The morning started mostly the same for Jack's group, at least as far as the attack squad was concerned. As soon as they were done with their breakfast and Jack had handed over the items he had finished for them, decking them further out and ensuring their future hunts would become easier, they departed, once again locked in on their task of both leveling up and earning more matter for Jack to work with. As he himself had put it- there was never enough matter.

  Jack though had to remain- his plans for at least the first part of the day ruined thanks to overly excited and insistent angel by the name of Voriell who had rushed over early in the morning, or more likely in the middle of the night and had just waited there until dawn to deliver the message of the impending visit by Anastiela herself no less. His trash cleaning exercise would have to wait, though he could not complain overly much as it stood since the idea of forming some sort of a deal with her and her private faction had been a consideration of Jack's- one he had spoken of with Ramia as well, though the necessity of said cooperation had shrunk quite considerably- the old merchant had come to value their services and potential quite high as is, more than willing to put his weight behind their group, even if mostly indirectly. He was already sending out covert warnings about the fact he is investing and would be quite angered were any of his associates, or rivals, take action against them. Jack would have to spend more time in Anastielas presence and talk with her to attain a much deeper and complete understanding of her- there was only so much he could appraise from a projection and a short interaction.

  Luckily, even before Anastiela arrived, yet another guest made their presence known, delivering the promised reward in Zekira's name. It just so happened that said messenger arrived right as kids were leaving, catching Jack who was sending them off like a worried mother at the gate. There was a short exchange of words between the two, with the messenger once again apologizing for Reishas' brash behavior and any pain suffered as he handed over the few parcels of goods chosen by Zekira herself as a fitting compensation. Jack happily accepted, displaying quite the demeanor and manners as he did so, leaving the messenger with quite the positive impression of the man.

  The gift contained a few kilograms of a rather odd metal, its colour changing from dark blue to dark green to dark purple at irregular intervals. A faint mana presence could be sensed from it, as though it had already been tempered and imbued. Jack knew better though. What he had received was called Morph Drumalite- a rather interesting metal that could be used for some pretty nifty crafting. Depending on the colour variations, it could be considered anywhere from heroic to low divine grade, based on what the smith could do with it and the colors displayed. Unfortunately, in his possession now was a simple heroic grade. Still, it was quite valuable for Jacks always starving matter supplies. It was precisely because of the large variety of colours and patterns the metal had that it was nearly unusable for most crafters since to replicate a recipe with it, the same colour and pattern drumalite was necessary, and that was an ask too steep for nearly all procurers. Along with drumalite, there were quite a few crystals, all with similar natures as drumalite, coming from the morphing wing of natural resources, ranging anywhere from epic to heroic rarity, with similar drawbacks to that of drumalite. All in all, Jack was more than happy with the compensation, resulting in his friendlier than normal attitude.

  Once the dragonkin had left, Jack got to analyzing the items acquired just moments ago, a rather interesting hypothesis already plaguing his mind. What would he get if his desire was to make morph drumalite? Would the one he created come out with the same colours he had inspected, or would the colours be random? No matter which result, both could be used greatly for his benefit. If it was the former, all he needed was to examine one of the ,ore expensive variants, allowing him to make bank for a measly investment. If it was the latter, he could just gamble by dematerializing and remaking it until he got an expensive one to be sold for a large profit, only to repeat the process with a new batch of matter. It was yet another way he could earn mountains of cash, though he would have to limit the amount he would make to ensure he does not overflood the market and kill prices for items he wanted to keep selling in the future.

  The more he messed around and crafted equipment, the more and more he appreciated the insane versatility and utility this EX tiered class had. He felt a bit like a kid in candy store when all you can eat for almost free hour magically was announced. Sadly, he did not get enough time to start the experimentation phase, as just shortly after he was done analyzing and familiarizing himself with the structure of the materials he had acquired, one of the servant family members- the girl namely- found him, informing of Anastielas' arrival and leading him towards the study she was asked to wait.

  Unlike the projections he had seen in the tutorial zone, Anastiela was not two and a half meters tall. She was just about 1.8 meters in height, though the golden eyes and those three pairs of wings did seem just as impressive and magnificent, if not more so in presence. That unnatural beauty was also emphasized, the divine bloodline charm working overtime to make all who gazes upon her just that much more attracted. Her long, blonde hair flowed down her sides freely, presenting the angelic woman as free spirited and relaxed.

  She wore a rather simple white dress that covered most of her form, leaving only her arms up to elbows uncovered and displaying just the barest hint of her collarbone. Yet even as modestly dressed as she seemed, her voluptuous form could not be entirely hidden. On the contrary- the modest clothing seemed to emphasize it more so than any daring and salacious one would, as if whispering in observers ears to imagine her magnificent form without all that unnecessary cloth.

  She sat quite relaxedly in one of the sofas in the study, enjoying a simple tea and snacks provided for her, a pleased and content expression on her face. She did turn her attention towards Jack the moment the doors opened, though neither the tea cup nor the snack she was currently enjoying left her hands. She did incline her head slightly in greeting, showing quite the amount of respect towards Jack. It would have been nothing out of the ordinary were she to act like a superior being in front of him, for in the eyes of this world, based on what Jack displayed his fake status as, she was indeed considered as such- superior in every aspect.

  "Hello again Jack." she spoke, all smiles and with a friendly tone. "It's been a while since your group left the tutorial zone. How have things been for you all?" she asked once Jack had reached the other sofa right across the table filled with snacks and sat down. "These are magnificent by the way." she pointed towards both tea and snacks.

  "I am glad you like them." Jack smiled back, seemingly quite relaxed "I am pleased the snacks and tea are to your liking. We are doing quite well indeed. The merchant Ramia has been a great help in securing our foothold here as well as a magnificent trade partner. Thank you for asking. I hope you have had success in finding promising people to strengthen your subordinate guilds." he replied and asked politely in turn, seemingly quite familiar with with the politics and the small talk that often preceded all manner of negotiations.

  "Unfortunately, this seasons gifted are quite lacking in quality. What's worse, the best seeds managed to escape our grasp and left on to try their lack on their own." she locked her gaze accusatory on Jack, the meaning clear.

  "It cannot be all that bad, surely?"

  "I heard there were two epic class holders emerging from giants trials, both from the same group as well. A never before seen sight, though from what I know, they still finished their trial later than your group did. A surprise even greater for all of us in the know. I am even more intrigued now as to just what kind of Virtuoso are you." she smiled as she finished speaking, carefully taking a bite from the snack in her hand, humming happily as she munched on it, her eyes closed as she soaked herself in the taste.

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  "Is this perhaps made with one of those new spices of yours Ramia is selling?" she added a moment later when her mouth was empty and washed with ter tasty tea.

  "No, these are made with personal touch. Not on the market as of yet." Jack spoke truthfully, not the least bit worried.

  "Could I perhaps negotiate for a small amount to be acquired? I don't think I have ever enjoyed such unique flavours."

  "I suppose it would only be fair after you have showed such goodwill towards our request."

  They spent another ten or so minutes with small talk, both playing the game quite admirably, though it was becoming more and more apparent that Jack, while still quite capable, was not lacking in depth when it came to such interactions.

  "I see these kinds of activities are not your greatest skill, though you held up admirably." Anastiela spoke "Allow me to get to the heart of the matter for my visit then. For starters, I wanted to see how you were doing. You were, as I said before, the best of this seasons gifted from our trials and I would be quite sad if any misfortune robbed you the chances for growth. It is true you have managed fairly well so far, but I have to caution you about the fact that this world of ours can be much more wicked and backstabbing than it must already seem. Like an iceberg in water, only the smallest part of its top could be seen from above."

  "An apt metaphor, though I would challenge the notion. If anything, it's not the world that's the origin of all that danger. It's people and their ambitions, and their willingness to do anything to achieve them- no matter the price." Jack replied calmly, a profound understanding in his eyes.

  "Hah. Ha ha ha." Anastiela laughed softy "I suppose you are right, but it is much easier to survive if one expects the world itself to be against them- their vigilance is always that much greater."

  Noticing Jack just smiling back, she dropped the topic and continued on "The second reason I am here is to offer your group a chance to grow unimpeded and with a much greater amount of protection and assistance than a merchant can provide. We are the council of angels after all and have amassed quite the assortment of knowledge and resources over the millenia."

  "And in turn have quite splintered group, resulting in plenty of rivalries and inner group battles, be it political or more hands on." Jack added "not something we are willing to shove our heads in. This place, in combination with our already established connection is more than enough for your current growth. I do have to admit we were at one point considering a possibility of some sort of a cooperation with you precisely, what with our previous positive interactions, though said need was solved in a timely manner. We do not mind forming some trade deals and whatnot, using Ramia as our representative, though we would prefer to stay out of large group politics. I doubt you have the confidence and power to guarantee as much."

  "Unfortunately true." Anastiela smiled bitterly, too well aware of the power struggle within her angelic races upper echelons "It would be different if any of you had an epic class like those two I mentioned previously, but it is what it is I suppose."

  "On an unrelated note, I heard your group has quite the arsenal at their disposal. Can I assume that it is your handywork?"

  "You praise me too much. Barely uncommon items can hardly be called 'quite the arsenal." Jack replied calmly.

  "But they are better than their description would imply. No item of such quality could do the damage or strengthen their holders to such an extent." Anastiela replied, the same pleasant smile on her face.

  "Oh? I suppose that records journal back in the tutorial village I refused to be registered in has more uses than I initially expected then. Does it allow you to peak on those marked there? Naughty naughty." Jack replied with a small smile of his own, though there was no warmth in his eyes, not one bit.

  "So you knew? I thought as much. Are you not worried what I might do with such information? That snippet alone implies more than you might assume."

  "It would, at the very least imply I have unique class accompanied by the same tier appraisal, allowing it to cross certain other limitations when it come to it level and rarity lock outs. Nothing else besides that though, aside perhaps my potential as a long term investment."

  "Good conclusions, though there is a bit more to consider- for faction leaders at the very least."

  "Culling those that could threaten one's interests you mean? It is a factor I would worry about normally, though you are somewhat special case. If Seraph of justice and compassion cannot be trusted, who could?"

  "My, oh my." Anastiela smiled "It's not often, never really, that a rookie sees through my class. It's a legendary one you know?"

  "We are all full of surprises." Jack spread his arms and shrugged. "I am more impressed by that level though. Ninety? I heard that anything above hundred is nothing but a myth these days."

  "There is hardly anything to hunt at these levels that does not constitute unreasonable danger to one's own life. And I mean the likelihood of death at each encounter above fifty percent.There are far too few legendary items that could allow one to fight with a piece of mind. So, how about those items?"

  "I don't see why not. I would need corresponding materials and a rather elaborate list detailing weapon type and stat priorities. I am somewhat limited but one never knows when inspiration strikes. Of course you would also have to make sure that our transactions remain under the table for obvious reasons."

  "Magnificent." Anastiela smiled, lifting the cup of tea to her lips and taking another sip, her actions and demeanor still quite soul stirring. Anyone lesser would likely be swarmed with impure thoughts about them and this six winged angelic beauty having some particularly passionate fun in the bedroom. While quite the appealing prospect, Jack was protected from the effect of her bloodlines natural charm, thus he did not display the slightest traces of similar infatuation.

  The two spoke for another half hour, mostly focusing on the item types Anastiela might request and the stat distributions Jack could possibly achieve, as well as what kind of materials he might require for the task, as well as the cost of each crafting attempt. It was inescapable that there could be accidents and not ideal results when crafting with monster parts as there were no two identical. There would always be minor differences that could tip the balance too far in one direction and result in quite the undesirable final result. It was the experience and skill of smiths that would reduce this probability to as small as possible. Jack did have the unique advantage that such a problem did not threaten him. With a general outline of Jack's needs clear and no other immediate concerns to talk over, Anastiela said her goodbyes and and was escorted to the gate by Jack himself where Voriell was still waiting for her.

  "Do make sure no spies of your adversaries tail my people. I would hate any accidents happening to said spies and trackers. The world is a dangerous place after all. And limit the snooping with that book. I have a rather passionate couple among those kids, Imagine their anger should they learn someone might be watching their most intimate time." Jack added as he bid his goodbyes. His intent clear- if someone tails us they will accidentally disappear.

  "I will do my best." Anastiela replied "But if it happens regardless, we can blame no one but the folly of said pursuers and their superiors." An answer as clear and understanding as Jacks'- If it happens, feel free do do as you see fit. We know nothing.

  "To a long and fortuitous cooperation." Jack smiled in response, inclining his head gently, receiving a similar gesture from Voriell and the slightest of nods from Anastiela.

  -------------------------

  "He is impressive. Even more so than I anticipated. This was a productive trip." Anastiela smiled and spoke as a carriage carried them back to their residence, only Voriell privy to her words. "Be a dear and gather these materials." she added as she handed a list of ingredients to Voriell.

  "As you wish." Voriell bowed his head as he received the list, already mapping out the route and ways he would ensure the request would be fulfilled with the utmost speed and efficiency. It was just the kind of man he was, doubly so when Anastiela herself made the request.

  ----------------

  "Is it just me or I have been quite lucky lately?" Jack hummed to himself as he relaxed in a garden chair, lounging in a rather sunny spot of their garden, a fair distance away the active movements and work of Alonso and his group in view. "From Ramia to Anastiela, there have been quite the number of pleasant and kind people for me to interact with. Where are all those backstabbing bastards such a setting would spew out in droves?"

  "Oh, Ding. Good job kiddos." Jack grinned as he noticed another notification popping up, informing him of reaching level 18.

  Jack Raja(?)

  Age- 27

  Species- human(?)

  Level- 18

  Class- Twin aspect of Creation and Destruction(EX)

  Stats unassigned: +11

  Attributes:

  Strength- 24 (14+7+3)

  Vitality- 23 (12+8+3)

  Dexterity- 21 (15+6)

  Intelligence-7

  Spirit- 25 (20+5)

  Skills- Wisdom of Creation and destruction(EX), Choice of the creator(EX), Eyes of procurer(EX), Matter storage(EX), Arukain language(C), Spark of inspiration(EX).

  Spells- none.

  Titles(unlocked): The real Monster, Big Game Hunter, The brilliant rookie, The insane Solo. The actor. Executioner. Survivor. Pioneer, Record breaker.The new champion supreme.

  Gear: amulet +2 vit: weapon- Gundao+3 str. Rings- spatial storage, vit +