After seeing off Priest Augustus, Shade first went to the Black Raven Library to inquire about antidote-related thaumaturgy and spells. Unable to find anything at a suitable price, he then visited Old John Pawnshop and the Seven Broomsticks Tavern in Coldwater Port, posting requests to purchase the blood of rare creatures.
During the first Time Key, Shade had been unable even to bring potion ingredients into the past. But since this time the deity had specifically asked him to bring blood, he believed those samples could be taken to the wine party.
Thus, until the Great City Player Rhodes Cards Tournament ended, Shade had no other important matters to attend to.
On Wednesday, the Second Stage of Great City Player officially began. That morning, Shade brought Mia to the Seer Association. He first found Luvia and told her about the "Gods' Wine Party," then went to see Vice President Mark.
After the Rhodes Cards Tournament, which had drawn the attention of players across the world, began, Vice President Mark was actually less busy than he had been during the preparation period.
The Seer Association had at least twice its usual foot traffic today. People crowded the 1st Floor lobby, studying the bulletin board for more detailed rules about the Second Stage or discussing amusing incidents from the first stage.
The expansion of the player base meant that some uncommon matches would appear. People were very happy to discuss such games, and even proper newspapers and tabloid rags had recently taken to filling their back pages with amusing stories from Rhodes Cards matches.
Shade found the vice president on the third floor and explained what he wanted to know.
"The number of people who made it into the Second Stage?"
Vice President Mark stood at the third floor stairway with his