Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil



Minerva paused, considering Eren's question before responding thoughtfully.

"I would attribute the synthesis of Andrium to a fusion of my expertise in both potion-making and alchemy. Yet, there's another piece of the puzzle that most wouldn't come to see. Otherwise, Anfang's Rankers might have deciphered my formula long ago.

My Virtue Series Marks played a crucial role in devising this method. Had you acquired these Marks, you wouldn't have needed to retain the Array Disk exclusively. Mastery of the techniques stored within, coupled with the Virtue Series Marks as a conduit, could have enabled you to create your personalized Andrium.

However, since you lack these Marks, this Array Disk would also serve you as a transcendent-grade artifact. It can act as a conduit for you to synthesize your unique Andrium variety."

Minerva's words unfolded the tale of her ingenuity.

"One of these Array Disks has been seamlessly integrated into the Utopia's construct, ceaselessly producing Andrium ingots as rewards for the fledgling entities who venture here. This serves as another essential facet of my inheritance."

Walking amidst the suspended array of resources, Minerva explained the reason behind the mystery surrounding the creation of Andrium, one that baffled countless Sage-ranked alchemists and potion makers.

The intent-based magic that Minerva harnessed, capable of producing an unending abundance of Andrium ingots, defied replication through conventional reverse engineering.

The intricacies of this type of magic remained elusive to the regular Rankers of Anfang. It allowed Minerva to become a legendary figure among the present Sages for accomplishing the seemingly impossible – bestowing upon the world an endless supply of Andrium that was believed to be very limited in quantity and exclusively the product of nature.

'This Array Disk might not be useful to me while I'm still in Anfang. But it's a treasure with lots of opportunities. I can even make use of it when I finally enter the otherworlds,' Eren ruminated, his gaze fixated on the gleaming golden disk cradled in his palm.

A premonition whispered to him that Minerva's gift possessed an enduring capacity, perhaps even the potential to forge his fortune beyond Anfang. This was a gift that would keep on giving as long as he made the right use of it.

In this world, Eren's wealth and influence had burgeoned, but he acknowledged that he would be a nobody beyond the Anfang's confines. Minerva's bestowment, he speculated, could transmute into a wealth-generating machine in the wider cosmos.

Storing the Array Disk within his ID Storage, Eren turned his attention to the array of other rewards. Among Minerva's treasures, one item beckoned to him with particular allure – a colossal runic scroll spanning thirty feet. Eren extended his hands, a gentle infusion of mana coaxing the scroll's contents to life. His gaze descended upon the intricate array embedded on the parchment, seeking to decode the mysteries concealed within its intricacies.

"Hmm? This... appears to be a creature-summoning formation," Eren noted, his focus riveted on the complex magic circle pattern etched onto the scroll. The material itself exuded an essence akin to the essence of powerful S-Rank Woodland Creatures, bestowing an aura of inherent might upon the scroll's very substance.

Unbeknownst to Minerva, Eren's array mastery and summoning expertise paralleled his prowess in combat and potion craft. Hence, her impressed gaze rested upon him as he unraveled the foundational principles enshrouding the ancient and intricate runic array. With a subtle gesture, Minerva directed his attention to an adjacent volume.

"Indeed, Eren. What you're seeing is a Mandrake Formation, capable of summoning a limitless amount of Mega Mandrakes, as long as you have enough Extols to support its operability.

By tweaking its configuration, you can extend its use to summon a spectrum of Woodland Creatures. Look over there. The book beside it describes the procedure of utilization and adaptations needed for summoning diverse Woodland Creatures," Minerva elaborated, her tone laden with imparted wisdom.

Eren realized that Minerva's legacy encompassed not only the perpetual yield of Andrium ingots but also the limitless summoning of the Mega Mandrakes, thanks to this ingenious summoning formation. Notably, the summoning threshold of Mega Mandrakes had been intentionally calibrated to the C-Rank, likely to ensure equilibrium for Expert Rank combatants.

However, the formation Eren had been rewarded as extended beyond such confines. It presented Eren with the potential to conjure even S-Rank Mega Mandrakes, though the consequences of this action could be perilous. Eren, of course, wasn't recklessly prone to summoning entities beyond his control in the first place.

Eren's eyes, gleaming like emeralds, danced with excitement as he glanced over the contents of the opened book. What he discovered was that Minerva's rewards resonated beyond his expertise as a potion maker, embracing his roles as an array master and summoner.

This singular array formation, coupled with its accompanying tome, unveiled a realm of possibilities that encompassed Eren's diverse skill set. He could use this reward in creative ways to make the most of it.

The Andrium Radix, though brimming with potential, demanded diligent study before its benefits could be harnessed. Conversely, the Mandrake Formation Scroll beckoned immediate utilization, an opportunity Eren was eager to embrace.

'Hmm. This Mandrake Formation is useful indeed. It can be used for summoning Woodland Creatures to serve as alchemical resources or potioning materials.

But that shouldn't be its only application. In my hands, it'll soon become something entirely different. Keke. I'm glad I met with Minerva here and cleared her Utopia.

In the grand scheme of things, battle prowess alone isn't everything. Sage Minerva is not like the other Sages I have met till this point. I needed someone like her to guide me in the right direction when it comes to my side professions. My side professions are the ones that'll help me put food on the table right after stepping outside Anfang after all.'

Eren contemplated, his gaze transfixed on the intricate runic pattern hovering above him. Proficiencies in potion-making, array manipulation, and summoning intertwined within him, equipping him to explore uncharted applications for this gift beyond even Minerva's conception.

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AN: Andrium and Mega Mandrakes were explained in chapter 466.