Unabashedly, Tom's prickly ears stood like a hungry gossip- inclining his head forward- listening to their every word.
The older alchemist sighed heavily- fanning the cloud of fumes that was swirling over the open flask;
"I'm afraid you still haven't learned anything at all Nexus," he croaked; "Do you know what the alchemist's greatest advantage is?"
Nexus shrugged- "His brain? Knowledge? Power?"
"Yes- well, all of those things are good. But you missed one thing- the alchemist's lifestyle is one of peace. The greatest advantage of the path of Alchemy is that it is a path that should be free from the dangers of bloodlust, and masked assailants with glinting daggers."
Dracula cocked his head- turning his bearded face towards the younger man;
"–you've lost that advantage Nexus. You're now in the spotlight. And that has put a target on your back. . ."
Nexus sighed.
Tom's neck craned forward- eyes hungering for information.
