Epic Of The Demonic Sage

"Ah, it's quite simple, Bishop Reynald. You told me that Aetherite wires are used to conduit the energy from the rune crystal to the glass bead, right?" Lucius said.

"I did."

"It occurred to me that while it is simpler to have these Aetherite wires be as they are now in their current forms, if I were to make the wires much more thinner while increasing the number then this will allow for better conduction and smoother flow of the energy from the rune crystal." Lucius replied. "I reckoned that there is still some existing… 'resistance' in the wires if they are too thick. The aether from the rune crystal itself and the aether inside of the Aetherite, might be opposing each other? Thus, choosing to go for thinner wires allowed for better efficiency as there is less resistance."

Bishop Reynald looked at Asher in awe.

"This is…"

"I do not think this is a new concept to you, Bishop Reynald?" Lucius asked.

Bishop Reynald shook his head. "No. This is something that is actually known by other Artificers. We simply choose thicker wires during lessons for the ease of the learner, but the fact that you were able to figure it out on your own with little to no information is outstanding, Apostle Asher. It is like Etara herself is giving you the knowledge… of course she is, you are her Apostle."

"Thank you for your praise, Bishop Reynald. I will improve more as long as you teach me further. This is not something that I can achieve only through myself," Lucius said.

"You humble me, Apostle Asher." Bishop Reynald bowed his head and then glanced out the window. The time wasn't actually that late yet as the demonstration of the lamp artifact was one of the easiest to do.

A knock on the door interrupted them.

"Lord Asher, Bishop Reynald, pardon me for the intrusion, but it is already time for lunch. I hope that you may join us." Kiana said once she stepped inside.

***

With the visit of Viscountess Blackshield, the lecture from Bishop Reynald did not often happen for a full day.

Lucius allowed himself to take some 'rest' and observe the Viscountess Blackshield sparring with the guards and even participating himself.

At this time, Bishop Reynald would usually return to his current abode.

"How is Asher doing, Bishop Reynald? It's been more than a week since he has returned from his lessons." Countess Lita pointed out with a polite smile.

"Your son is exceedingly brilliant, Countess. This lamp artifact is something that takes beginners some time to finish, but he was not only able to do it quickly, but also improve it."

"That's great." Countess Lita was pleased with the results. At this moment, Count Gabriel was preoccupied with some other task and was unable to join them and so it was Asher, Kiana, Bishop Reynald, Countess Lita and Viscountess Blackshield.

'While it's not ordinarily allowed for someone like Kiana to sit and dine with the table, it really is more of an open secret about her connections with Countess Lita.' Lucius thought.

Kiana herself seemed to have also something on her mind.

The past week, she mostly did not disturb Asher, who was busy with his studies and she mostly conducted the household duties assigned to her by the Count and Countess, but now, she also came to a decision.

"Viscountess Blackshield?" Kiana called out.

"Hmm?" Viscountess Blackshield lowered down her cup of Humble Blaze. She had grown relaxed within the estate of Count Inanis that it almost felt like a second home to her, although it was not completely true.

"Perhaps you would allow me the chance to spar with you, today?" Kiana cleared her throat and also glanced at Countess Lita. "Please do not worry about the tasks for today as well, Countess. They are all in order."

"Oh." Countess Lita glanced at her niece. If there was anyone who knew about the suffering of Kiana, it would Countess Lita, and though the woman didn't go for violence unless she was thoroughly moved, she was now more lenient.

"That is fine with me." Viscountess Blackshield smiled. There was an excited glint in her eyes. "I have always been curious of your gift since I witnessed it, Miss Kiana."

"Really, Viscountess?" Kiana blinked ,but then returned the smile. "I am also curious to see the limitations of your shield."

"Haha! The people here in the Inanis Household are truly exciting." Viscountess Blackshield laughed and it reached her eyes. She glanced at Countess Lita and the Bishop and bowed her head a little. "Pardon me, I simply get a bit too excited."

'I can only imagine what my family could have been like if they were still here with me. Would it have been as lively as this one? Would they have joined me in this trip to Inanis City or would I have been doing something else entirely?'

"That is fine, please do not worry about it." Countess Lita smiled.

"There is knowledge and skill in utilizing one's mind and body during battle. I can understand the excitement and thrill myself." Bishop Reynald said with an understanding chuckle. "It is akin to new discoveries. But I suppose this means that Young Lord Asher must witness this spar after lunch it seems."

Lucius was indeed interested in seeing the spar, but there was the fact that he could easily guess on the possible outcome.

'It will be good for Kiana to spar against the Viscountess. She should have done it earlier. And while it might be interesting, I have no need to always be watching. It's far better to make progress on my own activities.'

"On the contrary, Bishop Reynald. I was hoping that we could continue our lessons today. We have made good progress on the first artifact, but I think we have more time to also make some others as well," Lucius said.

Bishop Reynald looked at Asher in surprise, but then smiled and nodded. "Very well then, we shall continue."

"Goodluck with your studies, Asher." Kiana said alongside the Countess and Viscountess. 'It is far better that Asher doesn't see it anyway so I can improve while he's gone…'

After lunch, Lucius excused himself with Bishop Reynald and return to their lessons.