Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil



The Nightshade Duchy.

A lesser-known city nestled near the tranquil River Lithe greeted the arrival of two majestic ships at its bustling port.

Each vessel bore a resplendent figurehead depicting a regal White Raven, its wings outstretched as if poised for flight. The sight of these figureheads stirred whispers among the gathered rankers, who recognized the symbol and its significance—Grimdawn.

The city authorities swiftly established a perimeter around the port, ensuring that eager rankers couldn't approach the two anchored ships. The word had spread, and anticipation filled the air. The people knew that Grimdawn, recently bestowed with a prestigious title in the capital city, had become a figure of intrigue and curiosity.

A crowd had gathered just beyond the guards' perimeter, anxiously awaiting Eren's arrival. Among them were devoted fans, eager to meet their idol and shake his hand. Some sought the thrill of challenging Eren or his subordinates to duels, testing their mettle against his prowess. Ambitious individuals hoped for the opportunity to join his renowned guild, while esteemed merchant families saw a chance to forge prosperous business alliances with the White Raven Guild.

Eren's name had become a magnet, drawing attention and curiosity from all corners. After all, news had spread that he had secured numerous lucrative contracts from the capital. Anyone associated with him stood to benefit, despite the ongoing war between Edinburgh and the kingdom of Layos.

Aware of the attention he would attract upon entering the Nightshade Duchy, Eren had taken precautions. He had asked Agatha to dispatch two skilled squadrons to act as his vanguard and rearguard. These squads were tasked with ensuring the safety of Eren and his companions.

Eren understood the flip side of fame—the multitude of enemies he had amassed along with his reputation. Though he had dealt with House Slughorn and made amends with House Remus, the shadows still held threats in the form of the Escalon Guild and the Midnight Moon cultists. His business rivals could also take their shot at him, endangering Eren's subordinates just because they happened to be with him.

Traitors sponsored by the kingdom of Layos and Demonmir himself were also lurking, seeking to harm Eren and those who were with him by any means necessary. In short, the butcher had no shortage of enemies. Plus, they were relentless, willing to go to great lengths to undermine and hurt him.

This was the dark underbelly of fame, the uglier side he had come to know.

While he had confidence in the abilities of Nina, Levine, and Jiana to protect themselves, Eren harbored concerns for Renita and Sara, who were aboard his ships. He refused to take any chances with their safety.

Eren was well aware that the security threats surrounding those connected to him would eventually dissipate with time. As his fans and enemies became embroiled in their own affairs, whether through direct involvement in the war or furthering their Ranking Paths, the intensity of their focus would lessen. However, until that time arrived, Eren understood the importance of maintaining caution.

Having bid farewell to the Amazonian settlement, Eren had gathered his comrades from LA, welcoming them aboard the Tidebreaker. Their purpose was to accompany him to his city and officially join the White Raven Guild.

For Ron, Dino, Jake, Bel, Renita, and Ana, the decision to join the guild was an obvious one, given their long-standing links with Eren since their early academy days. However, the original White Raven squad from LA was incomplete without two members—Steve and Becky.

While Steve had been recruited by Edinburgh's special forces, Becky had tragically lost her life in the Sansara World. The absence of these two members cast a bittersweet sentiment over the remaining squad members as they embarked on their journey to join Eren's guild.

Eren recognized that time would be the only healer of their collective sorrow. In the coming months, he planned to immerse Renita and the others in such demanding missions that their minds would be occupied solely with the tasks at hand.

Renita, Ron, Jake, and the rest formed the first group to step onto the deck of the Tidebreaker, disembarking one by one. Eren's other loyal subordinates followed suit.

On the vessel Freya, Eren, Nina, Levine, and Jiana remained in their positions, allowing Renita, Sara, and the rest of their companions from the Tidebreaker to be safely escorted ashore.

Once everyone from the Tidebreaker had disembarked, the attention of the city guards swiftly shifted to Freya. Before any representatives from the city administration could approach Eren's ship and request an audience with him, a spirited male voice resonated through the air, capturing the attention of all present.

"Aight. Nice and easy. Make way for this Prince, people."

Argo clapped his hands with gusto, confidently making his way toward Freya amidst the throngs of onlookers who had gathered to witness Eren's arrival. A group of formidable-looking Rankers trailed closely behind him, catching the city administration off guard. However, it didn't take long for the guards to realize that these Rankers were affiliated with the White Raven Guild, serving as the vanguard for Eren and his companions.

Argo assumed leadership of the vanguard squad, with the accompanying Rankers serving as his direct subordinates. They were members of the Order of the Fly, a specialized force that operated covertly and overtly on behalf of the White Raven Guild.

As Argo's group approached Freya, the city guards and the crowd instinctively made way. With a swift, graceful jump, Argo, the enigmatic demon beast, bounded onto the deck of Freya, fearlessly seeking out Eren without any hint of reservation.

Argo sported a distinctive appearance that set him apart from the other Rankers. With his hair cropped short and spiked, he possessed a unique visual style. Clad in a white top layered beneath a black, leather-like, form-fitting armor that resembled a jacket, he exuded a very funk-like aura. His subordinates, following closely behind him, donned the same attire, further enhancing the underground-gang-like impression.

In his humanoid hybrid form, Argo boasted beastly arms and feet adorned with eagle-like talons. Despite his bestial features, he retained the appearance of an ordinary teenager. His sheathed aura and friendly demeanor created an illusion of innocence as if he were a young boy who had yet to grasp the harsh realities of the world.

However, a few astute high-ranking individuals present at the port quickly recognized Argo as a formidable force capable of wreaking havoc and causing massive loss of life should he unleash his intent-based magic. They also started perceiving Eren as even more of a threat because of his ownership over Argo.

"Ayo, boss! Whereyouat?" Argo called out, scanning the surroundings in search of Eren. Just then, a secure door of the accommodation structure swung open, revealing Eren as he emerged with a leisurely gait.

Upon catching sight of Eren stepping out, Argo erupted into hearty laughter. However, his amusement was abruptly interrupted by an unusual odor that wafted through the air as soon as the door was opened. He wrinkled his nose in slight annoyance before addressing Eren.

"Damn boss. What in the Old Macdonald's Farm happened in here? It smells like..." Argo's words trailed off as he shifted his gaze toward the trio of ladies—Nina, Levine, and Jiana—who closely trailed behind Eren, making their way out of the accommodation.

The demon beast swiftly pieced together Eren's activities aboard Freya, prompting him to offer a knowing smile. "Hahaha. You're stepping up your game, boss. Not bad. Not bad. But you still gotta think bigger."

Unperturbed by Argo's unsolicited comment, Eren feigned ignorance, disregarding the remark as if he were oblivious to Argo's insinuations. With deliberate precision, he straightened his immaculate attire and adjusted his hair, exuding an air of self-assurance as he approached Argo.

"Well, have you come prepared, you fat bird? If my intuition serves me right, our enemies will attempt something sinister on our journey to the City of White Raven," Eren commented, his voice tinged with a mix of confidence and caution.

Argo responded with a nod of acknowledgment, casting a casual smile toward Nina and the others before placing a reassuring hand on his chest. "Hmmm, don't you worry, boss. This Prince has everything well in hand," Argo assured, exuding unwavering confidence in his formidable powers.

Eren had no intention of evading the eager crowd that awaited him. He greeted his fans with a smile on his face. With his Soul Sense alone, he dissuaded would-be challengers, his mere gaze serving as a deterrent.

He also engaged in brief discussions with representatives from merchant families who sought to establish ties with him, inviting a select few to continue their conversations in the City of White Raven. Naturally, Agatha would oversee these discussions.

With his affairs settled, Eren entrusted Argo with the responsibility of leading the entire group out of the bustling port city. A convoy of sturdy carriages set forth, propelled by an astonishing speed. Leading the charge was a group of battle-ready magical colts, guided by Argo soaring through the sky in his majestic eagle form. The rearguard comprised silent and stealthy Rankers, employing their movement spells and artifacts to shadow the convoy's path.

True to Eren's foresight, they encountered a group of unknown Rankers who launched an all-out attack along their journey. Yet, Argo and his subordinates, divided into vanguard and rearguard teams, swiftly neutralized the threat, effortlessly repelling the assailants. One could describe Eren's journey to the City of White Raven as relatively peaceful.

Preferring not to involve himself in the skirmish, Eren entrusted the handling of the attackers to Argo, maintaining a low profile and deliberately reducing his public appearances. By shifting the focus away from himself, Eren aimed to divert the limelight and gradually fade from the public's immediate attention.

Thanks to the meticulous arrangements Eren had made, he and his companions safely arrived at the majestic City of White Raven. Sara, Renita, and the others were awestruck by the grandeur that unfolded before their eyes. Crossing the city gates, they chose to explore the city on foot, eager to immerse themselves in its bustling streets and discover all the wonders it held.

***

Inside Eren's carriage, a lavish room enchanted with space-element magic welcomed him. This very carriage had been his sanctuary during his perilous journey from the City of New Beginnings in the past, a time when Shalen Craft and the rest had targeted him in a meticulous ambush. Shalen had taken her last breath inside this magical carriage– an assassin from Escalon Guild who got assassinated by Eren.

With no one to lend an ear to his musings, Eren found solace within the confines of his carriage. He gazed out of the windows, taking in the sight of the city he had built from scratch—his creation, borne out of his own blood, sweat, and unwavering determination. It stood as a testament to his resolute spirit and his ability to navigate life without guidance.

As Eren ventured deeper into the heart of his city, he realized that it was shedding its old facade with each passing month. The once-familiar streets had transformed into a labyrinth of complexity and activity, burgeoning in size, population, and prosperity. The City of White Raven was undergoing a metamorphosis, evolving into a thriving hub of life and ambition.

Despite Nina and the others' persistent insistence, Eren had chosen to travel in a separate, isolated carriage. His decision stemmed from a genuine concern for the safety of his companions. By distancing himself, he sought to shield them from being caught in the direct crossfire should his enemies manage to locate him. It was his silent yet resolute way of demonstrating care, a manifestation of his confidence in his own ability to confront and overcome any adversary.

"Times are changing," Eren murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper, as he observed the bustling happenings of the city he had brought to life. Through the carriage's windows, he juxtaposed the city's current state of prosperity with its humble beginnings—a barren land he had transformed with his vision and determination.

"Soon, they will forget about me. Soon, they will be consumed by the rhythm of life. And soon, they will succumb to the inevitable embrace of death," Eren mused, a chuckle escaping his lips, a sardonic acknowledgment of the transient nature of existence. He allowed himself to be carried through the city's busy streets, lost in contemplation.

"Ever the Philosopher of Bullshittery– Mr. Eren Elijah Idril. Did you miss me?"

But suddenly, a gentle yet firm feminine voice broke through the solitude, surprising Eren. Turning towards the source of the sound, he discovered a youthful lady seated beside him—a homunculus.

Alephee had materialized within Eren's carriage without triggering any of its safety mechanisms. In this rare moment, a genuine smile graced Eren's lips as he beckoned Alephee to embrace him. The homunculus returned his smile, reciprocating the affectionate gesture.

"I indeed missed you, Miss Timeless" Eren whispered, his hand gently caressing Alephee's back—a rare display of tenderness. Alephee's heart stirred at the sincerity behind Eren's words. To hear such sentiments from a man like Eren held great significance.

"I missed you too, Eren," Alephee replied, her face adorned with a subtle grin. "Although, we weren't apart for long, and we did stay in contact most of the time, didn't we?" she added, her tone modest, probing to see if Eren would retract his statement.

Yet, Eren simply shrugged his shoulders, his words coated in honeyed warmth. "Can't I miss you for simply not being by my side?" he sighed dramatically before playfully adding, "You are heartless, not taking my feelings into consideration."

Alephee met Eren's gaze with a momentarily blank expression before succumbing to a burst of laughter. "Heartless, he says. Coming from you, Eren, that's quite rich," she retorted, her laughter echoing within the carriage.

Eren's smile lingered as he watched Alephee's laughter subside. "I miss Reen too," he murmured almost imperceptibly to himself, a sigh escaping his lips. With a resolute decision, he released the carriage's safety mechanisms entirely and employed Blink, causing himself to vanish from his position. Alephee, adjusting her hair, followed suit, leaving the carriage vacant.

***

Six days after Eren arrived in the City of White Raven...

In Agatha's private chamber, an additional presence joined her. As she dressed, Agatha turned to the occupant beside her. "When are you planning to leave?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity. Eren, reclining on her bed, responded with a tone infused with fatigue and contemplation, "Soon," he said, his gaze fixed on the ceiling of the chamber, devoid of expression.

A wry smile curved Agatha's lips at Eren's answer. She knew he was planning to do something really big, yet he remained deliberately elusive whenever questioned. He sought to shield her from the potential fallout, ensuring her plausible deniability. That is if circumstances took a turn for the worse, endangering him and everything he had built. Nevertheless, Agatha yearned for his openness, to be fully included in his plan so she could contribute her unwavering support and expertise.

Alas, Eren was determined to minimize White Raven Guild's involvement for as long as possible. He comprehended the limitations of his solitary efforts and acknowledged the need to assess the situation first. Investing his city's resources in the Lazarus Project right from the start might turn out to be harmful to him and his city.

The morning's arrival had transformed Agatha into an industrious figure, consumed by her duties. The wild aura she exuded during their intimate encounter the previous night had given way to an air of focused productivity. Eren observed this transformation with a mix of fascination and admiration, his eyes tracing her every movement.

Agatha granted Eren a brief moment of solitude, allowing him to gather his thoughts. She proceeded to the counter kitchen, deftly working with the available ingredients. Within minutes, she prepared a modest breakfast for both of them. As if summoned by her magic, a breakfast table materialized beside the bed, adorned with their morning meal.

By now, Eren had readied himself, taking his place at the table opposite Agatha. As they savored their breakfast, Agatha began briefing him on White Raven Guild's forthcoming project. Engrossed in their conversation, the pair delved into various topics, their voices mingling harmoniously amidst the backdrop of their shared meal.

Agatha's voice broke the intermittent silence with an unexpected question. "Eren.. did...did you dispose of the Myriad Potioner?" Her inquiry hinted at the knowledge that Eren and Alephee had captured Sebastian Slughorn, the elusive potion master who had been presumed dead.

Agatha was well aware that Sebastian's fate was sealed, but she sought assurance from Eren, wanting to understand any potential aftermath that might require her vigilance. Eren calmly took a bite of his meal before responding, "Yes. Rest assured, there is nothing for you to concern yourself with. We have taken care of everything."

Eren's words alleviated Agatha's worries, offering her a respite from the weight of uncertainty. Yet, there was another question lingering in her mind, hesitant to be voiced. "And...did you… did…?" Agatha's voice trailed off as she hesitated to broach the topic.

Eren chuckled, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh, yes. I devoured him," he replied nonchalantly as if recounting a mundane event. "Every ounce of his elemental attainments and his Ranking Path became mine, bit by bit. However, I won't be able to fully utilize his knowledge and expertise until I've had a few years to refine them."

Sebastian's name made Eren remember something. He quickly summoned his Status Screen and looked at the ID-Stone-generated as well as custom stats to see the changes that had taken place.

***

Name- Eren Elijah Idril (Verified)

Edinburgh Bona Fide Title: Grimdawn

Organizations- Edinburgh Army (Veteran, Voluntary Exit), Lionhearts Adventurers' Academy (Graduated with Distinction), Founder of the City of White Raven, Guild Master of White Raven Guild

Ranking Technique- Rootless (Custom Name)

Base Stats:

HP- 85 / 85 (?)

MP- 85 / 85 (?)

STR- 85 (?)

AGI- 85 (?)

INT- 85 (?)

Spiritual Force (SF)- ?? (?)

BTP~ 425 (?)

BTP Visibility- Private

Ranking Status: C-Rank / Expert Rank (Liquid Core State)

Classes Available (Custom): Close Combat Expert, Summoner, Array Master, Berserker, Assassin, Ranger, Potion Expert (?)

Sin Series Abilities (Custom): Sin of Wrath (Domain of Wrath), Sin of Gluttony (Domain of Gluttony) Sin of Lust (Mist of Lust),

Bloodline Abilities (Custom): Memory Extraction, Expedited Regeneration, Devour, Shapeshift,

Acquired Abilities (Custom): Instant Reset, Unlimited Weapon Works, Myriad Potioning (?), Hero's Heart

Self-created Abilities: Sedating Gaze

Self-created spells: Wind-Fire Shards, Elemental Fusion Spells

Lightning-element spells: Blitz Steps, Blitz Heal, Blitz Storm, Blitz Shield, Blitz Bolt, Solid Spark, Lightning Seed, Lightning Tree, Blitz Wave [ Aspects: Purple(Speed), Red (Destruction), Blue (Incinerating Dry Heat) ]

Fire-element spells: Fireball, Firebreath, Hatching of the Flame (variations), Fire Wings, Rain of Fire, Crimson Storm, Igni Chains, Igni Steps, Blue Fire Domain [ Aspects: Orange (Heat), Azure Blue (Cold Fire) ]

Time-element spells: Sedated Perception, Stunning Speed, Total Control, Age Expedite, Age Reverse, Motion Manipulation

Space-element spells: Blink, Dynamic Distance, Perfect Projection

Wind-element spells: Wind Wings, Wind-blade Tornado, Wind Steps, Wind Wall, Wind Shards

Water-element spells: Aqua Hammer, Aqua Heal, Aqua Blades, Aqua Wall, Aqua Steps, Aqua Storm, Aqua Whips

Wood-element spells: Green Prison, Vicious Vines, Healing Vines, Wood Life Control

Earth-element spells: Earth Wall, Earth Steps, Earth Manipulation, Earth Spikes

Death-element spells: Death Wave, Death Rot, Shadow of Death

Miscellaneous spells: Beast Contract Spell, Demon Beast Transformation Spell, Wind-fire Wings, Wind-Fire Shards

Summoning Spells: Fire snakes (variations), Purple Lightning Snakes, Red Lightning Bull (Contract beast summoning), Griffin, Woodland Summon, Woodland Wonderland, Army of the Dead, Contract Undead, Living Undead, Goliath, Earth Arachnids, Behemoth (calibrating new entries)

***

Eren knew that he was still far away from making Sebastian's achievements completely his. So it was only natural that he would not be able to use Myriad Potioner's class or Ability anytime soon. But as long as he continued refining his skills in potion-making based on Sebastian's life experiences, he would one day assimilate with them, unlocking a new class and Ability for himself.

Eren's casual demeanor sharply contrasted with Agatha's reaction. She pushed her dish away, her appetite waning at the revelation. Letting out a sigh, she met Eren's gaze, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "Tell me, at least, how long will it take for your radical plan to come to fruition? And when will I have the chance to see you again?"

Eren continued to eat, undeterred by Agatha's inquiries. Pausing mid-motion, he raised his eyes to meet hers, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Fret not. You will catch glimpses of me now and then, Miis Manager. Our meetings, though, may not last as long as we desire," he replied with a touch of resignation.

Shaking his head slightly, he refocused on his breakfast, taking a moment to compliment Agatha on the delectable meal. It was a deliberate shift in conversation, a tactic not lost on Agatha.

She regarded Eren with affectionate eyes, her voice holding a firm resolve. "As long as you make an effort to see me, I won't complain. Remember, should you ever find yourself in a tough situation, this city stands ready to support you. Whatever the cost, if it secures your survival, we are willing to pay it," she affirmed, her gaze piercing.

Agatha's eyes narrowed as she added, her tone unwavering, "You are more important to me than this city or this Guild. I am prepared to become a renegade once more, should the need arise. I once walked the path of a Cultist, and I have the courage to tread it again if things really turn to shit."

Eren's dining halted abruptly as Agatha's resolute words resonated in the room. Gazing out of the window, he observed the cloudy sky, his expression contemplative. "I guess it'd rain soon," he muttered to himself, before shifting his attention back to Agatha.

Despite the overcast atmosphere outside, Eren's countenance beamed with cheerfulness as he responded to Agatha's concerns. "Don't worry, Agatha. I am not one to embrace self-destruction. I'm ready to sacrifice all my possessions if it means I can get the things I want in exchange.

However, that is not the path I wish to tread.

I indeed built this city to help me in this project of mine. And I will indeed make use of it. But I refuse to let my achievements crumble merely due to obligations imposed by a certain old hag," he assured.

With the final morsel consumed, Eren set aside his empty plate, allowing his words to flow freely. "Throughout history, people have willingly relinquished something dear to them in pursuit of another prized possession. However, if we delve deeper into this concept, we realize that they inevitably forfeit something of equal worth in the process. It is the law of equivalent exchange, as they say," he explained, his voice filled with a profound understanding.

A mischievous grin curved Eren's lips as he continued, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of determination and cruelty. "But assholes like me are not content with accepting such boundaries. We yearn to challenge the very foundations of this law. I refuse to be confined to choosing between two opposing extremes. Instead, I crave both and intend to shatter the delicate balance of this world for my selfish take on life," he declared, subtle laughter escaping his lips, permeating the air around him. His eyes reflected an unwavering resolve, unyielding to any obstacle that stood in his way.

"What are you going to do? Is it a Sage Ranker you are up against? Why not seek help from Rodrick?" Agatha asked Eren while looking at him with concern.

Eren savored the weight of Agatha's concern as she inquired about his plans. Her eyes bore a flicker of worry, sensing the potential danger that lay ahead. With a hint of amusement dancing across his features, Eren shook his head gently in response. "It's not a mere Sage Ranker I'm up against," he clarified, his voice carrying a tinge of excitement. "I'm dealing with an Old Monster, once feared by the entire Anfang Alliance. And to confront this ancient threat, I must first challenge an organization that is equally dangerous to me.

As for seeking help from Rodrick..."

Eren paused, his expression tinged with skepticism. "If Rodrick were privy to my intentions, he would be the first to lock me away and seize everything I've built. And truthfully, I can't fault him for that if I look at it from his perspective. Unleashing this monster upon the world poses a threat not just to me, but to all of Anfang."

Eren released a resigned sigh, sinking back into his chair as the image of Reen flashed through his mind, stoking a suppressed frustration within him. Agatha's next question hung delicately in the air, her voice gentle but laden with wisdom. "Are there other alternatives? Can running away solve this problem for the time being?

Do you remember, Eren? You had once told me that I shouldn't let my plans for the future destroy my prospects for the future. If you are still not ready to..."

Agatha's words echoed his previous advice, a reminder of the consequences that accompany every action taken. Agatha implored Eren to proceed cautiously, suggesting that the execution of the Lazarus Project be postponed until they were better prepared to face the repercussions.

Aware of the limitations of his guild, Eren acknowledged the truth in her words. Compared to the established guilds with their Sage Rankers, his own guild was but a nascent entity, its growth promising but still lacking in experience. Realistically, it would take a century or two, for his guild to pose a legitimate challenge to the established powers like House Lancelot. And he had a decade, at most.

Understanding Agatha's concerns, Eren offered her a wry smile before responding. "Time, Agatha, is a luxury I cannot afford. Don't misunderstand me, I appreciate the importance of meticulous planning and the safety it provides. And I will try to plan as much as I can. I also don't disagree with the advice I once shared with you.

However, life has a peculiar way of throwing curveballs, rendering all our preparations obsolete. It forces us to reveal our hand and engage in battles where victory seems impossible." Agatha interjected, urgency creeping into her voice, urging Eren to retreat and confront these challenges when the time was right

Eren's laughter filled the air, laced with unwavering determination. "Everyone runs from their problems when they feel overwhelmed, seeking a fight they know they can win," he began, his tone resolute. "But the balance of this world can only be shattered by those who acknowledge their destined defeat and yet choose to stand their ground. Their battle isn't with their opponent but with destiny itself. And those who triumph over destiny are granted the power to rewrite it.

I want to be that person who can rewrite his destiny. I am willing to go to any lengths to make that happen," he proclaimed, his confidence radiating.

Agatha couldn't help but perceive the imminent danger that Eren was about to face with his forthcoming project. Yet, he regarded it as an integral part of his personal ascent, akin to a stepping stone.

It was as if he craved the weight of this task upon his shoulders, knowing that once he emerged on the other side, he would transcend his own limitations and soar to unprecedented heights. Heights that the world of Anfang was ill-equipped to contain.

"You...you are truly evil," Agatha uttered, captivated by Eren's chuckle and the aura that emanated from him. A part of her was also smitten with this side of his. Eren found amusement in her words, tilting his head slightly and peering at Agatha with an innocent gaze. "My darling, I eat people for my gains. Do you think you can offend me by labeling me as evil? Kekeke." he replied with a touch of playfulness, resting his head upon his folded hand that lay upon the breakfast table.

Agatha beamed at Eren, her understanding smile reflecting the recognition of his unwavering ambition. She had always known him to be a man with grand dreams, someone who achieved greatness by daring to reach for the stars. And at that moment, Agatha realized that her role was not to hinder his risk-taking endeavors but rather to provide unwavering support in his pursuit of greatness.

***

After their brief discussion about the Lazarus Project, Eren, and Agatha resolved to embark on an intricate planning session to shape the future of the city and the White Raven Guild. Eren began by detailing the various alliances and agreements he had forged with half-blood clans, influential merchant families, House Remus, and even the secluded Amazonians.

Agatha couldn't help but feel a jolt of surprise at the mention of the closed-off society of Amazonians, but her years of handling guild matters had trained her to maintain composure even in the face of startling news. Taking out her Status Screen, she diligently recorded Eren's words, analyzing the information and suggesting alternative approaches as they delved deeper into the planning process.

A crucial decision emerged as Eren proposed that the White Raven Guild cease all monster subjugation missions. He reasoned that channeling all available resources into the upcoming war with the kingdom of Layos would yield more substantial returns, considering the lucrative contracts secured from Edinburgh.

Agatha assimilated this information and began briefing Eren on the guild's potion-manufacturing operations. Summoning Marie into her office, she entrusted her with the responsibility of continuing the briefing.

Marie and Arizihana had previously met with Eren, but their previous encounter had not delved into the specifics of the guild's business affairs per se. Now, the pending discussion unfolded, allowing Eren to grasp the intricacies, strengths, and challenges surrounding potion production.

Guiding the ladies accordingly, he designated Arizihana as the leader of a specialized team dedicated solely to procuring the raw ingredients necessary for potion-making. With established connections to the Amazonians and the half-blood clans, who were willing to provide valuable resources under the right circumstances, Arizihana would act as the primary point of contact in dealing with these organizations regarding the procurement of raw ranking ingredients.

Before this, Eren had already convened meetings with Levine, her senior clan members, and representatives of House Derringer. The purpose of these joint meetings was to determine the future of White Raven City and the allocation of revenue shares among the involved parties.

Each side retained their respective shares while taking on additional responsibilities. For the time being, Eren enlisted House Derringer's aid in creating mass weapons for various organizations. While Alephee could handle the upscaling of existing weapons, House Derringer would serve as a secondary source for customized requests and time-sensitive batch production. The clan possessed the necessary expertise and expressed willingness to support Eren's cause, in turn receiving a significant share of the profits.

Furthermore, Eren personally met with Renita, Tuan Aag, Tumko Darata, Katalina, Drin Dawn, Bianka Bluedust, Grandmaster Amory, and Jiana, each leading their own squads. He disclosed the guild's acceptance of war-related contracts from Edinburgh and called upon them to officially contribute to the kingdom's campaign. He told them that he would join them from time to time in their raids, asking them to support each other's squads in the future.

In light of the looming threats, Eren decided to have Sara settled within the secure confines of the City of White Raven. Offering her a stable supply of ranking resources and an ideal environment, he ensured that she could resume taking missions when her experience as a Ranker was proportional with her actual Rank.

Nina was advised by Eren to remain in the city for the time being as well, taking up residence in the Corvo Bianco estate. This would provide her with the opportunity to further her studies in arrays and healing potions. Eren was cautious of Demonmir's insidious attacks and emphasized the importance of Nina following his advice. She would only participate in military missions led by Jiana Jihang and featuring Levine in the squad.

Over the course of the past five days, Eren had established a brand-new media house under the auspices of the White Raven Guild. Taking the opportunity to meet with Viviana Falmas AKA Vixen, he appointed her as the head of this sister organization.

Meanwhile, the artists invited during Eren's graduation ceremony had arrived in the city, ready to collaborate with Argo and the White Raven Media House, transforming the city of White Raven into a thriving hub of entertainment for the people of Edinburgh. Thanks to his connections with Rodrick, Eren secured broadcasting rights from Edinburgh, which would potentially allow him to influence public opinion and profit from the wartime situation.

In a separate meeting with Argo and Agatha, Eren shared his plans to establish a chain of restaurants. He tasked Agatha with creating a comprehensive and feasible plan for Argo, ensuring a successful launch and sustained growth even amidst the backdrop of war. Leveraging the White Raven Media House's resources, they would promote the prospective restaurant chain, reaching the masses and generating profits from the very beginning.

Another significant development saw Eren designate a forbidden zone within a corner of the Kukenan Plateau, deep within the confines of his city. Implementing isolation magic arrays and other security measures, he ensured the region's complete isolation.

Drawing forth Sansara World 2.0, he finally reunited with Maya, who expressed her profound gratitude for helping her escape Edinburgh's control undetected. Maya pledged to remain in the White Raven City until it was safe for her to explore the world of Anfang freely.

Maya also promised to shed light on Eren's inquiries concerning Sansara Sage and his creation, only requiring him to find a suitable moment to listen. Understanding her desire, Eren granted her request to roam the streets under a false identity, knowing that as long as she stayed within the city's borders, her safety was assured.

Thus, the last five days witnessed Eren meticulously attending to his affairs, and meticulously planning for the future. The sixth day unfolded with the same sense of purpose as he engaged in extensive discussions with Agatha and her colleagues, leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.

***

The eve of the sixth day unfolded in grandeur as the vibrant notes of music filled the air. Argo, a rising star, was set to perform in a specially constructed stadium within the city of White Raven.

The anticipation was palpable as people from all walks of life gathered to witness his captivating charisma. The stadium overflowed with enthusiastic fans, their cheers resounding before Argo even took the stage.

The concert was not limited to Argo alone; it also served as a platform for Viviana and her team of talented artists to showcase their craft through theatrical plays and musical performances.

The songs that had become popular, paying tribute to notable figures such as The Boar Berserker Steve, and Grimdawn, added to the fervor of the crowd. Viviana ingeniously incorporated these songs, along with the ones sung by Eren and others at the graduation ceremony, into intricate theatrical spectacles. The concert, along with the plays, was broadcasted by the White Raven Media House throughout the kingdom of Edinburgh, marking Eren's successful foray into the world of media.

Amidst the exhilarating atmosphere, Eren quietly observed the concert, content to let his subordinates take center stage. He remained concealed, allowing others to bask in the limelight he had created. As the seventh day dawned, he prepared himself for the journey to the City of Lancelot.

***

A week had passed since Eren's arrival in his city.

During this time, Eren tied up loose ends before embarking on his next endeavor. Layla and Ivor awaited him in Lancelot, ready to provide valuable insight and initiate the initial contact. Eren planned to assess the situation in the city and carefully analyze the information gathered by his allies before deciding on his next course of action.

The Lazarus Project loomed before him, a complex undertaking that demanded utmost caution and strategic prowess. Obtaining the possessions of House Lancelot's well-protected secrets was the crucial first step, setting the stage for the subsequent phases of the project.

However, Eren was acutely aware of the challenges posed by House Lancelot's formidable influence. The repercussions of his direct involvement in this ambitious endeavor, if came to light, could jeopardize everything he had meticulously built thus far. Nonetheless, he had prepared diligently for this moment, taking calculated steps in anticipation of the Lazarus Project. Now, the time had come for him to act.

Eren understood the gravity of the Lazarus Project's success. He recognized that a mere decade was an inadequate timeframe for such an audacious undertaking by any stretch of the imagination. Nevertheless, he was constrained by Eliza's diminishing lifeline, which hung precariously in the balance. If he failed, Reen's safety would be imperiled.

With a swirl of contemplation encompassing his mind, Eren silently departed from the city of White Raven. Accompanied only by Alephee and Kirin, he embarked on his journey toward destiny.

Casting a lingering gaze behind him, he took a deep breath, finding solace in the vast deserted expanse ahead. As his horse galloped forward, gradually blending into the horizon, Eren murmured to himself, "When the dust settles, history will either crown me as the greatest villain of my time or erase me from its pages altogether.

Only time will reveal the verdict."

===

AN: Can be skipped.

We bid farewell to the sixth volume of VEH– Advent of War– with this chapter release. It packed a lot of information and action despite its relatively small chapter count.

Eliza's introduction was perhaps the first true turning point for VEH. Looking ahead, the upcoming Lazarus Project holds the promise of being another pivotal juncture in VEH's storyline. As such, it will be a very thrilling volume to write and read about.

To ensure the seamless progression of the narrative, I will be taking a one-week hiatus to prepare for the forthcoming volume. Normal releases are expected to resume around the 27th of this month or at the beginning of the following month.

I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the readers. Your continued support and engagement have been invaluable, and I extend special thanks to our top contributors.

You are invited to share your expectations for the upcoming volume or reflect on the events of "Advent of War" in the comment section.

That's about it. Thanks and see you in the next volume. Cheers! :)