Across town in the secluded basement of Alyvia's potion shop/manor, she was finishing her report on the day's work.
"....I don't think anyone has paid too much attention to the, heh heh 'disappearance' of Gregory Wilson. They just assume he got cold feet and never showed up to the tournament. Not that it isn't uncommon for contestants to never show when faced with a strong opponent," she smiled, thinking of the great hydra sealed away for it to be unleashed later.
"What about friends or family," a soft voice asked. Isabel Fortuno.
"None. He was shy in school and his family is far away from here."
"And what is our experiment count up to," Maximillian Deston asked.
"300 creatures of varying strength but besides Mr. Wilson, none are above classification level of 12. Most average 3 to 7."
"And actual recruits," a voice asked sounding between a bestial grunt and growls.
"Currently at 112 with 10 more potential, given a little more time to persuade them. But Grimslade, not all of them are hardened fighters, many are magic users and assistants for Maximillian," Alyvia scolded Grimslade, eliciting a deep growl.
"Included among these potentials is this Celine you mentioned I assume," questioned a high pitched male voice.
"That is correct lord Raphael. She shows great promise, but to completely win her over I might need some help. Is it possible to create an object to transfer her attributes to another?"
"As a matter of fact, I already have such an object in my personal collection. It was found in a recent excursion to some ancient dwarven ruins. I shall send a courier tonight," Raphael offered.
"Thank you, my lord."
"And what about these others mentioned? I'm especially interested in this Freed fellow."
"As an asset to our goals I'm sure, and nothing else," she added sarcastically.
"Oh of course, of course. Well?"
"From Celine has said and what we've observed, they won't join unless something drastic happens."
After a moment, Maximillian spoke up.
"I have run more tests on the unstable potions. As I have observed after numerous tests, at great personal peril I might add. And I have found how they might work for us."
Alyvia leaned forward, eager to learn about what they could change.
"From what I have seen, they can transform those exposed into very, very powerful creatures. Classification level can be as low as 5, but this is an isolated one. Usually it is a much higher classification level than the stable version can ever hope to achieve."
"And the downside," Zezzeroth rumbled.
"The changes are completely unpredictable for starters. Second, they ignore the marker coins, meaning they'll still attack those that possess one so our own forces are in danger of them."
"I sense you saved the worst for last," Isabel Fortuno surmised.
"Lastly, if the one exposed has a strong enough will they may still retain their mind intact and have full control of their new body."
"So it's a gamble on releasing a beast we can't control, even if those loyal to us consume it," summarized Zezzeroth.
"Precisely."
"I will continue to try my own experiments at my location," a sultry female voice offered.
"Very well, but take care Jayla as to not jeopardize your primary goal of recruiting your target," Maximillian ordered.
"He is fully committed to our cause. Of this I am certain."
"Is this fact or are your personal feelings affecting your judgment?"
The voice sounded hurt. "He would do anything for me, and he has earned my trust in him time and again. I will offer him a position in our group soon. If he declines then," there was a pause, "I will do what is necessary."
Alyvia found it was time to ask the question that was burning in her mind ever since she'd been given the assignment.
"When should I begin the operation," Alyvia asked.
After a pause, the central sphere spoke. "In 6 days you will begin. By then most attention will be focused on the quarter finals of the tournament and everyone will be in the central arena rather than the smaller 8. Once set up, the acid should break open the containment vessel and release them all at once. The rival apothecary should prove to be an appropriate location."
"An excellent suggestion." Alyvia sensed another potion being opened. "If you'll excuse me, I must depart at once." She dismissed the communication spheres and left in a hurry to reach her new converts