“Where the hell are we?” Liam questioned as he looked around once more. “I thought we were entering a room, but it looks more like we went outside. However, it doesn’t feel like we’re in Cashat Port.”
“You are correct on the fact we are not in Cashat Port, but as for your other assumptions…you’re wrong,” Lady Arachne replied. “We are in a room and still in the Fiddler’s Spider Web. Albeit, this room was designed with an outdoor theme to allow these magnificent creatures to thrive and spread their wings.”
“These creatures?” Liam repeated as he looked at the various different owls that either flew around or were perched on branches. “Huh, the more I see here in this place the more impressive it is. So, we’re truly not outside?”
“No,” Lady Arachne shook her head. “This is a sub-space inside the association that allows these creatures to come and go as they please or on association business. Thus, we call it the Dark Nest.”
“The Dark Nest?” Liam responded as he looked at her. “For some reason I was expecting something more spider related theme.” Liam let out a slight chuckle. “Maybe something like the Dark Web.”
“One would normally think that would be the case, but it isn’t,” A voice stated as a deep laugh echoed.
Liam turned his head to see a portly person wearing a white and gold hooded robe slowly making their way towards them. Gripped in their right hand was a snowy white cane with an owl head at the top. As soon as they arrived, they pulled their hood down to see a very carefully designed white mask with a golden outline and a sharp taloned beak around where the tip of the nose and ran over the mouth would be. This mask covered their entire face. Golden hair ran down to the person’s shoulders.
“Little Kitten,” Lady Arachne started as she reached a hand out towards the new person. “This is Silent Saboteur. He is the Third Leg to our branch here.”
“Little Kitten? Now that’s an unusual Web Name here,” Silent Saboteur stated as he looked at Liam.
She then turned to look at the portly man and introduced, “That isn’t his Web Name. Since he is still an applicant and has no Web Name yet I decided to call him that until he passes and is assigned one.” She paused before giving Liam a teasing smile and added, “Although the more I call him it the more I want to give it to him.”
Liam groaned internally. He was thankful for finally learning why she was calling that, but that last comment made him hope she was joking.
Silent Saboteur looked at Lady Arachne then at Liam before looking back at her and responding, “Still an applicant? Why is he here then? I thought the rules clearly stated that new applicants are not allowed access to the Dark Nest until they pass the tests. That rule is supposed to protect our secrets in case they fail so they do not pass on what they have seen to other Associations like ours.”
Lady Arachne waved a hand trying to dispel his worries. “That would normally be the case, however I have fully confidence he will pass the tests.”
Starting to feel a bit flustered, the man retorted, “And what grounds do you have to back up that confidence?”
Lady Arachne stared at Silent Saboteur and smiled wickedly as she replied, “He is the apprentice of the Wild Card.”
Silent Saboteur let out a chocking sound in shock as he tried to speak and looked at Liam. It took him a few seconds, but he was finally able to say clearly, “Are you serious? That man took on an apprentice? Where’s the proof?”
Lady Arachne turned her focus on Liam and nodded at him in a way that said go ahead and show him. Going along with her. Liam cupped his ears out, allowing the earrings to be seen clearer.
Silent Saboteur stared at them. After a few seconds of silence, he let out a belly shaking laughter. “You really are that stiff bastard’s apprentice. I can now understand why Lady Arachne is bending the rules a bit. Although I don’t know what you could need from here to take your tests. I would assume that even though she is allowing you access that she has placed some restrictions on what you’re allowed to purchase.”
“That is right,” Lady Arachne chimed in. “He is not allowed to buy fully crafted items and certain high leveled materials. He is only allowed materials needed for what he wishes to craft and maybe a Knowledge Theory book in the craft if his level is suitable for it.”
“Hm, materials suitable for the level of craft as well as Knowledge Theory books huh,” Silent Saboteur muttered. “It would make sense that he would be restricted to fully crafted items here since they can be of higher level and the higher end materials would be a waste since he wouldn’t be able to get proper use of them. Hm…What kind of materials are you thinking about? Also, what crafts are you thinking about making for your tests and their levels?”
Liam hesitated. He wasn’t sure if he should reveal what he had in mind, but he also knew if he didn’t clarify then there could be a chance he would miss out on stuff he didn’t know he needed.
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“Go ahead and say what you need. You won’t get anywhere if you remain too secretive here. – Eri.”
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Liam nodded. He was glad Eri was thinking the same thing as he was. He then looked at Silent Saboteur and stated, “I have my Alchemy at level twenty one. I was thinking about making some poisons and some Chemicalized Creations. My Poison Craft is currently at level thirteen while my Chemicalized Creations is at level one. I just recently unlocked that one after getting my knowledge theory up a bit. As for materials I’m currently looking for, all I know so far is I need is Liquified Air Mana.”
“Not bad. Decent levels but not as high as I thought they would be around his age…,” Silent Saboteur started mumbling until he noticed the slightly surprised look on the part of Lady Arachne’s face that was out in the open. “Hm? What’s wrong Lady Arachne?”
“Little Kitten…didn’t you just recently arrive here on this planet not too long ago?” Lady Arachne questioned.
This question made Silent Saboteur grow curious as well. If what she was asking was true then the speed of leveling the craft was actually more than good. He knew that new Arrivals didn’t focus a lot on crafts unless that’s what they wanted to do instead of growing in power. However, this guy was an apprentice to The Wild Card. He should have spent more time focusing on his fighting techniques instead of crafting.
“Yes that’s about right. About three or four days ago I think? Since I’ve come here I’ve been so busy I haven’t really been keeping track,” Liam stated as he gave Lady Arachne a quizzical look.
“And what about your other crafts? What levels are they?” Lady Arachne asked.
“Other crafts?” Silent Saboteur inquired, getting even more interested in the topic.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Liam replied, “My Blacksmithing is currently at level seventeen. I haven’t raised the level by much since I’ve come here. I’ve been focused trying to raise my Bone Smelting and Forging Sub-Sections levels to catch up. One is currently at level twelve while the other is level eight. My Tailoring isn’t as high but that’s at level seven I think. My Chef Craft is currently at twelve and I have Enchanting at two while just recently getting my Rune Craft to level one thanks to a Knowledge Theory book. But that’s all so far for my Production Crafts….”
Liam noticed the stares he was getting from both the portly man and the short woman. While he knew Lady Arachne’s mouth had dropped thanks to her mask, he felt like Silent Saboteur’s was as well.
“You’re kidding right?” Silent Saboteur questioned with disbelief. “If you’re a recent arrival there’s no way you could have so many crafts unlocked, let alone Enchanting and Rune Crafting. Both of those require…” He stopped and thought back to the one material Liam had stated he knew he needed. “Wait it makes sense that you have the required abilities if you’re asking for that material since you’d need those abilities to properly use them, but having those abilities and knowing you just recently arrived to our world…that’s unheard of. Not impossible, but so rare I didn’t think I’d actually meet someone who could. By Tyton’s left wing, what kind of an apprentice did that man find?”
Liam wasn’t sure what to say or if he should reply at all. Instead, he just responded with, “Someone who finds an interest to crafting?”
“Someone who is also a Cat-folk Beast-kin,” Lady Arachne added with a carefully and quiet undertone as her eyes shifted to Silent Saboteur.
Silent Saboteur’s eyes glanced and locked with hers for a brief moment. Liam felt like something passed between them but decided not to pry. Instead, he waited for the man to say something.
“I understand. If that’s the case then it might not be too unheard of,” the portly man said with some sort of understanding. “But to think that man took on an apprentice who has an interest in crafting and is a Cat-Folk, nonetheless. I am now looking forward to what kind of chaos you bring with you now.”
Liam let out a nervous chuckle at the last part of the man’s words. He then thought to himself. You have no idea what kind of chaos has already followed me.
Silent Saboteur then suddenly clapped his meaty hands together before rubbing them and saying, “Alright. Enough about this. You’re here to make some purchases, right? Let me just grab all the materials I believe you could use that match the restrictions placed.” He then slipped his index finger and thumb under his mask and let out two sharp quick whistles.
As if a starting gun had fired, several owls suddenly turned their heads and flew off their perches. As they flew all over the tree grabbing things here and there, Silent Saboteur pulled out three big tables and sat them side by side. After he sat them down, the owls flew one by one and gently placed each item they held in their claws on each table.
Liam was impressed with the performance that was taking place. He couldn’t understand how they knew what to grab and how they were able to place it so gently on the table with the speed of their flying. It took them a little over a minute to finish.
After the last item was placed on the last table, Liam glanced over them. He was both impressed by the selection, but also confused. There was only one of each item. With a curious tone of voice Liam asked, “Is there only one of each in stock for these items? Or is this just to show what you have that I can purchase?"
Silent Saboteur nodded at Liam. “An excellent question. Many assume right off the bat, but your second guess is correct. It would be pointless of me to bring everything of each item when there is a chance you will not buy it. I have a list of stock for each item I have and even when and where I restock them. Not only will this save time for both parties, but it also lessens the stress of having to grab each item on my little cuties.”
“Your little…cuties? The owls?” Liam questioned as he raised a brow.
“Correct. The hassle and stress of having to carry every item takes a toll on their legs, talons, and wings,” Silent Saboteur replied. “As their Tamer, I do not want to burden them to the point they wish to rebel or want to leave me.”
“Tamer? You’re a tamer?” Liam asked, understanding why they listened to him.
“Yes and no,” the portly man continued. “Some of them I have tamed, but the rest are under a contract with my greatest tamed beast, the Giant Lunar Tyto Alba. I call her Allie.”
Before Liam could ask what that was, he heard the leaves on the crown of the giant tree that towered over them start to rustle. He looked up and felt his mouth drop as his eyes widened. A giant shadow emerged from the top of the tree with the light of the moon as its background. He then watched as wings suddenly expanded from its sides, making Liam believe that the size he thought the creature was, was truly much bigger than he had thought.
The wings of the creature flapped once, the twice, then again. They kept flapping until the body of the creature was able to rise up into the air. After it was completely away from the crown of the tree, it started flying through the air. Liam was amazed after it had left the cover of the moon and had the night sky as its background.
It looked majestic as its entire body glowed like a shooting star. White wisps, of what Liam thought as smoke, trailed behind for a brief moment before dispersing. Liam watched this giant bird fly about for a few seconds before it came to a stop midair, looking down at them.
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“Shit, this doesn’t look good. Liam be careful! – Eri.”
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Confused by this sudden message from Eri, Liam was about to respond until a loud high-pitched scream filled the air. The noise was so loud it caused Liam to cover his highly sensitive ears so he wouldn’t go deaf.
He then felt his Danger Sense flare up all over his body as he looked up and watched the massive moon-lit bird divebomb right for him.
Panic started to fill Liam as he tried to think about how to get away from the bird. He didn’t think that running away would work. The only two places he could run towards were the giant tree house or the door that led out of here and both of those were too far away for him to get to them without getting caught.
As his brain started working overtime, Liam felt something vibrating crazily against both of his hips. He looked down to see it was his Moon Blade and Shadow Blade daggers. Not sure why they were vibrating like this, he gripped their handles and pulled them out. As if they were guiding him, Liam put his arms out and crossed the two daggers. As soon as he did that, two loud roars echoed out in response to the giant bird’s attack.
These two roars made Silent Saboteur and Lady Arachne look around to try and find the source of the mysterious noises. They then turned their attention onto Liam and watched as the giant shooting star that was barreling towards Liam suddenly stop right in front of him with its wings spread out wide to stop its momentum.
The force of the gust that came from the sudden stop hit the ground making the items and the tables flip over. Liam felt his knees buckle a bit as his feet slid back a couple of feet but forced himself to remain standing. The area he stood in wasn’t the only place that was affected. The draft that followed the gust of wind expanded and washed over everyone that was around.
Silent Saboteur and Lady Arachne moved their arms they held up to block the wind and stood wide eyed as the massive white as snow owl gently touched down and stared at Liam. The giant bird stood a fifteen feet tall and ten foot width. The creature had golden feathers that circled around its head and white feathers that lightly illuminated with the color of the moon.
The sight of the creature was breath taking to Liam and if it hadn’t tried to attack him he probably would have taken more time to appreciate the majesty of its appearance. Instead, Liam quickly asked, “What’s going on here Silent Saboteur? Why did it try and attack me?”
“I…I honestly don’t know. I didn’t give it any commands to do so. Nor have I seen her randomly attack someone like this. I am so sorry,” Silent Saboteur stated. “I don’t know what happened, but it looks like what ever made those other noises made her come back to her senses.”
Do you have any clue what happened Eri? Liam asked as he felt his heart beat thump against his chest.
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“I have an idea, but we’ll talk more about that later. For now, try and use this as leverage for getting a better deal on the materials you want to buy. – Eri.”
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Liam was flabbergasted by Eri’s words. He tried hard not to let the laughter he had going on mentally come out. He had to give it to his Goddess. She saw an opportunity and wanted to grasp it. He too wouldn’t let this slide; however, he knew he needed to wait for the right moment to use this.
He looked at the giant white owl that looked very similar to a barn owl and watched as it turned her head almost all the way down. It kind of looked like she was staring at him until he noticed it wasn’t him but his two daggers. Liam looked at them as well. He didn’t know they could or would react that way. He was glad that they did because they had saved his life by doing so, but that only gave him questions he wanted answered. For now, though, he’ll focus on the task at hand and try to get this trip over with.
He sheathed his daggers and looked back at Silent Saboteur who was turning the tables back over and slowly picking up each item. Liam made his way over there and helped him. He looked at each item he picked up before placing it on the table. Most of the things he saw he didn’t even know existed while there were others he knew did. He was glad to see there were different types of Liquified Mana. He figured if there were some Liquified Lightning Mana then he should get some of that as well because it would bring down some of his crafting time not having to make those.
As he continued to look at each item he picked up, he stopped as one caught his attention. It was a Knowledge Theory book called, Handbook on Powdered Poisons. Before he placed it on the table he decided to skim through it really fast. As he did he came to a stop as he saw something that caught his eye. He read over the first three paragraphs and slowly grew a smile.
An idea came to mind bringing him back to a problem he was having when trying to come up with a way to mix both poisons and Chemicalized Creations. After seeing this topic in this book, he believed he might have stumbled upon a possible solution he could use.
After he set the book down he noticed that Silent Saboteur and Lady Arachne were staring at him. They had already finished picking up and were waiting for him. He then looked back at the table and scanned each item that he didn’t get to see when he was helping pick them up and made mental notes on stuff he believed he could use.
As he was scanning them he stopped and shook his head. Thoughts of that book came back. If he was able to get that book then he would need to know the materials needed to make what he had in mind. Besides the Liquified Lightning and Air Mana Extracts, he needed to know if he was allowed to purchase that book and then see what materials he needed from that. But first, there were some other things he needed to have clarified.
Before Silent Saboteur and Lady Arachne could say anything, Liam turned to look at the short woman and asked, “I know I should have asked this sooner, but how big are the crafting rooms? Also, do I need to supply my own equipment or is the equipment stocked? Lastly, can I lock the door to the Crafting Room I am using, or can anyone walk in while I am crafting?
Taken aback by the sudden questions, Lady Arachne stared at him. She wasn’t expecting these questions so soon. A small smile formed on her face. It made her happy to know he took the initiative now instead of later when they had already left the Dark Nest.
“The Crafting Room you decide to use depends on the Craft you wish to perform. Blacksmithing requires a much bigger room compared to say Potion Making or Tailoring,” Lady Arachne started up. “As for the equipment, the rooms are stocked with each type of equipment needed for the craft being done. There are at least three sets of each piece of equipment per person who enters the room.”
Liam’s brows scrunched at that. “Three sets of equipment per person that enters the room?”
Lady Arachne nodded her head. “Yes, the crafting rooms in the association are designed for the needs of the amount of people who enter at the same time. Since you will be crafting by yourself then you only have three sets of each equipment needed for that craft. As for the next question you do not have to worry about anyone walking in while you are crafting. The room you enter will be accessible only to you.
“The crafting rooms separate into different sub-spaces, so no one distracts you while crafting and causes any accidents. Unless something happens like a craft suddenly explodes during the process. Then we as the officials will be given access to enter to assess if you do not need any medical treatment as well as the damage caused to the room.”
Liam nodded, understanding what she was saying.
“Also, I will add that each room will have a ventilation system designed for the type of crafting room you are using so you do not need to worry about,” Lady Arachne added. “If you are using the Alchemy rooms the vials used while in there will be charged. The room takes notes on those items. You do not need to worry about cleaning the equipment when finished unless you need to use the equipment again right away. There is a self-cleaning magic placed in the rooms.”
Liam was surprised by this. He didn’t know that there was such a spell. He would need to look into that. With those questions answered he was ready to ask the next important one. He looked at her once more and asked, “Am I allowed to purchase that Knowledge Theory Book Handbook on Powdered Poisons?”
Lady Arachne tilted her head in surprise. She was unaware of that book. She was also curious as to why he wanted that. Out of all the poisons one could make, powdered poisons had a unique list of purposes. She tried to think about how he would use it, but then stopped herself. As intrigued and curious as she was, she felt she would wait to see what he had in store.
“Everything that is on these tables should meet what you’re allowed to buy,” Lady Arachne answered.
“Thank you,” Liam said. “Do you guys mind if I look it over to see what materials I will need to make such poisons?”
Lady Arachne and Silent Saboteur shook their heads.
“By all means take your time and do what you need,” Lady Arachne said.
Liam nodded as he turned and grabbed the book. He took a minute reading over the process on how to make the one he had seen and was curious about as well as the list of materials he needed. It didn’t look like he needed to get much. The process required a crafted poison, bones, mana extracts, and sea or ocean water. While he needed to get sea or Ocean water, he needed to craft a few vials of the poison he wanted to use in this little experiment. Since that was the case, he now knew everything he would need to make what he had planned.
Closing the book, Liam looked at Silent Saboteur and asked, “How many Blister Hogweeds and Stinger Nettles do you have in stock?”
Silent Saboteur was about to answer until a thought crossed Liam’s mind and he raised a hand up. “Sorry.” Liam apologized before looking at Lady Arachne and asking, “I know you said that I am not allowed to purchase fully crafted items, but does that include all Extracts? I know they are considered a fully crafted item, but they are also considered materials. I am asking this because earlier when I said I needed Liquified Air Mana you didn’t object to it and that is an Extract.”
Lady Arachne was impressed. She normally didn’t get anyone who would ask so many questions. Normally they would assume and proceed. She was starting to see why the Wild Card chose him. Questions were essential for not only survival, but also success in any mission given. If one didn’t question they could miss opportunities they could have used.
She brought a hand to her chin and tapped a finger lightly against her chin to look like she was thinking it over. She already had the answer, but she didn’t want to give it to him so quickly. After faking her deliberation, she replied, “I’ll allow it.”
“Thank you,” Liam nodded before looking back to Silent Saboteur. “Okay, scratch that first request. Instead, how much Weak Blister Hogweed Extracts and Weak Stinger Nettle Extracts do you have in stock?”
“Small, Medium, or Large Vials?” Silent Saboteur inquired.
Liam thought it over. While having it in larger Vials might save him money in the long run, the Small Vials were already perfect measurements. It would also help him on knowing exactly how much he had left.
“Small,” Liam answered.
“Hm,” Silent Saboteur started as he pulled out some sort of notebook. After a few seconds had passed he said, “Eighty five Small Vialed Weak Blister Hogweed Extracts and sixty seven Small Vialed Weak Stinger Nettle Extracts. Since they are small and on the weak they do not cost a lot. Each vial goes for ten Copper Coins a Vial.”
Liam thought about the amount he would need to buy. He wasn’t entirely sure since this would be his first time making this poison. He came to the decision that he would buy what he hoped was a little more than he needed. If he had any leftover then he could use them for other Poison Crafting sessions.
“Can I get forty five of each,” Liam asked. “Also, can I get twenty Small Vialed Weak Liquified Lightning Mana Extracts, ten Small Vialed Weak Liquified Air Mana Extracts, and forty Small Vialed Weak Arcane Mana Extracts?”
Silent Saboteur gave Liam an appraising look. He understood why the young man was ordering a little more than what was probably needed for his crafting sessions and approved of it. When it came to crafting you never know when it could fail. If a crafting session failed then you needed extra supplies in stock, so you didn’t need to go buy more.
However, something he found intriguing was the young man wasn’t asking for prices. That kind of move could spell dangerous in a market place one had never visited before. It could say a lot about the person who did that. One, they were a haughty arrogant brat that thinks someone else would foot the bill. Two, they were going to wait till after the total was told and begin to haggle or bargain. Three, they were merchants themselves and were either feeling out prices in the area or had a scheme to scam you.
The first and second part of the third option were two ways to get him to sick his owls on them. He hated arrogant people who didn’t understand how money worked. He also hated scammers. He was a scammer himself depending on the merchant, country, or marketplace. He was only that way during his specific missions though. What better way to sabotage a city’s or country’s economy than to scam them.
However, none of the three options he listed were what this…Little Kitten was doing. No, he knew why this young man wasn’t asking for prices. He was just waiting to see when he would make his move.
“We have those amounts in stock for each,” Silent Saboteur informed. “The prices on those go as follows: Weak Liquified Arcane Mana Extract for twenty Copper Coins, Weak Liquified Lighting Mana Extract for thirty five Copper Coins, and Weak Liquified Air Mana Extract for fifty six Copper Coins.”
Liam nodded. He tried to remember if he needed anything more for the second phase of his experiment. He had some Weak Liquified Gravity Mana Extracts already made from the other night when he was bored so he felt like he didn’t need to buy anymore. He could use some Weak Liquified Fire Mana Extracts though.
“Also, can I get twenty five Small Vialed Weak Liquified Fire Mana Extracts and some containers of Ocean or Sea Water to finish it off?” Liam asked.
Without hesitation, Silent Saboteur replied, “Unfortunately we only have twenty of those. A shipment had just left to be transported to another location right before you got here. So, I am sorry about that. As for the Ocean water or Sea water, if you’re making anything that requires those as ingredients then the crafting room will provide that.”
Liam shrugged. “That’s fine. I’ll take the rest you have in stock then.”
“Alright, those go for around forty Copper Coins,” Silent Saboteur stated. He then started calculating everything and finished, “Adding in the Knowledge Theory Handbook on Powdered Poisons for one Silver and ten Copper Coins, the total comes to…thirty eight Silver and seventy Copper Coins.”
The portly man then looked at Liam, waiting for the response. He felt this was going to be the right time for him to make the move he was anticipating for. However, he was both taken aback and confused as he watched the young man suddenly take out the money and went to hand it over to him.
Silent Saboteur looked at the coins and then at Liam. He was thoroughly unsure of what game he was playing at. He had thought the young man would play the card he had about his tamed creature almost attacking him, but he didn’t.
“Is everything alright? Is this not enough?” Liam asked with some confusion of his own in his voice.
“No…well, kind of,” the man replied as he grabbed the coins from Liam. He sent a mental note to the owls above on what all to get before stating, “I was convinced you would try to bargain me for a lower price due to the incident from earlier.”
Owls started flying down, bringing with them each item Liam had purchased. As Liam started putting each item into one of the bags inside of his inventory, he gave the man a smile and replied, “Ah that.”
“What do you mean ‘Ah that’?” Silent Saboteur questioned. “You could have saved some coins or haggled me to get more materials. Why didn’t you?”
After he finished storing away his materials, Liam looked at the man and answered, “I was thinking about doing that. It was tempting to do as well.”
“Then why didn’t you? I don’t understand,” the portly man inquired. He was really intrigued by Liam’s decision and really wanted to know.
“The timing wasn’t right,” Liam flatly said.
“The…timing wasn’t right?” Silent Saboteur repeated. He was thoroughly confused by this. He was even more confused as he watched Liam start to turn and walk away.
“Yeah the timing wasn’t right,” Liam repeated again as he made his way to the door that led back to the main room. “While it would be great to save some coin on these materials, I feel that it wouldn’t have been worth using that on them. These are only weak quality materials.”
Silent Saboteur pondered on what he was saying. After a few seconds had passed it suddenly clicked.
However, before he could say anything, Liam added right before walking through the door, “If I’m going to use something like that to save on coins, I should probably do it on an order that’ll cost me a lot more than a few silver.”