Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

Baelin proposed a challenge to Leo, allowing him to delve into artifact creation.

"If you are that much in a hurry to make spirit artifacts of your own, we need to start from the basics from this very moment. Your first task would be to stay involved in the artifact creation process with me for 6 days straight without taking Ravid's help.

If you can last for 6 days straight with me, I'll start teaching you the fundamentals of spiritual artifact creation. If I teach right and you learn right, you should be able to handle Shallot's Mirror within a month," Baelin declared as he concentrated on the task at hand.

Leo's eyes shone with determination as he heard Baelin's words. Clenching his fists, he started maintaining the array with much more focus than before.

Leo understood that this was the crucial test he needed to pass in order to gain the privilege of using Shallot's Mirror within Baelin's smithy. With determination in his heart, he set aside all other distractions and focused solely on observing Baelin's work.

Every move and adjustment made by the Grandmaster dwarf was carefully analyzed by Leo, who in turn made fine-tuned adjustments to the array's operability. He ensured that his actions did not hinder Baelin's weapon creation process in any way, demonstrating his skill and dedication.

***

Around a month later. Less than a year remains for Eliza's resurrection.

Grandmaster Baelin's smithy.

"Leo, my boy," called out Baelin to Leo Longblade, who had just completed the creation of a transcendent-grade spear.

"Coming," Leo replied, taking a moment to admire his finished product with a smile of satisfaction. Placing the spear gently on the work table, he made his way up the raised platform where Grandmaster Baelin was seated, climbing the stairs slowly until he stood before the venerable craftsman.

Pausing from his scroll reading, Baelin looked at his apprentice and inquired, "How was it? Did you follow the guidelines I provided for creating that quadruple element-compatible weapon?"

Leo beamed and nodded in response, saying, "Yes, Teacher Baelin. At first, I wondered why you assigned me to craft such a specialized weapon when none could effectively wield it in Edinburgh. But I understood it was one of your tests, and I completed the assignment exactly as you requested. Please take a look."

Baelin chuckled, pleased with Leo's understanding and diligence. Without delay, he tapped his desk, causing the weapon to vanish from Leo's table and appear before Baelin on his work desk. The Grandmaster examined Leo's creation closely, infusing it with his mana and Mana Sense to assess its quality. Satisfied with the craftsmanship, he smiled at Leo and offered well-deserved praise for his efforts.

"Hahaha! You've truly surpassed my expectations, brat," Baelin exclaimed, his face displaying a mix of surprise and admiration. "By crafting such a magnificent transcendent-grade weapon, you've proven that you're more than ready to learn everything from me. It seems you were not kidding when you said you are ready to start creating the spiritual artifacts on your own. I must admit, I might have underestimated the extent of your Spiritual Force."

Baelin's praise for Leo's craftsmanship was evident, and he looked at his apprentice with newfound respect and excitement for the possibilities that lay ahead.

But he quickly adopted a hushed tone as he continued, "However, I must clarify that this spear isn't meant for anyone in Edinburgh. It's actually just a sample commissioned by customers outside the kingdom through a third party."

Leo's eyes widened in surprise, and he spoke in a doubtful tone, "Teacher Baelin, you're not planning to sell this weapon to someone from the kingdom of Layos, are you? That could cause trouble for all of us..."

Baelin raised a finger to his lips, gesturing for Leo to keep his voice down. "Calm down, you fool. I would never sell weapons to Layos; that would be self-sabotage," Baelin reassured him. "This sample is for the Amazonians, the ones resisting the Asikha Empire. They'll test the weapon's performance before placing an order. I want to keep this discreet because I still have customers within the Asikha Empire, and selling to their enemies would be awkward," Baelin explained with a wry smile.

Leo's frown transformed into a knowing smile, laced with ambition, as he absorbed Baelin's words. It became evident that the Amazonians had shifted their focus towards acquiring custom-made weapons from renowned weaponsmiths and esteemed establishments.

The White Raven Guild, while still engaged in mass trading with the Amazonians through the non-exclusive contract, could not cater to their specific needs for specialized weapons nine years ago when Eren first struck a deal with them. Hence, Eren had proposed seeking such weapons elsewhere. Now, the Amazonians were determined to equip their special executives and lieutenants with these tailor-made spiritual weapons.

Understanding the reason behind Baelin's request for a quadruple-element spear, Leo realized its significance. As most Amazonians were Elementalists, they possessed the unique ability to wield multiple elements with exceptional proficiency. These specialized spiritual weapons were meant to unleash their true potential.

Leo's transcendent-grade spear was not yet complete. Baelin would utilize the Soul Seed insertion Array and Shallot's Mirror to process the weapon further, transforming it into a full-fledged spiritual artifact before sending it to the Amazonians. Only after thoroughly confirming its quality and spiritual amplification would the Amazonians place a weapon consignment with Baelin, sealing their partnership.

The Eren hiding within Leo's skin couldn't help but find amusement in the situation with the Amazonians. They were unknowingly benefiting from both his mass trade weapons and the specialized ones crafted under Baelin's name. And by doing so, they were about to pay him for both types of weapon consignments.

This situation reminded one of a colossal corporation running two shell companies, each with its own distinct branding and customer base. One catered to the majority, offering affordable products, while the other targeted the elite, producing exclusive, high-quality items.

To the unsuspecting masses, it appeared as though they had options to choose from, two separate entities meeting their specific needs. However, unbeknownst to them, both companies were under the control of a single entity, creating an illusion of choice where none truly existed.

The option to choose was a mirage, cleverly crafted to give the appearance of diversity while serving a single purpose.

Eren's guild had entered a non-exclusive contract with the Amazonians, but the deal seemed almost insignificant considering his involvement in producing specialized spiritual weapons under Baelin's name.

This situation made the contract more of a jest than a binding agreement. Regardless of how the Amazonians decided to obtain their weapons, Eren would ultimately reap the benefits, leaving him with the upper hand in their arrangement.

AN: The White Raven Guild entered a non-exclusive contract with the Amazonians in chapter 1297.