Chapter 603: Take

Another relocation happened, which Liam spent a bit longer finalizing.

The Poisonous Refinement and vile perfume had been successful, but only in a vacuum. Those concoctions had worked, but Liam still didn’t know whether they would serve their purpose.

In short, Liam had to check whether Daniel and his Tribe could still track him, Rachel, or Andrew’s belongings, and waiting was the only way to test that. If no attacks came, Liam could consider his experiments a success.

Hunting during that unclear window was risky, so Liam used the opportunity to rest, but that goal had challenges, too.

Liam puffed black smoke, pipe between his teeth, two green jades in his left hand. He reviewed his Master’s inheritance to devise his future projects better, as well as deciding on matters of utmost importance.

’I called the Demoness’ technique an alchemical spell,’ Liam pondered. ’What should I call the snake arrow? Is it even right calling it an arrow?’

The all-devouring, instantaneous blackness used alchemy fundamentals and Liam’s Qi in its true nature, so alchemical spell was a perfect name for it.

However, the snake head relied on the third layer of Qi mastery, which came from alchemy, and poison, which Liam’s dantian embodied. In theory, the name alchemical spell would suit it, too.

’I guess using a bow makes it an alchemical weapon art,’ Liam thought. ’But it’s too long of a name. I’d also end up calling everything an alchemical something at this pace.’

In Liam’s mind, everything was alchemy, so he was almost certain all his future creations would come from that noble art. That wasn’t bad. He even liked how normal that sounded to him, but it created a naming issue.

’Well, it uses the poison I spread rather than just my Qi,’ Liam considered. ’Maybe Poison Art? Yes, that sounds cool.’

Liam noted down those extremely important conclusions before reviewing his future projects once more. He had set out for the forbidden zone to stockpile poison mainly to create the training swamp, but far more ideas had joined it in such a short time.

’I should hunt level two magical beasts, too,’ Liam decided. ’Since I can make poison harmless, the complementary ingredients issue in that field is basically null. I just have to hoard them to go all-out.’

Liam couldn’t wait since hunting gave him the opportunity to train. Yet, only a few days had passed since the vile perfume’s creation, so he had to wait a bit longer.

Also, waiting sounded necessary to soothe the reason why Liam was doing everything with one hand.

"Rachel, do you really-?" Liam began to ask, looking down at his kidnapped right arm, only for the scene to silence him.

Rachel had Liam’s arm between hers, clinging to it tightly, seemingly using it as spiritual support while they sat side by side on the bare floor.

Most of the time, Rachel hid her face in Liam’s arm, but she had lifted it at that call, revealing the tears falling from her green eyes.

That crestfallen expression paired with Rachel’s childish face was a weapon Liam couldn’t defend against. He felt as if he had committed an unforgivable sin against the cutest puppy in the world.

Of course, Liam hadn’t done anything. His unforgivable sin had been to taint Rachel with the same stench that enveloped him, but his reply was instinctive nonetheless.

"I’m sorry," Liam coughed. He really didn’t know what else to say in front of those tears.

"Admirers from all walks of life have bathed me in bright jewels, precious fabrics, and priceless masterpieces," Rachel sniffed, shaking her head before hiding her face back in Liam’s arm. "As expected, only the one who conquered me would think of smearing me in feces."

’Did she try to make it sound like a compliment?’ Liam guessed. Naturally, Rachel’s utterly devastated tone had given her away.

"I’ll make the next batch odorless," Liam promised. "At least for us."

"Liam dear, do not worry," Rachel sobbed, wiping her tears on Liam’s sleeve. "In the southern region, we say in sickness and in health. If stinking so foully is your desire, I shall obey."

Liam had already confirmed that Rachel was serious about him. Grace wouldn’t have been so angry otherwise. Yet, her resolve had truly surprised him, and he couldn’t disregard it as quirkiness.

Rachel had helped against Andrew, sacrificing a rank 3 weapon in the process, accepted Liam after discovering his lineage, survived Grace, at least from a distance, and endured a stench she clearly hated.

Liam had initially called Rachel’s motivations shallow, but she had proved him wrong in a mere week. Her reasons might not be deep, but she was giving her all, too much to dismiss.

It didn’t help that Grace had even asked Liam to bring Rachel to her. Nothing could stop her from sticking around now.

’I can understand the appeal,’ Liam thought. ’But that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it.’

After shedding every hesitation, Liam had a clear idea of who he was, where he stood, and how he wanted to live. Love was complicated, but he didn’t waver even there.

Rachel was incredibly beautiful. Liam didn’t know about her being the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom, but she had to be close to that.

Liam was also hornier than he had ever been, in a place where harems were more common than sticking to a single partner. However, he had no intention of crossing the line with Rachel.

The same went for Rachel. The situation sounded unfair to her, but Liam had never lied, and she was free to accept it. It was her decision, so Liam welcomed it without second-guessing, guilt, or sense of duty.

Rachel was smart enough to understand the repercussions, too, but Liam could clarify a few topics now that things had developed to that point.

"I am the son of the Ancestral Snake," Liam announced. "The Church has my face on wanted posters in at least two regions for other reasons, and the Dragon King will eventually start hunting me, too."

The announcement seemed to come out of nowhere, but Liam wanted Rachel to have the full picture. She had already guessed his lineage was on the same level as the Dragon King, but Liam had now given her proper confirmation and more.

Of course, that was more of a warning, but not for Rachel.

"The Church will purge the Dark Heaven Tribe if it learns about my involvement," Liam explained. "I’m trying to keep my identity a secret, but I was known as Black Qi where I’m from. I was also famous as an alchemist."

There was no need to say anything else to explain the issue. The Aetacia region might be more isolated than other parts of the Kingdom. Still, information would eventually spread, and it wouldn’t be hard to connect the dots with what Liam had revealed already.

Rachel lifted her head to look up at Liam. Her cheeks were still wet, but a pleased smile had broadened on her face, her presence giving off a mature vibe.

"Even when you need all the allies you can find," Rachel exclaimed. "Even while knowing the support the Tribe can provide, your first thoughts go to its safety."

The hug on Liam’s arm tightened, bringing it even closer to Rachel’s sternum, forcing him to perceive how relaxed she was in his presence.

"You have no reason to hold back," Rachel continued. "Just take. Take me, take the Tribe, and take this region. Take all without asking, and laugh if they are foolish enough to believe they can deny you."