Epic Of The Demonic Sage

Having learned more about his gift, Lucius wanted to do more tests. He learned that he could fully reveal the information about a common ranked gift. As for an uncommon ranked gift, he would get information till the evolution requirement but not the actual method of upgrading.

And as expected, the uncommon ranked gifts needed a Rune beast's Rune Crystal as well. This gave Lucius a good guess about how the requirements increased with each rank, with common rank gifts only needed Aether crystals, Uncommon needing Rune Crystals as an additional requirement, and then finally a rare ranked crystal needing additional materials like ores.

Lucius did not have the opportunity to check what the requirements for the upgrade to an Epic ranked Gift were, but he reckoned that they should definitely require more types of items for it.

Today was the day Lucius had decided would be his last with Kain. He reckoned he had learned enough from Kain, and now he could learn the rest on his own.

Lucius closed the notebook and placed it on the side as he looked at Kain.

"As good as always, Asher." Kain said, praising him.

"I have you to thank as well, master Kain. If it were not for you, I would not have learned everything so fast." Lucius said. "Also, master Kain, I was thinking we can now wrap up our lessons from today. I think I'm now capable enough to learn the rest on my own." Lucius added.

Kain looked a bit confused after hearing Lucius' words but nodded. He gave a self-depreciating smile and said, "seems like the teacher could not keep up with the student, haha."

"We will just be ending our current lessons, Master Kain. I would still like to learn more about rune beasts from you in the future." Lucius explained.

"Ah, of course. It will be my please teaching you more about them." Kain said with a smile.

He then turned around to pick up his bag and brought it to the front. He rummaged through the bag before taking out a slightly rusty metal badge.

"Take this, it's a visitor badge that you can use to enter the Artificers guild. If you need help from me, you can come visit." Kain said.

Lucius took the badge which had the symbol of the artificers guild carved on it and thanked Kain. He then walked him to the entrance of the mansion and bid him farewell.

"That's one thing off the routine…" Lucius muttered to himself.

"Are you gonna focus on the wine brewing now?" Kiana who had overheard Lucius, asked.

"Well… not exactly. Wine is just one of the things and it won't need much since we've already have a grasp on the recipe. There is a little fine-tuning that will be needed once we set up the large brewery, but we should be fine for now. 

I'll be doing some other things now, like learning more about the gifts and our situation with the Viscount." Lucius answered.

"I see… seems like your days would only get more busy from now on," Kiana stated.

"You have no idea…" Lucius replied while staring out at the sky.

***

Hours passed, and Lucius was now practicing his swordsmanship with John. 

"Young Lord, there is a letter for you." A servant suddenly interrupted them.

The blunt iron sword in Lucius's hand trembled as he stopped it in mid-motion. He then put it down on the side and wiped his face with the towel that Kiana had just given him.

"Pass it to me." Lucius extended his hand.

The servant gave him the letter before taking his leave. Lucius curiously looked at the letter, wondering who it was that sent him the letter. This was the first time he was getting one ever since he took over Asher's body.

Lucius looked at the wax seal on the letter but saw that it was a plain seal with no symbol.

"Hmm… who could it be from?" Lucius muttered before cracking the wax seal and flipping open the envelope.

"Paul Faulkner?" Lucius read the name mentioned.

He recalled that this was one of Asher's old friends and had come to visit him a few times when he was paralyzed. He was the son of a rich merchant who had managed to buy his way into the ranks of nobility a long time ago.

'Dear Asher,

Where have you been these days? I haven't met you for a lorn time now. Andrew, me, and the rest were wondering if you got sick again. At first, I had thought you would come to meet us when you got healed, but we didn't hear anything from you.

I couldn't be patient anymore and thus wrote you a letter. 

Now to the main part; there is a party that is going to be held soon and I want us all to go there. We haven't had fun in a long time together and I think it would be a good opportunity to catch up.

The party I'm talking about is being organized by Bethany of the Harrels Barony. A lot of noble heirs will be there, and I heard even the son of Viscount Drew will be there. Andrew and I have been invited and you can join us as well. 

Don't worry about the invitation as I think she didn't invite you because your family is above her's and she was probably afraid. So just hurry up and agree, the party will be next Friday.

I'll be waiting for your response.

Paul Faulkner.'

"What does it say?" Kiana who had been standing at the side, asked.

"Hmm… it is Paul. He is asking me to join him and the others at a party." Lucius said.

"A party? Where?" Kiana asked, feeling interested.

"It's organized by the daughter of Baron Harrels, Bethany. Apparently, a lot of people are coming." Lucius answered.

"Well then, are you gonna go? I think it will be a good change of pace for you. It will help you get back into the social circles." Kiana suggested.