Florent noticed Quevedo's slightly parted lips and asked curiously, "Quevedo, is something the matter?"
Quevedo's expression shifted slightly before settling into his familiar cheerful smile, "It's nothing. Just something I heard... the key to potions isn't about mastering their power. The name of the potion is what truly matters."
Florent was momentarily taken aback, sensing that Quevedo might be more complex than he appeared.
However, he chose not to probe further. Quevedo was, after all, a friend who meant no harm to him, Karl, or Erich.
When it came to friendships, Florent never felt the need to uncover every secret. Everyone had their private space, even he kept many things hidden.
That didn't prevent them from being good friends. Mutual respect and acceptance were the foundations of true camaraderie.
Quevedo undoubtedly had secrets, and Florent suspected they weren't trivial. But unless Quevedo chose to share them, Florent had no intention of investigating.
After a brief pause, Erich glanced at Quevedo with a look of understanding before quickly regaining his usual composure.
Karl, however, was utterly confused. He stared at Quevedo's serious expression baffled. But considering Quevedo was an experienced Beyonder who had navigated the mystical world for years, Karl simply nodded to show he'd taken the advice to heart.
Seeing that Karl hadn't fully grasped the significance, Florent added, "Though I haven't spent much time in the mystical world, my father once told me the same... the name of the potion is paramount. The powers it grants come second."
Florent wasn't surprised to know about the acting method. Even in decline, the Abraham family was still a fallen angelic house. Basic knowledge like the acting method was common among them, and unlike the major churches, they hadn't imposed strict vows of secrecy.
Hearing Florent (who was supposedly an experienced Beyonder) emphasize this point, Karl realized this might be the most valuable takeaway from tonight's gathering.
He nodded solemnly, "Understood. I'll remember that."
As the four conversed, the gathering neared its end. But just as they were chatting, the host's voice cut through the murmurs:
"...Next, we have a mission."
The iron-masked host paused, scanning the room before continuing, "The rewards for this mission are substantial, which is why I've saved it for last."
Once silence settled, he elaborated, "The objective is to locate members of the Abraham family. A credible lead is worth 10 pounds. If you capture or confirm the identity of an Abraham, the reward includes the Sequence 9 'Assassin' potion formula and its corresponding materials..."
The attendees showed mild interest but no overwhelming excitement. Most here were either Beyonders themselves or brought in by one, so a Sequence 9 potion wasn't earth-shattering.
Then the host added, "...as well as a Sequence 8 potion formula and a secret pertaining to the deeper mysteries of Beyonder Sequences..."
This sent a ripple through the crowd. A Sequence 8 and 9 formula combined could fetch between 600 to 1,000 pounds, and the materials alone were worth another 600. But the true draw was the "deeper secret"... in the Mystical world, knowledge was power.
Someone called out, "Mr. Cardros, has this commission been verified?"
Cardros replied calmly, "Naturally. The client is a long-standing member of our gathering who arranged this beforehand. Rest assured, I wouldn't lie over a mere Sequence 8 and 9 formula. The secret is genuine and invaluable, worth over 1,000 pounds."
Whispers erupted. The rewards were undeniably tempting.
Cardros glanced at the mission details and added, "A hint: The Abraham family's Pathway is the 'Apprentice'... Of course, they've long gone into hiding, scurrying like rats. My advice? If you encounter an 'Apprentice' Pathway Beyonder, report it as a lead. If they're confirmed as an Abraham, congratulations, you'll receive all rewards except the Sequence 8 formula. So, do your best."
Florent's back broke into a cold sweat the moment he heard "Abraham family".
This had to be the work of the Demoness Sect. Worse, the mission wasn't just targeting the Abrahams, it endangered all 'Apprentice' Pathway Beyonders.
Quevedo initially seemed excited but suddenly stiffened, his eyes widening as if he'd been choked. Slowly, he turned to stare at Florent.
Karl and Erich did the same. Reacting quickly, Quevedo forced a laugh, "Heh, what a generous reward! Any of you got leads?"
He gestured for the group to huddle, mimicking the other whispering attendees. Erich and Karl played along seamlessly.
Once they were close, Quevedo asked in a hushed tone, "Florent... are you from that family?"
Florent considered lying but hesitated. His instincts told him these friends were trustworthy, none were the type to betray others. Besides, his potion pathway was already set.
Finally, he admitted, "Yes. My full name is Florent Abraham." {T/N: This is probably where all the silent 363+ readers will start spamming 1 star Reviews...}
Quevedo's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "So that's why... Why is your family being hunted? Who's after you?"
Florent sighed, "I don't know. You might not be aware, but the Abrahams scattered long ago, hiding our true surnames under aliases. We live separately now. So why we're being targeted... I truly don't know."
Quevedo looked disappointed, "Ah, so it's like that..." Then he patted Florent's shoulder. "Don't worry. We won't reveal your Pathway..."