“Please head that way for inspection.”

The middle-aged man refused to make eye contact with the family before him and merely shuffled through some papers on the counter.

“W-Wait, listen. My husband isn’t well, and…and my children have to get into the city.”

“Ma’am, your story is a dime a dozen. I apologize, but I can see the side effects of his addiction as plain as day.”

The woman curled her fingers into fists as worry and despair set in.

“If you would please, either leave or go through the detailed inspection point. We do not allow addicts into the Royal City of Anthor.”

The jaded city guard waved the woman away as if he were shooing off a stray animal.

“What can I do?! I can pay!”

She revealed a couple silver coin in her hand. It was the last bit of wealth to her name.

“Foolish woman, do you think an honorable guard such as myself would be swayed by your paltry sum?”

The woman pulled her burgundy cloak closer together for warmth. Even though it was summer, the air felt particularly chilly. She let out a sigh of dejection, making her way toward her husband and two children. Her face contorted in anguish when she laid eyes upon her beloved.

His eyes were hollow, staring at nothing in particular. While his unkempt nails dug into his arms, tearing at the skin and leaving fresh new scars. His teeth clattered and his lower jaw seemed restless, as if he were chewing on the air itself. Her two children stood a small distance away from their father, their faces wrought with worry.

“Wait…”

A voice called out before she could walk too far away. The woman faced the speaker, willing to cling onto even the faintest trace of hope. Before her was a plain looking young man donned in a black coat, and an equally ordinary girl draped in white. Despite wishing for a miracle, she felt her hopes dashed upon seeing these two commoners.

“Good sir, I’ll take that family under my wing.”

The boy nonchalantly walked up to the guard while gesturing toward the recently rejected woman.

“Young man, don’t get mixed up in nonsense. Addicts are not allowed in the city under any condition-“

A subtle tap interrupted the guard as his eyes caught sight of a sparkling jewel concealed within the man’s hand. This was no longer a mere paltry sum! A bead of sweat rolled down the guard’s forehead as he eyed the high-rank spirit shard.

“On second thought, you and your missus appear to be lovely and upstanding individuals.”

The woman in white blushed and withdrew her body behind the young man. The guard could see his compliment was well received.

“Ma’am, please collect your family and follow your patron into the city. A word of advice, contain your husband and make sure he stays off the streets.”

He waved a hand toward the woman, who beamed back in happiness. At the same time, his other hand reached for the high-rank spirit shard that had been left on the counter. In his single-minded pursuit of greed, he had completely forgotten about the existence of the young man and woman from before.

“Where did they go? They forgot to register themselves… Oh well. Next in line!”

He called out in glee as the next weary traveler came forward.

----

Sans walked along the side of the road, eyeing his new companions. The woman seemed as if she had a massive weight lifted off her shoulders, while her two children shyly followed behind her. The woman guided her erratic husband by the hand, while occasionally swatting at him whenever he tried to scratch at his skin.

“Is he okay?”

Sans pointed toward the rabid looking man with his thumb. He frowned as he inspected the man’s face.

Tinge of red around the lower eye, a hazy green on the lips. His veins are protruding and discolored. He’s clearly poisoned, but she doesn’t seem fazed by it.

The woman sighed and swatted away the man’s crooked fingers once more.

“He wasn’t always like this, but after mixing with some unsavory folk… My name is Tessa by the way. This is my husband Arban, and my two children, Camila and Lance. Thank you for saving us.”

Tessa made a slight bow toward Sans and Elsie, who waved dismissed it with a smile.

“Save you? Why did you think you were in danger?”

Sans raised an eyebrow as he asked her.

“If we didn’t get into the city today, then we would have been forced to the outer fringe. That’s where all the addicts go… we wouldn’t have lasted the night.”

If she didn’t make it into the city, her and her family would have been tossed to the wolves. These weren’t truly wolves in the literal since, but rather an infestation of condemned humans who had long lost their sense of self.

Sans clicked in tongue in thought, but before he could ask another question, a strange scent wisped across his nose.

What in the world is that?

His gaze sharpened and he glanced around. However, it wasn’t just him who did the action. The woman’s husband, Arban, suddenly broke free and sprinted away!

“W-Wait! Come back!”

Tessa cried out, unsure whether she should chase after him or stay with her children.

“Stay here.”

Sans commanded before taking off after the man. He could have overtaken him at any second, but he decided to pursue him further, allowing him to confirm his suspicions.

This guy, his nose is so sensitive. It’s almost as if he were overly fixated on the scent.

They ran through the streets, causing many passerby to spectate with disdain. He ignored their watchful eyes and maintained the man’s pace.

It seems this situation is a common event…

The city was masterfully constructed, with paved walkways and artistically designed buildings. Merchants beamed proud smiles as customers flocked to-and-fro, discussing the different wares that glittered in their eyes.

Sans and the man split through the crowds, causing small commotions everywhere they went. The moment they passed by, the city folk promptly resumed their day with a condescending shake of the head. Before long, they turned the corner of two less frequented buildings, arriving at a long and dimly lit alleyway.

A door was hidden away in the darkness, and a well-dressed man exited from it.

“The next shipment is to be ready by sundown. If you-”

Sans could hear the man’s conversation, which was interrupted by the flurry of footsteps caused by Arban’s mad dash.

“Heh. Another rat has come for the bait.”

The man scoffed before raising his hand into the air as if he were about to give some sort of signal.

Hmm?

Sans quickly scanned the environment with his eyes, when he noticed a small glint of light shining from the rooftops.

Those are guards! They have this place surrounded? I see… it was a trap all along.

The next second, Sans burst forward and delivered a swift chop to the back of Arban’s head. The man’s body immediately dropped but was caught in midair by Sans.

The dainty gentleman watched the events unfold with a sneer. He lowered his hand and locked eyes with Sans at a distance.

“Is that rodent a friend of yours?”

The man called out, leaning his weight on the ornate cane in his hand.

“Yes. A new friend.”

“Heh. Be careful of who you choose to help.”

Sans backed away from the alley.

“Thank you for your kind words. I will be sure to consider them.”

He left before the man could respond. Walking away from the alley, he let out a deep sigh and carried Arban over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. His head shot in a particular direction, where he could sense the deep connection linked to his master like a beacon in the night.

Even though he was in an unknown city, he was easily able to track down Elsie, who awkwardly consoled Tessa with a gentle hand on the shoulder. The woman sobbed and hugged her two children in fear.

“T-This is what happened last time! It wasn’t always like this! He used to be so caring and kind. I can’t just forget the life that we built together.”

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She cried out as Elsie stared at her with a perplexed gaze.

“It’ll all be… fine?”

Elsie looked around for a particular individual. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Sans return with Arban slumped over his shoulder.

“Look who it is!”

She tapped on the uncontrollable woman’s shoulder, pointing toward Sans and Arban.

“Oh! Arban! Is he okay?”

Tessa scrambled to her feet and grabbed onto her husband, who was placed onto the floor. She quickly inspected him for any new injuries.

“He’ll be fine, he’s just unconscious. Tessa, I have to ask you some questions.”

Sans knelt beside the pair with a solemn look.

“I need to know, what is it that your husband took to cause this? I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Elsie also came over with curious eyes.

“I… It was that damned friend of his. For years he and his friend would go out for drinks late in the night. One time, he came back different. I know it wasn’t the alcohol because Arban has always been a silly drunk.”

She stared at her husband’s sallow face and sunken eyes.

“He was awfully quiet, almost as if he were a stranger in his own skin. He looked around the house like it was the first time he had ever been there. These were only some of his strange actions. I initially didn’t think anything of it because I was so tired, but when it happened again the next night…”

Tessa bit her lip as fresh tears stained her cheeks. Sans decided to end it there and placed Arban over his shoulder once more.

“Alright, I think I get it. Let’s find a place to stay, and we can talk more about this tomorrow.”

Sans cast his eyes to the horizon, where the sun radiated its last traces of light.

“Um, sir… I don’t have much of any money.”

Tessa gave a self-deprecating smile and looked away in embarrassment. She revealed her final bits of silver, which was hardly enough to rent a room.

“What was your plan even if you could enter the city?”

Sans asked her as a headache began to form. Tessa answered with a small voice.

“I didn’t have one… I just knew it would be safer here than living in the outskirts.”

“Alright, let’s get you and your family a place to stay.”

“Thank you, truly!”

“Don’t mention it…”

----

Some hours later, Sans sat with a pensive gaze at the center of a decorative room.

“What’s on your mind?”

Elsie entered, followed by a wave of steam. She wore a small set of casual shorts and a relaxed shirt. Her skin was tinged pink from the heated bath, while her hair still dripped with water. She plopped onto the floor across from Sans.

Where did she even find these clothes? Was it while I was chasing down Arban?

Sans couldn’t take his eyes away from her lustrous skin, being reminded once more of the kingdom toppling beauty’s irresistible features.

There’s no question about it. Elsie has a very high charm attribute… Wait, am I bewitched?

His eyes widened and he quickly averted his gaze. Elsie giggled upon seeing this.

“Well? Are you going to tell me?”

“I was thinking about the drug. The one that Arban took.”

“What about it?”

Elsie batted her eyes while attempting to move into his line of sight.

“It seemed like an addicting and toxic substance. Since I need to improve in alchemy, shouldn’t this be my first step?”

“You want to recreate the poison?”

Sans shook his head.

“No, I want to create a cure for it.”

Elsie drummed her fingers on her thigh before responding.

“Let me get this straight. You want to cure a drug that you know nothing about, which was likely concocted by an unknown master alchemist, who may or may not be somewhere in the city.”

“Yes.”

Sans nodded, his expression more serious than ever.

“You know, the purpose of opening an alchemy shop is to make money. Not to lose money. Not only are these addicts immediately kicked out of the city, but most are them don’t have a single coin left to their name.”

Elsie explained patiently with a neutral look.

“I understand all of that, but I want to create it anyway. The purpose of opening the alchemy shop is for me to improve in alchemy, and I think this is a necessary step.”

Elsie hid a small smile when she heard his unwillingness to back down.

“Why do you think it’s necessary?”

“Because I’m poisoned myself, and by a far more complicated drug. I still remember what that dreadful woman said about it. She called it Heaven’s Tears, and that it was made from ingredients only available from the tenth floor.”

Sans frowned and hesitantly continued.

“The memory fragment of Kaima said that if I am not cured, then I will likely die on the second floor. I have to gain experience in reversing toxins as soon as possible, otherwise it might be too late. This addicting drug seems like a good first step in that direction.”

Elsie nodded with a proud look.

“I agree! Besides, it’s not impossible to make money through the cure.”

“It’s not? But I thought you said the addicts won’t have any money.”

Sans asked, intrigued.

“The addicts won’t, but I’m wondering how many of these people have family that once cared for them and were forced to give them up. After all, if a cure already existed, then don’t you think they would have fought tooth and nail for it?”

Elsie lectured with closed eyes and a pointed finger.

“E-Elsie, you’re a genius!”

“I know.”

Sans leaped to his feet, eyes glowing with excitement.

“Hmm? Where are you going?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I need to go get a sample! How can I reverse the effects of a substance that I know nothing about.”

“Where will you get a sample from?”

Elsie asked as Sans chuckled and swaggered to the door.

“I happened to overhear that tonight there would be a shipment delivered to a certain alleyway.”

“Oh? Well, do be careful. And come back soon, it’s rude to keep a lady waiting.”

Elsie wordlessly crawled into the massive bed as Sans exited the room.

Keep a lady waiting? What is she waiting for? Odd.

He shook his head and shot off into the night.

----

Sans leapt from rooftop to rooftop, landing as delicately as a leaf falling from a tree. The light from the city was unable to reach him at his height, but he still had the stars and moon the guide his way.

Not this road either… Oh, it’s over that way.

He ducked behind a chimney and eyed his destination.

It’s as I thought. The rooftops are lined with guards throughout the entire alleyway. Should any addicts be found scrambling for the drug, they’ll be apprehended immediately and escorted out of the city.

Sans watched the door below with a pensive gaze, wondering how to approach the situation.

I could break in and just steal it, but that would spread alarm. My best bet is to use illusions. Thankfully, I’ve been practicing them with Elsie during our travels… Should I pretend to be a guard?

Just as he was concocting his plan, the door suddenly creaked open, and a familiar man stepped out. The clack of his cane hit the ground as he pulled a black cloak over his shoulders and walked away.

I’ve got it… that’s the one. From the way he was giving out orders, he must have a high standing.

Sans dropped down from the building he stood upon and stealthily blended in with the crowd. He made a slight detour and entered a nearby shop.

“That’ll be one low-rank spirit shard sir.”

The counter clinked as Sans tossed the currency over, walking away with his purchase. He revealed a smirk and pulled a dark cloak over his head, making his way toward the alleyway.

The clack of a cane echoed in the darkness, and before long, a series of raps sounded off from the sturdy door.

“Who is it?”

A metal slate was pushed to the side and a man looked out the spy hole.

“Oh, Lord Orbos, you’ve returned? Wait just a moment!”

The flustered man swiftly closed the slate. The tinkering of metal sounded the next second as he unraveled the lock from the other side. The door swung open, presenting a heavyset man bearing a fake smile.

“Yes, I forgot that I needed a sample.”

Sans spoke out, his illusion mimicking the sound of Lord Orbos’ voice from his memories. Although it was possible to create illusions that used the afflicted’s own memories, Sans wasn’t currently at that stage.

Working with illusions is much more intricate than dealing with fire. It’s as if no matter how hard I try, there’s just a gap in knowledge that I’m missing even with Kaima’s memories. Fortunately, Elsie has been able to help, but mostly for managing my innate charm.

“You need a sample? Why not just have it made by your benefactor-“

“Silence… fool… this is easier for me.”

Sans paused for a minute, unsure of what to say next. He was only now made painfully aware of how difficult it was to impersonate someone. Thankfully, the man before him was just as on edge as he was.

“O-Of course, my lord. Please wait here while I retrieve a sample.”

The man hobbled to the back room in a hurry, leaving Sans alone at the doorway.

This place could use some cleaning…

Mold crept out from the corners of the stone walls, while the floor and ceiling was littered with cobwebs and dust. A dingy light swung from a string at the center of the room, causing the broken furniture to cast shadows that moved back and forth like ghosts.

Heavy footsteps sounded from the other side of the room, heralding the man’s return. He wiped away the sweat that collected in the folds of his neck with a musty towel as he caught his breath. He was only gone for a short while, but somehow he was completely winded!

He should really consider his health…

Sans clicked his tongue and straightened his shoulders, making him seem more haughty than before. The man subconsciously cowered a head lower, sensing the change.

“H-Here is the sample you wanted. Just remember to warn whoever takes it that just a few small grains is enough to last for the day. Any more than that then… well… you understand.”

Sans nodded his head and swiped the vial from his hand. He could clearly see a mound of crystals that looked like minty grains of sand. The substance filled up a quarter of the vial, releasing green fumes that collected at the top.

“How long would this last someone?”

“E-Excuse me?”

“I said how long before I run out.”

“It should be about a month if taken every day, but you know better than that… my lord.”

The man’s voice turned quiet as he nervously stared at Sans.

“Of course I know that. It’s good to test your knowledge at times, as you never know when it will prove important.”

“Naturally, Lord Orbos.”

He chuckled and wiped away the sweat on his face once more. Rubbing his hands together, the man’s fake smile returned with squinted eyes.

“It should go without saying that you won’t bring this moment up again, correct?”

“Yes Lord Orbos, it’ll be a secret just between you and me.”

“What secret?”

“Huh?”

The man stared back in confusion, before suddenly adopting a knowing look.

“Oh, I see! Travel safely sir, I hope you enjoyed your tea.”

Sans tilted his head in acknowledgement. Opening the door, he ducked out into the alleyway. The clack of his cane once more echoed into the alleyway, which doubled as an auditory veil for his beating heart.

What a thrilling night!

He buried his smile with a straight face as he disappeared from the alleyway. The moment he intermingled with the bustling crowds of people, his visage of Lord Orbos vanished without a trace.

----

Elsie eyed the vial in her hand with a pensive expression.

“This is the drug you want to recreate?”

“It should be.”

Sans nodded with confidence.

“Should be? Did you not confirm it before accepting it?”

“Uh… no.”

Elsie clicked her tongue in disapproval before snapping her fingers together. A white veil of magic swiftly encompassed them room and she tossed the vial over to Sans.

“It would be troublesome if the smell attracts unwanted guests. Of course, that is whether it’s the drug in question. Well, open it then.”

Sans grasped the vial carefully and removed the lid. The green vapor immediately invaded the room, spreading a familiar scent.

“This is indeed the one. I recognize it from before.”

He confirmed the substance with hardened eyes. Just as he was about to close the vial, Elsie took it from his hands.

“What are you doing?”

“Hmm? Isn’t it obvious?”

With a deft motion, she pinched a portion of the drug and immediately sprinkled it on her pink tongue.

“W-What… are you crazy?!”

Sans shouted at her with wide eyes. Arban’s uncontrollable thirst for this same emerald powder was still fresh in his mind.

“Relax. How else will I know it’s effects and ingredient makeup? It’s not like you can ask that Arban fellow, or the drug’s creator.”

Elsie nonchalantly closed the vial and waved her hand. Handing the rest of the sample back to Sans, she then closed her eyes and sat in silence.

Will she be okay?

The boy watched Elsie’s brow wrinkle as her mouth shifted in thought. After a few minutes, the girl shuddered and opened her eyes with a frown.

“That’s a potent drug.”

The next second, she withdrew a piece of parchment and swiftly scribbled away. However, contrary to what Sans was expecting, she stowed the parchment in her bag.

“Did you think I was going to give you the ingredient list?”

She smiled smugly and folded her arms.

“Well… yes?”

Sans replied uncertainly.

“How are you going to learn if I do all the legwork for you?”

His eyes lit up in understand and he glanced at the vial once more.

“I have written here all the materials and the correct procedure to recreate the drug. It’s potent, but also rudimentary. If you’re serious about practicing the art of alchemy and reaching the highest of heights, then I expect you to have a solution by the end of week.”

Elsie stood up with a stretch and let out another shudder.

“What a nasty thing.”

She ambled off into bed, leaving the flabbergasted boy sitting on the floor.

“W-Wait, Elsie. You said by the end of the week? That’s only in three days!”

Sans cried out after her, but he only received a soft snore in response.

If it’s like this… then I best get to work.

Without another thought, he opened the vial, prepared to follow Elsie’s example.