Chapter 350: Money, money, money
Lucavion stepped out of the tavern into the humid embrace of Stormhaven's night. The salty tang of the ocean mingled with the cool breeze that whispered through the streets. Around him, the city bustled with nocturnal energy—merchants hawking their wares, sailors trading tales of distant shores, and workers toiling under lantern light.
He adjusted his coat against the wind, his dark eyes scanning the lively scene before settling into a steady stride.
[Why did you bring up the Duke's daughter?] Vitaliara's voice was soft yet pointed, cutting through the hum of the crowd. She drifted beside him, her translucent form flickering like a reflection caught in a rippling pool of light. [You knew something that wasn't in the rumors.]
Lucavion's lips quirked into a faint smirk. "I just heard it from somewhere," he replied, his tone light and dismissive.
[Really?] Her tail flicked with a touch of exasperation, the glow of her form brightening momentarily.
"Absolutely," he said with an easy shrug, his gaze fixed ahead. "Do you think I spend all my time sitting around? I listen, I observe, and sometimes, I just know things."
Vitaliara narrowed her glowing eyes at him. [You're deflecting again, Lucavion. That's not an answer.]
He chuckled softly, the sound low and edged with amusement. "Perhaps not. But what can I say? Mystery is part of my charm."
As they walked, the wind picked up, carrying with it the faint echo of the ocean's waves crashing against the harbor walls. Lucavion's pace slowed slightly, his smirk fading as his thoughts turned inward.
To think... Elara, here, and under such circumstances. Aelianna's illness... the timing is almost poetic.
He brushed the thought aside, his gloved hand trailing over the edge of his coat.
[What is it?] Vitaliara's voice softened, the sharpness replaced by a note of curiosity. [You're brooding again.]
"Am I?" Lucavion's smirk returned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I suppose I just find Stormhaven's nightlife... inspiring."
[Inspiring, my paw,] Vitaliara retorted, a playful flick of her tail brushing his arm. [You're planning something.]
Lucavion glanced at her, his dark eyes gleaming faintly. "Aren't I always?"
They continued down the cobbled streets, the vibrant energy of the city washing over them. Yet, as Lucavion's steps carried him closer to the harbor, the threads of the night's mysteries wove tighter around him.
The faint hum of voices and the occasional clatter of crates being moved filled the air, adding a sense of urgency to Stormhaven's midnight rhythm.
[Where are you going now?] Vitaliara's voice broke the silence between them, her presence faintly illuminated by the glow of the harbor's lamps. Her inquisitive gaze studied him closely.
Lucavion didn't break stride, his smirk reappearing, though it carried a hint of mischief. "Not much, really. There are quite a lot of things we need to do, don't you think?"
[What do you mean?] Her tone was both curious and cautious, as though already anticipating a trick.
"Well," he began, his voice taking on a conversational air, "we've been dealing with quite a few monsters, haven't we? Taking down creatures, clearing obstacles, and all that heroic nonsense. Now, it's time to make some money."
[Ah.] Vitaliara's tail flicked in mild amusement, the flicker of her form growing sharper in the dark. [Is that why you've been hoarding those storage rings from the elders of the Fire Serpent Sect?]
Lucavion chuckled, the sound low and deliberate. "Indeed."
[But why here, of all places?] she asked, her head tilting slightly, the glow of her eyes narrowing with curiosity.
Lucavion stopped at the edge of the harbor, leaning casually against a weathered post as the cool breeze teased at his coat. His smirk deepened, the gleam in his dark eyes inviting Vitaliara to delve deeper into his logic.
"Let's think this through, shall we?" he said, his tone measured and almost playful. "Start simple. For what reason do I collect monster carcasses and cores?"
[You sell them,] Vitaliara replied smoothly, her tail flicking in rhythm with her thought process.
"Exactly." He gestured lightly with a gloved hand. "Now, for what reason did I hold onto those carcasses and cores instead of selling them earlier?"
Her glowing eyes narrowed slightly in concentration. [To sell them for more,] she ventured.
"Indeed." Lucavion inclined his head, his smirk sharpening. "But then comes the key question—why would I sell them for more here, of all places?"
Vitaliara tilted her head, her translucent form shimmering faintly as she pondered his words. Her eyes suddenly brightened with realization. [Because of the Duke's expedition?]
"Exactly." He straightened, his gaze steady as he motioned toward the bustling harbor. "But here's the twist—why? How are the expedition and these materials connected?"
Her glow flickered, signaling hesitation. [Hmm... I don't know. How are they related?]
Lucavion's smirk widened, a glint of triumph lighting his features. "The answer lies in industry, Vitaliara. Monster hides, cores, and other materials are essential for crafting artifacts, armors, and weapons—everything a warrior needs for combat. Now, think about it. Who needs those materials most urgently right now?"
She blinked, her tail swishing as she pieced it together. [The adventurers and warriors gearing up for the Duke's expedition?]
"Precisely." Lucavion's voice carried a note of satisfaction. "The Duke's venture into uncharted waters has stirred the city into a frenzy. Stormhaven's adventurers, ship crews, and soldiers—all of them need supplies to survive whatever lies out there. But with so many adventurers swallowed by the sea recently, the supply chain for monster materials is strained."
Vitaliara's eyes gleamed with understanding. [And that scarcity drives the prices higher.]
Lucavion nodded, his smirk shifting into a faint smile of approval. "Exactly. Timing, Vitaliara, is everything. Selling here and now means turning what was already valuable into something invaluable. I didn't just hoard those materials; I waited for the perfect storm."
[So, you're capitalizing on their desperation,] she said, her tone a blend of awe and subtle reproach.
He laughed softly, spreading his arms in a mock display of innocence. "Is it my fault the world aligns so conveniently? Supply and demand, my dear Vitaliara. It's not just about strength; it's about knowing where to apply it."
As the wind carried the faint hum of a distant ship's horn, Lucavion turned, his stride purposeful as he moved deeper into the harbor's lively chaos. Vitaliara trailed behind, her gaze lingering on him with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.
The harbor was a hive of activity, even at this late hour. Lucavion wove through the crowd with practiced ease, his dark eyes scanning the various stalls and shops lining the waterfront. Most were closing up for the night, but a few remained open, catering to the nocturnal needs of sailors and night owls.
He paused before a weathered storefront, its windows glowing with warm lamplight. A wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, bearing the faded image of a crossed sword and quill. "Ah, here we are," Lucavion murmured, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
[The Adventurer's Guild?] Vitaliara queried, her translucent form shimmering as she read the sign.
"Indeed," Lucavion replied, reaching for the door. "The perfect place to start our little trade."
As Lucavion pushed open the heavy wooden door, the scent of parchment, ink, and leather wafted out to greet them. The interior of the Adventurer's Guild was a stark contrast to the bustling harbor outside—quiet, dimly lit, and filled with an air of anticipation.
A few late-night adventurers huddled around tables, poring over maps or discussing their next quests in hushed tones. Behind a long counter, a middle-aged woman with graying hair tied back in a severe bun looked up from her ledger, her eyes narrowing as she took in Lucavion's appearance.
"We're about to close," she said, her tone clipped and businesslike. "If you're looking to post or accept a quest, you'll have to come back in the morning."
Lucavion's lips curved into a charming smile as he smiled. "Are you sure you wish to waste this opportunity?"
Lucavion's smile never wavered as he approached the counter, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet room. The woman's eyebrow arched skeptically, her quill poised above the ledger.
"What opportunity?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "I'm afraid the opportunity you're seeking is no longer here. The Duke's expedition has already taken the best of our adventurers and resources."
Lucavion leaned in slightly, his dark eyes glinting in the lamplight. "Ah, but that's precisely where you're mistaken, my dear," he said, his voice a low, conspiratorial whisper. "The opportunity I bring is born from the very absence you speak of."
The woman's brow furrowed, her interest piqued despite her initial dismissal. "Go on," she said, setting her eyes on him. After all, she was somehow curious about this young man's confidence.
'I wonder where he gets this confidence from?'
She asked herself. And that curiosity was indeed what Lucavion had been wanting from the start.
With a fluid motion, Lucavion reached into his coat and produced an intricate device that gleamed in the dim light. It was a spatial ring. Its face shimmered with an iridescence, and symbols danced across its surface.
"Behold," Lucavion said, his voice barely above a whisper, "the fruits of my labor."
[Don't be cringe Lucavion.]
'Why not have a little fun my little Vitaliara?'
He tapped the ring's face with a gloved finger, and the spatial ring worked.
"What?"
And quite a bit of monster carcasses fell to the ground….
Chapter 351: Money, Money, Money (2)
The woman's eyes widened in astonishment as an array of monster carcasses materialized before her, each more exotic and fearsome than the last. The pungent scent of preserved flesh and magical reagents filled the air, a testament to the freshness and quality of Lucavion's wares.
A massive, scaled appendage unfurled across the polished wooden floor, its iridescent hide shimmering with an otherworldly luster. The woman's breath caught in her throat as she recognized the distinctive patterns of a Frost Wyrm, a creature found only in the frigid peaks of the Northern Reaches, far beyond Stormhaven's borders.
Beside it lay the hulking form of a Sandstorm Behemoth, its rough, sandy exterior a stark contrast to the Frost Wyrm's sleek scales. The woman's gaze darted to its massive, crystalline claws, each one easily the size of a broadsword. Such a beast hadn't been seen in these parts for decades.
"By the gods," the woman breathed, her professional demeanor momentarily forgotten. Her eyes roamed over the impressive collection, taking in the shimmering scales of a Thundercloud Serpent, the wickedly curved horns of a Shadow Stalker, and the pulsing, ethereal core of what could only be a Void Elemental.
Lucavion's smirk deepened, satisfaction glinting in his dark eyes. "I trust this qualifies as an opportunity worth your time?"
The woman's gaze snapped back at him, a newfound respect evident in her expression. "Where did you get all this?" she asked, her voice hushed with awe and a touch of wariness.
"A gentleman never reveals all his secrets," Lucavion replied smoothly, his smirk never faltering. "Let's just say I have my methods and leave it at that."
The woman's eyes narrowed slightly, but the allure of the rare materials before her was too strong to ignore. She straightened, her business acumen reasserting itself. "Very well. What exactly are you proposing?"
Lucavion's gloved hand swept gracefully over the array of monster parts. "These materials are precisely what your adventurers need for the Duke's expedition. Rare, powerful, and most importantly, available right here, right now."
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Imagine the advantage your guild could offer its members. While others scramble for scraps, your adventurers could be outfitted with the finest gear, crafted from materials most have only heard of in legends."
The woman's eyes gleamed with interest, her mind clearly racing with the possibilities. "You make a compelling case," she said, her tone measured but unable to fully mask her excitement. "But such rare materials... the cost would be exorbitant."
Lucavion's smile widened, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Ah, but that's where things get interesting. I'm not looking for just coin, my dear."
The woman's brow furrowed. "No coin? Then what do you want in exchange?"
"Nothing much. There are some materials that I need, that are really hard to find."
"Some materials?"
"Yup."
The woman's gaze sharpened as she processed Lucavion's proposal, her hands resting lightly on the counter. "Is that the reason you came here?" she asked, her tone steady but laced with intrigue.
Lucavion's smirk widened, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "You catch on fast," he replied smoothly, reaching into his coat once again. From within, he produced a folded parchment, its edges worn but the ink bold and precise.
Unfolding it with deliberate care, Lucavion laid the parchment flat on the counter, revealing a detailed list of rare herbs and materials. The woman leaned in, her sharp eyes scanning the elegant script. With each name she read, her expression shifted—from curiosity, to astonishment, to disbelief.
"This..." she murmured, her fingers tracing one of the names on the list. "These are—"
"Outrageous?" Lucavion supplied with a raised brow, his tone playful yet firm. "Yes, I thought you might say that."
The woman's eyes darted back to the collection of rare monster carcasses sprawled across the floor. Then to the list, and back again. "You're offering us a ten percent discount on some of the most sought-after materials we've seen in years... and in exchange, you expect us to procure these for you?"
Her voice rose slightly, disbelief creeping into her otherwise professional tone.
Lucavion's smirk didn't waver. If anything, it grew sharper, like a predator toying with its prey. "Precisely. Consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement. I provide your guild with an edge, and in return, you acquire what I need."
The woman shook her head, incredulous. "Do you even realize what you're asking for? Some of these—" she jabbed a finger at the list, her eyes narrowing "—are not even that cheap for you to find! Aetherium shards from the Calamity Peaks? Do you have any idea what lengths we had to go to just to locate these?"
"Heee…..So you already knew their location…..that saves a lot of time already, doesn't it?"
The woman's face flushed as she hastily covered her mouth, realizing her slip of the tongue. The weight of recent pressures and exhaustion had worn her down, leading to this momentary lapse—an embarrassing mistake for a guild master to make. She straightened, her professional composure quickly returning. "But still—"
Before she could finish, Lucavion moved, his steps deliberate and slow as he began gathering his materials. The fluidity of his actions spoke volumes, each motion a carefully choreographed display of dismissal. "I see," he said smoothly, his voice tinged with feigned disappointment. "You're not interested. It's a pity, really. I had hoped to work with the Adventurer's Guild, considering I, myself, am an adventurer. But..." He glanced over his shoulder, his smirk returning. "I suppose I'll take my business to the Merchant's Guild. They've been known to make better offers already."
The woman's eyes widened in alarm as she realized he was serious. Panic flared within her, the implications of losing such rare materials to their rivals flashing through her mind. Without thinking, she rushed forward, her hand darting out to grab his arm.
"No!" she exclaimed, her voice more forceful than she intended.
Lucavion stopped mid-step, turning his head to regard her with a raised brow. His smirk shifted into something almost teasing, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "My lady," he said, his voice low and smooth, "what should I take this for? An invitation for the night?"
The woman froze, her face reddening further as she quickly let go of his arm and stepped back. "Ahem..." she cleared her throat, fumbling to recover her dignity. "That was not my intention."
Lucavion's smirk widened, his gloved hand brushing his coat with exaggerated care. "Ah, I see. My apologies, then." He inclined his head, his tone polite but still tinged with amusement. "So, what might I take it as, Guild master?"
"You knew."
"Of course."
"…Sigh…"
The woman straightened, regaining her composure. "Consider it..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "A signal of our willingness to negotiate."
Lucavion tilted his head, his smirk softening into something more neutral but no less calculating. "Well, in that case, I believe we can continue our discussion."
The woman nodded curtly, relief flashing in her eyes as she gestured back toward the counter. "Let's return to the matter at hand. I'll need more specifics on your requirements and what adjustments we might consider for this... arrangement."
"Of course," Lucavion said, smoothly following her lead. As they resumed their positions at the counter, he leaned in slightly, his tone turning serious. "Now, about those Aetherium shards..."
Inwardly, he mused at how easily the balance of power in negotiations could shift. Vitaliara's voice echoed faintly in his mind, carrying an edge of amusement. [You really do enjoy this, don't you?]
Always, Lucavion thought with a smirk. The dance is what makes it fun.
The guild master gestured toward a quieter corner of the guild hall, a small room enclosed by glass panels etched with intricate designs. "Let's discuss this in private," she said, her tone professional as she led Lucavion inside.
The room was modest but functional, with a heavy wooden table at its center surrounded by well-worn chairs. A single lamp cast a warm glow over the space, illuminating the stack of ledgers neatly piled on one side. Lucavion settled into a chair with his usual easy grace, his dark eyes following the guild master as she placed her own papers before her.
She adjusted her spectacles, her fingers deftly flipping through the list of materials he had provided. "Now," she began, glancing at the array of monster hides still spread out in the main hall, visible through the glass panels, "let's recount everything you've brought."
The guild master ticked off each item on her list, her voice steady as she listed their properties and value. "A Frost Wyrm hide, practically flawless. The scales of a Thundercloud Serpent, imbued with latent electricity. A Sandstorm Behemoth's claws, crystalline and still resonating with its elemental magic. And this..." She paused, her gaze resting on the ethereal core of the Void Elemental. "This alone is enough to fetch a small fortune."
Lucavion leaned back in his chair, his smirk faint but ever-present. "Impressive inventory skills. Now, what's your offer?"
She glanced up from her papers, her expression carefully neutral. "For the lot, I'd propose 5,000 gold pieces. A fair price, considering the market and the rarity of these materials."
Inwardly, Lucavion's smirk sharpened, though he showed no sign of emotion outwardly. Five thousand... ambitious, aren't we?
[Vitaliara,] he murmured in his thoughts, [what do you think? Is she bluffing?]
Vitaliara, perched ethereally beside him, flicked her tail with a touch of amusement. [Her vitality is stagnant—steady and calm. But it spiked briefly when you were about to leave. She's being cautious, but she's not lying.]
Lucavion nodded subtly, filing the observation away. This method, developed through his partnership with Vitaliara, had proven invaluable. By sensing fluctuations in a person's life force, they could gauge emotional spikes akin to how lie detectors on Earth monitored physical responses. He had proposed the idea after recalling stories of Earth's interrogation methods, though he hadn't revealed the source of his inspiration.
At first, Vitaliara had dismissed the concept as absurd. [Measuring lies through vitality? That's nonsense.] But as Lucavion tested the technique repeatedly, and the results consistently aligned with his suspicions, even she had begrudgingly admitted its effectiveness.
[It's uncanny,] she had once remarked. [I still don't know how you thought of it.]
Lucavion's smirk deepened. Some secrets are best kept close, my dear.
Returning to the present, Lucavion's dark eyes met the guild master's unflinchingly. "Five thousand," he repeated, his tone calm but carrying an edge of negotiation. "It's a reasonable starting point. But considering the uniqueness of these materials, especially the Void Elemental core, I believe we can push for... refinement of terms."
The guild master arched an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "Refinement? Such as?"
Lucavion leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his gloved hands clasped. "You've evaluated the lot well, but we both know the market demand for materials like these has surged. I'll agree to the five thousand if, and only if, you commit to securing everything on my list until the expedition starts."
The guild master hesitated, her fingers drumming against the table. "That's a tight timeline."
"Indeed." Lucavion smiled faintly, his gaze steady. "It's tight because it's necessary. These materials aren't for mere decoration, Guild Master. They're tools for survival."
"Survival? How are these related to survival? You seem perfectly fine."
"Well, someone else is not. But let's keep that confidential, shall we?"
Chapter 352: Took you long enough
The guild master's eyes lingered on Lucavion, her calculating gaze betraying the gears turning in her mind. She seemed to weigh her options, the quiet tension in the room thickening as her fingers resumed their rhythmic drumming against the table. Finally, she let out a resigned sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"I see your point," she said, her voice steadier now, though a hint of fatigue bled through her words. "Tight or not, I suppose we don't have much leverage here. The materials you've brought... well, they speak for themselves."
Lucavion inclined his head graciously, his smirk softening into something more neutral. "A wise decision, Guild master. I look forward to seeing how well the Adventurer's Guild can handle a challenge."
As she reached out to shake his hand, a flicker of realization crossed her face, and she froze momentarily. "Ah," she murmured, pulling back slightly. "I've been so preoccupied that I forgot something important."
She stood, smoothing out her robes before extending her hand more formally. "I never introduced myself. Guild master Corvina Farrow. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Lucavion rose with smooth elegance, clasping her hand firmly but not overly so. "Lucavion," he replied, his tone light but polished. "The pleasure is mutual, Guild master Farrow."
As their handshake lingered for a brief moment, Corvina's thoughts raced. Lucavion... an unusual name. But more than that... who exactly is this man? She stole a glance at him, noting his composed demeanor, the sharp intelligence in his eyes, and the subtle grace with which he carried himself.
This wasn't the behavior of a simple merchant or trader. If he were a merchant's son, selling rare monster hides would make little sense—too risky and without the connections required to gather such goods.
No, there was only one plausible explanation: this young man was nobility. Likely one of those adventurous types who indulged in dangerous hobbies or sought to prove themselves outside their gilded lives. If that were the case, forging a formal connection with him could open doors she hadn't even considered.
Her fingers briefly tightened around his as the realization settled in, her decision solidifying. She released his hand and gestured for him to sit again. "Now that we've handled the introductions, let's finalize the terms."
Lucavion resumed his seat, his smirk returning faintly as he noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor. She was guarded, yes, but there was a glimmer of respect—or perhaps curiosity—in her eyes now.
Corvina continued, her tone measured but cordial. "I'll ensure the guild prioritizes the items on your list, as you've requested. And I'll arrange for the agreed-upon payment for your materials. In return, I trust you'll keep our collaboration... exclusive?"
Lucavion's smirk deepened. "Exclusivity, Guild master, is the cornerstone of any fruitful partnership. I didn't mention such a thing."
Corvina clicked her tongue inwardly, frustration mingling with begrudging admiration. Just as I thought, this one doesn't miss a beat. She shook her head slightly, more to herself than to him, before reaching for her ledger and writing out a check for the payment. The sound of her quill scratching against the parchment filled the room as she worked, her movements precise and efficient.
Sliding the completed check across the table, she met Lucavion's gaze. "This is a draft for the total amount. You can collect your payment from the Central Arcanis Bank. It should suffice for our agreement."
Lucavion took the check with practiced ease, his movements graceful as he folded it neatly and tucked it into his coat. With a slight flourish, he placed the spatial ring on the table and pushed it toward her. "Here," he said, his voice smooth, "you may verify the contents."
Corvina eyed him carefully before taking the ring, her fingers brushing its surface. She activated it with a subtle twist of her mana, and an array of monstrous remains shimmered into view within the ring's storage. As she scanned the contents, her eyes widened slightly—everything he had presented earlier was here, in pristine condition. The Frost Wyrm, the Void Elemental core, and every other piece he had mentioned.
"It's all here," she murmured, almost to herself. Efficient, thorough, and precise. Just what I'd expect from someone like him.
Satisfied, Corvina nodded and returned the ring to him. "You've delivered as promised. The guild will honor its side of the agreement."
Lucavion slipped the ring back onto his finger with a faint smile. "A pleasure doing business with you, Guildmaster."
As he rose to leave, he paused and turned back to her. "Before I go, I have a favor to ask."
Corvina's brow arched, suspicion flickering across her face. "A favor?" She leaned back slightly, her arms crossing. "And what might that be?"
Lucavion's smirk didn't falter. "As I've mentioned, I'm an adventurer under this guild's registry. Therefore, I'd like my rank updated to B."
"Rank B?" Corvina's eyes narrowed. "What was your previous rank?"
Lucavion shrugged lightly, his smirk never fading. "Rank D."
"...You do realize that upgrading from D to B requires examinations, don't you? And you're skipping rank C entirely."
"Indeed, I do," Lucavion replied smoothly. "But these monsters should speak for themselves, no? Do you think a normal person could capture them?"
Corvina tapped her fingers against the table, her tone turning more stern. "Mister Lucavion. While these materials are impressive, they don't serve as proof that you killed these creatures yourself. Even though we're conducting business, rank advancement requires adherence to guild regulations. Without confirmation of your involvement, you'll need to undergo the necessary examinations."
Lucavion tilted his head slightly, considering her words before a new spark of mischief lit his eyes. "I see. Then, let's change the conditions."
Corvina frowned, her suspicion returning in full force. "Change the conditions? To what?"
Lucavion leaned in slightly, his tone calm but with a faint undertone of intrigue. "If possible, issue me a new ID card—with a new name."
Corvina's eyes widened in shock, her composure slipping for just a moment. "A new name? You do know that identity fraud is a dangerous crime, right?"
Lucavion coughed softly, a hand rising to his mouth in a gesture of mock propriety. "What crime, Miss Corvina? I simply wish to delay... certain reactions."
Corvina's brow furrowed, her suspicion deepening. "Why? What are you trying to avoid?"
"Well," Lucavion began, his tone light but laced with something heavier, "let's just say I've encountered someone from my past. Someone I'm not quite ready to confront yet. Would that suffice as an explanation?"
The guild master leaned back slightly, studying him with a mixture of curiosity and unease. "Someone from your past..." She crossed her arms, her tone skeptical. "Mister Lucavion, you're making me think you're a criminal."
Lucavion smirked, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "Miss Corvina, surely you don't know my name?"
"Should I?" she asked, her voice flat. "Are you supposed to be famous?"
Lucavion's smirk widened, carrying a faint edge of self-satisfaction. "Ah, so the news hasn't reached here yet? I suppose the East is quite far from the West. Allow me to drop a hint."
He leaned back in his chair, his tone turning almost conspiratorial. "Cloud Heavens Sect."
The words hung in the air like a storm cloud, and Corvina's breath caught. Her composed demeanor wavered, her fingers tightening imperceptibly on the edge of the table. "Cloud Heavens Sect?" she repeated, her voice low, almost disbelieving. "You're affiliated with them?"
Lucavion chuckled softly, his gloved fingers tapping a faint rhythm against the armrest of his chair. "…."
But he didn't answer.
Corvina stared at Lucavion, her thoughts churning as she pieced together the fragments of information he'd let slip. Her fingers drummed against the table as realization dawned, her sharp mind connecting the dots. A sudden flicker of recognition sparked in her eyes, and she leaned forward, her voice dropping to a near whisper.
"Sword Demon."
Lucavion's smirk didn't waver, but his dark eyes gleamed with a hint of satisfaction. He said nothing, letting her fill the silence with her thoughts.
The name was infamous—a moniker whispered across the empire. A mysterious figure who had risen to prominence seemingly overnight, cutting through the Andelheim tournament like a blade through silk. He'd singlehandedly confronted members of the Cloud Heavens Sect, a force few dared to oppose, and walked away unscathed.
Corvina's breath caught as her mind raced. Some even held him responsible for the Witch Hunt—the brutal purge initiated by Marquis Ventor and the Olarion Family against Cloud Heavens Sect. The devastation it left in its wake has been being felt across the entire empire and it is still going on.
And that man's name...
"Lucavion," she murmured, her gaze sharpening as she took him in anew. The scar tracing his cheek, the piercing black eyes, the raven-black hair that framed his sharp features—it all matched. And the sheer quantity of rare monster hides and cores he'd casually produced? It made too much sense.
Her hands gripped the edge of the table as she stared at him, her voice rising slightly. "You're the Sword Demon!"
Lucavion's smirk widened into a grin, and he inclined his head slightly, a gesture of mock humility. "Took you long enough, Guild master."
Chapter 353: Took you long enough (2)
Corvina felt heat rise to her cheeks, a rare wave of embarrassment washing over her as she realized the glaring oversight she'd made. How could I miss something so blatant? The pieces had been right in front of her—his name, his appearance, his casual confidence, and the sheer weight of the materials he'd presented. She prided herself on her sharp instincts, yet today she'd been caught off-guard more than once.
It wasn't just frustrating—it was unacceptable.
She shook her head sharply, willing herself to focus as she straightened her posture. Clearing her throat, she folded her hands on the table, her gaze locking onto Lucavion. "Surely," she began, her tone edged with exasperation, "you could have mentioned this earlier."
Lucavion didn't falter. If anything, it deepened, carrying a teasing lightness that only fueled her irritation. "Then the fun would have been lost," he replied, his tone silky and unapologetic.
Corvina stared at him, her lips pressing into a thin line as her mind scrambled for a response. Finally, she exhaled a slow, measured breath, letting her frustration melt away. "You're impossible," she muttered, shaking her head again. "I can't decide if you're brilliant or insufferable."
Lucavion leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "Why not both?"
Her hand twitched as though tempted to throw something at him, but she refrained. No, no. Keep your composure, Corvina. You're the Guild master. She rubbed her temples briefly before dropping her hands to the table. "Regardless of your... penchant for theatrics, Mister Lucavion, the fact remains: this guild operates on structure and rules. And despite your reputation, you're not exempt from them."
Lucavion inclined his head slightly, his smile softening into something more neutral but no less confident. "Of course, Guild master. I would expect nothing less."
But then his smile deepened as he leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and insight. "Rules, Guildmaster," he said smoothly, his voice like silk laced with steel, "are meant to be bent. As long as it's convenient, of course. Surely, you and I both understand this, don't we, Miss Corvina?"
Corvina narrowed her eyes at him, her lips pressing into a thin line. She wanted to protest, to retort with some defense of structure and order, but she couldn't. The truth of his words struck a chord she couldn't deny. The world of adventurers, merchants, and nobles was riddled with exceptions, loopholes, and quiet agreements made behind closed doors. She'd played that game herself more times than she cared to admit.
And now, sitting across from the man known as the Sword Demon, she realized she was about to play it again.
"I suppose," she began, her tone measured but edged with reluctant amusement, "there's a certain... pragmatism in what you're saying."
Lucavion chuckled softly, reclining slightly in his chair as though he had already won. "Pragmatism is the foundation of progress, Miss Corvina. You know it, I know it—why pretend otherwise?"
Corvina sighed inwardly. He was insufferable, yes, but also undeniably sharp. She had stated the dangers of issuing a new identity for formality's sake earlier, yet now that she knew who he was, her perspective shifted. This man wasn't just some rogue adventurer or ambitious merchant's son. He was the Sword Demon, a figure whose reputation could open doors—or burn them to ash.
As long as this matter remained small and contained, the risks were manageable. And keeping someone like Lucavion in her guild's good graces? That could yield benefits she hadn't even begun to imagine.
Her instincts whispered to her, a faint thrill tingling at the edge of her thoughts. This man will make things much, much more interesting... if not entirely unpredictable.
"Fine," Corvina said at last, her voice steady. "I'll see to your request, Mister Lucavion. But I'll hold you to your word—this new identity stays within the boundaries of reason. If it leads to anything that compromises my guild or its reputation..." She trailed off, her tone carrying an unspoken warning.
Lucavion inclined his head, his smirk softening into something almost charming. "Of course, Guild master. You have my word."
Corvina studied him for a moment longer, her sharp gaze searching for any hint of deceit. All she found was confidence—and a glimmer of something more, something dangerous yet undeniably magnetic. She shook her head, more to herself than to him, and rose from her chair.
"I'll prepare the necessary documentation," she said briskly. "And while I'm at it, I'll make sure your dealings with the guild are logged... discreetly."
Lucavion stood as well, his movements fluid and unhurried. "Much appreciated, Miss Corvina. I knew I was in capable hands the moment I walked through your doors."
Her lips twitched in a faint smile despite herself. "Just try not to make me regret it."
Lucavion chuckled as he adjusted his coat, his dark eyes glinting with intrigue. "Regret? Miss Corvina, I promise only one thing: I'll make sure you're never bored."
Just as Lucavion reached the door, his boots clicking softly against the polished floor, Corvina's voice halted him.
"Wait," she called, her tone laced with a mix of curiosity and practicality. "Is there a name you'd prefer for this new identity?"
Lucavion paused mid-step, turning his head slightly to glance over his shoulder. A faint smile played on his lips as he seemed to consider her question. Finally, he turned fully, his dark eyes glinting with something between amusement and calculation. "Let's go with Luca."
Corvina raised an eyebrow. "Luca? Isn't that a little... similar to your real name?"
Lucavion's smile deepened, his tone carrying a quiet confidence. "Sometimes, similarities are often the ones overlooked."
She gave him a skeptical look, her arms crossing as she leaned against the table. "I don't agree with you, but whatever. It's your identity. I just hope this doesn't come back to bite me."
Lucavion chuckled softly, inclining his head in a gesture of polite acknowledgment. "Oh, don't worry, Guild master. If anything bites, I promise to take full responsibility."
Corvina rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the faint twitch of a smile. "Fine. Luca, it is. I'll make the arrangements."
"Thank you, Miss Corvina," Lucavion replied smoothly, tipping an imaginary hat as he turned back toward the door. "Until we meet again."
As the door closed behind him, Corvina let out a long sigh, her thoughts swirling. Luca, huh? She couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just made a deal with the devil—or perhaps someone even more unpredictable.
And yet, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation. Never bored indeed.
********
Lucavion stepped out into the cool night air, the door of the Adventurer's Guild clicking softly shut behind him. The faint hum of activity in Stormhaven's harbor filled the silence, lanterns flickering as the wind carried the salty tang of the ocean.
From a nearby shadow, Vitaliara emerged in a shimmer of light, her ethereal form bounding effortlessly onto his shoulder. She perched there with her usual grace, her tail curling loosely around his neck. Her glowing eyes narrowed as she regarded him.
[Why did you decide to hide your name, Lucavion?] she asked, her tone pointed. [If you were going to drop that Sword Demon hint later, wouldn't it have been better to hide it from the start?]
Lucavion smirked, adjusting his coat as he began walking down the cobblestone street. "No. This is just a temporary convention," he replied, his tone calm but deliberate.
[A convention?] Vitaliara's tail flicked in exasperation. [You and your cryptic nonsense. You're not even trying to hide that there's more to this, are you?]
"Perhaps," Lucavion said with a faint chuckle, his dark eyes scanning the lively streets ahead. "But not every question needs an answer, Vitaliara. You should know that by now."
Her glow brightened slightly as she bristled. [I'm your familiar, remember? You can't just leave me out of your schemes and expect me not to ask questions.]
Lucavion sighed, his smirk fading into a faintly amused smile. "And I've told you before, my dear, that some secrets are safer kept within my mind."
Her glow brightened as she swung herself down, dangling upside down from his shoulder to meet his gaze directly. [You… Is this related to that blonde girl?]
Lucavion hesitated for a heartbeat—a pause so subtle that it could have been missed by anyone less attuned to him than Vitaliara. "No comment," he said at last, his voice quiet but firm.
[No comment? Really?] Vitaliara's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the soft glow of her form flickered, reflecting her annoyance. But she didn't press further. Instead, she adjusted her perch and sighed, her tail swaying lazily. [Impossible, just like your master…..No you are worse than him….]
"I will take it as an honor." he quipped, a faint grin tugging at his lips.
They walked on in comfortable silence, the rhythm of their footsteps blending with the distant sound of waves. Above them, the stars glittered faintly, their cold light illuminating the path ahead.
Vitaliara's voice broke the quiet, softer this time. [Lucavion, you've always been like this. Calculating. Strategizing. Keeping so much of yourself locked away. Do you ever wonder if it's worth it?]
Lucavion's smirk softened, his gaze lifting to the horizon. "Worth is a strange thing, Vitaliara. It's fluid, subjective. For now, it's enough that I know where I stand."
[And where's that?] she asked, her voice quieter still, almost gentle.
"Well, that is something for you to figure out."
[…..]