Liam stared at her with a confused expression. He tried to mull over the words she was saying when he remembered something. He was an idiot for not taking this into consideration after she had explained a certain Racial Benefit she and her race has. An ability that allows them to smell mana.

  It was an ability that allowed the user to be able to smell mana that is on a person or creature. Through that smell they can tell what kind of mana was or is being used. While he hadn’t heard all of the specific details for that ability, Liam was beginning to think they didn’t know exactly what mana was being used. If that was the case then they would need either to have come in contact with it before and memorize the smell of it or they would need another method to confirm the type of mana they were smelling. These two theories were made based on what she had said. Strange smells, not the smell of whatever type of mana she was smelling.

  Liam needed to figure out exactly how to proceed from here. He understood he was in a sticky situation and if he messed up by giving the wrong answer here then things could get a bit complicated. For now he needed to know exactly what she was smelling in order to decide his answer.

  While keeping that same confused expression on his face when she asked the question, Liam asked, “What do you mean?” For show he lifted his right arm up, bringing his forearm closer to his nose and sniffed. He regretted doing that as he took in a big whiff of monster blood and sea water. He was surprised he hadn’t smelled that earlier.

  Omira raised a brow as she watched him do this. While she had a strange look when coming in, it fell apart as she watched him sniff himself and gag. She let out a chuckle at the sight. Sebastean, on the other hand, frowned. He then said with a disapproving tone, “Miss Omira. Please do not be distracted by this half breeds antics to take your focus on the issue at hand.”

  Sebastean flinched as Liam’s eyes narrowed sharply at the elf. Sebastean brought an arm up in a protective manner while spouting, “You see that? He has the eyes of a killer. I told you he was an assassin planted to kill you!”

  Liam’s sharp gaze returned to a confused one. This one was genuine due only to the fact he was now even more confused than earlier with the Elf’s proclamations. He then asked, “I’m sorry…I’m a what?”

  “Don’t play dumb,” Sebastean stated. “You cant hide it anymore from us. Omira’s Mana Smell ability has confirmed it.”

  Omira, looking a bit uncomfortable when Liam looked at her, looked down at the floor then back up at Liam as she said, “When you came out of the dungeon you had a strong mixture of smells. I could pinpoint majority of them…Crafter, Lightning, Earth, etcetera. However, there were three stronger smells I couldn’t understand. One smelled like the night with both a majestic and soothing smell which made my skin tingle like it was being kissed by something grand and hard to understand. The next also smelled like the night except it was a deep dark suffocating smell that felt like the more I focused on it the more my thoughts felt jumbled. And the last smelled ethereal, hard to grasp while feeling both cold and warm and like it was touching something deep within me. After I talked to Sebastean about them he said he knew what one of them was. He claimed the deep dark one to be Shadow Mana.”

  Internally, Liam was starting to panic as he tried to think about what he could say. He was at a loss for words since he wasn’t expecting such a detailed explanation. While he couldn’t smell mana like her, he knew what each was referring to. Like she had mentioned, the deep dark one was Shadow Mana. The majestic one was Lunar Magic. The last one had to be from his Soul Crafting. He hadn’t realized that the last would have a smell to it nor that she would be able to discern it like that. The power to smell mana was truly frightening.

  He went to open his mouth to respond so he didn’t look guilty, however, before he could say anything Omira added, “Sebastean has stated countless times to me, after I consulted him, that the fact that I could smell Shadow Mana means you were an assassin. However, I’m at a loss since I was informed by Key that you were a Crafter. Now I may be a bit na?ve when it comes to certain things, but I have never met a crafter who was an assassin. Crafters make things not go out and assassinate people. Hence why I decided that I should confront you and properly hear you out as to why you have this mana’s scent on you.”

  Liam stared blankly at her. While he knew not saying anything right away would only make him look suspicious, he also was completely dumbfounded. It was just like she had said…she was naive. While it was true a Crafter was someone who focuses on makes things they also made things that killed people. The Crafter class was truly being underestimated if someone like her believes that they couldn’t be assassins.

  While he couldn’t be entirely sure how people who had this class as a starter class did things, that didn’t mean they were completely clean. Blacksmithing created weapons to kill, Alchemy had Poison Crafting and even Chemicalized Creations that did just as much harm as any weapon could. They could be considered silent killers since they didn’t do the actual killing, but the things they make certainly did. Since he spent a little time with the Fiddler’s Spider Web, he could attest to that. The missions given to those who focused on the crafting side of the Association would use said crafted items for missions to harm or even kill.

  As Liam thought about this, he came across the angle that he could play at. For at least two of the three scents at least. For the third he would need a little help. He knew someone else was listening in on this conversation and sent his thoughts to her. She hadn’t responded, but he had some faith she did as he had asked. For now he just needed to stall.

  With a sigh he looked at Omira and started, “While you are right that Crafters are those who create, I must also agree that you are a bit na?ve with what you said.”

  “See! I told you he was…,” Sebastean started to say until Liam cut him off.

  “However, you are wrong with your assessment you ignorant elf,” Liam sharply commented. “I am not someone who wishes to assassinate the young Fae. I am a New Arrival who is still learning not just the way things work here in this world, but I also do not have a clue about the people or even the races here. Why would I assassinate someone whom I have no clue about nor come across a reason to do so without someone as powerful as Uncle Naro knowing?”

  “He might be in on this…,” Sebastean tried again.

  Liam scoffed. “Really? That’s your argument? Someone as powerful as he would… ‘be in on this’,” Liam air quoted the last bit. “If anyone could assassinate anyone I think he would be able to do it without any of you knowing right?”

  Sebastean reeled a bit at the argument. Liam could see the man was trying to come up with a response or maybe even a new angle, but before he could say anything Omira stated with a nod, “I agree. Which is another reason why I don’t believe you are one. However, I would like you to explain more about why you said I am a na?ve?”

  “You claim that crafters do not go out an assassinate people,” Liam stated. “While, like I said earlier, I do not know this world like you do and haven’t met any crafters who would purposefully go out of their way to kill people, that doesn’t mean they are entirely clean either. Crafters craft and make things, weapons, poison, exploding magical creations, etcetera. These are things they make and sell. While they don’t go out and use these creations themselves, others do. Crafters do not know each purpose their items are used after they are purchased, but they are still used to kill. Monsters or people, it doesn’t matter. They are still used to kill. The opposite is true though as well. Potions, medicinal, constructions, armor, and more. Do you get what I am saying?”

  Omira brought a hand up to her chin as she thought about it. Liam could see the wheels turning. As she was thinking it over, Liam decided to add a bit more. He knew he was going to sound petty with this next proclamation, but the elf really annoyed him with that comment earlier.

  “The same could be said about Barrier users. They could be assassins as well,” Liam started. He saw the looks on both of their faces and before Sebastean could protest Liam pressed on, “Just think about it. What if one who claims they specialize in Barrier Magic and have classes that show that, if one were to get their hands on a poisonous gas or something similar and created a barrier the target could escape after they activated the gas. They could essentially trap a person within the barrier with the poisonous gas and kill them that way. No one would be none the wiser that it was the Barrier user.”

  Omira’s face paled at the thought. She slowly looked at Sebastean after hearing that, like she never thought about that possibility. Sebastean on the other hand looked frazzled. He started to stammer for a moment before saying, “That’s not here nor there. You are just trying to shift the problem at hand. It doesn’t dismiss the fact that you have the scent of Shadow Magic on you.”

  “I can explain that, but first I want to ask you a question,” Liam stated as he turned his attention on the teenager. He hid the smirk on his face, feeling smug after seeing the look on Sebastean’s face. “The Mana you smell off of a person…is that scent created from them using magic related to that mana type or is the smell from being around the mana type?”

  Omira looked at him, really considering his words as she thought about her answer. After a few seconds had passed she replied, “It’s the latter. While people can channel mana around them and the scent of it can linger around the body, the same is true when a person is around a strong source of it or are attacked by others using magical abilities.”

  “And what about Crafters who use different types of mana as a material or ingredient?” Liam asked, feeling confident now.

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  Omira thought about it once more. While she didn’t look completely sure she nodded her head and said, “I believe so. But why do you…”

  “This is why,” Liam interrupted as he opened his inventory and pulled out a small vial of shadowy liquid. Omira stared at the item with furrowed brows. “This is called a Shadow Mana Extract. I bought some at a shop that sold them. I use this ingredient in my Chemicalized Creation crafting to make powerful items for a one time use. Like this one.”

  Liam pulled out another vial to show them. This item was called Weak Crushing Dark Fog. Liam knew he was taking a long shot in revealing this, but if things went the way he wanted to and the person he had asked Eri to inform was on their way, then it would all work out. However, if they weren’t coming or if Eri hadn’t heard him then he would be in trouble.

  Omira and Sebastean stared at the item. They were both shocked and wary as their eyes shifted from the item to Liam then back at the item. After a long pause, Omira finally asked, “So you’re saying that you made this?” Liam nodded. “From a Shadow Mana Extract?” Liam nodded again. “That you bought from a shop?” A third nod.

  Sebastean’s face twisted as he stated, “I don’t believe you. Do you know how rare it is to find Shadow Mana Extract? There is no way you could have ‘found it’ in some random shop?”

  “You’re right. he wasn’t the one who found it,” a voice called out as the door opened. As Omira and Sebastean turned to see who was butting into the conversation, Liam grinned victoriously. He had to quickly hide that grin, but internally he knew he was in a good place now and didn’t have anything to worry about as Mercer and Blair walked in.

  After Blair shut the door, Sebastean accused, “They were eavesdropping on our conversation. They are going to try and shut us up now. Probably through assassination.”

  Omira raised a hand towards her heart as she stared at the two. Blair had a stern look on her face as Mercer let out a sigh before saying, “We were not eavesdropping. We could literally hear you outside the room. You’re not exactly quiet.” He then looked at Omira and explained, “While your bodyguard is right that it is rare and hard to find something like that, that is only true for a regular customer. However, for one who is a part of the Merchant’s Association, that is a whole different story. We have access to a lot of wares that many merchants are getting ready to sell before they hit the stores or stalls.” Mercer pulled out his M.I.D., or Merchants Identification to show Omira that he was apart of the Association he spoke about.

  Omira mulled over what Mercer was saying before looking back at Liam. She then looked back at Mercer and said, “You are right. I have a family member that has often talked about the benefits of being a part of the Merchant’s Association. So what you say is true.”

  Mercer gave her a smile before he and Blair walked around the two and stopped on both sides of Liam. While Omira was accepting of what was being said Sebastean wasn’t. He seemed adamant on painting Liam as an assassin, but knew it wasn’t working. Instead he tried to reveal more of Liam’s secrets. “What about the other two smells she smelled? What are…”

  Mercer instantly cut him off as he said with a sharp tone, “No. He has no obligation to tell you what they are nor do I.”

  Sebastean was slightly taken aback by Mercer. He stammered for a brief moment before saying, “Are you saying he has secrets that you wish to hide? Miss Omira here is a royal. Her safety comes first and if you have secrets you do not wish to reveal then that is a problem. You could be plotting her death with those secrets. And we can not have any chances that could…”

  “Oh? Omira here is a royal huh? Then it looks like we’re not the only ones with secrets,” Mercer sly stated with a sharp note in his voice.

  Omira and Sebastean had stiffened. Omira for the fact that Sebastean had revealed something he shouldn’t have and Sebastean for releasing he had spoken too much. Almost like he was trying to save himself, Sebastean said in a panic, “A royal? Miss Omira? I misspoke. She’s not…”

  “That’s enough Sebastean,” Omira scolded before she let out a breath. “I understand what you’re saying. We both have our secrets that we do not wish to share. Please forget what Sebastean has said. I think it will be best…”

  “I do not think that will be possible,” Mercer commented as he stared at the teenage girl. The three of them could see the troubled expression on her face that was starting to grow. Before she could argue or beg, Mercer added, “However, I am a Merchant, and I believe that we can treat this information as a profitable exchange.”

  Omira looked perplexed as she stared at Mercer. With a cautious tone in her voice, Omira questioned, “What do you mean by that?”

  “My teammate here has revealed a secret or two of his due to some prying on your end,” Mercer started as he glared at Sebastean. “We can treat the slip up on your…bodyguard’s end as payment for the things you and he forcible made him reveal to show proof he wasn’t what he was accused as. And as a show of proof that we mean business we will agree not to say anything to anyone who isn’t a part of our group as long as you agree to do the same with the information you received from our Liam. Do we have a deal?”

  Omira watched as Mercer reached a hand out towards her. She thought about what he said long and hard. Before she did anything she asked, “What do you mean by not outside your group? Shouldn’t it be just between the three of you?”

  Mercer gave her a thin grin as he replied, “It would have been just three of us, however, you can thank your so called bodyguard for the inclusion of the rest of our team due to his poor choice of words earlier.”

  Omira’s brow raised at that. She was confused on what it was the Elf had said to create such hostility that the man before her was exuding towards him. She was conflicted and didn’t know what to say, but before she could she watched as Mercer’s expression softened as he said, “We aren’t looking to betray you or cause you any harm. You have helped our friend Ariyana as well as provided some information about your race, which is something we greatly appreciate. If anything we would like to continue with a more friendly attitude with you, but we can not do so if we three are the only ones who know amongst our group. I am sure Ariyana would love to know more about you, and this is just a good step to create a real friendship with her. I can also promise you that, unlike that fool by your side, we can keep a secret. What do you say? Will you trust us?”

  Omira stared at him with wide eyes. She wasn’t expecting him to say any of that. She also wasn’t expecting to feel her heart squeeze like it did as he spoke of them being appreciative and that she could make real friends who would keep her secret. It was a leap for her in more ways than one. There was a lot that she was hiding and just wanted to have someone she could share it with.

  She looked at Liam. She couldn’t tell exactly what he was thinking, but she didn’t feel any hostility from him. After the accusations Sebastean had made and her questioning, he had reason to be mad at her, however…she didn’t see or feel that from him. It confused her. Anyone in this world would be mad or angry after being accused of being a possible assassin when they weren’t. That was when the conversation from earlier when he explained she was na?ve replayed in her head. While his words were a bit harsh, he wasn’t saying it to be mean. The look in his eyes spoke of a pain hidden away. Like he had been through something before. He wasn’t trying to be mean but instead was trying to help her understand that the world is never how you view it and that she needed to figure out things on her own.

  She looked back at Mercer’s hand and reached out for it. With a mixed expression she said, “I understand and am sorry for the trouble caused. I agree with the terms of your deal.”

  Mercer gave her a warm smile as he said, “Glad doing business with you.”

  Omira returned the smile before she commented, “You know, Mercer. You are a sly merchant. Have you thought about becoming a royal merchant?”

  Mercer’s eyes gleamed for a brief moment before saying, “I have read some texts about the perks and benefits of becoming one. However…I do not wish to create a chain that comes with those perks. I have my own goals I wish to reach one day, but I thank you for your words.”

  Omira let out a sigh. She knew it was a long shot, but she wanted to take it anyways so she could have a personal merchant of her own. She wouldn’t press it…for now at least. Sebastean let out a huff at the scene before him. Almost like he wasn’t happy with the outcome he ushered Omira out of the room.

  Blair followed them to the door and closed it after them. As soon as the door closed she placed a finger up in the air and pressed her ear against the door with a concentrated look on her face. After a few seconds had passed she changed the single finger into a thumbs up as she turned and said softly, “They are gone. It is safe to talk.”

  Before anyone could say anything Liam asked, “I take it from your comment that Eri told you what he called me?”

  Mercer’s and Blair’s eyes narrowed as Mercer responded, “Yes. After hearing your time back in the Arkadian owned island, it kind of rubs me wrong when someone calls you that.”

  Liam smirked at that. While he was getting over that prejudice it had still annoyed him when Sebastean called him a half breed, more than he thought it would. He then grinned even more as he asked, “Did she also tell you what I did in response to that?”

  Blair smirked as Mercer laughed. Mercer then said, “Yes. Way to turn it around to make him look like he was just as capable of being an assassin as you could be. That was genius.”

  “Great job,” Blair said with a thumbs up.

  Mercer’s smile then turned into a serious look on his face as he asked, “So…are you thinking what we are?”

  Liam understood what he was asking. Sebastean, the Barrier Elf, was a strange one. His attitude and remarks have been all over the place. While some could brush it off as a paranoid bodyguard, Liam and the others wouldn’t do that. There were too many strange things about the man. not just his attitude, but also the fact he never showed up during the Sea Parade. As a bodyguard he should have been there, no excuses.

  “I think he has more secrets than any of us,” Liam responded.

  “Agreed. His actions over these past few days and now this…he was very adamant in trying to paint you as a possible assassin,” Mercer stated. Blair and Liam nodded in agreement as Mercer continued, “While it is no secret that we do not know exactly how people here really act, especially when it comes to different races and their cultures. Albeit, I believe we should keep an eye and ear out on the man for any possibilities he could be more than he pretends to be.”

  “Let the others know,” Liam said. “We need to make sure everyone is up to date and on alert when it comes to him.”

  Mercer and Blair nodded in agreement. Mercer then asked, “And Omira?”

  “I think she is as we believed her to be,” Liam started. “A lonely teenager with no one she can call friends. At least that’s the vibe I’m getting from her. Let’s continue to be friendly with her until she proves otherwise.”

  “Alright,” Mercer said before heading towards the door. Blair’s head snapped towards it, and she swiftly ran to it and opened it before looking around. This caused Liam and Mercer to grow alarmed.

  After cautiously looking around she closed the door once more and said, “Sorry, I thought I heard footsteps around the door. But there was no sign of anyone around.”

  Liam stared at the door for a long moment. He sent a query to Eri to see if there was anyone on the other side as they had talked. Her response was vague, but pretty much told Liam that all was good, and they had nothing to worry about. While it wasn’t an answer that was yes or no, Liam decided to trust her and drop it. She needed him to be alive. She wouldn’t allow an enemy to get close to them that they couldn’t handle. So if there was someone troublesome she would have warned them beforehand.

  Liam let out a sigh and relayed what she had said. Mercer and Blair had looks on their faces that told him they had the same thoughts he did, but like him didn’t say anything. Instead the three agreed it was time to go to bed and finish the day off.

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