Mika 014 (Patreon)

“The ingredients required to make such potions and pills are hard to gather when we’re out in the field. There are times we come under threat, and so we require the likes of Bronze warriors to aid us, though my father has less issues with such things.” Jon sipped his tea. “Even with our potions to assist us, strengthening us to the point we can defeat certain creatures, we are only able to gather a limited amount when we’re alone. The Mercenay Guild also requires quite a hefty sum, and usually it’s foreigners we pay, who take the coin and spent it elsewhere. We would like to change that.”

Rogue nodded, unable to deny the logic with the sentiment. It would be much better if they were able to receive the money to spend on strengthening their home grown forces, rather than foreigners. Even if the amount was the same, it was better for the town and its citizens to gain the money, strengthening their position, rather than foreigners. 

“So you have to come our Blackhand family?” Rogue asked. Even though it was a boon for them to be chosen, it was still a little suspicious. Although, perhaps they did it because of Mika and his abilities? Who had heard of a ten year old child becoming an Alchemist the moment he stepped foot inside the path?

“This has been a topic of hot debate within our store for some time, and though we have had an eye on a few families, we have chosen your Blackhand family. I will be honest and forthcoming, and I hope you will return such faith. The reason behind our decision was the fortunate timing of both your geniuses. We’ve already heard about the tales of your little miss, Ami, and when Mika appeared and passed the tests we had for him with such high grades, we couldn’t help but solidify our choice. Other families may have their own geniuses, but who could match the abilities of Ami or Mika?”

They continued to sip their tea as Rogue fell into silence, chewing on his thoughts. “I assume you have come with terms for the agreement?” Rogue was slowly falling into the Master Alchemist’s pace.

“As you know, it is quite difficult to obtain certain herbs to create our potions. We’d like to acquire the assistance of the Blackhands in this matter, to hire seevral of your Elites whenever we are to go gathering. I know your population is fairly small in the town, but I also know that many of your warriors cultivate their techniques with great passion.” Jon raised his hand over the table. “Working with our Starr Alchemy,” Jon summoned a variety of potions which covered the table, “comes with quite the benefits. We will give you access to a range of items which allow you train more Elites over time.”

Rogue raised his brows and then leaned in. “We would be your sole protectors?” This deal was too good to be true.

“Not our sole protectors, no. I would not wish to impose on your family so much. For now, I will ask for some assistance from any of your Elites, those which have reached at least Base Bronze First, for each trip that I need. Eventually I will offer a similar, though not quite a comprehensive, deal with other families. We will give priority to your family when it comes to both the work and the compensation.”

“So we will have more responsibilities, but we’ll receive higher rewards.” Rogue rubbed his chin in thought.

“The Blackhands will be the first family to assist our store in such a way, we will surely never forget such a thing.” Loyalty was an extremely important thing, and the more time they spent together, it was only obvious they would create closer ties. 

“It is a dangerous business,” Rogue said. “Though I can be rest assured that your store will compensate us appropriately if we lose an Elite.”

“If you lose an Elite which is assisting us, we will not forget the debt.” Jon held out his hand to reveal a Bronzeheart pill. It was something rare for the family to see. The pills were expensive, but they would almost ensure that one would reach Base Bronze by the age of thirty with the bare minimum amount of cultivation, even if their talent was originally slow. It wouldn’t help cripples much, but it would even speed up their progress slightly.

“You say that Mika is a genius as well?” Rogue asked. “He’s already an Alchemist even though he is so young?” There was worry in his words. Perhaps they had sped up Mika’s promotion in order to curry favour?

“The basic test was too easy, and the test to become a true Alchemist was something he passed with a stellar result. If we can allow such a mind to grow, I’m sure he will become an Expert before twenty.”

“You are twenty years old and are already a Master. Such a thing is so rare, and yet your Starr families has produced so many geniuses. Hearing you give such a compliment to a son of ours brings my heart a great warmth.” Rogue leaned back slightly. “We were worried for our little son, but when I found out his results when he was younger, I could only help but offer him so many rewards.”

“His results?” Jon asked. Was there something he didn’t know about his little brother?

“He received a perfect score of a hundred on his mental test.”

Jon was halfway through sipping his tea when he spat it out, the tea hitting off the rim of his cup and then hitting his face. He brought up a handkerchief and wiped his face as Rogue pretended as though he hadn’t seen. 

“Did you say…” Jon looked up at Rogue. “A perfect score?”

“I wouldn’t lie about such a thing. If you told me that he had received a perfect score in his Alchemy exams, I wouldn’t doubt it.” Rogue said, puffing his chest slightly.

‘Should I tell him?’ Jon thought, though he recalled how annoyed Mika had been when he had gone off script last time. “Even I didn’t manage a perfect score outside of my Alchemy…” He rubbed his chin. “Isn’t Mika more amazing then we thought?” 

“If he were born in your family then there would be no doubt his name would be written right beside yours.”

“His name would be written before mine if he had been born as my little brother…” Jon smirked slightly. “The young sir is quite amazing.”

“Isn’t he?” Rogue smiled. 

“How envious. If only I had been born with his talent.”

“Aren’t you already talented enough? One shouldn’t be so greedy.”

“I suppose your words are correct. It seems the Head of the Blackhand family is so wise. That puts me at ease.” Jon chuckled and Rogue smiled, taking the compliment. “You must be so busy training your any sons and daughters, so I’m sure your cultivation is suffering because of it. If you wouldn’t mind me being so presumptuous, but would you care for a few potions and pills to assist you?”

“Is there anything I could give in return?” Rogue replied, though he didn’t want to commit to anything just yet.

“I hear that your niece, Ami, is currently being taught by her father?”

“This is true.”

“It would reassure me if you were to take care of her training over the next year.”

Rogue frowned slightly, considering the words. “The matters of the Head are too great for me to personally train so many. I already have my hands full of my own children, who also show a great talent.”

“I believe that you have two children below the age of ten?”

“Very soon it will be three,” Rogue replied, smiling.

Mika, who had been listening from the hallway, was surprised to hear the words. He hadn’t noticed, though he hadn’t been looking.

“If I have known such good fortune I would have brought more gifts!” Jon said, smiling. He waved his hand and then brought out five Bronzeheart pills, several potions, and a Steelheart pill.

“This!” Rogue said, shocked. He had never seen a Steelheart pill before. “This is too much!” A Steelheart pill was something he could only have dreamed of seeing, and buying one would cost much of the Blackhands’ wealth.

“Please accept these gifts for the good news.” Jon waved his hand casually. “I am certain that your Blackhand family with bring forth another genius. If there is any assistance the Head requires with the birth, please do not hesitate to rely on us. I will send a Senior Alchemist at the very least.”

“Your words are like your gifts, too much for this Head.” Rogue rubbed his forehead. To refuse so much would make it difficult for the Alchemist. “I will thank you for them both.” Rogue bowed his head. 

“Feed this to your wife once she goes into labour,” Jon summoned another potion. “It will make the birth flow smoothly with less pain.”

“This Head thanks you for your generosity.” Head clasped his hands together.

“There’s no need for your thanks, but I hope you keep my previous request of training the little miss in mind.”

Rogue sighed and bowed his head, defeated by the Alchemist. They continued to speak about the deal, and Jon came up with terms of the contract for Rogue. He had taken Mika’s words to heart, to create a contract that was only slightly in the Blackhand’s favour.