Epic Of The Demonic Sage



"Good afternoon, Asher. May I intrude?" Kiana stepped into the library that afternoon. 

The young noble was currently preoccupied with a lot of books all detailing the methods of Artificers as well as the most basic ones made from the most common materials.

'Even though Asher hasn't called for Bishop Reynald, he is studying on his own in his free time… and that is all on top of everything else that he is doing for the Inanis Family. He is… quite a light now to us. When Count Inanis used to worry about him and his recklessness, now what we witness is a great change.' Kiana thought.

Lucius was preoccupied with books and also the note-taking. While it was possible to have called for Bishop Reynald, Lucius really didn't find the need to call for the old man when he preferred to study on his own.

'The teaching style of Bishop Reynald does adjust to cater to me, but at times, he still prefers to go at a slower pace than what I would have liked to. Master Kain was more flexible, but either way, this is… hmm, there is a simple Illumination artifact and most of them are in the shape of lamps, but have they considered flashlights? I do not recall anything like it being mentioned or used by Gellor and his team, and for those without the Gift of fire and other light gifts, then it is a useful tool.' Lucius thought.

Kiana realized that Asher was so absorbed with studying, that she could only stare for a moment.

'I wonder what goes through his head. I've grown to learn how to read him better, and he is much more willing to share his thoughts with me as opposed to when he was younger… but I do find myself not knowing what truly goes through his head.' 

"Kiana, was it?" Lucius asked, momentarily putting his quill down and looking at her. She didn't even need to say a word before Lucius stood up and closed his notebook. "If I am to assume the purpose of your visit in accordance to likelihood, either Viscountess Blackshield is requesting for me to participate in the barracks training grounds, there is some letter coming from Dionysia Brewery or Leif… well, the latter being less likely until we hear of the upcoming bandits… I presume it is Gellor and his team, yes?"

"Yes, that is the case. You did tell Finch last time during that evening with Lieutenant John to come visit."

"I did. Shall we go meet up with them, then?" Lucius asked.

The two didn't need to exchange any more words before Lucius and Kiana headed to the drawing room where Gellor and his mercenary once again found themselves accommodated in.

***

"Do you think… this is it?" Albus asked with excitement in his tone. There was an eager look in his eyes as he surveyed the surroundings, eager to finally know what Young Lord Asher prepared for them.

"Hold your horses, you don't know what exactly we're here for, right, Finch?" Barty said as he addressed the woman sitting elegantly beside Gellor who was standing up.

"Based on what Young Lord Asher said back then…" Finch said. "I am confident that he means what he means."

"That's hardly an answer from you, Finch! It's like you don't actually know what we're here for." Albus complained.

There were a lot of couches in the drawing room to accommodate the guests, but Gellor was too nervous to actually be able to sit down. 

The mercenary captain stood with his feet tapping nervously on the rug. Compared to Finch, Barty and even Albus who looked composed, the team captain was immensely curious and looking forward to it that it drew his discomfort.

"Whatever the case, we all agreed to serve, Young Lord Asher because of his cause, you know that, right, guys?" Ariana called out as she looked at some caricatures, pottery and other fine elements that were present within the room.

"Young Lord Asher Inanis has arrived." A voice called out from the doorway.

Everyone quickly rose to their feet to welcome the Young Lord of the House.

Lucius walked in with Kiana, gaze meeting the entire team as he checked on their emotional states.

"Good afternoon. Thank you for waiting." Lucius said as he took the seat opposite the team. He steepled his fingers together and looked at the entire team.

"I believe that there is something quite important that we ought to discuss."

"Y-yes, Young Lord Asher. Is it another mission? What kind of rune crystal are we needing to collect next?" Gellor said, with a slight unease.

Lucius noticed the emotions of Gellor and merely chuckled.

"That which I will ask of you shall be something that will prove all of you worthy and show claim to what I have promised to all of you before." Lucius said.

While they were all under the Mark of Obedience, it did not mean that Lucius was completely free of the responsibility of educating his followers and leading them the way that was necessary if need to be.

"For now, I will be focusing on one individual alone. Gellor, your gift is Muscle Strengthening is it not?"

"Yes, Young Lord Asher."

"We shall elevate that to a new position." Lucius said as he once again read the Nexus to confirm that what he had prepared beforehand would be enough.

Gift Name: Muscle Strengthening

Description: The user can strengthen the power of their muscles, which allows them to exert greater force. Aether will be used for the entire duration that the gift is active.

Rank: Rare

Type: Physical

Evolution: Possible Evolution

Requirements: 80x Aether Crystals, 2x Frenzy Ape Rune Crystal, 200 liters of Mixed beast blood.

"All of you have heard of the Frenzy Apes, have you not?" Lucius asked.

Rune Crystal Gift: Frenzy

Description: The gift that the Frenzy Ape has is what gave it its name, Frenzy. When the beast is agitated to a certain level, it transforms into its frenzy state. In this state, the size of its body increases, with major increases in large muscle groups. 

"Yes, Young Lord Asher."