Pelyria did not know what Izroth was planning, but if he wanted to somehow shift the blame for what happened in the Secret Realm to their little princess and her Fifth Great Clan, it was useless.
In the end, even if he were an observer of what transpired, others would only see it as him coming to the defense of Sychia and the Order of a Thousand Blossoms as their Official Saint.
With no other background and reputation to grab hold of, his statement would obviously be called into question. And, once the seed of doubt was planted, it was only a matter of twisting a few things to make it seem as though he was covering for his allies.
“You want to speak? So be it! I may have slipped up just now, but you are still too naive. It is a thousand years too early for you to pull one over on me, brat.” Pelyria thought to herself as she inwardly grinned.
After coming to a “mutual” agreement, Izroth explained how he found the poisoned Sychia within the Secret Realm. But, if it was just this much, Izroth knew that it would be too easy to accuse him of making fraudulent accusations. Without any solid evidence, it was a futile effort.
However, unfortunately for Luxia and the Fifth Great Clan, Izroth was an Apothecary. And, not just any Apothecary, but one who was incredibly keen on finer details that others would often miss.
“If I remember correctly, the Great Clans of the trephasia race all specialize in a particular field. The Second Great Clan specializes in a certain type of magic that uses a unique approach to mana, while the Fourth Great Clan is well known for its unique method of controlling beasts. Remind me, what is it that the Fifth Great Clan specializes in?” Izroth asked calmly.
A surprised look emerged on Pelyria’s face. How did this young human know so much about the Great Clans?
Of course, the majority of what Izroth knew about the Great Clans came from the Amaharpe Palace Library. However, this particular bit of information and some more in-depth insight into the trephasia race came from his casual conversations with the Wiseman of Everpeak, Kryxelsia.
Naturally, this also meant he was aware of what the Great Clans represented, as well as their specialties.
Pelyria furrowed her brows as she tried to think of what Izroth was going with his words. But, she understood that if she took too long to answer, it would seem as though she was trying to hide something.
“Our Fifth Great Clans specializes in collecting and processing the high-quality herbs that reside within the Mother of All Forests. Though I fail to see what this has to do with your recount of the events that transpired in the Secret Realm.” Pelyria stated firmly.
“There is no need to rush. Naturally, you will know the answer soon.” Izroth said with a carefree smile.
He then continued, “Before I cured the Thousand Blossom Maiden of her affliction, there were two things that immediately stood out. The first was the unusual lack of external symptoms. Since you are from the Fifth Great Clan, even if you are not an expert on poisons, I’m sure you understand the rarity of a poison that leaves no external traces.”
When it came to poisons in RML, the vast majority of poisons showed external symptoms such as odd rashes, discolored skin, uncontrollable hemorrhaging among many other things.
This was mostly to the benefit of the player in order to assist them in discovering the origin of the poison. It was the system’s way of helping the average player who had no knowledge when it came to poisons before RML.
It was because of this that poisons that did not display any form of external symptoms whatsoever could be counted using one’s hands alone.
Nevertheless, it was still not entirely impossible for someone to get their hands on that kind of poison. But, it was the second thing Izroth noticed that gave him a clearer answer on the overall picture.
Pelyria frowned and said, “Indeed, it is rare for such a poison to exist, but not so rare that it cannot be acquired. Just what are you trying to say?”
“You’re right. If it was just that, while it may prove somewhat challenging for someone to get their hands on it, it is not outside the realm of possibility. However, there was another peculiar thing about this poison. It also disrupted the flow of mana.”
“If you are trying to say that our Fifth Great Clan had something to do with that poison, I’m afraid you’re grasping at straws,” Pelyria stated with a darkened expression.
She then continued, “It is true that our Fifth Great Clan processes various types of poisonous herbs; however, none of those poisonous herbs exhibits the two traits you’ve mentioned, be it separately or together. If you do not believe me, you can ask the Holy Maiden. As a grade seven Apothecary, naturally, the Holy Maiden has personally paid a visit to our Fifth Great Clan.”
“She’s right. There are no poisonous herbs, whether separate or combined, that can replicate the effects that you are speaking of, Apothecary Izroth.” Seina confirmed calmly.
Seina made sure to change the way she addressed Izroth due to the ongoing discussion.
“You see? My words are not false, little saint. Though there is no need to be ashamed of your error. You are still young and inexperienced with a bright road ahead of you.” Pelyria said with a trace of well-hidden mockery in her tone.
“Indeed, what you said is not wrong. But, there is a minor problem with your wording. While there are no poisonous herbs that match my description, if I recall, there is a special herb that only your Fifth Great Clan produces and does not share with the outside world. Not a poisonous herb, but a great elixir plant that can expand one’s mana pool. Tell me, among the herbs that your Fifth Great Clan collects and processes, is there not one called the Spirit of Mana?” Izroth spoke unhurriedly.
“Oh? Spirit of Mana? How interesting. This is a herb I did not encounter upon my various visits to the Fifth Great Clan.” Seina commented.
The moment Izroth mentioned the Spirit of Mana, Pelyria’s expression became pale as her heartbeat quickened.
“He even knows about the existence of the Spirit of Mana?! This is a great secret of the Great Clans…! This information is not something that’s casually shared with outsiders…! Just who is this young man?!” Pelyria’s thoughts raced as she tried to deduce Izroth’s identity but came up empty-handed.
“It’s not surprising. After all, there are treasures and even some skills that can do it, but… A herb that can expand one’s mana pool past its original capacity is practically unheard of. Of course, its most important trait is its ability to repair a broken mana pool.” Izroth explained.
Back when he pushed his mana pool too far and damaged it a second time during the second team’s selection, it was the Wiseman of Everpeak Kryxelsia who helped him fix it.
At the time, she used a herb called the Spirit of Mana. This, of course, led to a discussion about the herb and the Wiseman did not hold back on the details.
Even Izroth was surprised by how nonchalant she spoke of what was supposed to be a great secret of the Great Clans. However, this also revealed something to Izroth about Kryxelsia.
One was that the Wiseman probably came from one of the Great Clans. And, her status and strength were high enough that she did not fear the repercussions of revealing such sensitive information.
“From the sound of it, this Spirit of Mana seems like it has more benefits than drawbacks,” Seina stated.
“Normally, that is the case. However, that only applies if it’s been properly processed. In its unprocessed state, if even the slightest trace manages to get into your mana stream, it will act as more of a poison than an elixir of any kind. Instead of expanding the mana pool, it will disrupt and taint it. As a result, it will truly turn into poison. All while showing no external symptoms since it is not poison by nature.” Izroth clarified.
Pelyria shook to her core as Izroth went into great detail about the Spirit of Mana. She grit her teeth and knew that she could no longer remain silent. She had to do something—anything, to open up a path of retreat!
“Preposterous! I can no longer stand by and listen as you accuse our Fifth Great Clan of such a ludicrous misdeed! Spirit of Mana? How imaginative! Can you prove such a thing even exists?!” Pelyria erupted in an outburst.
Izroth shook his head and responded, “Unfortunately, I can not.”
“Then-!”
“But, I know someone who can,” Izroth said with a carefree expression as his gaze shifted over to Avia, who had not dared to move after Seina last spoke.
‘I will give you a way out, but it will cost you. Let’s see if you are smart enough to take it.’
Suddenly, Avia felt a cold chill come over her that caused her to shiver. She did not know what it was, nor did she care.
All she wanted to do was gain some favor with the little princess of her Fifth Great Clan—not get caught up in whatever this entire mess was. None of this was what she signed up for.
At this point, Avia just wanted to return to the Mother of All Forests!
