Chapter 601 The Hummingbird Pharmaceutical (1)


    Erik and Reba were on their way to Hummingbird Pharmaceuticals, ensconced in thefortable leather seats of Reba''s sleek car. The mission ahead weighed heavily on their minds, and they took the time to review their n, wanting to ensure they were perfectly in sync.


    "Alright, Reba," Erik began, his voice measured, "we need to be absolutely clear on our roles here. You''re representing your mother''s interests and came here to buy a new potion the Hummingbird Pharmaceutical Company is producing. You''ll engage them in the discussion and perhaps negotiate.


    You''ll be responsible for this aspect. I''ll be your friend. I came with you just to keep youpany. But when the moment is right, I''ll make my move, separate from you with an excuse, and see what I can find. Sound good?"


    Reba nced over, her eyes serious but filled with determination. "It sounds perfect. But Erik, we need to be wless. If there''s even a hint that we''re up to something, they could kick us out, if not worse."


    "I know," Erik replied, his eyes meeting hers. "We''ll y it cool and casual. They''ll have no reason to suspect anything."


    "Good," Reba said, her voice softening. "So, when I''m talking to whoever they send to assist us, what will be your excuse to leave?"


    Erik thought for a moment, then said, "I''ll say I want to inquire about some other product, something unrted but that could be useful to me as a mercenary or for my guild. I''ll act interested, even excited. That should give me the cover I need."


    Reba''s lips curled into a smile. "I like it. Just be careful and do not mess up, Erik."


    "I always am," he responded, a smirk ying on his lips, though she couldn''t see it.


    They fell into a thoughtful silence as the car wound its way through the city streets, the gleaming fa?ade of Hummingbird Pharmaceuticals growing closer with each passing moment.


    Reba finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with concern. "Erik, what if they''ve already heard about the shop owner? What if they''re on alert?"


    Erik considered this. "We''ll have to y it by ear. If something seems off, we''ll abort the mission, regroup, and try something elseter. I have other ways to get thin information aside from entering the building, but I wanted to see the ce to get a feeling of these people''s characters."


    Reba nodded, clearly satisfied with his response. "Alright. Let''s do this."


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    ...


    As the car pulled up to the entrance of Hummingbird Pharmaceuticals, Erik and Reba shared onest look, a silent promise passing between them.


    The two left the car after the driver left them in front of the entrance door. They stood for a moment, taking in the grandeur of the building. The ss windows shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting the pristine white exterior.


    The exterior of Hummingbird Pharmaceuticals was a testament to modern architecture and corporate prestige. The building''s fa?ade was a dazzling disy of white marble, meticulously maintained to maintain its pristine appearance. Tall, shimmering ss windows stretched from the ground floor to the upper levels, reflecting the sunlight and the surrounding cityscape.


    A spacious courtyard adorned with meticulously manicured gardens greeted visitors at the entrance. Elegant topiaries shaped into thepany''s logo added a touch of artistry to the otherwise clinical setting.


    A pristine fountain in the center of the courtyard sprayed a gentle mist into the air, creating a refreshing ambiance.


    The entrance was opulent andmanding, with towering columns nking it and decorated with intricate carvings of medicinal herbs and alchemical symbols.


    The double doors were made of polished mahogany, engraved with thepany''s emblem on a gold leaf. As Erik and Reba approached the entrance, they could see their reflections in the spotless ss doors.


    Security cameras discreetly ced around the entrance monitored every visitor, a reminder that this prestigious institution was not to be taken lightly. Uniformed security personnel, discreetly positioned, maintained a vignt watch over the entrance, ready to intervene if any situation arose.


    As Erik and Reba approached the entrance to Hummingbird Pharmaceuticals, a group of sharply dressed men suddenly rushed out to greet them. They wore tailored suits and exuded an air of professionalism and elegance. Among them was an old man with an aura of authority and wisdom.


    "His name is Dr. Horace Wainwright, the Chief Scientific Officer of Hummingbird Pharmaceuticals, a man renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of medicinal alchemy," Reba whispered to Erik, lest he said something that would embarrass her.


    His appearance was dignified, with a shock of white hair meticulouslybed back, deep-set eyes framed by wrinkles, and a tall, slender figure.


    Though age had bent his posture slightly, his eyes sparkled with intelligence, and he carried himself with the grace of someone who had spent his life pursuing knowledge.


    "Ms. Ravithier, Mr. Kay," he greeted them warmly, extending a hand to both but clearly focusing his attention on Reba. "Wee to Hummingbird Pharmaceuticals. It is truly an honor to have you here."


    Reba epted his handshake, her expression gracious. "Thank you, Dr. Wainwright. It''s a pleasure to be here."


    The old scientist''s eyes twinkled with curiosity as he asked, "I''m sorry if I may seem inappropriate, but may I inquire about the purpose of your visit?"


    Reba''s eyes met his, and she replied in a poised and confident tone, "I''m here on behalf of my mother, Dr. Wainwright, to discuss the new potion yourpany is producing. It has piqued her interest, and we would like to learn more."


    Dr. Wainwright''s face broke into a pleased smile, and he nodded understandingly. "Ah, business then. I should have known, considering your mother''s reputation." His voice held a note of admiration mixed with caution, clearly aware of who Reba''s mother was: the leader of the most important mercenary guild in the nation, a woman of uncanny power and infamous temper.


    "Of course," he continued, gesturing for them to follow him, "we would be delighted to share ourtest developments with you. Pleasee inside, and I will give you a tour of our facility."


    As they followed Dr. Wainwright through the grand entrance, Erik and Reba exchanged a quick nce, both sensing that they had sessfully cleared the first hurdle. The ornate architecture of the building surrounded them, a testament to thepany''s sess and innovation. However, it was clear the building''s level wasn''t the same as the Haven''s Market.


    Dr. Wainwright led them down marbled hallways adorned with portraits of past luminaries in the field.


    "I will bring you on a tour of the ce; it may be interesting to see a pharmaceuticalpany at work. After that, we can talk about whatever you want. Oh, but of course, if you don''t want to, or you have something else to doter, we can simply talk business," the man said.


    "There is no need. I think it would be a fun experience, right, Erik?" Reba asked in a friendly tone.


    "Yeah, I''ve never been in a ce like this before. I''m curious how you make pills and potions."


    "d to hear that, then, if you don''t mind,e with me."


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    The man''s voice was filled with pride as he said that and started describing the various departments they would be visiting. His focus remained on Reba, treating her with respect and deference due to someone of her mother''s stature. But they clearly didn''t overlook Erik''s presence. He was a small celebrity, after all.


    Erik kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, noting the security measures and theyout of the building.


    The interior of the building exuded an aura of pristine professionalism, with polished marble floors that gleamed under the soft ambient lighting.


    The walls were adorned with tastefully framed diplomas, certificates, and photographs of thepany''s founders and luminaries in the field of alchemical research.


    The hallways were wide and lined with lush potted nts, adding a touch of nature to the otherwise sterile environment.


    The air was scented with a faint hint of herbs and medicinalpounds, a reminder of the purpose of this establishment. Muted chatter from scientists in whiteb coats and researchers in smart attire filled the air as they moved about their tasks, their focus unwavering.


    In the botanical garden, lush greenery thrived under controlled conditions, housing rare and exotic nts known for their medicinal properties.


    The scent of rare flowers and herbs mingled, creating a fragrant oasis of nature within the facility. Beakers filled with bubbling potions and elixirs stood on sturdy wooden tables, and researchers in white coats delicately tended to the nts, taking notes and harvesting leaves and petals.


    Erik''s mind was nning the next move, preparing for the moment he would slip away.


    For now, they were guests, treated with the utmost hospitality, but both Erik and Reba knew that beneath the pleasantriesy secrets they were determined to uncover. The tour had only just begun, and the real game was about to unfold.


    (A.N: Slightly longer chapter. Only 1 chapter will be published on the 21 but keep in mind that the 20 i uploaded 3.)