Chapter Three: The Board of Potions

"We simply cannot allow them to steal the recipe of the potionomer like that, we simply cannot! This is a direct assault to our sovereignty and the integrity of our exclusive abilities. There is absolutely no way to tolerate this treacherous move on their behalf!"

The Board of Potions has started their meeting with many concerns on the development of the Steel of Willows, its implications to commercial endeavors and the impact of such a weapon to their overall security. Many of the Board members expressed concerns about the possible tilt in the balance of power.

"You know where we learned this craft," Colby Magnus said, in the middle of the passionate debate. He was the youngest member of the Board of Potions to be acknowledged with superior talent in potion brewing and the skillful battle in melee attacks. "We have vowed to protect its secrecy. We are equally guilty."

The rest of the Board members became quiet. That last line was unexpected, and it caught them off guard.

"But at least we are being responsible," the Chairman of the Board said in a weak tone. "Unlike our common resolve, the Dark Masters simply cannot be trusted with anything important. Especially everything related to power."

"We cheated, as well, when we decided to smuggle our weapons into this world while they became contented with their Sticky Poles for a while. There was no opposition at all," Colby said. "What makes the Steel of Willow any different?"

"A lot," the Chairman of the Board replied. "The secret may be discovered anytime soon. We cannot afford to have the Copy Editors investigate the recent events of our affairs."

"It was my impression that you personally believe that the Taxonomists can be trusted with this scheme. A Treaty was being proposed for the protection of everybody, but you have convinced the Board that the instrument would be superfluous. Now, the potionomer weapons may be in danger of being discovered as scam," Colby replied with sarcasm. "With all due respect, sir."

"You are still very young to understand what trust and confidence is about, Colby," the Chairman of the Board retorted. "I have acted in the best interest of the Board. These weapons are not smuggled."

"Not sumuggled!?" someone blurted out.

The members of the Board were murmuring their dissent to what was being discussed. Everybody knows that the potionomer weapons were illegally produced  and there is simply no way to deny its implications.

"We shall see. I am sure these Taxonomists will prove who they really are in the end. Let us just hope that this shady dealings will not reach the jurisdiction of the Copy Editors," Colby stated.

"Then, we must continue to oppose the Steel of Willows," the Chairman of the Board simply said with finality.

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The Chapter is sponsored by Fitbit.