Hero of Darkness

Half an hour passed and finally, Armin came through a flying ship and landed in their main headquarters. A group of guards and servants escorted this supposed client and brought them to Kahn's main meeting room. 

Legolas finally gazed at the guest who was brought here by Armin out of nowhere. 

A 5'7 feet tall human with ashen hair whose lower half face was covered under a brown cloth, adorning the white robes of an Alchemist which had golden intrinsic patterns in various parts of the clothing while wearing a blue shirt underneath, came into sight. 

"This is sir Edmund Thandruil." introduced Armin in a respectful tone. 

Legolas nodded and shook hands with this human saint. If Armin was giving him such respect, then Kahn evidently understood that the Alchemist in front of him was no joke. 

Soon, Armin explained how he met this person as they sat on comfortable sofas and shared a drink. 

Edmund just arrived in Alfheim today and registered himself in the association. 

There was a discussion among Alchemists in a hall sharing their knowledge and opinions about Alchemy recipes. 

Armin frequently went there in his free time because like-minded people gathered there and shared a lot of knowledge of their craft. Some people also sold alchemy recipes and ingredients if one paid the right price. So it was like Heaven to all the alchemists in this part of Zivot empire. 

Armin himself had no shortage of money but he went there to broaden his horizons and also find ways to improve upon his skills. 

Unlike other subordinates, he wasn't the kind who often fought battles despite being a part Healer. 

And he had mastered a lot of recipes and stuff but he was still stuck at Peak Grandmaster Alchemist rank ever since their time in the Verlassen fiefdom of Rakos Empire. 

Because he had abilities received from both Prithvi, a peak grandmaster alchemist Kahn met in the capital Rathna and Ashokvatika, a legendary rank monster they hunted in Verlassen… he possessed top-notch skills for long. Many of them couldn't be matched by the top healers of all 3 empires they've traveled to so far. 

But this was also Armin's cage. 

Because he never managed to surpass his own skill ranks or created new techniques in Alchemy. Hence, there was no growth in this sector over the past 3 years. 

Thus, to look for inspiration and think outside of the box, he often visited the Alchemy Association. 

But today, suddenly two saints challenged each other over their mastery of a recipe to cure a type of poison, ending up causing a commotion that led to official competition. 

This was a common occurrence in their field and there were facilities in the association to hold such bouts. 

Alchemists didn't fight with their fists but with skills and knowledge. And many times, even other Alchemists got inspiration from watching these matches so it was always full. 

But today, suddenly one of the competitors turned out to be a Saint Alchemist. Others couldn't sense it but Armin was already a being comparable to a saint so he figured out the truth. 

Even in Alfheim, there were only 3 saint Alchemists despite the heavy demand. Each one was a brand on their own. These people were just as respected and in demand as Saint Blacksmiths and Artificers.

Saints were already rare in the world. Even among them, those who reached this rank in Alchemy were like miracles. 

And there were over 20 Peak Grandmasters like Armin already so this general had no advantage in this empire in terms of skills. 

Armin took this chance and made Edmund's acquaintance while introducing himself as Darwin Groedari, his current persona in the Elven Empire. As he himself was a saint, Edmund decided to give him face and shared a meal with him. 

There, they talked about various things related to Alchemy. 

But during that exchange of pleasantries… Armin learned that Edmund came here to establish a company of his own and was actually a very rich person with a backing of an Exalted Noble clan. 

And thus, he needed a lot of resources that grew in either natural habitats or dungeons to officially start his company. 

Right then, Armin revealed his background to the saint alchemist as one of the commanders of Misthios. 

Even Edmund was taken aback because he had already heard about Misthios guild. 

Alchemists often needed resources that risked their lives in finding, thus hiring adventurers and mercenaries was a common thing. So he obviously inquired about the top guilds of the city. 

Hence, Edmund decided to come and meet Legolas after Armin's recommendation.

Legolas then shifted the topic of conversation to business real quick. 

Edmund was in need of a large amount of resources and didn't lack money. But time was of the essence for him. 

Legolas then told how they usually did business in terms of payment policy. 

The 2nd stage human saint was elated and also felt inclined to officially hire them as well. 

But right when they were at the end of their conversation… 

[Master… make a deal beneficial for me.] said Armin and relayed a few plans of his own. 

Kahn then decided to make a proposition. 

"Mister Edmund… actually, I have a business plan for you since you're planning to settle in Alfheim. 

This will be beneficial to both you and our organizations in the long run." spoke Legolas in a calm voice. 

Edmund was surprised but then gestured that he would at least listen. 

"From now on, our guild will provide your organization that you will establish with all the materials required. 

Also, our services to your company will be provided free, it includes the protection of your assets and employees as well." proposed Legolas. 

"Well… it does sound like a tempting offer. So what's the other side of the deal?" queried Edmund, his voice revealing his age to be a man in his mid-30s.

"In return… I have two conditions. 

One, your company should become our official business partner." he stated confidently. 

"Hmm… I might consider it. What's the other?" asked the human alchemist with a curious gaze. 

A deal like this would greatly save his expenses and solve many troubles even if he had to share profits. 

Because in the end, he too knew about the reputation and might of Misthios guild. 

"As the last one… it's a very simple one." spoke Legolas as he revealed his intentions. 

"Make Darwin your disciple."