Radac's deafening voice echoed in Tepo's head. It helped the young man to sort out his thoughts.
"Right. We need to get the antidote as soon as possible!
Our best bet is the Lirane Minerals Group. Tondka Junior or Senior should definitely have the antidote!"
Tepo looked at Radac with clear eyes as he spoke. But the old man shook his head faintly.
"Don't look at me like that. I won't act in such a high-profile manner."
"What? But I need your help, please!"
"Forget it. If I move against a local organization, I will only rile some people up."
Tepo furrowed his brows as he glanced at the healer. He understood that Radac wanted to keep his presence a secret.
"So what else can we do? Can we buy the antidote or produce it ourselves?"
The healer felt as if the atmosphere in the room was a bit off. But she was happy as she found an opportunity to offer advice:
"Buying the antidote isn't easy. In our tiny city no organization would keep a large stock. But producing it should be possible. Most materials are rather common.
You only need to deal with two problems: You need to find a way to procure the Shuàr's brain. And you need a skilled alchemist who is willing to help you on such short notice."
Tepo smiled wryly as he pondered those words. Naturally, a skilled alchemist was easy to find but the young man was reluctant to involve his mother into this mess. The gentle woman already had enough burdens.
But it seems this is the best way. Maybe mother even has the antidote already…
After Tepo came to a decision, he looked at the middle-aged healer. He felt it difficult to form a smile as he addressed her:
"Thank you for the help. You can leave for now. I will contact you if we need you again."
The woman felt this goodbye was a bit sudden. It was almost as if her young client wanted to throw her out.
"But, the patient…"
"Thank. You."
The healer shivered slightly. She looked between Tepo and Radac. She got the cue as the old man pulled out a small bag of force crystals and handed it to her. A moment later she put away all her things and scurried out of the room.
"You want to inform your mother?", asked Radac calmly.
"No, I don't want to, but I can't think of a better option."
"Mhm. Then go."
Since Yerive's life was on the line Tepo didn't hesitate any longer. He immediately left the inn and headed for his mother's store.
Reahva was confused when her son suddenly asked her for help. Shock colored her face as she learned about Yerive's current state.
Tepo looked at his mother's empathetic face, feeling guilty in his heart. The young woman was way stronger than she looked like. She had only just cleaned the paint outside her store and now she was worrying for her son's friend.
For multiple years she had to endure days like these, all to protect her child from the outside world.
Tepo's throat turned dry as he clenched his fists tightly.
I swear I will fight so you can live peacefully from now on! Mother! All those who bullied you will have to pay just like the gangster yesterday. Until no one dares to disturb you ever again!
Reahva noticed her son's strange reaction but didn't know where it came from. She was rather pondering Yerive's problem.
"I will naturally help you, but I also don't have this antidote on stock. Most organizations produce it internally so they can guarantee their supply."
Listening to his mother's words, Tepo's face faintly fell.
Is there really no way? Do I have to break into the Lirane Group's headquarters?
But suddenly Tepo noticed his mother's eyes lighting up. The gentle woman smiled as she searched for something beneath her counter. A moment later she held a card in her hand.
Tepo looked at in confusion, reading the text written on the card.
Invitation. Floating Rain City Auction House? Is it today?
"Here. This might be our best bet.", explained Reahva. "From time to time I get these invitations to their bi-weekly auctions. Although those auctions are small, they often sell Shuàr brains. Go and buy it, I can provide the other materials."
Tepo was touched. He looked at his mother with his lips twitching. The young man grabbed the card and put it away.
Suddenly he stepped forward, hugging Reahva tightly.
"Thank you, mom. You are the best!"
A bright smile formed on the gentle woman's face adorned by pride and happiness.
After loosening the embrace Reahva reminded her son:
"Do you have enough force crystals for the auction? A Shuár brain will go for at least 500 crystals."
Tepo smiled wryly upon hearing this question. After giving up all his materials for contribution points, he was basically broke. He didn't have time to make some crystals yet.
Reahva shook her head with a light chuckle. She took out a small storage bag.
"It's alright. Here, takes this. It contains a thousand crystals. This should be enough."
"No, mom… you don't have to…", stammered Tepo in embarrassment. But his mother only rolled her eyes, putting the bag into his hands.
"Take it. The auction starts in an hour. Where do you want to earn so many crystals until then?"
Tepo looked at the bag in his hand. He took it reluctantly while connected to his own storage bag.
Suddenly a chunk of pristine crystal appeared in Tepo's hand. It shined brightly in the sunlight, immediately drawing Reahva's attention.
The gentle woman gasped as her gaze fell on the crystal. She was more knowledgeable than her son and could immediately estimate its value.
"Tepo?! Where did you get this?"
While putting the crystal down on the counter, Tepo was surprised by his mother's reaction. He felt somewhat smug as he answered nonchalantly:
"Of course, it's from a dungeon."
"No… Tepo, this is invaluable. You should keep it. It's best if you hide it somewhere safe…!"
With the first word spoken, Tepo could already anticipate his mother's reaction.
Therefore, the young man simply turned around and left the store, not giving Reahva time to refuse.
"Thanks for everything. See you later!"
Reahva could only watch incredulously as her son disappeared into the crowd.
Tepo had a small smile on his lips as he roamed the commercial district. He observed the busy crowd as they tried to find the deal of the day or sell their treasures for a high price.
But almost no warrior could contend with the veteran merchants, who ended every transaction with a victorious grin.
Soon though the crowd pattern changed as some people separated and focused on a rather large building not far away.
The building attracted mostly warriors and finer dressed merchants with its artful exterior. Dark wooden pillars carried white stone walls excessively overgrown by a variety of lively green plants enjoying their elevated position.
Tepo observed his eventual rivals as he approached the building. Since he arrived rather early there was no queue. Thus, a kindly smiling female assistant tended to him immediately outside the door.
"Welcome, Sir. I assume this is your first time in our Floating Rain City Auction House?"
"Good morning. Yes, it is."
"My apologies but then I have to ask for your invitation, please."
"Of course, no problem."
As Tepo took out the invitation card he received from his mother, the assistant nodded in surprise.
"Oh. So you are here on behalf of Miss Avatio!"
"Yes. I am looking for some materials for alchemy. Might I ask…"
Despite Tepo's careful inquiry the assistant only showed a wry smile.
"I'm sorry sir, but I'm not allowed to divulge any of our wares."
"Ah, of course. My bad. Then I won't take up your time much longer and head inside."
"As you wish. If you need anything, just call one of our assistants."
Tepo thanked the kind lady with a nod before stepping through the opened opulent door.
Immediately he noticed a comfortable cedar smell entering his nose. The young man took a deep breath as he studied the small hall he found himself in.
Obviously, this was a place meant for the guests to mingle before the auction starts. A few drinks were offered for free and towards the side a few assistants were even ready to accept some last-minute items to the auction.
Only about a dozen people were scattered in the hall conversing in small groups. Tepo mustered them for a second, but he instinctively disliked the setting. All these personages obviously held themselves in high esteem, their attitudes pompous.
The young warrior didn't feel like making friends with such people and approached a broad hallway, following signs which led him to the auction itself.
Just as Tepo was about to leave, however, the hall quieted down considerably. From some stairs at the side five people arrived.
Curiously the young man turned his head towards them. Suddenly his mouth almost opened in shock as his eyes fell on a young girl with braided blond hair.