Chapter 049

"Here is the information on the people who clashed with the Zmanger Gang. And here is the bill for all the damages from the fight. And here is the letter that you had me get" said Frank as he passed a folder and a piece of paper one to Alvin.

It had been 5 days since the clash in front of the bar. The Nighthawks were busy with the aftermath of the incident. A Pyromaniac and two Weapon Specialist were captured by the Church, along with the 2 Warrior and 2 Pugilist Beyonder Characteristics, which were chalked up as Alvin's contribution. One of the Pyromaniac and the suspected Faceless escaped, but the Nighthawks could find them and deal with them if necessary.

The bar suffered some damage, though not much from the fight and people rushing to escape and when the fight had just started.

The Nighthawks told him that they would handle the follow up of the Zmanger Gang and the strange bead, and told him to use his channels to collect information discreetly.

After going through the information, Alvin put it into an envelope, along with the bill of 90 pounds, seeking reimbursement, something he had recalled from Klein's days as a Nighthawk, and sent to Gordon.

Alvin had completely digested the Hunter Potion after the intense fight, where he killed 4 different targets using 4 different methods, sneak attack, confrontation, hidden trap, and lure. He had managed to collect the Crown of the Black Raven, its blood, and a number of other supplementary ingredients. He was just missing the Forelimbs of the Ugly Spotted Dog and the blood of the Ugly Spotted Dog for the Provoker Potion.

There were three Beyonder gatherings that he knew of in the coming week, with one of them on the very same day. And as far as he knew the Ugly Spotted Dog was not uncommon, as he frequently saw such an item being sold before. Hence, he was hopeful of getting one.

Alvin them took out an get, and carefully observed its cover. There was a coded message on the cover, which he quickly decoded. It read, "10 am, Wesley Equestrian Club"

This coded message format was the method he and Bradford Glaint would use when communicating with each other for shorter messages. He had recently let Bradford know that he had arrived in Backlund, and wanted to meet. Bradford had promptly given him a time and a place

Alvin held this meeting with Bradford in great importance. He was the only channel for him to reasonably meet Miss Justice.

And he also wanted to investigate what had happened to the Hans family, and Bradford, who was a Viscount would prove a valuable source of support. Plus, Bradford was a great friend to Alvin ever since their childhood.

At around 9:30 Alvin removed his disguise as Alvin Jonas, wore clothes benefiting the noble identity of Alvin Hand, and hailed a carriage to Wesley Equestrian Club.

"Alvin! My old friend! I am glad to see you!" said Bradford enthusiastically when they met.

"Bradford! It is indeed good to see you" greeted Alvin in return.

"Come. You must tell me all about what happened over coffee" said Bradford, beckoning Alvin inside into a private room.

"Hunter huh?" sighed Bradford, after Alvin told him a story on his happenings after the fall of the Hans family, and how he became a Beyonder, with a lot of truth mixed with some lies. "That doesn't sound very befitting a noble"

"On the contrary, every noble family is expected to know how to hunt right? And the Pathway followed by the Royal Family of Intis is the Hunter Pathway.

"So what are your extraordinary powers?" asked Bradford.

"Well, other than increased physical fitness, sharper senses, and increased instinct and intuition, there are no manifestable powers I can show you, unfortunately," said Alvin.

"That's too bad. Tell me, what kinds of Beyonders have you seen?" asked Bradford.

"Lots. I have seen Beyonders that can manifest and shoot flames, manipulate shadows, and even those that can make you fall asleep and interrogate you in your dreams" said Alvin.

"Ah, that sounds wonderful. I heard of a Beyonder with the name Apothecary. Did you hear of it perhaps?" asked Bradford.

Alvin had a glint in his eyes, as he answered, "I did hear of it. The formula for that Sequence is held by her few, most prominently with the Church of the Mother Earth" said Alvin.

"That is the potion I am interested in. If you have a way to get the formula for that potion, do get it for me. I will cover the expenses" said Bradford.

Alvin believed he could get the potion formula if he really wanted, but he was unwilling to do so. The meeting of Miss Justice, Miss Judgement, and Miss Judgement all happened due to Bradford hearing about the two Beyonders and wanting Miss Justice's help in connecting with them. The former two were really important for the developments of the Tarot Club. If Bradford really was made an Apothecary due to Alvin, then while Miss Justice would still be a member of the Tarot Club, she would not be connected with Xio and Fors, who were integral for her early development. And Fors would probably due from mutating of she didn't learn the Fool's honorific name from Miss Justice.

"I will keep an eye out. But it's rare for someone to sell such a formula, as those who are Apothecaries wouldn't want more Apothecaries to exists and compete with them for market share in the medicines they make and advancement resources. Plus, it's next to impossible to discern the validity f the formulas even if it was sold" said Alvin.

"I see. It's okay. I am not in a hurry. Also, is there anything you would like me to do? You mentioned in your letter that you needed help with something?" asked Bradford.

"Ah yes!" said Alvin. "I plan to start getting in touch with the people who were my acquaintances in the younger generation of the nobles, like Brad, Nathaniel and Trixy soon. I would also like you to put me in touch with some people like that, so that I can have some connection when I want it"