Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil



"Hmm? What is this shiny golden thing?"

Eren inquired with a curious tone, retrieving an array disk that hovered nearby.

Levitating around him were a plethora of rare ranking resources, awaiting his scrutiny and appraisal. These valuable items constituted the official rewards he could rightfully claim after successfully acing all four of Minerva's tests.

Eren's attraction to the array disk was due to its unique aura. Fashioned from a gleaming, golden-like substance, it possessed a weightiness that belied its palm-sized dimensions. While easily concealable within one's sleeve, this compact disk was surprisingly hefty, weighing approximately 5000 lbs — one of the most bizarre ranking resources Eren had come to witness.

Its surface was etched with enigmatic runes distinct from the runic symbols and formations commonplace in Anfang. Though not well-versed in the intricacies of Virtue Series Marks, Eren sensed that Minerva had harnessed the power of these marks through Intent-based Magic to craft this array disk. He could discern that Minerva had channeled all her expertise into its creation.

Having acceded to Eren's request, Sage Minerva extended to him the core inheritance rewards stowed within her created Utopia. Given that the omission of the Virtue Series Mark had been deemed the penalty Eren bore, Minerva had bestowed upon him all the other pivotal aspects of her legacy.

Minerva's smile widened as Eren's fingers curled around the array disk. She regarded the item for a moment before revealing, "Eren, this array disk is what I've named Andrium Radix. It encompasses the perpetual Andrium synthesis method." Her revelation caught Eren off-guard, his eyes widening in astonishment.

Minerva believed that the Virtue Series Marks constituted the heart of her legacy. While that held true to some degree, obtaining the means to independently generate Andrium was just as vital, if not more so, for Eren.

Andrium's plentifulness within Minerva's Utopia was due to the ingenious array disk she had concocted. By combining her prowess as a potion-maker and alchemist with access to Intent-based Magic, Minerva had blurred the lines between the achievable and the implausible, making it possible for Minerva's Utopia to offer Andrium ingots as a common reward.

Minerva had ingeniously devised a distinct method for creating Andrium through the utilization of potions as catalysts. This process remained an enigma to the denizens of Anfang, confounding even the most astute potioners, array masters, and alchemists. Yet, this mystery didn't dissuade them from venturing into Minerva's Utopia as participants, eager to lay their hands on the prized Andrium ores granted as rewards.

Observing Eren's fascination with the array disk, Minerva felt a sense of satisfaction. It was evident that he was fascinated with the disk not merely as a Potioner but also as an artisan of artifacts. After all, Minerva excelled in enhancing artifact capabilities by infusing them with the power of potions. As Eren gazed at the array disk, his eyes brimming with the curiosity of a researcher, Minerva could discern the birth of diverse ideas in his mind.

'This… this is big. I already had an abundant supply of Andrium ever since I found my city. But this thing right here… It's the very golden goose that has been laying golden eggs for me,' Eren looked at the Array Disk with anticipation as he thought to himself.

The knowledge of creating Andrium presented Eren with uncharted prospects. This very knowledge would enable him to fabricate Andrium alloy using the insights, techniques, and research materials encapsulated within the array disk.

Eren had intentions of crafting Hex Artifacts, and the acquisition of the array disk alone made him believe that enduring the trials to claim Minerva's Legacy had been utterly worthwhile. For a weaponsmith like Eren, seizing command over the inception of weapon creation from its very roots was very crucial. It meant the ability to craft exceedingly potent Hex Artifacts that seamlessly resonated with his essence.

The enhanced Andrium served as a superior foundation for crafting these new Hex Artifacts, acting as a more effective conduit for Intent-based Magic. This would facilitate Eren in elevating his offensive and defensive prowess to unprecedented levels.

Minerva's laughter resonated as she observed Eren becoming absorbed in his thoughts. With a melodic yet commanding voice, she redirected his attention toward her.

"Hehe, it seems you DO understand the opportunities I've bestowed upon you through this array disk, Eren. To be honest, I initially contemplated withholding this item from my potential successor, intending to monopolize its benefits for myself.

What alchemist would willingly unveil the recipe for a creation that only they possess the capacity to make? Such a disclosure would amount to forfeiting the wealth, status, and a plethora of other advantages heading their way.

Even if I had left Anfang, I wouldn't have revealed this secret to anyone. After all, there's a possibility you would leave Anfang and come to where I am. It would mean I created a competitor for myself using my own hands," Minerva appraised Eren intently as she spoke.

"Why offer me something like this then?"

Eren questioned, his brows furrowed as he regarded Minerva. She gently took the Array Disk from Eren's grasp, treating it as a cherished creation. A sigh of fond nostalgia escaped her lips before she continued.

"The reasoning behind my decision to grant you this Array Disk is relatively straightforward," Minerva explained, her voice a blend of reflection and explanation.

"After departing from Anfang, my understanding of the craft delved even deeper, enabling me to conceive revolutionary creations that I could monopolize. Furthermore, a bit of guilt for withholding the Virtue Series Marks from you played a role. Thus, I chose to offer you this – the sole conduit within Anfang that not only enables the synthesis of Andrium but also empowers you to forge your unique strains of Andrium alloys."

Eren's gratitude manifested in a warm smile, prompting his next inquiry.

"Keke. I'm grateful, Sage Minerva. But how did you manage to fabricate Andrium, a substance believed to solely exist in nature? Was it your prowess in potion-making or mastery of alchemy that made it possible?"