Chapter 8
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During midnight, a few hours after the team meetings end.
The members are spreading out doing their own business, leaving only both Arno and Melissa in the store 3rd-floor room.
Melissa is currently checking a huge stack of documents in the main desk and Arno is sitting in the long chairs while smoking his pipe.
Melissa is baffled at why Arno is sucking an odd looking pipe and blowing smoke from his mouth, but she didn't pry further.
Both of them minding their own thing without talking to each other.
After a while, Melissa finished examined the documents and stretching out her body before stealing a glance at Arno who is still sitting leisurely.
She began walking towards the chairs, the way she walks is undoubtedly elegant, then she sits right in front of Arno, while still maintained an elegant posture befitted a high noble young lady.
Arno sits while crossing his legs leisurely and still holding his pipe, before turning his head looking directly at Melissa's face.
Both of them facing each other soundly.
Melissa is wearing an expensive looking dark blue long dress which is a bit tight that showed her glamorous body, with a gigantic milky breast that almost spilled from her dress and an elegant noble aura coming from her.
Combined all of that with her background and talent, there is no doubt that not only she's extremely beautiful but also a very capable woman.
A woman who became a goddess in countless men's heart.
She was famous throughout Astoria and abroad, from the time when she still studying in the Academy until now, her reputation grew even more when she became a Grand Mages at a relatively young age.
She's is comparable with the Saintess Candidate of Greysia and Princess Starlight of the Saint Dragon Mountains.
They were reputedly the top most beautiful and talented women in the whole Greysia Realm.
Many people from powerful nobilities and royalties, local or foreign, trying to court and take her as a wife or a daughter in law, even while bringing fabulous gifts but none moved her heart and get straight rejected.
And the famous Dreyfuss young lady now sits inside a room accompanied only by a man.
Normally, sitting face to face with Melissa Dreyfuss inside a room alone will be an unimaginable and luckiest moments for any man.
But alas, the man who sits in front of Melissa now is Arno, who obviously didn't really think much of her, Although he acknowledges her as a beautiful woman, but that's it, nothing more.
Actually, Melissa now is deliberately putting up a little seductive posture because she wants to gauges Arno reactions, but he just sitting there casually while looking at her with an indifferent face.
If it's another man who sits in front of her now, then their reaction will be totally different, They will fawn all over her with endless praise and examined her glorious sexy body with lustful eyes.
Even she also caught Alfred sometimes stealing a glance at her, but maybe because he already had a sweetheart, so he still did it with some consideration.
Melissa is very sensitive and already accustomed when a man looking at her body, but of course she still kinda repulsed by these lascivious gazes.
But now after being near Arno for almost whole day long, she didn't feel that kind of gaze from him, when they talked he would just staring straight at her face without wandering around.
He didn't try to flirt with her or fawning her, instead if he had something to talk or if Melissa is asking him, then he will just speak straight to the point without going in a circle and trying to get close to her.
Melissa have a mixed reaction because of this, she feels comfortable and able to talk normally, but yet she also somehow slightly disappointed.
As she thought maybe Arno didn't attract to her.
But Arno did, in fact, have an interest on her, that's why he joined the team, but his motives are not because her beauty, but rather because she and Alfred had a strong destiny connection with Arno, which piqued huge curiosity in him.
Both of them still staring at each other faces silently even after a while.
"did you not having rest Arno ?... we depart at dawn after all...there's still time.." Melissa speak to break the atmosphere while smiling sweetly.
"you're the one who really needs a rest...look at you're eyes...hehe" Arno chuckled lightly and pointing Melissa tired eyes.
"I'll rest later...but I want to ask you about something now... do you mind ?" Melissa asking coquettishly.
"no I didn't mind...hhmm ..what do you want to know then?" Arno replied while still smoking his pipe.
"what was like living in there?? you know...in Miraz island"
From her expression, Arno found Melissa doesn't have any malicious motives when she asked, he knew that she just kinda curious.
'i see...that island name is Miraz huh..' Arno didn't know the island name that he carelessly uses as his fictional homeland, but he knew now after Melissa blurted it out.
Arno is silent for a while before finally reply.
"well let's see...it's a boring place actually, lives pretty much running slow and there is not much happened in there" he replied shortly and vaguely.
But his answer was more or less spot on as he did examine the island living condition with his divine sense earlier, which show that there are not many activities going on.
Arno is taking a cautious stance about his fake homeland, as he didn't know anything about its social structure or its position in Greysia Realm geopolitics.
It's not that because he's afraid of anything, as there is no one who can be a threat to him in the entire world and not to mention Greysia Realm, hell he can even destroy the entire Dawn continent leisurely with his overwhelming power and sink it to the bottom of the sea if he wanted to.
But rather because he only wants to enjoy a relaxing life before his dangerous tribulation without attracting much attention.
'but it's not wrong right.. learning more about that place...to make it more convincing in the future..' Arno thought that and at the same time, he decides to inquire more about Miraz island.
Melissa is a bit annoyed when she heard Arno's vague answers, she slightly pouted her lips and wanted to ask more.
"ah yes lady Melissa....what's the people of the Dawn continent opinion on our tiny island ??... truthfully it's not my first time here traveling but it has been a long time since i was a kid before i can go out of the island again...i'm very curious about it" but Arno suddenly blabbering nonsense before Melissa cam open her mouth.
Melissa is squinted her eyes and pondering for a while before answering.
Through her, Arno found that the ruler of Miraz Island is called Regios clan, which he also remember the clan name from the library books he read yesterday.
The book also mentioned that the Regios clan is an ancient clan originate from the time of Angevin Empire, the clan was famous because of their Apotechary.
Apothecary is a profession in which focused on refining myriads of the pill, treating disease and making a potion.
It is also one of the most respected profession in Greysia Realm, along with the Magic Refiner and the Blacksmith.
Magic Refiner is focused on making magic items and formations, while the Blacksmith main job is, of course, making any kind of weapons and armors.
Like cultivation albeit little bit different, the 3 Profession are also separated in many class.
For Magic Refiners, one will become a Class 1 Magic Refiner after they able to make a Normal class magic item, continue advancing to Class 2 Magic Refiner after making a Unique class item, and to Class 3 Refiner after refining a Rare class item so on.
And it also applied to both Apotechary and Blacksmith.
Arno also learned that in Greysia Realm currently. pills, items, magic plants, and weapons classification are greatly different from his time.
There is 6 classifications from the bottom to the top. which is Normal, Unique, Rare, Legendary, Mythical and Divine.
Actually, in the whole of Greysia, the quantity of Apotechary are much less compared to the other 2 professions. and it is also very hard to become one, as Apotechary need extensive knowledge in many creatures bodies or any kind of herbals, plants, and herbs that can help them refine a pill and potions.
They can even recognize poison and creating them, that is also why an Apotechary has a spectacular reputation.
Even an ordinary Class 1 Apotechary will be respected anywhere, many small kingdoms will pay a huge amount of wealth in inviting them to become their sovereign chief physicians.
But unfortunately, the average Apotechary across Greysia is only Class 1, while Class 2 and Class 3 Apotechary is an extremely rare breed, those people mostly is a leader of large Apotechary guild or a chief physicians position in important nations.
For example, many upper executive positions of the Green Healer Guild, the largest Apotechary guild in the Greysia Realm is filled by Class 2 Apotechary, while the guild president is a Class 3 Apothecary, even Arno heard from Alfred that the Astoria Empire royal physicians are also a Class 3 Apothecary.
As for a Class 4 Apotechary, it can only be found in Regios clan rank.
Because of the existence of Class 4 Apotechary along with the production of precious rare pills or potions and their secret recipes, resulting the Regios clan reputation spread to all of Greysia and remain unshakeable for thousands of years.
But from Melissa's mouth, it is known by the people of the Dawn Continent that the Regios clan is, in fact, an extremely mysterious and elusive clan, they quietly conducting their business and there is not much trade or contact between them and the rest of Greysia.
But they will have an auction of their famous precious pills and potions once in every several years, that attracted a large number of experts from the entire realm, even coming from as far as the Orient.
"that's why your clan had a really fearsome reputation in here Arno.... emmm we also knew that the clan leader is a Saint rank expert and about the Nirvana Cauldron..." Melissa finishes her explanation, while somehow looking at Arno strangely.
'this man definitely has a high position in the clan...but his attitude' she starts to wonder that maybe Arno has a high position in the clan looking from his strength, but his attitude is not arrogant at all, although Melissa can see that he's a bit prideful.
But overall he really different from other man coming from famous families or countries she has met in the past.
'hehmm it looks like i've picked a troublesome place....but maybe it's fine, that clan is also very low profile...as long as i'm not attracted too much attention,....Nirvana Cauldron? it must be the name of that Heaven Ra...no a Mythical class cauldron if i'm right....the clan infamous pills and potion should be produced with the help of that cauldron' Arno frowned and scratched his head after he heard about Melissa story.
'she doesn't know that Regios has 2 other Saint ranked expert beside the clan leader....but can't blame her as this information may be not exactly available to outsider" from his divine sense, Arno found 3 Saint ranked expert existence in Miraz island, that means the clan power level is among the top level the entire realm.
"hehe so it's like that,.... normally i'm don't bother with those kinds of power level thing, heh i'm only an ordinary member, i would just let those upper echelon people do something about it.....but anyway lady Melissa i hope you keep quiet about the place i came from,....i'm not telling you to keep it secret.. just don't unnecessarily blurted it out alright ?" Arno requesting Melissa while his expression became a bit serious.
Although Arno said that he is just an ordinary member in the clan, Melissa completely didn't believe it.
"hehehe you don't have to worry about that, although i've already informed my superior about you earlier, they will not making you uncomfortable, so you can trust me from now on.." but Melissa assures him that she will keep about his identity in mind.
Arno thought if it's just informing her superior about his "fake" identity then it's fine as he knows that it's necessary for her to do that.
"very well.. thank you.." so Arno thanked her while giving her a bright charming smile.
Melissa gawking at Arno's face because of the smile for a while, before she began try to speak.
"i..t...it..it's fine...hehe don't... mentioned it" she replied bashfully and red bright color starts to appear in her cheeks while she averted her eyes.
'damn it!!...what's wrong with me ughhh' there is huge chaos inside Melissa's mind right now, as she was extremely embarrassed.
Arno chuckled looking at her expression, but he didn't tease her any further.
Both of them continue to chat normally after Melissa recovered from her embarrassing state.
And a warm atmosphere began enveloping the room entirely.
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At the same time in the store warehouse that was filled with a wooden crates and goods downstairs.
Zohar the dwarf who already tired after packing up and managing the team supplies can be seen sleeping on top of a long crate while letting out a loud snoring sound that can shake the heavens from his mouth.
While Dina along with Sasha and Aurel is resting and chatting near the warehouse corners.
The 3 girls also just finished preparing the supplies, originally Alfred is around too but he left not long ago doing his own business. they peacefully talking with each other without being affected by Zohar loud snorer
"hey, Dina...what's with that Arno guy? i understand about Alfred and Sasha being recruited but...why Melissa inviting him too ??" Aurel was baffled why Melissa also invites him to join the team.
Because she's also a SAD member, she too knew about Arno being monitored by the agencies before, that's why she didn't understand why Melissa inviting a suspicious person for this important mission.
"sigh...i don't know alright...even Melissa doesn't know about it too.., but she was suggested by the Leader to recruit that guy" Dina sighing and shaking her head while replying as she did not know the reason at all.
"WHA...TT!!...the Leader???.... are both Leader and Arno perhaps an acquaintance?" Aurel was stupefied after she heard Arno was recommended by the legendary SAD elusive Leader.
"heh, you know...i've got exactly the same reaction as you now, the first time i heard it from Melissa heheheh...but no.. Melissa said that the Leader and Arno didn't know each other, even Arno himself told us he never met SAD Leader before" Dina is laughing when looking at Aurel funny expression.
"then.?..unbelievable.. sigh...but are you sure we can trust him?? i mean he could be a spy, i've already checked the reports about him you know, in fact, there were no single records that match his description in the Empire register, that means he's a foreigner" Aurel somewhat anxious.
"you don't have to worry about that, besides he's really coming from abroad, he said it himself...me and Melissa feel that this guy is legit" Dina assuring Aurel with a careless tone.
Dina careless tone making Aurel annoyed "but how can you sure like that!!?? goddamnit! Dina, we are the SAD you know, shouldn't we be more vigilant about a potential threat?? beside..i didn't detect any mana circulation in his body..i don't understand" she became more anxious and lost.
Because she is a White Elf, a race who is more sensitive to mana activities as their racial innate trait, but even then she didn't understand why Arno's body is devoid of any mana circulation.
"look here, it's not that we're not cautious alright. we've already had a nice conversation with him before recruiting him, from the talk we knew where did he come from, and there is no doubt about it...because of his strength, Aurel..he's a Grandmaster expert" Dina looked straight at Aurel while replying.
"HUH!!! a Grandmaster?? really?? but... he looked so young, i mean just look at his appearance, he probably had the same age as we and Melissa..i've never heard another young Grandmaster abroad.." Aurel completely didn't believe it, because judging from Arno's outer appearance, Aurel thinks that he basically from the same generation as her and Melissa.
If Arno hear Aurel's words now, then he will facepalm so hard and bitterly laugh, because actually he's ultimately an ancient being, it's just that in the past, he was still relatively young when he gained an immortality, so he just stop aging by that time, that's why his appearance didn't change much for the last 1 million years.
Sasha who is silent listening suddenly spoke "it's true miss Aurel, iv..ehem..i've already tested his strength before in the academy, he..he stop my family proud spear skill with only using his hand, i can't judge clearly, however, there is no doubt that his power is above Super Warrior rank" she speaks rather bashfully.
Sasha is in fact also curious about where Arno came from as she too never heard of any young Grandmaster emerge beside the famous Melissa before.
When Aurel heard Sasha testimony, she became even more surprised, she knew about Sasha families from the SAD intel database. the Hansen family is famous because the spear experts they produce in every generation, Sasha's father, Eldo Hansen the current family head is a Level 2 Grandmaster expert and also best spear warrior in Astoria Empire.
Sasha herself is a prodigy among the Empire young generation as she already has the strength of Level 6 Super Warrior and just a step away from entering the Grandmaster rank.
And now Sasha admitting that Arno is able to stop her spear attack that combined with Hansen family ultimate high-level martial arts skill leisurely with only using his hand, it's truly an unbelievable feat.
Of course, Aurel also knew that it's not impossible to do that, but the power behind Sasha strike is able to incur a fatal injury to a Level 2 Grandmaster expert if they were directly hit.
She began to think that unless if it's a peak Level 6 Grandmaster then might be able to do that.
'that man is a Level 6 Grandmaster?? that young??... Dina said he came from outside...but what kind of place that able produce that kind monstrous young genius??' she completely lost and spinning her head trying to understand the whole situation surrounding Arno.
she wanted to ask where Arno came from but Sasha already speaks first "by the way miss Dina, sir Arno must come from a powerful family abroad..but where did exactly it is?".
Both Aurel and Sasha looking at Dina with an expectant gaze.
Dina also set her sight towards both of them and taking a deep breath before she replies.
"if it's confirmed... then he must be a member of the Regios clan and came straight from Miraz Island" answered Dina with a serious face.
"..."
"..."
Both the other 2 girls keep silent and froze after they heard Dina's words.
And only the sound of Zohar loud snore can be heard inside the warehouse after that.
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While a huge misunderstanding keeps surrounding the 3 girls in the warehouse below.
Arno the misunderstand man still chatting warmly with Melissa upstairs.
the 2 continue talking for at least several hours.
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"just a few hours left until the dawn...why don't you have a rest lady...you're the team leader, you will need a fresh mind for the mission later" Arno finally suggest Melissa have a rest for a bit after he sees Melissa is getting more tired and drowsy.
After she heard Arno suggestion Melissa begin moving her head and set her gaze towards the windows, where she can see that the sky is getting little bright although still dark.
"yes...it's getting brighter, i'm gonna rest shortly. i suggest you do the same Arno" Melissa talking while sprawling her body in the long chair preparing to sleep.
"no i'm fine,... i'm just gonna head downstairs, you rest well" Arno is standing up from the chair and head straight to the room door.
"oh..okay..and Arno.. thank you for the nice chat" Melissa answering rather shyly and sweetly.
"it's fine..is nice talking to you too.." Arno lightly smiles before opening the door.
And he left the room after shutting the door gently while Melissa watching him leave.
she began to think her nice relaxing conversation with him before, it has been long since she's able to talk casually with a man around her age.
She smiles when she thought of that, she close her eyes before finally fell into a happy sleep.
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During midnight, a few hours after the team meetings end.
The members are spreading out doing their own business, leaving only both Arno and Melissa in the store 3rd-floor room.
Melissa is currently checking a huge stack of documents in the main desk and Arno is sitting in the long chairs while smoking his pipe.
Melissa is baffled at why Arno is sucking an odd looking pipe and blowing smoke from his mouth, but she didn't pry further.
Both of them minding their own thing without talking to each other.
After a while, Melissa finished examined the documents and stretching out her body before stealing a glance at Arno who is still sitting leisurely.
She began walking towards the chairs, the way she walks is undoubtedly elegant, then she sits right in front of Arno, while still maintained an elegant posture befitted a high noble young lady.
Arno sits while crossing his legs leisurely and still holding his pipe, before turning his head looking directly at Melissa's face.
Both of them facing each other soundly.
Melissa is wearing an expensive looking dark blue long dress which is a bit tight that showed her glamorous body, with a gigantic milky breast that almost spilled from her dress and an elegant noble aura coming from her.
Combined all of that with her background and talent, there is no doubt that not only she's extremely beautiful but also a very capable woman.
A woman who became a goddess in countless men's heart.
She was famous throughout Astoria and abroad, from the time when she still studying in the Academy until now, her reputation grew even more when she became a Grand Mages at a relatively young age.
She's is comparable with the Saintess Candidate of Greysia and Princess Starlight of the Saint Dragon Mountains.
They were reputedly the top most beautiful and talented women in the whole Greysia Realm.
Many people from powerful nobilities and royalties, local or foreign, trying to court and take her as a wife or a daughter in law, even while bringing fabulous gifts but none moved her heart and get straight rejected.
And the famous Dreyfuss young lady now sits inside a room accompanied only by a man.
Normally, sitting face to face with Melissa Dreyfuss inside a room alone will be an unimaginable and luckiest moments for any man.
But alas, the man who sits in front of Melissa now is Arno, who obviously didn't really think much of her, Although he acknowledges her as a beautiful woman, but that's it, nothing more.
Actually, Melissa now is deliberately putting up a little seductive posture because she wants to gauges Arno reactions, but he just sitting there casually while looking at her with an indifferent face.
If it's another man who sits in front of her now, then their reaction will be totally different, They will fawn all over her with endless praise and examined her glorious sexy body with lustful eyes.
Even she also caught Alfred sometimes stealing a glance at her, but maybe because he already had a sweetheart, so he still did it with some consideration.
Melissa is very sensitive and already accustomed when a man looking at her body, but of course she still kinda repulsed by these lascivious gazes.
But now after being near Arno for almost whole day long, she didn't feel that kind of gaze from him, when they talked he would just staring straight at her face without wandering around.
He didn't try to flirt with her or fawning her, instead if he had something to talk or if Melissa is asking him, then he will just speak straight to the point without going in a circle and trying to get close to her.
Melissa have a mixed reaction because of this, she feels comfortable and able to talk normally, but yet she also somehow slightly disappointed.
As she thought maybe Arno didn't attract to her.
But Arno did, in fact, have an interest on her, that's why he joined the team, but his motives are not because her beauty, but rather because she and Alfred had a strong destiny connection with Arno, which piqued huge curiosity in him.
Both of them still staring at each other faces silently even after a while.
"did you not having rest Arno ?... we depart at dawn after all...there's still time.." Melissa speak to break the atmosphere while smiling sweetly.
"you're the one who really needs a rest...look at you're eyes...hehe" Arno chuckled lightly and pointing Melissa tired eyes.
"I'll rest later...but I want to ask you about something now... do you mind ?" Melissa asking coquettishly.
"no I didn't mind...hhmm ..what do you want to know then?" Arno replied while still smoking his pipe.
"what was like living in there?? you know...in Miraz island"
From her expression, Arno found Melissa doesn't have any malicious motives when she asked, he knew that she just kinda curious.
'i see...that island name is Miraz huh..' Arno didn't know the island name that he carelessly uses as his fictional homeland, but he knew now after Melissa blurted it out.
Arno is silent for a while before finally reply.
"well let's see...it's a boring place actually, lives pretty much running slow and there is not much happened in there" he replied shortly and vaguely.
But his answer was more or less spot on as he did examine the island living condition with his divine sense earlier, which show that there are not many activities going on.
Arno is taking a cautious stance about his fake homeland, as he didn't know anything about its social structure or its position in Greysia Realm geopolitics.
It's not that because he's afraid of anything, as there is no one who can be a threat to him in the entire world and not to mention Greysia Realm, hell he can even destroy the entire Dawn continent leisurely with his overwhelming power and sink it to the bottom of the sea if he wanted to.
But rather because he only wants to enjoy a relaxing life before his dangerous tribulation without attracting much attention.
'but it's not wrong right.. learning more about that place...to make it more convincing in the future..' Arno thought that and at the same time, he decides to inquire more about Miraz island.
Melissa is a bit annoyed when she heard Arno's vague answers, she slightly pouted her lips and wanted to ask more.
"ah yes lady Melissa....what's the people of the Dawn continent opinion on our tiny island ??... truthfully it's not my first time here traveling but it has been a long time since i was a kid before i can go out of the island again...i'm very curious about it" but Arno suddenly blabbering nonsense before Melissa cam open her mouth.
Melissa is squinted her eyes and pondering for a while before answering.
Through her, Arno found that the ruler of Miraz Island is called Regios clan, which he also remember the clan name from the library books he read yesterday.
The book also mentioned that the Regios clan is an ancient clan originate from the time of Angevin Empire, the clan was famous because of their Apotechary.
Apothecary is a profession in which focused on refining myriads of the pill, treating disease and making a potion.
It is also one of the most respected profession in Greysia Realm, along with the Magic Refiner and the Blacksmith.
Magic Refiner is focused on making magic items and formations, while the Blacksmith main job is, of course, making any kind of weapons and armors.
Like cultivation albeit little bit different, the 3 Profession are also separated in many class.
For Magic Refiners, one will become a Class 1 Magic Refiner after they able to make a Normal class magic item, continue advancing to Class 2 Magic Refiner after making a Unique class item, and to Class 3 Refiner after refining a Rare class item so on.
And it also applied to both Apotechary and Blacksmith.
Arno also learned that in Greysia Realm currently. pills, items, magic plants, and weapons classification are greatly different from his time.
There is 6 classifications from the bottom to the top. which is Normal, Unique, Rare, Legendary, Mythical and Divine.
Actually, in the whole of Greysia, the quantity of Apotechary are much less compared to the other 2 professions. and it is also very hard to become one, as Apotechary need extensive knowledge in many creatures bodies or any kind of herbals, plants, and herbs that can help them refine a pill and potions.
They can even recognize poison and creating them, that is also why an Apotechary has a spectacular reputation.
Even an ordinary Class 1 Apotechary will be respected anywhere, many small kingdoms will pay a huge amount of wealth in inviting them to become their sovereign chief physicians.
But unfortunately, the average Apotechary across Greysia is only Class 1, while Class 2 and Class 3 Apotechary is an extremely rare breed, those people mostly is a leader of large Apotechary guild or a chief physicians position in important nations.
For example, many upper executive positions of the Green Healer Guild, the largest Apotechary guild in the Greysia Realm is filled by Class 2 Apotechary, while the guild president is a Class 3 Apothecary, even Arno heard from Alfred that the Astoria Empire royal physicians are also a Class 3 Apothecary.
As for a Class 4 Apotechary, it can only be found in Regios clan rank.
Because of the existence of Class 4 Apotechary along with the production of precious rare pills or potions and their secret recipes, resulting the Regios clan reputation spread to all of Greysia and remain unshakeable for thousands of years.
But from Melissa's mouth, it is known by the people of the Dawn Continent that the Regios clan is, in fact, an extremely mysterious and elusive clan, they quietly conducting their business and there is not much trade or contact between them and the rest of Greysia.
But they will have an auction of their famous precious pills and potions once in every several years, that attracted a large number of experts from the entire realm, even coming from as far as the Orient.
"that's why your clan had a really fearsome reputation in here Arno.... emmm we also knew that the clan leader is a Saint rank expert and about the Nirvana Cauldron..." Melissa finishes her explanation, while somehow looking at Arno strangely.
'this man definitely has a high position in the clan...but his attitude' she starts to wonder that maybe Arno has a high position in the clan looking from his strength, but his attitude is not arrogant at all, although Melissa can see that he's a bit prideful.
But overall he really different from other man coming from famous families or countries she has met in the past.
'hehmm it looks like i've picked a troublesome place....but maybe it's fine, that clan is also very low profile...as long as i'm not attracted too much attention,....Nirvana Cauldron? it must be the name of that Heaven Ra...no a Mythical class cauldron if i'm right....the clan infamous pills and potion should be produced with the help of that cauldron' Arno frowned and scratched his head after he heard about Melissa story.
'she doesn't know that Regios has 2 other Saint ranked expert beside the clan leader....but can't blame her as this information may be not exactly available to outsider" from his divine sense, Arno found 3 Saint ranked expert existence in Miraz island, that means the clan power level is among the top level the entire realm.
"hehe so it's like that,.... normally i'm don't bother with those kinds of power level thing, heh i'm only an ordinary member, i would just let those upper echelon people do something about it.....but anyway lady Melissa i hope you keep quiet about the place i came from,....i'm not telling you to keep it secret.. just don't unnecessarily blurted it out alright ?" Arno requesting Melissa while his expression became a bit serious.
Although Arno said that he is just an ordinary member in the clan, Melissa completely didn't believe it.
"hehehe you don't have to worry about that, although i've already informed my superior about you earlier, they will not making you uncomfortable, so you can trust me from now on.." but Melissa assures him that she will keep about his identity in mind.
Arno thought if it's just informing her superior about his "fake" identity then it's fine as he knows that it's necessary for her to do that.
"very well.. thank you.." so Arno thanked her while giving her a bright charming smile.
Melissa gawking at Arno's face because of the smile for a while, before she began try to speak.
"i..t...it..it's fine...hehe don't... mentioned it" she replied bashfully and red bright color starts to appear in her cheeks while she averted her eyes.
'damn it!!...what's wrong with me ughhh' there is huge chaos inside Melissa's mind right now, as she was extremely embarrassed.
Arno chuckled looking at her expression, but he didn't tease her any further.
Both of them continue to chat normally after Melissa recovered from her embarrassing state.
And a warm atmosphere began enveloping the room entirely.
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At the same time in the store warehouse that was filled with a wooden crates and goods downstairs.
Zohar the dwarf who already tired after packing up and managing the team supplies can be seen sleeping on top of a long crate while letting out a loud snoring sound that can shake the heavens from his mouth.
While Dina along with Sasha and Aurel is resting and chatting near the warehouse corners.
The 3 girls also just finished preparing the supplies, originally Alfred is around too but he left not long ago doing his own business. they peacefully talking with each other without being affected by Zohar loud snorer
"hey, Dina...what's with that Arno guy? i understand about Alfred and Sasha being recruited but...why Melissa inviting him too ??" Aurel was baffled why Melissa also invites him to join the team.
Because she's also a SAD member, she too knew about Arno being monitored by the agencies before, that's why she didn't understand why Melissa inviting a suspicious person for this important mission.
"sigh...i don't know alright...even Melissa doesn't know about it too.., but she was suggested by the Leader to recruit that guy" Dina sighing and shaking her head while replying as she did not know the reason at all.
"WHA...TT!!...the Leader???.... are both Leader and Arno perhaps an acquaintance?" Aurel was stupefied after she heard Arno was recommended by the legendary SAD elusive Leader.
"heh, you know...i've got exactly the same reaction as you now, the first time i heard it from Melissa heheheh...but no.. Melissa said that the Leader and Arno didn't know each other, even Arno himself told us he never met SAD Leader before" Dina is laughing when looking at Aurel funny expression.
"then.?..unbelievable.. sigh...but are you sure we can trust him?? i mean he could be a spy, i've already checked the reports about him you know, in fact, there were no single records that match his description in the Empire register, that means he's a foreigner" Aurel somewhat anxious.
"you don't have to worry about that, besides he's really coming from abroad, he said it himself...me and Melissa feel that this guy is legit" Dina assuring Aurel with a careless tone.
Dina careless tone making Aurel annoyed "but how can you sure like that!!?? goddamnit! Dina, we are the SAD you know, shouldn't we be more vigilant about a potential threat?? beside..i didn't detect any mana circulation in his body..i don't understand" she became more anxious and lost.
Because she is a White Elf, a race who is more sensitive to mana activities as their racial innate trait, but even then she didn't understand why Arno's body is devoid of any mana circulation.
"look here, it's not that we're not cautious alright. we've already had a nice conversation with him before recruiting him, from the talk we knew where did he come from, and there is no doubt about it...because of his strength, Aurel..he's a Grandmaster expert" Dina looked straight at Aurel while replying.
"HUH!!! a Grandmaster?? really?? but... he looked so young, i mean just look at his appearance, he probably had the same age as we and Melissa..i've never heard another young Grandmaster abroad.." Aurel completely didn't believe it, because judging from Arno's outer appearance, Aurel thinks that he basically from the same generation as her and Melissa.
If Arno hear Aurel's words now, then he will facepalm so hard and bitterly laugh, because actually he's ultimately an ancient being, it's just that in the past, he was still relatively young when he gained an immortality, so he just stop aging by that time, that's why his appearance didn't change much for the last 1 million years.
Sasha who is silent listening suddenly spoke "it's true miss Aurel, iv..ehem..i've already tested his strength before in the academy, he..he stop my family proud spear skill with only using his hand, i can't judge clearly, however, there is no doubt that his power is above Super Warrior rank" she speaks rather bashfully.
Sasha is in fact also curious about where Arno came from as she too never heard of any young Grandmaster emerge beside the famous Melissa before.
When Aurel heard Sasha testimony, she became even more surprised, she knew about Sasha families from the SAD intel database. the Hansen family is famous because the spear experts they produce in every generation, Sasha's father, Eldo Hansen the current family head is a Level 2 Grandmaster expert and also best spear warrior in Astoria Empire.
Sasha herself is a prodigy among the Empire young generation as she already has the strength of Level 6 Super Warrior and just a step away from entering the Grandmaster rank.
And now Sasha admitting that Arno is able to stop her spear attack that combined with Hansen family ultimate high-level martial arts skill leisurely with only using his hand, it's truly an unbelievable feat.
Of course, Aurel also knew that it's not impossible to do that, but the power behind Sasha strike is able to incur a fatal injury to a Level 2 Grandmaster expert if they were directly hit.
She began to think that unless if it's a peak Level 6 Grandmaster then might be able to do that.
'that man is a Level 6 Grandmaster?? that young??... Dina said he came from outside...but what kind of place that able produce that kind monstrous young genius??' she completely lost and spinning her head trying to understand the whole situation surrounding Arno.
she wanted to ask where Arno came from but Sasha already speaks first "by the way miss Dina, sir Arno must come from a powerful family abroad..but where did exactly it is?".
Both Aurel and Sasha looking at Dina with an expectant gaze.
Dina also set her sight towards both of them and taking a deep breath before she replies.
"if it's confirmed... then he must be a member of the Regios clan and came straight from Miraz Island" answered Dina with a serious face.
"..."
"..."
Both the other 2 girls keep silent and froze after they heard Dina's words.
And only the sound of Zohar loud snore can be heard inside the warehouse after that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
While a huge misunderstanding keeps surrounding the 3 girls in the warehouse below.
Arno the misunderstand man still chatting warmly with Melissa upstairs.
the 2 continue talking for at least several hours.
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"just a few hours left until the dawn...why don't you have a rest lady...you're the team leader, you will need a fresh mind for the mission later" Arno finally suggest Melissa have a rest for a bit after he sees Melissa is getting more tired and drowsy.
After she heard Arno suggestion Melissa begin moving her head and set her gaze towards the windows, where she can see that the sky is getting little bright although still dark.
"yes...it's getting brighter, i'm gonna rest shortly. i suggest you do the same Arno" Melissa talking while sprawling her body in the long chair preparing to sleep.
"no i'm fine,... i'm just gonna head downstairs, you rest well" Arno is standing up from the chair and head straight to the room door.
"oh..okay..and Arno.. thank you for the nice chat" Melissa answering rather shyly and sweetly.
"it's fine..is nice talking to you too.." Arno lightly smiles before opening the door.
And he left the room after shutting the door gently while Melissa watching him leave.
she began to think her nice relaxing conversation with him before, it has been long since she's able to talk casually with a man around her age.
She smiles when she thought of that, she close her eyes before finally fell into a happy sleep.
During midnight, a few hours after the team meetings end.The members are spreading out doing their own business, leaving only both Arno and Melissa in the store 3rd-floor room.Melissa is currently checking a huge stack of documents in the main desk and Arno is sitting in the long chairs while smoking his pipe.Melissa is baffled at why Arno is sucking an odd looking pipe and blowing smoke from his mouth, but she didn't pry further.Both of them minding their own thing without talking to each other.After a while, Melissa finished examined the documents and stretching out her body before stealing a glance at Arno who is still sitting leisurely.She began walking towards the chairs, the way she walks is undoubtedly elegant, then she sits right in front of Arno, while still maintained an elegant posture befitted a high noble young lady.Arno sits while crossing his legs leisurely and still holding his pipe, before turning his head looking directly at Melissa's face.Both of them facing each other soundly.Melissa is wearing an expensive looking dark blue long dress which is a bit tight that showed her glamorous body, with a gigantic milky breast that almost spilled from her dress and an elegant noble aura coming from her.Combined all of that with her background and talent, there is no doubt that not only she's extremely beautiful but also a very capable woman.A woman who became a goddess in countless men's heart.She was famous throughout Astoria and abroad, from the time when she still studying in the Academy until now, her reputation grew even more when she became a Grand Mages at a relatively young age.She's is comparable with the Saintess Candidate of Greysia and Princess Starlight of the Saint Dragon Mountains.They were reputedly the top most beautiful and talented women in the whole Greysia Realm.Many people from powerful nobilities and royalties, local or foreign, trying to court and take her as a wife or a daughter in law, even while bringing fabulous gifts but none moved her heart and get straight rejected.And the famous Dreyfuss young lady now sits inside a room accompanied only by a man.Normally, sitting face to face with Melissa Dreyfuss inside a room alone will be an unimaginable and luckiest moments for any man.But alas, the man who sits in front of Melissa now is Arno, who obviously didn't really think much of her, Although he acknowledges her as a beautiful woman, but that's it, nothing more.Actually, Melissa now is deliberately putting up a little seductive posture because she wants to gauges Arno reactions, but he just sitting there casually while looking at her with an indifferent face.If it's another man who sits in front of her now, then their reaction will be totally different, They will fawn all over her with endless praise and examined her glorious sexy body with lustful eyes.Even she also caught Alfred sometimes stealing a glance at her, but maybe because he already had a sweetheart, so he still did it with some consideration.Melissa is very sensitive and already accustomed when a man looking at her body, but of course she still kinda repulsed by these lascivious gazes.But now after being near Arno for almost whole day long, she didn't feel that kind of gaze from him, when they talked he would just staring straight at her face without wandering around.He didn't try to flirt with her or fawning her, instead if he had something to talk or if Melissa is asking him, then he will just speak straight to the point without going in a circle and trying to get close to her.Melissa have a mixed reaction because of this, she feels comfortable and able to talk normally, but yet she also somehow slightly disappointed.As she thought maybe Arno didn't attract to her.But Arno did, in fact, have an interest on her, that's why he joined the team, but his motives are not because her beauty, but rather because she and Alfred had a strong destiny connection with Arno, which piqued huge curiosity in him.Both of them still staring at each other faces silently even after a while."did you not having rest Arno ?... we depart at dawn after all...there's still time.." Melissa speak to break the atmosphere while smiling sweetly."you're the one who really needs a rest...look at you're eyes...hehe" Arno chuckled lightly and pointing Melissa tired eyes."I'll rest later...but I want to ask you about something now... do you mind ?" Melissa asking coquettishly."no I didn't mind...hhmm ..what do you want to know then?" Arno replied while still smoking his pipe."what was like living in there?? you know...in Miraz island"From her expression, Arno found Melissa doesn't have any malicious motives when she asked, he knew that she just kinda curious.'i see...that island name is Miraz huh..' Arno didn't know the island name that he carelessly uses as his fictional homeland, but he knew now after Melissa blurted it out.Arno is silent for a while before finally reply."well let's see...it's a boring place actually, lives pretty much running slow and there is not much happened in there" he replied shortly and vaguely.But his answer was more or less spot on as he did examine the island living condition with his divine sense earlier, which show that there are not many activities going on.Arno is taking a cautious stance about his fake homeland, as he didn't know anything about its social structure or its position in Greysia Realm geopolitics.It's not that because he's afraid of anything, as there is no one who can be a threat to him in the entire world and not to mention Greysia Realm, hell he can even destroy the entire Dawn continent leisurely with his overwhelming power and sink it to the bottom of the sea if he wanted to.But rather because he only wants to enjoy a relaxing life before his dangerous tribulation without attracting much attention.'but it's not wrong right.. learning more about that place...to make it more convincing in the future..' Arno thought that and at the same time, he decides to inquire more about Miraz island.Melissa is a bit annoyed when she heard Arno's vague answers, she slightly pouted her lips and wanted to ask more."ah yes lady Melissa....what's the people of the Dawn continent opinion on our tiny island ??... truthfully it's not my first time here traveling but it has been a long time since i was a kid before i can go out of the island again...i'm very curious about it" but Arno suddenly blabbering nonsense before Melissa cam open her mouth.Melissa is squinted her eyes and pondering for a while before answering.Through her, Arno found that the ruler of Miraz Island is called Regios clan, which he also remember the clan name from the library books he read yesterday.The book also mentioned that the Regios clan is an ancient clan originate from the time of Angevin Empire, the clan was famous because of their Apotechary.Apothecary is a profession in which focused on refining myriads of the pill, treating disease and making a potion.It is also one of the most respected profession in Greysia Realm, along with the Magic Refiner and the Blacksmith.Magic Refiner is focused on making magic items and formations, while the Blacksmith main job is, of course, making any kind of weapons and armors.Like cultivation albeit little bit different, the 3 Profession are also separated in many class.For Magic Refiners, one will become a Class 1 Magic Refiner after they able to make a Normal class magic item, continue advancing to Class 2 Magic Refiner after making a Unique class item, and to Class 3 Refiner after refining a Rare class item so on.And it also applied to both Apotechary and Blacksmith.Arno also learned that in Greysia Realm currently. pills, items, magic plants, and weapons classification are greatly different from his time.There is 6 classifications from the bottom to the top. which is Normal, Unique, Rare, Legendary, Mythical and Divine.Actually, in the whole of Greysia, the quantity of Apotechary are much less compared to the other 2 professions. and it is also very hard to become one, as Apotechary need extensive knowledge in many creatures bodies or any kind of herbals, plants, and herbs that can help them refine a pill and potions.They can even recognize poison and creating them, that is also why an Apotechary has a spectacular reputation.Even an ordinary Class 1 Apotechary will be respected anywhere, many small kingdoms will pay a huge amount of wealth in inviting them to become their sovereign chief physicians.But unfortunately, the average Apotechary across Greysia is only Class 1, while Class 2 and Class 3 Apotechary is an extremely rare breed, those people mostly is a leader of large Apotechary guild or a chief physicians position in important nations.For example, many upper executive positions of the Green Healer Guild, the largest Apotechary guild in the Greysia Realm is filled by Class 2 Apotechary, while the guild president is a Class 3 Apothecary, even Arno heard from Alfred that the Astoria Empire royal physicians are also a Class 3 Apothecary.As for a Class 4 Apotechary, it can only be found in Regios clan rank.Because of the existence of Class 4 Apotechary along with the production of precious rare pills or potions and their secret recipes, resulting the Regios clan reputation spread to all of Greysia and remain unshakeable for thousands of years.But from Melissa's mouth, it is known by the people of the Dawn Continent that the Regios clan is, in fact, an extremely mysterious and elusive clan, they quietly conducting their business and there is not much trade or contact between them and the rest of Greysia.But they will have an auction of their famous precious pills and potions once in every several years, that attracted a large number of experts from the entire realm, even coming from as far as the Orient."that's why your clan had a really fearsome reputation in here Arno.... emmm we also knew that the clan leader is a Saint rank expert and about the Nirvana Cauldron..." Melissa finishes her explanation, while somehow looking at Arno strangely.'this man definitely has a high position in the clan...but his attitude' she starts to wonder that maybe Arno has a high position in the clan looking from his strength, but his attitude is not arrogant at all, although Melissa can see that he's a bit prideful.But overall he really different from other man coming from famous families or countries she has met in the past.'hehmm it looks like i've picked a troublesome place....but maybe it's fine, that clan is also very low profile...as long as i'm not attracted too much attention,....Nirvana Cauldron? it must be the name of that Heaven Ra...no a Mythical class cauldron if i'm right....the clan infamous pills and potion should be produced with the help of that cauldron' Arno frowned and scratched his head after he heard about Melissa story.'she doesn't know that Regios has 2 other Saint ranked expert beside the clan leader....but can't blame her as this information may be not exactly available to outsider" from his divine sense, Arno found 3 Saint ranked expert existence in Miraz island, that means the clan power level is among the top level the entire realm."hehe so it's like that,.... normally i'm don't bother with those kinds of power level thing, heh i'm only an ordinary member, i would just let those upper echelon people do something about it.....but anyway lady Melissa i hope you keep quiet about the place i came from,....i'm not telling you to keep it secret.. just don't unnecessarily blurted it out alright ?" Arno requesting Melissa while his expression became a bit serious.Although Arno said that he is just an ordinary member in the clan, Melissa completely didn't believe it."hehehe you don't have to worry about that, although i've already informed my superior about you earlier, they will not making you uncomfortable, so you can trust me from now on.." but Melissa assures him that she will keep about his identity in mind.Arno thought if it's just informing her superior about his "fake" identity then it's fine as he knows that it's necessary for her to do that."very well.. thank you.." so Arno thanked her while giving her a bright charming smile.Melissa gawking at Arno's face because of the smile for a while, before she began try to speak."i..t...it..it's fine...hehe don't... mentioned it" she replied bashfully and red bright color starts to appear in her cheeks while she averted her eyes.'damn it!!...what's wrong with me ughhh' there is huge chaos inside Melissa's mind right now, as she was extremely embarrassed.Arno chuckled looking at her expression, but he didn't tease her any further.Both of them continue to chat normally after Melissa recovered from her embarrassing state.And a warm atmosphere began enveloping the room entirely.----------------------------------------------------------------------At the same time in the store warehouse that was filled with a wooden crates and goods downstairs.Zohar the dwarf who already tired after packing up and managing the team supplies can be seen sleeping on top of a long crate while letting out a loud snoring sound that can shake the heavens from his mouth.While Dina along with Sasha and Aurel is resting and chatting near the warehouse corners.The 3 girls also just finished preparing the supplies, originally Alfred is around too but he left not long ago doing his own business. they peacefully talking with each other without being affected by Zohar loud snorer"hey, Dina...what's with that Arno guy? i understand about Alfred and Sasha being recruited but...why Melissa inviting him too ??" Aurel was baffled why Melissa also invites him to join the team.Because she's also a SAD member, she too knew about Arno being monitored by the agencies before, that's why she didn't understand why Melissa inviting a suspicious person for this important mission."sigh...i don't know alright...even Melissa doesn't know about it too.., but she was suggested by the Leader to recruit that guy" Dina sighing and shaking her head while replying as she did not know the reason at all."WHA...TT!!...the Leader???.... are both Leader and Arno perhaps an acquaintance?" Aurel was stupefied after she heard Arno was recommended by the legendary SAD elusive Leader."heh, you know...i've got exactly the same reaction as you now, the first time i heard it from Melissa heheheh...but no.. Melissa said that the Leader and Arno didn't know each other, even Arno himself told us he never met SAD Leader before" Dina is laughing when looking at Aurel funny expression."then.?..unbelievable.. sigh...but are you sure we can trust him?? i mean he could be a spy, i've already checked the reports about him you know, in fact, there were no single records that match his description in the Empire register, that means he's a foreigner" Aurel somewhat anxious."you don't have to worry about that, besides he's really coming from abroad, he said it himself...me and Melissa feel that this guy is legit" Dina assuring Aurel with a careless tone.Dina careless tone making Aurel annoyed "but how can you sure like that!!?? goddamnit! Dina, we are the SAD you know, shouldn't we be more vigilant about a potential threat?? beside..i didn't detect any mana circulation in his body..i don't understand" she became more anxious and lost.Because she is a White Elf, a race who is more sensitive to mana activities as their racial innate trait, but even then she didn't understand why Arno's body is devoid of any mana circulation."look here, it's not that we're not cautious alright. we've already had a nice conversation with him before recruiting him, from the talk we knew where did he come from, and there is no doubt about it...because of his strength, Aurel..he's a Grandmaster expert" Dina looked straight at Aurel while replying."HUH!!! a Grandmaster?? really?? but... he looked so young, i mean just look at his appearance, he probably had the same age as we and Melissa..i've never heard another young Grandmaster abroad.." Aurel completely didn't believe it, because judging from Arno's outer appearance, Aurel thinks that he basically from the same generation as her and Melissa.If Arno hear Aurel's words now, then he will facepalm so hard and bitterly laugh, because actually he's ultimately an ancient being, it's just that in the past, he was still relatively young when he gained an immortality, so he just stop aging by that time, that's why his appearance didn't change much for the last 1 million years.Sasha who is silent listening suddenly spoke "it's true miss Aurel, iv..ehem..i've already tested his strength before in the academy, he..he stop my family proud spear skill with only using his hand, i can't judge clearly, however, there is no doubt that his power is above Super Warrior rank" she speaks rather bashfully.Sasha is in fact also curious about where Arno came from as she too never heard of any young Grandmaster emerge beside the famous Melissa before.When Aurel heard Sasha testimony, she became even more surprised, she knew about Sasha families from the SAD intel database. the Hansen family is famous because the spear experts they produce in every generation, Sasha's father, Eldo Hansen the current family head is a Level 2 Grandmaster expert and also best spear warrior in Astoria Empire.Sasha herself is a prodigy among the Empire young generation as she already has the strength of Level 6 Super Warrior and just a step away from entering the Grandmaster rank.And now Sasha admitting that Arno is able to stop her spear attack that combined with Hansen family ultimate high-level martial arts skill leisurely with only using his hand, it's truly an unbelievable feat.Of course, Aurel also knew that it's not impossible to do that, but the power behind Sasha strike is able to incur a fatal injury to a Level 2 Grandmaster expert if they were directly hit.She began to think that unless if it's a peak Level 6 Grandmaster then might be able to do that.'that man is a Level 6 Grandmaster?? that young??... Dina said he came from outside...but what kind of place that able produce that kind monstrous young genius??' she completely lost and spinning her head trying to understand the whole situation surrounding Arno.she wanted to ask where Arno came from but Sasha already speaks first "by the way miss Dina, sir Arno must come from a powerful family abroad..but where did exactly it is?".Both Aurel and Sasha looking at Dina with an expectant gaze.Dina also set her sight towards both of them and taking a deep breath before she replies."if it's confirmed... then he must be a member of the Regios clan and came straight from Miraz Island" answered Dina with a serious face."...""..."Both the other 2 girls keep silent and froze after they heard Dina's words.And only the sound of Zohar loud snore can be heard inside the warehouse after that.------------------------------------------------------------------------While a huge misunderstanding keeps surrounding the 3 girls in the warehouse below.Arno the misunderstand man still chatting warmly with Melissa upstairs.the 2 continue talking for at least several hours......."just a few hours left until the dawn...why don't you have a rest lady...you're the team leader, you will need a fresh mind for the mission later" Arno finally suggest Melissa have a rest for a bit after he sees Melissa is getting more tired and drowsy.After she heard Arno suggestion Melissa begin moving her head and set her gaze towards the windows, where she can see that the sky is getting little bright although still dark."yes...it's getting brighter, i'm gonna rest shortly. i suggest you do the same Arno" Melissa talking while sprawling her body in the long chair preparing to sleep."no i'm fine,... i'm just gonna head downstairs, you rest well" Arno is standing up from the chair and head straight to the room door."oh..okay..and Arno.. thank you for the nice chat" Melissa answering rather shyly and sweetly."it's fine..is nice talking to you too.." Arno lightly smiles before opening the door.And he left the room after shutting the door gently while Melissa watching him leave.she began to think her nice relaxing conversation with him before, it has been long since she's able to talk casually with a man around her age.She smiles when she thought of that, she close her eyes before finally fell into a happy sleep.
