Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"May I perhaps get some answers in regards to who this teacher of mine will be?" Lucius asked.

While information like their name and position was something that Lucius was quite interested in, he was more concerned on their ability to teach more than anything else.

"Oh, you do not have to worry about their character and credentials, Young Lord Asher. This is another clergy from the Cathedral of Etara that is actually an artificer." Priest Maleck said.

"Is that so? Then I'll trust your judgment in this." Lucius said. He wanted more details, but it seemed Priest Maleck was far more interested in keeping such a thing a secret until they were to meet in person.

Or perhaps Priest Maleck was still befuddled by the Veil of Terror to think clearly.

There was no doubt still some lingering effects, even if Lucius only used it mildly.

"Although ah…" Priest Maleck placed a hand on his forehead and winced slightly. "They are actually quite a well-sought out artificer and rather busy most of the time. However, if Young Lord Asher's status as apostle is revealed then I am quite certain that this person will gladly teach you and make time in their schedule."

"Hmmm…" Lucius hummed slightly.

"I hope that you forgive me for only realizing it now, Young Lord Asher. They just instantly came to mind."

While Lucius personally preferred the idea that he kept his status a secret even from the teacher, it was almost something that he couldn't avoid at this point.

'Based on how Priest Maleck described this person, then there's no doubt that this artificer is a good one if they are being searched for by countless other individuals. Their reputation precedes them, and if they do see me as an apostle, their respect and faith will rise in me. Another possible tool to be used in the future.' Lucius thought.

"What do you think, mother and father?" Lucius decided to consult the Count and Countess.

It was mostly a token act since he had already come to a decision, but he was curious on how they judged the situation.

"I think it's a good opportunity." Count Gabriel said.

"Yes, I agree." Countess Lita nodded.

"My same line of thoughts exactly." Lucius nodded then turned to Priest Maleck. "I agree with this condition, I hope to meet them at the most expedient time possible."

"Of course! I will get my tasks done at once, Young Lord Asher." Priest Maleck bowed.

"What about your wound… and dinner, Priest Maleck?" Kiana tried to point out.

She had mostly stayed quiet throughout the entire duration but remembered all the preparations they have done prior to welcome Priest Maleck.

"It is a great honor to be invited to dine with the Inanis family, but I think it is also the will of Etara to have all of the tasks that Young Lord Asher has asked of me to be done at once."

Even while Priest Maleck spoke, he was already clearing the table where he had tried to perform the appraisal test and returned all the items he had used in the wooden box and also cleared out the shattered rune crystals.

"If you truly insist, then it seems that we cannot stop you, Priest Maleck." Lucius said.

"I will bid you farewell… Kiana will you handle his departure or assign a servant to accompany him?"

"I will do it quickly." Kiana dipped her head and then went for the door.

She quickly summoned a servant to escort Priest Maleck out and chose to remain instead.

There was no argument from the Count and Countess and they didn't even seem bothered that the Priest refused to dine with them in order to do the tasks that their son wanted him to.

It was clear to Lucius that they wished to privately speak with him once Priest Maleck was gone.

"How did it go, mother and father?" Lucius asked once the priest was gone.

He had gauged their expressions earlier as something akin to joy and relief upon the knowledge of his gift, but they still looked curious.

Even Kiana herself seemed to have questions lingering in her head, in spite of the mark of loyalty.

'Hmm… I know that creating a mark of loyalty takes quite a great amount of Hell Energy when I last did it with Kiana, but it has not occurred to me to do it with the Count and Countess.' Lucius thought. 'Gellor once showed a sensitivity to the Hell Aether before, and I know not how perceptive Count Gabriel is.

If Gellor was one in several hundreds, the Count is more than one in a thousand. Their parental affection is good in the mean time, but when the opportunity strikes, that is also something for me to consider.'

"We're so proud of you, Asher. Etara has blessed us." Countess Lita stepped forward and engulfed her son in a hug. "You… we have always loved you Asher, even when you did not have any gift. It did not make you anything less, even though you may have previously felt that way, right, Gabriel?"

"You were quite skilled with the blade, Asher." Count Gabriel nodded. "You had your talents, even prior to everything. You would have turned out as a good heir to the Inanis name before even without all of this for you are my son."

"Thank you, father."

"But this something incredible and I am happy that you have gotten this, Asher." Countess Lita finished with tears pricking in her eyes.

Lucius bit back a remark.

He had a feeling that the fact that Asher was giftless had plagued both the Count and Countess, so this news was certainly good for them.

"However, if the Priest was unable to determine the rank of your gift, I am also quite certain that you at least know the name and parameters of it. It's an instinctive thing."

Count Gabriel said. "Are you willing to tell us what the gift's name is, Asher?"

"Of course." Lucius said. While he did not have access to the Repository of Gifts that the legendary artifact of Etara had privy to, he had already seen countless gifts with his Nexus and could make one up on the spot.

Kiana's eyes widened slightly and both the Count and Countess waited with curiosity.

"It is called the Erudite Will."