet you," Jasper revealed.

"Sure, lead the way," Devin agreed. He realized that he couldn't rescue Rose on his own, and he was genuinely curious about the group that Jasper represented.

Jasper guided Devin through winding corners and alleys until they arrived a dimly lit building. Despite its unassuming exterior and lack of visible security, Devin sensed a multitude of different energies lurking in the shadows as Jasper ushered him inside.

"How did it go, Jasper?" inquired Sally.

"I've got him to meet the boss," Jasper responded, wearing a smile.

Sally turned her gaze to Devin and introduced herself, "Hello, my name is Sally. I saw your competition today, and achieving top grades for every potion is truly impressive."

"Thank you, I'm Devin," he introduced himself, opting not to conceal his identity, assuming they already had his information.

"Pleasure to meet you, Devin. The boss is waiting inside," Sally informed, leading Devin and Jasper into a well-lit room.

Inside, a striking man with ash-gray hair streaked with platinum blond and sea-green eyes sat behind a desk, accompanied by a taller man with piercing silver eyes and black hair.

"I'm Alessio, and this is my second-in-command, Ty," Alessio introduced.

"I'm Devin. Jasper mentioned you wanted to see me," Devin stated.

"Yes, I'll get straight to the point. Whatever you're planning, you're not ready. You'll only make things more complicated," Alessio warned.

"Mr. Alessio, when Jasper informed me you wanted to meet, I assumed you had information for me," Devin responded defiantly.

"I'm simply offering a word of caution, Devin. You are not prepared to face what lies ahead," Alessio reiterated.

"I understand, but I made a promise to a friend to find his sister. Back where I come from, we don't break promises. So, I would appreciate any information you have," Devin insisted.

Alessio studied Devin before revealing, "I was tasked to investigate the disappearances in the slum. Although it's outside my usual jurisdiction, the person who approached me had no one else to trust. So, I delved into the matter, mingling with suspected individuals until I discovered it runs much deeper than anticipated."

"How extensive is this situation?" Devin inquired.

"It involves not only the upper ranks of Elysium, but also influential figures from other kingdoms," Alessio revealed.

Devin furrowed his brow, realizing the complexity of the issue was greater than he had anticipated.

"I managed to locate their hideout, but before I could fully investigate, I was poisoned. I also unknowingly offended the esteemed Elder Gerald enough to be blacklisted by all Pharmacists. If not for your potion, I would not be standing here today. So, I thank you," Alessio expressed his gratitude.

"Can you provide me with the details of the location?" asked Devin.

"And for what purpose?" Alessio questioned.

"Isn't it obvious? To scout out the area," Devin replied.

"I just informed you that the place is dangerous and heavily guarded. Even I couldn't approach without being poisoned," Alessio warned.

"Don't worry, I have my methods. I won't act recklessly and put everything at risk. We need to gather information about what we're up against, and that requires me to assess the area," Devin assured.

"Boss, he has a valid point. If Devin believes he can handle it, we can trust him," Ty added quietly.

"I will accompany you," Alessio insisted.

"I must decline. I have my own approach. You would only impede my progress, and your health is still recovering. You are not in peak condition," Devin declined.

"Very well. Just be cautious, and please share any findings you uncover," Alessio conceded.

Devin obtained a map of the location, but due to his unfamiliarity with the area, Jasper would lead the way from a safe distance.

The hideout Alessio discovered was tucked away in the neglected corners of the slums, unnoticed by most.

After parting ways with Jasper, Devin sprayed himself with an aura-masking potion. His exposure to various medicinal plants had expanded his knowledge of prescriptions. As an additional precaution, Devin cloaked himself in invisibility before approaching the secretive hideout.