The Academy Official arrived with the Soul Herbs only thirty minutes later and presented the Storage Ring to Number One. "Here you go. According to the Headmaster, you can use whatever herbs you need. Once you are done, you can give the rest to me and I will categorize them accordingly. I have been studying to be an Alchemist so I know Soul Herbs like the back of my hand."
"Thanks but that won't be necessary," Number One replied casually as he began withdrawing all the goods and transferring what he doesn't need into his own Storage Ring. "I will be keeping everything on the list as I need it for later. Headmaster Blake has already approved it."
ƥαṇdα- ηθνε|·ƈθm "Oh… That's fine then. I was actually instructed to follow your orders so I'm here if you need me," the Academy Official replied as he watched Number One's hands. "I also asked the Auction House about the Poisonous Toad Leaf and they will inform the buyer for us. They didn't have good news though since they said the buyer badly needed it."
Number One didn't comment as he wondered how to adapt his plans. Having Headmaster Blake's support was nice since he could disguise his operations but that probably wasn't enough to find everything he needed. He needed to become friends with someone even more influential, preferably someone from an Auction House who trades Soul Herbs for a living.
'It might be easier to find them all in the Capital but probably riskier. The big Auction Houses would definitely investigate why I need such rare Soul Herbs,' Number One thought as he remained cautious. Only Soul Artists who planned to make pills would buy Soul Herbs the world was full of thieves who would love to steal other people's hard work.
"I wonder, did Headmaster Blake receive some kind of Meridian Cleansing Pill?" the Academy Official questioned suddenly which disturbed Number One's train of thoughts. "I just saw him earlier and not only was his skin smoother but he was smelling of impurities. Only an Earth rank Meridian Cleansing Pill can achieve such results."
Number One was about to answer but he stopped himself in time. The fewer people knew about his skills, the less chance his profession would be exposed in the future. "You know quite a bit. I gave Headmaster Blake one of the pills that my Master gave me in the past. Even though I know a bit of Alchemy, I can't possibly make such high-ranked Pills, can I?"
"Haha, so that's what happened," the Academy Official laughed casually and relaxed. "Here I thought I could ask for some pointers. Is it fine if I still watch the process? I can already make common pills but I want to eventually shift to Earth Rank in the next few years."
Red lights lit up in Number One's mind and he shook his head, "I think I might fail if I'm disturbed by anyone. I would prefer if you leave and let me work in peace."
"Oh, no problem, I was just asking. I also prefer to practice in peace," the Academy Offical nodded in disappointment and went towards the exit. "Let me know if there is anything I can help with."
Number One gazed at the closed vault door and didn't hesitate to lock it from inside. It was already a mistake to show his Alchemy knowledge to someone else other than Headmaster Blake. If the Winged Soul Academy was investigated in search of the mysterious Alchemist, the Academy Officials in charge of Soul Herb storage would be questioned first.
Even if someone was loyal to the Academy, people were easily swayed with enough money. Alchemists actually depended on it to fund their studies so they would crumble first. Number One even considered killing as an option to prevent future problems but he quickly discarded that idea. That Academy Official might be first but not the last. He would have to kill everyone on his way just to delay the inevitable.
'I guess I have to stay low-key and pick a less powerful Pill,' Number One thought as he imagined the incoming challenge and cringed just thinking about it. "Sorry boys, you asked for it yourself."
———
During the time when Number One was gone, Nami and Luna were busy chatting and they didn't even realize that an hour passed. They discussed all the topics ranging from high-status families, the politics of the world, and even their plans for the future. Number One was the last topic they touched on.
"So yeah, that is the story between me and Number One," Luna ended with a helpless sigh. "I admit that I might have been a little too aggressive but I was too frustrated at that time."
"It's alright. I was mad at first but after knowing everything that happened, I can somehow understand it," Nami responded while lying right next to Luna on the bed. "Number One doesn't seem to mind it so I'm willing to forgive you for hurting him."
"I'm still amazed how you two managed to get so close in just a single day. What is your secret? How did you seduce a man who didn't let anyone close to him in fear of exposing his secrets?" Luna questioned curiously while turning to face Nami but then she heard footsteps and they both look towards the entrance. "Speaking of the devil."
"Aww, were you talking about me?" Number One called back as he entered the room. "It took longer than I thought but I'm finally done."
"We were just chatting casually and you came up," Nami explained as she reached her arms out to Number One. "You know I won't waste an opportunity to say how awesome you are."
Number One only smiled at Nami's affection and picked her up from the bed. She was so light that he could easily carry her all day and that wouldn't affect him. "What did you say about me?"
"Luna was just asking how I seduced you," Nami replied while pursing her lips and planting a welcoming kiss on his lips. They acted as if they forgot about Luna for a second which made her cover her eyes in frustration.
It sucked to watch someone else living your secret dream. Who wouldn't want a strong partner to cultivate with? Luna would never admit it but that was exactly what every female was looking for. She couldn't help but wonder what would happen if she actually took a softer approach with Number One. She was first after all and screw it up by being a bitch.
"Guys, I'm still here," Luna reminded as she stopped thinking about the past but her words went past Nami's ears. She continued to make out with Number One and Luna could only wait while rolling her eyes.
Luna was forced to watch as Number One's hands rubbed Nami's back but then she squinted her eyes as she followed his left hand. It had a weird tattoo of black wings that she didn't see before. They definitely didn't have a tattoo artist in the Academy which only left one option which was some kind of Soul Art.
Luna wanted to raise a question but Number One didn't give her a chance. He placed Nami on the ground and suddenly withdrew a perfect blue pill that shone with its own light. She almost choked at the intense aroma it gave and looked at Number One with open eyes.
"Is this Pill really for me…?"
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