People came and tried to enter. They were allowed or rejected and mostly rejected. Some tried to scale the walls surrounding the mansion only to die mysteriously... From time to time, there were the clever ones or lucky ones who managed to enter through triggering Shady. A beggar had such success.

???: I should be allowed in because I am the poorest of all!

Shady:... Alright, please come inside, enjoy your time, dear guest.

Yes. Being the best at something was enough to trigger his order. And after some time, some people managed to grasp that law.

???: I am the best wine brewer!

???: I am the greatest smith!

There was even a young man who dared say that he was the fairest of all even though he was a fatty. He was allowed in as well.

Meanwhile, inside the garden, long wooden tables had been placed linked to each other to create five giant rows. There were benches as well. Those were not decorated and very common. Contraptions used by the commonners. It was an unexpected sight to the crowd of top class people. That being said, the food served to go along with the cocktails was impressive.

The team had hired high level cooks for the party. And until every guest arrived, they were moving around, welcoming them and simply mingling. People were having a social gathering. It was still far from being what Tempest wished to see. Fortunately, he had a special weapon...

Right now, he was in the kitchen and telling the chef, an accomplice of his, bought through money.

Tempest: In the desserts, and in all the drinks that comes after it.

Chef ???: I don't mind but I do not think there would be enough, Sir Tempest. Are you sure that the taste will remain unchanged though? I remain a chef you know and I have the pride that comes with it.

Tempest: Don't worry, it doesn't. I would tell you to taste it yourself but you would be unable to work if you did so don't. Anyways, there is enough in quantity, a single grain could affect an ox, try to use the least everytime. Oh, and put this on after you've opened it. Otherwise, it might affect you...

Chef ???: A mask?... That aside, this substance, is it really okay to use it on people... It is a drug. And we are going to be drugging all the powerful people of the kingdom.

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Tempest: I believe a thousand gold is enough of an amount for you to go through with it, right? Also, they won't even know it. This powder will only help them put down their guard and enjoy themselves~ So, I will leave this in your hands.

Chef ???: Alright. I will do it.

Back to the garden, sitting at a table, Atem was surrounded by dozens of Magicians. Old ones and young ones. He was the center of attention as he answered every question they had about their spells. Of course, he was not disclosing anything about the truly important techniques like he did with Adeline. It remained however more than enough to enthral the group. Even if they had to go home now, it would have already been worth it.

Not far away, a woman magician was observing the group. She was close enough to hear everything without being forced to join in the conversation. She was stressed. On one hand, she did want to discuss with them as this was a rare occasion to learn more about high end magic and making incredibly worthwhile connections with people of similar levels as her. On the other hand, the center of attention was this monster made of strings. An heretical being too strong to be fought. She was feeling fear and envy at the same time.

It was at this time that one of her friend sat next to her. He was already tipsy from the alcohol served. Like most other warriors around that were chatting amongselves and already having a great time. Anyways, tipsy as he was, he noticed her distress.

???: Just go. You know you want to, so go. I don't know what stops you but honestly? This is a golden opportunity for you to climb higher.

???: I can't. This thing is too dangerous.

???: Thing?

???: Uh? Oh. I mean, this man.

???: Yeah. He is. But he's on our side. So go talk to him and who knows? You might find him to be a nice man? Or better yet, you might get advice good enough to go over your bottleneck.

???: What do you mean? How do you-

???: We all know. It's quite obvious. I mean, you're always frustrated since that time with the puppeteer. We're not magicians but we saw it too. How his magic was so different. And after that how you were unable to stop thinking about it.So, go.

???: I-

???: We will be there for you if things go awry. And with so many people, there are no ways it would. Alright, I'm going back to the group, a raudy bunch but they are a treasure trove of knowledge!

???: You guys were discussing tits.

???: Yeah. Knowledge. Anyways, don't waste your opportunity.

And he left her. She looked at his departing back in thoughts. He was not wrong. That man that they hunted before had incredible magic, spells she had never even thought of or heard rumors of. And even as he died, he gave her something incredible that turned around her whole world. Magic became something different. Or rather, she wasn't seeing real Magic.

Like a frog at the bottom of the well.

Unfortunately, they had to kill him and they did. For the past years, she kept thinking about his Magic. There was no one else who had it. But here, now, there was one. One who had Magic, real Magic, the one she pursued. But was it worth it? Was following her thirst for Magic worth mingling with a monster?

Would you deal with the Devil if he was the only one who had what you wanted?