Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"However, there is something that I would like to ask…" Asher said.

Upon Asher's opening words, Kiana, Count Gabriel and Countess Lita immediately found themselves intrigued and excited about what he would ask for.

'In the past, Asher expressed his interest in visiting the Grand Repository of Etara to obtain more knowledge. Perhaps Priest Maleck will now be more lenient and give a chance to visit that place without needing to expose, Asher's identity?' Kiana thought silently. 'A bit unlikely, based on how he said it… but he still has to listen to Asher.'

'Of course. Even with this sudden revelation of Asher's gift, it would not simply be Etara benefiting from this kind of arrangement but my son as well. What will he be asking for? It has to be something that our family won't be able to provide easily, but something that the church has in abundance.' Count Gabriel mused to himself.

'I'm proud to know that my son is already opening up to the role and knowing what to ask for. He had expressed his interest on rune beasts and artifacts before, had used them during the incident with Bergan's Band, will it be related to that?' Countess Lita wondered.

"Just say the word, Young Lord Asher." Priest Maleck said immediately, unaware of the thoughts of everyone else in the room. "I will try to assist you as much as I can."

"That is much appreciated. While I do not wish for my status to be revealed all at once, I would still like your help in regards to obtaining books and other information about artifacts and their methods of manufacturing." Lucius said.

Lucius could have asked for anything, knowing that Priest Maleck would do everything in his power to obtain them for him, but this was a good start.

This was a project that Lucius wanted to do in the first place when the original Asher's friends brought him artifacts.

'Artifacts can power up my army and if I can mass-produce things, or even just create ones that are unique in the market and useful, there will be another supplement of money into the Inanis family, not withstanding what it could do to increase my reputation and value in the eyes of others.' Lucius thought.

Artifacts were an important thing in this world for those who could afford them.

And Lucius having personally benefited from artifacts with the Wind Scar Sword and June's telescope prior and so Lucius could see the possible applications if he were to have the knowledge to create them.

More importantly, this was not exactly an absurd request to ask from the Church of Etara.

Etara was the Goddess of Knowledge and thus her churches no doubt had access to a large number of books, even far more than a wealthy noble household would acquire for themselves.

"If that is what you wish, Young Lord Asher then it shall be done. I will have everything that you desire to be sent here." Priest Maleck said.

Priests of Etara were also encouraged to be scholars and to fill themselves with knowledge as much as possible in honor of the goddess and for the pursuit of knowledge alone, this was something easy for Priest Maleck.

However, a thought suddenly occurred to the Priest now that his head already cleared up a little from the effects of Veil of Terror.

"But based on the topics that you've wished to study, Young Lord Asher… is it not wrong for me to assume that you wish to become an artificer too?"

"Yes. It's something that I wish to undergo when opportunity allows me too." Lucius said. "I hope that you find no trouble with it, Priest Maleck?"

The old man shook his head vehemently, as if the thought would never occur to him and instead said.

"There is no problem, whatsoever! Instead, I believe Etara is leading you to a path that you must take, then perhaps in addition to the books and resources for artifact making, it would be better to have a teacher who can instruct you during your free time, Young Lord Asher?"

"A teacher? That does sound like a good idea, doesn't it?" Lucius said.

"Yes, with all the responsibilities of Asher, it's important to have someone who is willing to work with him on times when he is available." Countess Lita murmured.

Previously, Master Kain had already informed Lucius on the necessities of becoming part of the Artificer's Guild, and with the man's influence, it was also quite likely that Lucius could enter based on the man's recommendation and by presenting a vital study to earn their support.

'However, the path of being under the Artificer's guild would mean that there's a chance to expose further more information of how much I have to learn, something that's best avoided. Not to mention that I would be under watchful eyes.' Lucius thought.

Even though Lucius had poured most of his energy on learning everything there was to learn about this world and how to blend in with Master Kain, there were instances where his lack of knowledge could still put him in a difficult position.

The Black Rose Knight who questioned him initially nearly exposed the fact that Lucius was not aware of his own 'family' history in regards to Count Gabriel's parents and background.

'The Artificer's Guild is no doubt filled with intellectual individuals and there is quite a chance that I'll be scrutinized heavily, especially when it's someone of my station trying to become an Artificer. While they might not try to steal any artifact that I'll suggest unless they wish to earn the ire of the Inanis family, they will still analyze me well.'

Lucius truly wanted to avoid as much attention as possible, so if he were able to gain his hands on a private tutor then it was all the better.

"Then I will do my best to prevail on this individual, Young Lord Asher." Priest Maleck bowed his head.

Lucius was pleased to hear that, but he also had his own questions about this individual that the priest was talking about.