Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"Is that…?" Kiana's eye widened at the sight of the Rune Crystal. It was something that she hadn't expected to see while under the impression that the transformation failed.

"Yes, it's a human Rune Crystal." Lucius nodded. "Similar to the one we found before on the man that Doyle killed."

"This is incredible, Asher!" Kiana said, but then noticed that Asher was a bit lost in his thoughts. "Asher? It's good that we can get human Rune Crystals, right?"

"It is, but we still don't know the exact reasoning behind why this happens." Lucius said.

"Well, it's bound to be because of your incredible gift." Kiana smiled. "I don't see any other reason why except for the fact that it's an additional blessing to it."

Lucius resisted the urge to shake his head. For everyone else in this world, it was still closely tied to them that anything strange could only be linked to the divine.

It made for a wonderful excuse, really.

But unfortunately, that didn't answer Lucius's questions. There were still many factors as to why gifts worked or how they came into being.

"I suppose the best thing is to really become recognized by the Artificer Guild. They will have a lot more information about the rune crystals as compared to the others." Lucius said.

"That's true." Kiana agreed, then turned to June's corpse. "Shall I dispose of this body for you now, Asher? Or do you still intend to take a look at it?"

"Give me a couple of minutes to assess all of the changes that occurred with this one."

Lucius first stored away June's Rune Crystal and then went to get his notebook. He approached the corpse of June and checked all of the subtle differences that happened with her body and compared them to Doyle and the rest's transformation.

He made several notes on them in his notebook, scribbling them with much concentration. Lucius didn't quite worry anymore if Kiana saw the other language or not, loyal as she was, and then finally closed his notebook.

"While the transformation has been a lost, it will be valuable for the future attempts that will happen in the future." Lucius said.

"You'll be making more of them for the Masked Legion." Kiana acknowledged.

"Indeed. This is just the start, Kiana." Lucius said. "When I become familiar with the process of using Rune Crystals into artifacts, we'll be able to put to good use these human Rune Crystals as well."

One could only imagine how different the Artifacts might be considering that the Rune Crystals used were human and not beast. It would offer certain uniqueness that no other competitor should be able to challenge.

They would have no idea where the Rune Crystals even came from.

Kiana listened to Asher's words attentively. How he said those things to her once again painted the very picture that Asher told about her when she swore her loyalty to him.

Absolute power for the Inanis Family, whether from wealth, strength and other means. Kiana's faith in Asher couldn't have possibly increased, but somehow it did again.

"Since you're done Asher, I'll dispose of the body now then." Kiana smiled and turned to June's corpse. "I think you should also go ahead and return to the mansion to rest some more."

Lucius knew that Kiana enjoyed serving him, and while he could have easily ordered Doyle or any other of the Lost to actually take care of June's body, he decided to let her do what she wanted.

"Very well, I shall go ahead of you and take my leave, Kiana."

"Oh wait, your hands." Kiana quickly procured a basin of water for him alongside with a towel. Lucius cleaned his hands before he bade the woman goodbye and returned to the mansion.

While Lucius already slept fifteen hours prior, it was still important to maintain a semblance of a proper sleeping schedule and which was why he returned back to bed.

When morning came, Lucius woke up to the sound of knocking on his door. A familiar voice called out to him and then eventually stepped inside the room.

Kiana had returned much later than him but didn't even look like she had spent some of her time disposing of a corpse for him.

"Good morning Asher, a letter has arrived and the Countess wishes for you to read it with her at breakfast." Kiana greeted him.

"Hmm… very well, I'll be there shortly." Lucius said.

Kiana took her leave, while Lucius prepared for the breakfast, cleaning and changing into more suitable clothes before heading into the dining hall.

"Asher!" Countess Lita smiled warmly at the sight of her son and she held up an envelope that still had its seal on. "I believe that you will be delighted to read this."

"Thank you, mother." Lucius joined her at the table as servants served him his breakfast. Kiana was also present as well and delivered the letter from the Countess to him.

​ "Here you go," Kiana said.

Lucius quickly took note of the seal and then took out the letter and read its contents. He nodded slowly in satisfaction and then handed back the letter to Kiana.

"What was it, Asher?" Countess Lita asked.

Kiana was curious as well as she handed the letter back to the Countess. Lucius quickly addressed the two people in the room.

"It came from the nobles who were with our camp along with Inanis Family's allies. It was a letter of congratulations for winning the battle and not only that…" Lucius said.

Countess Lita took the time to read the letter herself and a smile formed across her face as she read what her son didn't mention.

"Of course, it makes sense that they would want to hold a banquet to celebrate the win of the Inanis Family. This is great news."

"Indeed." Lucius agreed, but his reasons for thinking this was great news were not exactly the same as Countess Lita's. "It will also be a good opportunity to promote Humble Blaze."