Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"If that is what Apostle Asher decides then it shall be done." Bishop Reynald agreed immediately. "Let us start at once."

"I will see myself out then, Apostle Asher." Priest Maleck bowed lowly. "I will not disturb the two of you any longer."

"I'll lead you out, Priest Maleck." Kiana said.

She was mildly interested in the study of artifacts, but with other tasks on her shoulder, she needed to leave Asher to his own devices.

"What time would you like me to return, Asher? Perhaps a cup of afternoon tea or would you prefer to be called during dinner instead?"

"Hmm, as long as you let us know beforehand when you'll enter the library, it won't be of any issue, Kiana." Lucius said. "I leave it to your judgment as always."

"Okay, Asher. Thank you." Kiana smiled brightly before she left with Priest Maleck.

She was satisfied that Asher had faith in her decisions and so she would return after about three hours to give him and the Bishop something to eat.

'While I've immersed myself in studying constantly, skipping meals and such when throughly engrossed in such things, I do not think that it will be optimal to skip meals. Especially for Bishop Reynald.' Lucius thought as he glanced at the older man.

Bishop Reynald was in by no means frail or weak. With the fact that he had been an accomplished Artificer before coming into the covenant of Goddess Etara spoke of certain wealth, prestige and so there was not much to worry about.

However, the man was still old and Lucius had yet to thoroughly research if the effects of Aether was in anyway similar to Mana or scientific advancements that could prolong one's lifespan.

"Ahem." Bishop Reynald cleared his throat and inclined his head reverentially. "May I ask what level of understanding do you currently have on artifacts, Apostle Asher? We shall begin from there."

"You can teach me as if I am but a newcomer into artifacts, Bishop Reynald." Lucius said.

Normally, he would have wanted to start at an upper level and trusted his intellect to help him fill in the gaps of knowledge easily, but it was actually far better to grasp ahold of the fundamentals before starting with anything in-depth.

"Artifacts are vital to our world in the same way as gifts. While not exactly replacing gifts, they do provide a certain way in improving the lives of ordinary people and it is why Artificers work hard in building them." Bishop Reynald said then gestured to one of the lamps within the room. "It is easy to use a candle produced out of wax, but if one was able to get their hands on a lamp artifact, then they'll be able to benefit from it at a longer duration and without the risk of fire."

"Yes, there are certain benefits to it." Lucius acknowledged with a nod.

"We do our best to keep the prices of artifacts at a level where people can afford them, but the amount of time dedicated into researching, creating and the trial and error does lend to a certain price higher than what most ordinary people can afford." Bishop Reynald continued.

'That isn't exactly an issue with me. My purpose of creating them is to amass more wealth for myself.' Lucius thought silently to himself.

"But ah yes, another thing that adds to the price of such artifacts includes the necessary equipment and materials needed prior to make one. There are Artificers who can undergo a ton of materials and thus make it costly, but with careful precision and tact, we will do our best to minimize the cost associated in creation." Bishop Reynald said.

"I'd like to get a list of the equipment and materials we'll be needing, Bishop Reynald." Lucius said. He already had one or two in the re education center but knew that he might need to buy more.

"Of course, but we will begin with theoretical knowledge beforehand." Bishop Reynald said and then cleared his throat. "Now that I have given you the importance of artifacts in the lives of the community, I am sure that you are eager to undertake the creation of an artifact."

Lucius nodded. "Quite so."

"The first step is naturally the method by which one decides what is to be made. The selection can be done through either having a specific type of artifact in mind or you can focus primarily on the rune crystal from which you wish to build upon."

Lucius made a quick jot down on his notebook, although he could already see the similarities of what Bishop Reynald was speaking about to what he had learned prior.

'Artifacts. Magical Equipment. Blacksmithing. Anything manufacturing related naturally undergoes through this process beforehand.' Lucius thought to himself.

Lucius had briefly seen in the world where people could split mountains with their bare hands selecting herbs, and other precious minerals to create antidotes, potions and pills.

His own world had prided itself in combining technology and magic to create a synergy of both. Truthfully, this was not all new, but Lucius was glad that this world had formed its own body of creating knowledge.

"Do you have any specific artifact with you, Apostle Asher?" Bishop Reynald asked.

"I have a sword artifact." Lucius supplied, not providing the full details, but citing it still.

"If for example, you were to wish to create a sword artifact then it means that you have an intended shape and type of artifact in mind already. This is called targeted development and the rune crystal you'll be choosing must match the sword you wish to create. If you wish for a sword to have fire effects then you'll be in search for a specific rune crystal that provides such."

"And what if you have a rune crystal that you wish to use?" Lucius asked. He had collected many rune crystals, and knew that he could put many to good use, especially the human ones.

"Then that is under exploratory development. The artifact you'll be making is based on the gift that the rune crystal has." Bishop Reynald explained. "The first one is suitable for commercial ones, while the latter is how new artifacts are researched and developed."