Seeds of Discordia

The area around them in the room fell silent as they heard what Liam proclaimed. Val eyed the people around them as Liam kept his gaze on the hulking man before them. Val watched and waited as the atmosphere started to shift. She wasn't sure what they were thinking or planning to do, but after a long moment of them staring in silence a decent size group of them started laughing.

Val took note of the ones laughing. They were all the ones who didn't have a good view of what Liam had shown Deep Sea Giant. Those that did and even the Deep Sea Giant himself though, stared with wide eyes not laughing.

"Is this guy for real?" someone started.

"Apprentice to both The Wild Card himself as well as Lady Arachne? What kind of illusion did he get himself caught in?" another mocked.

"Just some upstart trying to make a name for themselves," a fourth scoffed as they looked at Liam with disgust.

Val was about to say something, but stopped herself as someone who had gotten a good look at the earring Liam had revealed stated, "No one would be dumb enough to fake being the apprentice of the Lady Arachne herself, let out the deadly Wild Card. They would find themselves dead for such bold claims."

Those close by him that were laughing agreed as they chuckled once more. Their chuckles turned to confusion shortly after as the same man continued, "However, I wonder what would happen to those who mocked and showed disrespect to someone who was the apprentice one let alone both of them?"

Clearly unsure what the man was trying to get at, someone asked, "I'm sure they would find themselves on the wrong end of the blade or trapped in a shadow web or the like…"

"Exactly. They would find themselves at the wrong end of one of the Wild Card's blade either stared up it or their body full of them while probably hanging upside down from a Shadow Web made by the lady's shadow spiders."

"What are you trying to get at Jungle Mimic?" someone asked with a hint of annoyance in their voice.

"What I am getting at my dear short sighted friends is that you didn't see what those of us with eyes did," the man called Jungle Mimic started to say. Liam got a good look at the man. He wore tight light blue leather equipment in a fashion that reminded him of a ranger class from gamers. The skin that was exposed had dark green scales that covered most of his tanned skin. His mouth, nose, and cheeks were covered by a reptilian style half mask revealing his baby blue eyes. his dark green hair was pulled back into a ponytail, but some of it had escaped and dangled in front of his eyes almost as if he had been running and hadn't hand the time to fix it. The people closer to him looked almost similar but had different colored scales and hair.

The man turned his gaze to Deep Sea Giant and asked, "Please tell us, Sixth Leg of Point Nemo Web Branch. What were the two things that you saw?"

Murmurs started to spread as Deep Sea Ginat looked at him before looking back at Liam and responding, "He carries the mark of being the apprentice of the Wild Card and behind it…one of Lady Arachne's Shadow Spiderlings was there…"

Whispers and murmurs started spreading as they heard Deep Sea Giant's proclamation. Val smirked as she watched those who had just mocked and teased Liam earlier suddenly go pale. She felt vindicated even though their attitude wasn't directed towards her.

Liam on the other hand felt both annoyed and embarrassed. Even if he was their apprentice he felt that their authority and fame wasn't something he wanted people to tie him with. While sure it was perfect to get things moving faster this way, he still didn't like to use it because it wasn't his power, authority, or fame he was using. Not wanting to hear more of what those around him was saying, he looked at Deep Sea Giant and asked, "Now that we have clarified this, can we please make our way up there and report what we need to?"

Deep Sea Giant was about to respond, but was cut off as Jungle Mimic reached out, "Mr. Phantom Cat."

"Phantom Cat. Just Phantom Cat," Liam corrected swiftly.

"Phantom Cat," Jungle Mimic started again. "Can my crew and I come with you. We also have something important to report and I believe this might be tied with whatever you have to as well."

Liam stared at the man. As he spoke he tried to read his body language to see if he was lying or trying to use him as a fast pass, but from what he saw the man was serious. Liam looked at Deep Sea Giant and gave him a look that asked if it was alright. With a sigh, Deep Sea Giant looked at Jungle Mimic and replied, "Come along then." He then turned and bellowed an order to make way for them, creating a fast opening towards the front of the line.

Liam and Val followed suit with Jungle Mimic and his three companions close behind him. Val didn't need to have Liam say anything as she kept her guard up as well with the reptilian like people close behind them. She wasn't dumb. She knew when people tried to use others for opportunities, and this was a perfect example of a time.

They were right up in front and had a clear sight of both the earring and the spider and, what she was starting to assume was the leader of the group, had saw the opportunity to chastise those mocking Liam's claim before making a request to come up to the front with them. Whether they actually had information that could be ties to theirs or not was something they really wouldn't know until they tipped their hands.

After getting to the front Liam, Val, and the others saw Lady Bell just finishing up with a group of three members before she saw them approach. She hadn't seen Liam or Val since they were right behind the hulking man as she asked, "Deep Sea. Is everything alright?"

Deep Sea Giant nodded his head before saying, "I have someone here who states they have very important information that must be delivered to you."

Lady Bell looked at Jungle Mimic and his crew before frowning and saying, "As much as the Fading Gatherers' reputation proceeds them with their Information Gathering skills, I highly doubt they warrant an escort and front of the line pass."

"They aren't the ones I speak of Lady Bell. They are only here because they have expressed their information might tie with those I believe warrant a more…careful approach." Deep Sea Giant turned his body to reveal Liam and Val standing right behind him.

Lady Bell looked shocked as soon as she saw them. With a confused expression she stated, "Phantom Cat, Toxic Songbird…I didn't see you there. I am sorry." Lady Bell recomposed herself as she asked, "My fellow Leg mentioned you have important information you wish to discuss? May I ask if you have proof of verification on what that infor…"

"Lady Bell," Liam suddenly cut in. "As much as I know manners to a higher up is a highly regarded thing I will have to apologize right now because as of this moment we do not have the time. I am going to jump to it and ask; do you remember the package I received from Lady Arachne?"

Taken aback by Liam's suddenness, Lady Bell thought back and quickly said as the box came to mind, "I do remember you received a package from your mentor, Lady Arachne."

"She left me information that I need to discuss with you A.S.A.P. Very important information that could change what jobs you are assigning people right now," Liam pressed as he heard those around him start to whisper.

Feeling the urgency in his voice, Lady Bell turned to Deep Sea Giant and asked, "Are you the only one here?"

"No. The Third, Fourth, and seventh Legs are here as well," Deep Sea Giant quickly relayed.

Lady Bell nodded as she ordered, "Have them help you get things in order here. Do not assign missions until I am back and have confirmed the information."

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"Yes ma'am," Deep Sea Giant yelled out.

"Now," Lady Belle turned to Liam and Val before looking at Jungle Mimic and asked, "Are they coming as well?"

Liam looked at the group before saying, "They claim their information could be tied or related to what I am going to tell you. If what they said is untrue, it's up to you to decide on what to do. I have no power here…" As soon as Liam said that last part he closed his eyes and grimace. "As hypocritical as that sounds I only felt it right to use my mentors' names so I can get to you as quickly as possible. After I'm done here I need to get back out there and do what I am already tasked to do."

Lady Bell nodded, slightly chuckling inside at the grimace she felt the young man had made at the sound of his own words. She then looked at Jungle Mimic and asked, "Do you agree with what Phantom Cat has said?"

Jungle Mimic paused for a brief moment before saying with conviction, "I do. I honestly believe what we have to report will be related to what he has to report as well."

Lady Bell nodded. "Very Well. Come with me. All of you."

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"This is where we keep the materials for the ritual," Omira stated as she, Adva, Mercer, and the others walked up to a building surrounded by a thick, rocky wall with what looked like guard posts at every corner of the wall. The building looked like a rectangle warehouse with a massive two door entrance.

Mercer watched as knights, guards, and mages entered and exited the building. Some had nothing in their hands while others carried boxes to a cart. This intrigued Mercer since most things could be easily transported through inventory and yet they carried boxes out from the building.

"I can see your curiosity growing," Adva suddenly stated as she eyed Mercer.

Mercer turned to look at her and nodded. "Why are they carrying the boxes? Why not just place them into their inventory or a bag that can carry them easier? It would help with how much heavy those boxes look."

Adva gave him a warm smile. "I see you're still thinking like a newly arrival," she commented before adding, "While I, and I am sure those who are carrying the boxes, would agree with you, there are just some materials and ingredients you cannot place in your inventory or a spatially expanded bag."

Mercer, curiosity growing even more, asked with a raised brow, "Oh? Why's that?"

"When it comes to rituals, you need your materials and ingredients to be primed in a certain way," Adva started as she placed her hands behind her back looking like a wise professor. "Placing those materials and ingredients in your inventory or a spatially expanded bag could and sometimes will always mess with the materials. Some items lose some or all the properties they were prepared with like specific mana coats, alchemical coatings, opened runic and enchanting slots. While keeping them inside for a short time won't do much, the timing and window to take them back out is very short."

Mercer stared at her for a long moment. He knew he didn't know much about rituals and the materials or ingredients needed for them, but he found the topic interesting. If this was the case for rituals, was it the same for other items? He needed to know this for future reference when he started dealing more in his merchant side. If he made an item Liam made lose any quality or properties due to being ignorant to something like this then he would feel bad.

Mercer went to open his mouth and ask where he could get more information on this but stopped as Adva pulled out a book from her inventory and handed it to him. Stunned, Mercer stared at the book for a long moment before asking, "How did you know?"

Adva let out a chuckle as she stated, "Your eyes told me all I needed to know. Speaking of eyes, where is Liam and the rest of your group?"

"Out patrolling other areas of the island," Avery stated as she kept her eyes on the people going in and out.

"Patrolling?" Adva and Omira questioned with a confused look on their faces.

"After we heard about the attempted theft here. We all decided to keep an eye out to help you guys out," Blair said. This was the excuse they all came up with in case they were asked certain questions. They knew this information was probably under wraps with the guards and Adva and they would probably be questioned how they knew this, but they had a plan for that as well.

The guards standing behind Adva and Omira glared at Mercer and the others. They leveled their weapons at them as Sebastean asked with an accusatory tone of voice, "That information is strictly classified. How do you know about it? Are you part of the group that tried to make the attempt?"

Mercer, with a frown on his face. He was about to reply when Adva stated, "Put your weapons away." She then looked at Sebastean and stated with narrowed eyes, "He has merchant abilities which means obtaining information would be a sinch for someone like him."

"That could be a cover up and he…," Sebastean tried to argue, but was stopped as Adva interrupted, "It isn't. I was the overseer of the Tutorial Area he took part in and saw him obtain information even I wasn't aware of. He's got that merchant blood running through him strong."

Sebastean opened his mouth to argue once more but then closed it as he realized he had nothing to go with. Feeling a bit satisfied Adva turned to look at Mercer and asked, "As I do know how capable you are to obtain information even when you aren't looking for it, please sate my curiosity and tell me how or who you obtained your information from."

Mercer gave her a smile as he said, "I happened to walk pass one of the guards that got chewed out for a mistake he had made during that time. He was talking to another guard and was complaining about how unfair he felt for receiving a punishment for an incident he had no control over."

"Is that so," Adva questioned as she turned her head just enough to side eye the guards behind them. She watched as each of the guards flinched at the answer Mercer gave and was slightly satisfied with it. She then looked back at Mercer and asked, "So your real reason for coming here was to see site where the incident took place?"

Mercer nodded as he turned back to the area. He then said with a confused tone of voice, "That is correct and if I am honest…I'm still finding it hard to believe that the theft attempt was even made and was almost successful. I had heard the people involved were…not the best ones for the job. Which is why I feel puzzled."

Adva took his words in for a moment. She had the same thoughts and after hearing someone else voice the concerns she was having she believed Mercer was on the same trail of thoughts she was on. "You think it was a diversion. Don't you?"

Mercer waited for a long moment before saying, "That is the guess. However, without proof of the theory being accurate we cannot say."

"So you think there was a diversion, but you don't know what the diversion was for?" Adva asked as she stared at Mercer. Mercer remained quiet for a long time. He didn't say nor gestured. Instead he looked like he was trying to decide on something. As he did so, he turned his head enough for his eyes to focus on a certain area. Adva followed his gaze and saw what he was looking at. She believed she understood what he was deciding on and could agree why he was hesitant to reply. So she decided on making it easier for him to speak freely what he and the rest of his group believe is going on.

"Omira, I think you should head in and familiarize yourself with the materials being used today. Sebastean. Why don't you and the guards go with her to make sure no one gives her a hard time," Adva stated.

Omira looked shocked at the sudden suggestion while all the guards saluted in unison. Sebastean on the other hand didn't say a word at first. He stared at both Adva and Mercer for a long moment before finally replying, "I think that would be a wise idea. I don't want Miss Omira here to gain any bad influences from these people."

Omira went to protest but was stopped as Sebastean pushed her along the way towards the warehouse. Adva glared at the elf man and the way he was forcing her to move. From Mercer's perspective, he believed Adva really didn't like the elf at all.

Once when the guards and Sebastean were out of earshot, Adva looked at Mercer and asked, "Speak. Tell me what you think is going on."

Mercer hesitated. This wasn't part of the plan they had all discussed. They didn't want to get the more powerful people involved until they had proof. However, Adva seemed to be on the same thinking spectrum as he was. While she was one of the powerful people they were trying to not get involved, she was the only one really closer to the matter than the others. He didn't need to mention Nagas because the main focus at the moment would be to search for something they weren't sure was even on the island.

Mercer looked at the others. He could see they were conflicted as well, but then as they all gave him a slight nod, he understood what to do. He looked back at Adva and stated, "We think the diversion was to plant or mix unknown items with the materials that could had an adverse effect to the ritual."

Adva stared at him for a long moment as she took in his words. She nodded her head as she thought it over for a long minute. The possibility was there and shouldn't be overlooked. However, everyone here had already looked over each item before moving them. Adva's thought stopped for a moment. All items were thoroughly looked over except for those in spatially expanded bags. They were skimmed through before being moved to the ritual site where they would be looked at there. There was a chance the items Mercer and his group were concerned about could have been placed there.

She looked at him for a brief moment and said, "We need to go to the ritual site. There's a chance they could have been mixed in one of the bags that was already moved there. When we get there I'll have some trust worthy people look through them to see if there is anything that shouldn't be there. You guys can stay with them and see if anything was found."

Mercer and the others nodded their heads. They agreed with the idea and were happy they weren't turned away or looked at like they were making things up. This was also a good thing because they were going to be able to see what the ritual site looked like now. Something Mercer had wanted to do anyways.

"I'll go grab Omira and we'll head over there now," Adva stated as she moved to go.

Mercer looked at the others and saw the relief in their eyes and the sighs that escaped their lips. However, as this happened, Gimmel's attention was so focused on what Adva was going to say that he didn't realize he let his attention slip from his Illusioned Bird Puppets. Because of that he hadn't noticed when the bird puppet following Artem, and his group suddenly winked out of existence.