Upon returning to the Kepler Clan, Elder Nolan immediately whisked Sorin into yet another council deliberation. This one went just as Sorin expected. Elder Samson suggested they throw Sorin under the cart and attempt to mitigate as much damage to the family as possible, while Elder Nolan fiercely defended Sorin.

This time, Elder Adrian from the Sovinger Branch supported Elder Samson, forcing Elder Claudius to support Elder Nolan. Finally, Elder Marik came to Sorin's defense, making it impractical for Elder Simon to consider the proposal.

"We can't just give up clan members to appease the Medical Association," Elder Simon finally said. "For one, it goes against our family's policy. For another, Sorin is the inheritor of the Ten Thousand Poison Canon and is instrumental in revitalizing the Apothecary Division. Besides, have you not forgotten what Melinoë's strongest weapon is? Fear. You are all playing right into her hand.

"What's more, I informed the Grand Elder just before commencing this meeting, and he's already given us our answer: We fight tooth and nail. We give no quarter. If the Medical Association wants a fight, a fight, we'll give it."

"Isn't that an overly aggressive stance to take?" said Elder Samson. "It seems to me that there's a low-hanging fruit, one that we need only reach for, should the Abberjay Branch be willing to make the sacrifice."

"Would you sacrifice a member of your branch so easily?" shot Elder Nolan.

"Gladly," answered Elder Samson. "Our Lucian Branch does it all the time."

"Enough with this bickering," said Elder Simon. "Elder Marik, you can inform them both why this stance is necessary."

"Do you mean politically or historically?" asked Elder Marik.

"Both."

"Well, historically, we've only been forced to concede on three occasions," said Elder Marik. "Two instances were during the chaotic times when humanity was rebuilding Delphi. The last instance was a hundred years ago when Melinoë devastated our branch by orchestrating that terrible poison outbreak. There were also many coincidental instances of medical malpractice involving poison in the clan that are speculated to be her work."

This was the first Sorin had ever heard of Melinoë's tampering. If Elder Marik wasn't exaggerating, the God Seed was single-handedly responsible for the death of 90% of the Abberjay Branch and a great loss of influence for their clan in the medical community.

Further surprising him were the two prior cases during Delphi's rebuilding. These events coincided with the adoptions of the Sovinger Branch and the Rosair Branch in an effort to preserve their clan's strength and bloodline. The Defensor and Lucian branches were proactive additions at a later time. It was only thanks to this intentional expansion of the clan that they managed to survive the purge a hundred years back.

"I think you're all overlooking a key point," said Elder Samson, unconvinced. "Melinoë was involved in all instances of capitulation."

"We only ever capitulated after we were forced to," pointed out Elder Nolan.

"That's exactly my point," said Elder Samson. "Why not be proactive about it and change the outcome?"

"Your opinion is unnecessary, as the Grand Elder has already decided," said Elder Simon. "Continue, Elder Marik."

"That was the historical justification. Politically, it only makes sense to fight head-on. Not only are we in the right, but most of the old-timers in the neutral factions support us as well. You can't just use a single example of malpractice to strip an entire clan of its status."

"You're talking as if they don't have a century of evidence to hold against us," muttered Elder Samson. A stern glare from Elder Simon prevented him from continuing.

"You're talking as though you know her true intentions," said Elder Marik. "For all we know, this is a smokescreen. There's also the Pollen Clan to consider and their strong relationship with the government. They are very unlikely to vote to relieve us of our seats, and their faction occupies 5 out of the 25 voting seats.

"My only concern is the Hargrave Clan's oversized influence over apothecaries and mages. There's also the Alchemists Association to worry about. It makes me wonder if we should draw on our outside influence. We have allies in other provinces we can draw on.

"That sounds like a recipe for chaos and disaster," said Elder Simon. "Something Melinoë thrives in. Let's keep this local, Elder Marik."

"As you wish," replied the elder. "I believe we should also discuss Sorin's performance in the Shrine Descent and his interactions with Melinoë. Elder Nolan briefed us on the matter, but we require some clarification." They finally decided to pay attention to Sorin, as though they hadn't been discussing throwing him under the cart for the past half hour.

"What would you like to know?" asked Sorin.

"Firstly, what compatibility percentage have you reached with the Ten Thousand Poison Canon?" asked Elder Marik.

If it had been before Hope's blessing, Sorin would have been pressed to give an answer, but now, he knew immediately: "Ninety-seven percent."

"Impressive," said Elder Marik. "It's a worthy consideration in the overall analysis. Next, let's discuss Melinoë's threads of corruption. How exactly did you free yourself from them?"

"It was a combination of the Ten Thousand Poison Canon's strength against corruption and Lord Hope's blessing," Sorin answered. He'd thought long and hard about whether to reveal his God Seed status and had decided against it. Doing so would likely provoke extreme hostility from Elder Simon and Elder Samson. It might also provoke the Elder Council in Olympia to get involved.

"We'll consider it a fortunate turn of events, then," said Elder Marik. That only leaves the divine light that erupted when you pulled out a book. Is this something you can share with the rest of the family?"

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"Of course," said Sorin, pulling out Hope's self-help book. "But I'm afraid it's worthless to anyone but me. It's a spiritual cultivation art that I received as a reward during the Wish-Fire Festival due to plain old good luck. Regrettably, it is sealed by Lord Hope. Anyone else who attempts to pry into its secrets will only be able to read gibberish, regardless of their cultivation." He'd made a point of testing this out with Haley and his friends immediately following the blessing ceremony.

Each of the Elders reviewed the book, with Elder Simon going last. "Do you mind if we keep this book for a week? We'll send it back once we're done a deeper analysis."

"Naturally," said Sorin. He had full confidence in Hope and did not want to tip his hand too early.

"Regardless of the outcome, I hope you'll able to pen some insights on the art when you achieve greater mastery?" continued Elder Simon. "The family will reward you handsomely for such knowledge."

"I'll do my best," answered Sorin.

"In the meantime, it would be best if you lie low," Elder Simon continued. "Since you've reached your third forging, you should be able to craft Ruby Unsealing Tinctures. This is a very valuable concoction that's atrociously difficult for anyone without the Ten Thousand Poison Canon to brew, including Elder Calvin."

"This falls in line with my intentions," answered Sorin. "But I have a request to make. I wish to practice not only the concoction of the tincture but also the corresponding unsealing arts."

Elder Simon raised an eyebrow. "Is that really necessary?"

"It is, and for three reasons," answered Sorin. "Firstly, it's an open secret that I have been enhancing my adventuring companions. I personally unsealed their meridians continue by unsealing their bones."

"Secondly, it will help me concoct the tincture. Understanding the intent of a tincture is necessary to improve my success rate and performance.

"Thirdly, and this is the most important part, I hope to improve upon the tinctures one day. To do this, I need to be familiar with their activation mechanisms."

Elder Simon seemed unconvinced. "We've tried for many years to improve on these tinctures. What makes you think you can succeed?"

Sorin thought for a moment before revealing one of his divine arts: "I have an ability. It's called Ophiuchan Simulation."

This got Elder Simon's attention. "Ophiuchan Simulation? Are you sure? And what compatibility do you have with this divine ability."

"Ninety-eight percent," answered Sorin. The only reason I was able to overcome the unfair second trial in the Apothecary Examination was that Ophiuchan Simulation informed me of my best choices with limited ingredients."

With so many reasonable points made, Elder Simon had no choice but to agree. "Talk to Elder Calvin, and he'll find opportunities for you to practice. But please understand that the application of the tinctures is many times more complicated than their concoction. It took decades to learn to use them properly. Don't get discouraged if your ability to concoct far outstrips our ability to unseal."

"I'll keep that in mind," answered Sorin. "Will that be everything, or does the Presiding Council require anything else?"

Elder Simon shook his head. "You may take your leave. This meeting is adjourned."

Sorin made to leave the Ancestral Manor immediately after discussing recent events with Elder Nolan. He agreed with Elder Simon's assessment and commended him on the timely reveal of his abilities.

"Inheriting a divine ability isn't unheard of," said Elder Simon. "Strictly speaking, you need access to the Divine Medical Codex to gain this ability, but they will surely connect the dots and inquire with the Grand Elder about this matter. As for your other abilities, you don't need to overly concern yourself if you mask them. You already have a good disguise for Grove Keeper's Touch, and Serpentine Approximation is far too rare. To date, only one inheritor has ever cultivated it."

He frowned as he looked behind Sorin. "Elder Adrian, what can we help you with?"

"I was just wondering if I could have a short chat with young Sorin," said Elder Adrian. "It's nothing sinister, I promise."

Elder Nolan sniffed. "Nothing you ever do or say is sinister, yet you always seem to be involved in unsavory matters, albeit indirectly." He patted Sorin on the shoulder. "Take care, and I'll speak with you later. Don't let Elder Adrian mislead you."

"Elder Adrian, what can I do for you?" said Sorin, turning to the Presiding Elder of the Sovinger Clan. This same elder had just voted to use him as a scapegoat. However, Sorin couldn't detect any hostility from the elder, which confused him.

"I just wanted to reassure you that I meant nothing against you by backing Elder Samson's proposal," said Elder Adrian. "Our Sovinger Branch is neutral, so we must naturally play alternating sides to keep the balance.

"Besides, I knew for a fact that the proposal was unlikely to go through. This was because I transmitted the Grand Elder's message to Elder Simon. This was simply a rare instance where I was better informed than Elder Samson."

"I'm afraid that doesn't answer my question," Sorin said. "I already guessed as much, so you've provided me with very little additional information."

Elder Adrian smiled. "Very astute. I'd try to play that down if I were you. The nail that sticks out gets the hammer, or so the saying says."

"Noted," said Sorin.

"There was another matter I wished to speak of," continued Elder Adrian. "It has to do with Marcus's death."

Sorin's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying I somehow killed a Bone-Forging cultivator while still in the Blood-Thickening Realm?"

"Heavens no!" said Elder Adrian. "I simply discovered that you two had some strong disagreements before his untimely demise. He was using his position to extort some information from you, which is a very rude thing to do if you ask me. I simply wanted you to know that his behavior and actions had nothing to do with the Sovinger Branch.

"As an apology for his rudeness, I also wanted to extend a service to you: discrete transportation and teleportation services. Normally, only elder-level figures get this sort of service, but I'm willing to make an exception for you. If you require supplies that can't normally be a procedure or need to go somewhere you normally shouldn't, I can make it all happen—for a price. And as long as it doesn't negatively affect the clan."

Sorin wasn't at all interested in the elder's offer, but refusing would be rude. "I'll keep that in mind, and I'll let you know if anything comes up."

"I couldn't ask for anything more," said Elder Adrian. "Thank you very much for your time, Sorin. I'm sure you have a lot to do before the second stage of the Descent, and the inquiry will doubtless take much out of you."

Sorin inspected the elder as he left for any hints of Madness or Violence but found none. He was clean as a whistle. "Ree!" said Lorimer, popping his head out from Sorin's shirt pocket.

"Yeah," said Sorin. "The biggest snake of the bunch. I couldn't agree more." With the others, he could roughly gauge their intentions using a combination of Madness, Violence, and simple reasoning. Elder Adrian was an anomaly. No matter how Sorin analyzed him, he came off as perfectly neutral and without ill intent—something impossible in the cutthroat world of family politics.

"Reee!" said Lorimer.

"Yes, I know you're hungry, but I don't have anything on me," said Sorin.

"Ree!"

"No. We have food at home."

"REEEE!"

"We have demon cores at home, too. I just had Percival go out to buy some."

"Ree Ree Ree!"

"No, we're not going back home early," said Sorin. I still haven't seen Elder Calvin since returning, and I have Mr. Sanderson's debt to pay off."

"Ree!"

"I'm not mistreating you, Lorimer; I'm just being practical," said Sorin. "Who asked you to suddenly gobble up your core reserves and break through a stage? It was both unplanned and unexpected!"

"Ree Ree Ree!"

"I understand. You want to keep up with the team. You're likely to break through again in a short amount of time. Just… warn me, will you? Your upkeep is becoming unsustainable. Five hundred gold a month I could live with, but now it's closer to five thousand. It won't be long before the bill creeps up to ten or twenty thousand gold a month. How am I supposed to keep feeding you, Lorimer? You're a bottomless pit. Worse than Lawrence, in some respects."

"Ree!"

They continued bantering as Sorin as they made their way to the Kepler Medical Institute's Apothecary Division. This time, he spotted the silent archer shadowing him to make sure he didn't suddenly lose control and go on a killing spree.