178 I Agree.. But Only If.. (2/2)

Daniel's relationship with Alesia had evolved since the day they had spent together. A faint veil of embarrassment had tainted each and every one of their encounter after that night, and yet, in a matter of weeks, their need to see each other had increased to a point where they could do nothing but forget the embarrassment.

They would often spend however much free time they had during the day, either by showing a friendly behaviour, or secretly behaving like a couple.

The two of them were now walking in a large greenhouse within 'The Superior Alchemy' school. Their instructor had taken the class to study the change in behaviour and effects of the plants to temperature change, or change in environment.

”..dicinal effect is contained in the liquids.. If left in a dry and hot place, the plant will die in a matter of hours. But that is also the only method to extract the liquid from the stem and leaves, without having to drill a hole in the root.” Said Serf with a tone that seemed to show annoyance more than interest.

”..Correct.” Responded the instructor with slight surprise, before turning towards Daniel, and ask ”Mr. Hiel, what about its use?”

The tip of Daniel's finger started to glow with a white, and warm light, as he lowered himself in front of the plant, and brushed his finger over its green leaves covered in red veins. ”If the liquid is injected into a person's heart, it will send periodical painful electric waves, which have a good probability of reanimating the person.” He responded while looking almost obsessively at the plant.

With a curious look, the instructor asked ”What if it's used on someone whose heartbeat hasn't stopped?”

”It will have the opposite effect, and mess up with the electric signals that our brain uses to control our entire body.. This plant is poisonous.” Responded Daniel, showing an intentionally exaggerated interest for it.

”Correct.” Responded the teacher while looking at Daniel sideways. He then turned around, and walked to the next area of the greenhouse, where a furry purple-colored cactus came out of the ground, and stood still.

”You do learn fast..” Said Serf from Daniel's side.

Daniel chuckled and said ”You seem to know an awful lot about poisonous plants as well.. Are you sure your family is only a family of alchemists?”

While unwrapping a piece of candy and popping it into his mouth, Serf responded by saying ”From my experience, there is no alchemist that doesn't become a poison master if the price is high enough..” He then turned to look at Daniel, and asked ”Why? Are you interested in poisons?”

His voice was high enough for the rest of the class to hear. The teacher was, of course, no exception.

Daniel's expression remained calm, as he answered with a tone just as loud ”Why not. The difference between poison and medicine is dosage, right? What's wrong with studying the deadly part of nature?”

This conversation had been prepared by Daniel long ago.

He had already assumed that one of his teachers would belong, or at the very least, would be the link to 'The Poisonous Rose', so, he had to start showing interest for poison.

In order to do that, he needed Serf's help, otherwise he would seem too obvious and almost forced in his attempt.

Once the teacher heard Daniel's words, he turned around, and said ”While it is true that they are two sides of the same coin, and there is nothing wrong in studying them, I would keep my opinions about the righteousness of the act to myself..” He then turned around, and kept walking.

Daniel actually had no idea if this teacher was one of those connected to the poisonous rose or not. He was simply fishing.. But the fact that the teacher hadn't scolded him, but instead had told him to avoid speaking openly about it, was actually a sign that he might have been.

In order to make sure of it, he pushed it a step further.

He quickly approached the teacher, and from behind him, he said with a righteous voice ”I don't care if people disagree with me, or if people believes that studying poison is amoral. Even if I have to research in the dark.. A man's pursuit for knowledge shouldn't be limited to another man's morals.”

His face showed a righteous expression, as if he was the bringer of truth, and everybody else had to listen.

A faint smile appeared on the teacher's face. He said nothing, and kept walking.

The lesson proceeded like usual for the next two hours, then, it ended.

After the lesson ended, Daniel was about to take his leave along with Serf and Alesia, but before he could reunite with the two, he was called by the teacher.

”Mr. Hiel.. wait a moment please.” Said the teacher with a hint of respect. It didn't matter that he was his teacher, Daniel was a prodigious company head after all.

Daniel stopped, and turned to look at the teacher, which after approaching him, said ”I have been a asked to deliver an offer to you, Mr. Hiel.”

”I am listening.” Responded Daniel calmly.

”The parent company of our school, 'The Poisonous Rose', has put me in charge to make an offer for the perfect fire treasure that we have learned ended up in your company's hands.” Said the teacher before taking a small pause, and observing Daniel's reaction.

After noticing Daniel's curiosity, he said ”The company offers a hundred thousand perfect crystals.”

A dubious expression appeared on Daniel's face, before he looked at the teacher, and said ”I agree, but only if they agree on demonstrating a perfect comprehension of fire to me..”