"I have the potion formula for the Assassin pathway's Sequence 8," a woman said from a corner.
"How much?" Lorne asked immediately.
"Six hundred pounds." Her voice was emotionless. "No bargaining."
A moment later, she added, "I know the price is a little high, but it also accounts for the risks I took to obtain this formula."
Lorne turned his gaze toward her and looked her over.
An almost imperceptible, exquisitely delicate fragrance seemed to linger in the air.
This feeling... it's very similar to Tracy's. But she should be considerably weaker than Tracy, Lorne analyzed swiftly.
Still, she's at least a Sequence 7 Beyonder. The formula she's offering should be fine.
Seeing Lorne remain silent, apparently torn, the woman continued, "The formula is absolutely genuine."
At that moment, Eye of Wisdom, who had been sitting at the head of the room, interjected, "I can authenticate it for this transaction."
I can't agree too readily...
Only after appearing to deliberate at length did Lorne slowly say, "All right. We have a deal."
The woman handed a sheet of paper bearing the formula to a nearby attendant. The attendant hurried to the armchair in the center and passed the folded paper to Eye of Wisdom.
The elderly gentleman unfolded the paper without examining it closely. He took a pristine white handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his right palm. Only then did he reach into his coat's inner pocket and produce an oddly shaped ring studded with tiny, diamond-like stones. It radiated a peculiar aura that made Lorne take several extra looks.
Eye of Wisdom solemnly slipped the ring onto the middle finger of his right hand. He closed his eyes, as though building up to something.
Suddenly, the tiny diamonds on the ring erupted with warm, dazzling light like golden