Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil Chapter 1340 Planning For The Future

The Nightshade Duchy.

A lesser-known city nestled near the tranquil River Lithe greeted the arrival of two majestic ships at its bustling port.

Each vessel bore a resplendent figurehead depicting a regal White Raven, its wings outstretched as if poised for flight. The sight of these figureheads stirred whispers among the gathered rankers, who recognized the symbol and its significance—Grimdawn.

The city authorities swiftly established a perimeter around the port, ensuring that eager rankers couldn't approach the two anchored ships. The word had spread, and anticipation filled the air. The people knew that Grimdawn, recently bestowed with a prestigious title in the capital city, had become a figure of intrigue and curiosity.

A crowd had gathered just beyond the guards' perimeter, anxiously awaiting Eren's arrival. Among them were devoted fans, eager to meet their idol and shake his hand. Some sought the thrill of challenging Eren or his subordinates to duels, testing their mettle against his prowess. Ambitious individuals hoped for the opportunity to join his renowned guild, while esteemed merchant families saw a chance to forge prosperous business alliances with the White Raven Guild.

Eren's name had become a magnet, drawing attention and curiosity from all corners. After all, news had spread that he had secured numerous lucrative contracts from the capital. Anyone associated with him stood to benefit, despite the ongoing war between Edinburgh and the kingdom of Layos.

Aware of the attention he would attract upon entering the Nightshade Duchy, Eren had taken precautions. He had asked Agatha to dispatch two skilled squadrons to act as his vanguard and rearguard. These squads were tasked with ensuring the safety of Eren and his companions.

Eren understood the flip side of fame—the multitude of enemies he had amassed along with his reputation. Though he had dealt with House Slughorn and made amends with House Remus, the shadows still held threats in the form of the Escalon Guild and the Midnight Moon cultists. His business rivals could also take their shot at him, endangering Eren's subordinates just because they happened to be with him.

Traitors sponsored by the kingdom of Layos and Demonmir himself were also lurking, seeking to harm Eren and those who were with him by any means necessary. In short, the butcher had no shortage of enemies. Plus, they were relentless, willing to go to great lengths to undermine and hurt him.

This was the dark underbelly of fame, the uglier side he had come to know.

While he had confidence in the abilities of Nina, Levine, and Jiana to protect themselves, Eren harbored concerns for Renita and Sara, who were aboard his ships. He refused to take any chances with their safety.

Eren was well aware that the security threats surrounding those connected to him would eventually dissipate with time. As his fans and enemies became embroiled in their own affairs, whether through direct involvement in the war or furthering their Ranking Paths, the intensity of their focus would lessen. However, until that time arrived, Eren understood the importance of maintaining caution.

Having bid farewell to the Amazonian settlement, Eren had gathered his comrades from LA, welcoming them aboard the Tidebreaker. Their purpose was to accompany him to his city and officially join the White Raven Guild.

For Ron, Dino, Jake, Bel, Renita, and Ana, the decision to join the guild was an obvious one, given their long-standing links with Eren since their early academy days. However, the original White Raven squad from LA was incomplete without two members—Steve and Becky.

While Steve had been recruited by Edinburgh's special forces, Becky had tragically lost her life in the Sansara World. The absence of these two members cast a bittersweet sentiment over the remaining squad members as they embarked on their journey to join Eren's guild.

Eren recognized that time would be the only healer of their collective sorrow. In the coming months, he planned to immerse Renita and the others in such demanding missions that their minds would be occupied solely with the tasks at hand.

Renita, Ron, Jake, and the rest formed the first group to step onto the deck of the Tidebreaker, disembarking one by one. Eren's other loyal subordinates followed suit.

On the vessel Freya, Eren, Nina, Levine, and Jiana remained in their positions, allowing Renita, Sara, and the rest of their companions from the Tidebreaker to be safely escorted ashore.

Once everyone from the Tidebreaker had disembarked, the attention of the city guards swiftly shifted to Freya. Before any representatives from the city administration could approach Eren's ship and request an audience with him, a spirited male voice resonated through the air, capturing the attention of all present.

"Aight. Nice and easy. Make way for this Prince, people."

Argo clapped his hands with gusto, confidently making his way toward Freya amidst the throngs of onlookers who had gathered to witness Eren's arrival. A group of formidable-looking Rankers trailed closely behind him, catching the city administration off guard. However, it didn't take long for the guards to realize that these Rankers were affiliated with the White Raven Guild, serving as the vanguard for Eren and his companions.

Argo assumed leadership of the vanguard squad, with the accompanying Rankers serving as his direct subordinates. They were members of the Order of the Fly, a specialized force that operated covertly and overtly on behalf of the White Raven Guild.

As Argo's group approached Freya, the city guards and the crowd instinctively made way. With a swift, graceful jump, Argo, the enigmatic demon beast, bounded onto the deck of Freya, fearlessly seeking out Eren without any hint of reservation.

Argo sported a distinctive appearance that set him apart from the other Rankers. With his hair cropped short and spiked, he possessed a unique visual style. Clad in a white top layered beneath a black, leather-like, form-fitting armor that resembled a jacket, he exuded a very funk-like aura. His subordinates, following closely behind him, donned the same attire, further enhancing the underground-gang-like impression.

In his humanoid hybrid form, Argo boasted beastly arms and feet adorned with eagle-like talons. Despite his bestial features, he retained the appearance of an ordinary teenager. His sheathed aura and friendly demeanor created an illusion of innocence as if he were a young boy who had yet to grasp the harsh realities of the world.

However, a few astute high-ranking individuals present at the port quickly recognized Argo as a formidable force capable of wreaking havoc and causing massive loss of life should he unleash his intent-based magic. They also started perceiving Eren as even more of a threat because of his ownership over Argo.

"Ayo, boss! Whereyouat?" Argo called out, scanning the surroundings in search of Eren. Just then, a secure door of the accommodation structure swung open, revealing Eren as he emerged with a leisurely gait.

Upon catching sight of Eren stepping out, Argo erupted into hearty laughter. However, his amusement was abruptly interrupted by an unusual odor that wafted through the air as soon as the door was opened. He wrinkled his nose in slight annoyance before addressing Eren.

"Damn boss. What in the Old Macdonald's Farm happened in here? It smells like..." Argo's words trailed off as he shifted his gaze toward the trio of ladies—Nina, Levine, and Jiana—who closely trailed behind Eren, making their way out of the accommodation.

The demon beast swiftly pieced together Eren's activities aboard Freya, prompting him to offer a knowing smile. "Hahaha. You're stepping up your game, boss. Not bad. Not bad. But you still gotta think bigger."

Unperturbed by Argo's unsolicited comment, Eren feigned ignorance, disregarding the remark as if he were oblivious to Argo's insinuations. With deliberate precision, he straightened his immaculate attire and adjusted his hair, exuding an air of self-assurance as he approached Argo.

"Well, have you come prepared, you fat bird? If my intuition serves me right, our enemies will attempt something sinister on our journey to the City of White Raven," Eren commented, his voice tinged with a mix of confidence and caution.

Argo responded with a nod of acknowledgment, casting a casual smile toward Nina and the others before placing a reassuring hand on his chest. "Hmmm, don't you worry, boss. This Prince has everything well in hand," Argo assured, exuding unwavering confidence in his formidable powers.

Eren had no intention of evading the eager crowd that awaited him. He greeted his fans with a smile on his face. With his Soul Sense alone, he dissuaded would-be challengers, his mere gaze serving as a deterrent.

He also engaged in brief discussions with representatives from merchant families who sought to establish ties with him, inviting a select few to continue their conversations in the City of White Raven. Naturally, Agatha would oversee these discussions.

With his affairs settled, Eren entrusted Argo with the responsibility of leading the entire group out of the bustling port city. A convoy of sturdy carriages set forth, propelled by an astonishing speed. Leading the charge was a group of battle-ready magical colts, guided by Argo soaring through the sky in his majestic eagle form. The rearguard comprised silent and stealthy Rankers, employing their movement spells and artifacts to shadow the convoy's path.

True to Eren's foresight, they encountered a group of unknown Rankers who launched an all-out attack along their journey. Yet, Argo and his subordinates, divided into vanguard and rearguard teams, swiftly neutralized the threat, effortlessly repelling the assailants. One could describe Eren's journey to the City of White Raven as relatively peaceful.

Preferring not to involve himself in the skirmish, Eren entrusted the handling of the attackers to Argo, maintaining a low profile and deliberately reducing his public appearances. By shifting the focus away from himself, Eren aimed to divert the limelight and gradually fade from the public's immediate attention.

Thanks to the meticulous arrangements Eren had made, he and his companions safely arrived at the majestic City of White Raven. Sara, Renita, and the others were awestruck by the grandeur that unfolded before their eyes. Crossing the city gates, they chose to explore the city on foot, eager to immerse themselves in its bustling streets and discover all the wonders it held.

***

Inside Eren's carriage, a lavish room enchanted with space-element magic welcomed him. This very carriage had been his sanctuary during his perilous journey from the City of New Beginnings in the past, a time when Shalen Craft and the rest had targeted him in a meticulous ambush. Shalen had taken her last breath inside this magical carriage– an assassin from Escalon Guild who got assassinated by Eren.

With no one to lend an ear to his musings, Eren found solace within the confines of his carriage. He gazed out of the windows, taking in the sight of the city he had built from scratch—his creation, borne out of his own blood, sweat, and unwavering determination. It stood as a testament to his resolute spirit and his ability to navigate life without guidance.

As Eren ventured deeper into the heart of his city, he realized that it was shedding its old facade with each passing month. The once-familiar streets had transformed into a labyrinth of complexity and activity, burgeoning in size, population, and prosperity. The City of White Raven was undergoing a metamorphosis, evolving into a thriving hub of life and ambition.

Despite Nina and the others' persistent insistence, Eren had chosen to travel in a separate, isolated carriage. His decision stemmed from a genuine concern for the safety of his companions. By distancing himself, he sought to shield them from being caught in the direct crossfire should his enemies manage to locate him. It was his silent yet resolute way of demonstrating care, a manifestation of his confidence in his own ability to confront and overcome any adversary.

"Times are changing," Eren murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper, as he observed the bustling happenings of the city he had brought to life. Through the carriage's windows, he juxtaposed the city's current state of prosperity with its humble beginnings—a barren land he had transformed with his vision and determination.

"Soon, they will forget about me. Soon, they will be consumed by the rhythm of life. And soon, they will succumb to the inevitable embrace of death," Eren mused, a chuckle escaping his lips, a sardonic acknowledgment of the transient nature of existence. He allowed himself to be carried through the city's busy streets, lost in contemplation.

"Ever the Philosopher of Bullshittery– Mr. Eren Elijah Idril. Did you miss me?"

But suddenly, a gentle yet firm feminine voice broke through the solitude, surprising Eren. Turning towards the source of the sound, he discovered a youthful lady seated beside him—a homunculus.

Alephee had materialized within Eren's carriage without triggering any of its safety mechanisms. In this rare moment, a genuine smile graced Eren's lips as he beckoned Alephee to embrace him. The homunculus returned his smile, reciprocating the affectionate gesture.

"I indeed missed you, Miss Timeless" Eren whispered, his hand gently caressing Alephee's back—a rare display of tenderness. Alephee's heart stirred at the sincerity behind Eren's words. To hear such sentiments from a man like Eren held great significance.

"I missed you too, Eren," Alephee replied, her face adorned with a subtle grin. "Although, we weren't apart for long, and we did stay in contact most of the time, didn't we?" she added, her tone modest, probing to see if Eren would retract his statement.

Yet, Eren simply shrugged his shoulders, his words coated in honeyed warmth. "Can't I miss you for simply not being by my side?" he sighed dramatically before playfully adding, "You are heartless, not taking my feelings into consideration."

Alephee met Eren's gaze with a momentarily blank expression before succumbing to a burst of laughter. "Heartless, he says. Coming from you, Eren, that's quite rich," she retorted, her laughter echoing within the carriage.

Eren's smile lingered as he watched Alephee's laughter subside. "I miss Reen too," he murmured almost imperceptibly to himself, a sigh escaping his lips. With a resolute decision, he released the carriage's safety mechanisms entirely and employed Blink, causing himself to vanish from his position. Alephee, adjusting her hair, followed suit, leaving the carriage vacant.

***

Six days after Eren arrived in the City of White Raven...

In Agatha's private chamber, an additional presence joined her. As she dressed, Agatha turned to the occupant beside her. "When are you planning to leave?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity. Eren, reclining on her bed, responded with a tone infused with fatigue and contemplation, "Soon," he said, his gaze fixed on the ceiling of the chamber, devoid of expression.

A wry smile curved Agatha's lips at Eren's answer. She knew he was planning to do something really big, yet he remained deliberately elusive whenever questioned. He sought to shield her from the potential fallout, ensuring her plausible deniability. That is if circumstances took a turn for the worse, endangering him and everything he had built. Nevertheless, Agatha yearned for his openness, to be fully included in his plan so she could contribute her unwavering support and expertise.

Alas, Eren was determined to minimize White Raven Guild's involvement for as long as possible. He comprehended the limitations of his solitary efforts and acknowledged the need to assess the situation first. Investing his city's resources in the Lazarus Project right from the start might turn out to be harmful to him and his city.

The morning's arrival had transformed Agatha into an industrious figure, consumed by her duties. The wild aura she exuded during their intimate encounter the previous night had given way to an air of focused productivity. Eren observed this transformation with a mix of fascination and admiration, his eyes tracing her every movement.

Agatha granted Eren a brief moment of solitude, allowing him to gather his thoughts. She proceeded to the counter kitchen, deftly working with the available ingredients. Within minutes, she prepared a modest breakfast for both of them. As if summoned by her magic, a breakfast table materialized beside the bed, adorned with their morning meal.

By now, Eren had readied himself, taking his place at the table opposite Agatha. As they savored their breakfast, Agatha began briefing him on White Raven Guild's forthcoming project. Engrossed in their conversation, the pair delved into various topics, their voices mingling harmoniously amidst the backdrop of their shared meal.

Agatha's voice broke the intermittent silence with an unexpected question. "Eren.. did...did you dispose of the Myriad Potioner?" Her inquiry hinted at the knowledge that Eren and Alephee had captured Sebastian Slughorn, the elusive potion master who had been presumed dead.

Agatha was well aware that Sebastian's fate was sealed, but she sought assurance from Eren, wanting to understand any potential aftermath that might require her vigilance. Eren calmly took a bite of his meal before responding, "Yes. Rest assured, there is nothing for you to concern yourself with. We have taken care of everything."

Eren's words alleviated Agatha's worries, offering her a respite from the weight of uncertainty. Yet, there was another question lingering in her mind, hesitant to be voiced. "And...did you… did…?" Agatha's voice trailed off as she hesitated to broach the topic.

Eren chuckled, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh, yes. I devoured him," he replied nonchalantly as if recounting a mundane event. "Every ounce of his elemental attainments and his Ranking Path became mine, bit by bit. However, I won't be able to fully utilize his knowledge and expertise until I've had a few years to refine them."

Sebastian's name made Eren remember something. He quickly summoned his Status Screen and looked at the ID-Stone-generated as well as custom stats to see the changes that had taken place.

***

Name- Eren Elijah Idril (Verified)

Edinburgh Bona Fide Title: Grimdawn

Organizations- Edinburgh Army (Veteran, Voluntary Exit), Lionhearts Adventurers' Academy (Graduated with Distinction), Founder of the City of White Raven, Guild Master of White Raven Guild

Ranking Technique- Rootless (Custom Name)

Base Stats:

HP- 85 / 85 (?)

MP- 85 / 85 (?)

STR- 85 (?)

AGI- 85 (?)

INT- 85 (?)

Spiritu