“Not surprising, I doubt that artifact he calls a gun is the pinnacle of their weapons technology either.” Aureus said as he mulled over what Johan reported.

Johan reported that Edward split the majority of his time between the Castle’s library and the training grounds. Edward started practicing with the basic settings of a sphere since he tested positive for an Aether core. The remaining time was spent exploring the town and conversing with masons in the city.

Aureus was surprised at the mention of Edward possessing an aether core and mulled that he would no longer have issues passing off a denizen of the Three realms.

“Why is he speaking with the masons?” Tarin interjected while looking curious.

Johan’s expression scrunched as he related that Edward has something called a degree in his world on engineering. He explained that it was a piece of paper that gave one the qualifications to work as an engineer in his world hence Edward’s interest in speaking with masons.

“Interesting, how did an engineer become a special forces commander? Anything else, Johan?” asked Aureus.

At the side Tarin appeared amused at the thought a piece of paper could qualify a man for an important job just by presenting itself. He made his thoughts clear by playing with a parchment on Aureus’s desk.

Aureus shook his head and gave a half-grin before turning back to Johan.

Johan cupped his chin as he considered his next comments. “Highness, I believe his claim of being a former Tribune slated to be a Legate. He gives me the impression of being an impressive military officer. One that reminds me of officers like Consul Triem.”

“What makes you say so?” Aureus arched an eyebrow as Johan paced the study.

Johan than listed various qualities he found admirable in Edward but above it all, the aura given off by both Consul Triem and Edward were similar.

“The only quality I am unable to assess would be his leadership and command qualities. It may be possible he is just a paper-tiger but going by his performance in the aspects I mentioned, I do not think he is a hack.”

“In addition, I learned that the artifact he uses belongs to a type of weapons he classifies as firearms and that there are far more powerful ones when used in heavy confrontations. The one he used in front of us is classified as a pistol and its preferred usage is in stealth operations due to its compact nature and ability to silence itself by adding extra equipment.”

“Tarin?” Aureus’s head swiveled as Tarin scratched the side of his face.

“Highness, a man being able to make senior command in a military that uses these firearms cannot be a simple man. Making it in the middle of one’s lifespan is not considered fast nor slow here, the difference in lifespans makes it hard to judge the strength of the assessment criteria. Being able to make legate here before 40 is an achievement and from Johan’s observations, he seems like a man capable of such a feat.” Tarin was nodding as he concluded.

“Do you agree with Johan’s assessment he may be a man of Consul Triem’s caliber?”

Tarin’s eyes misted as he considered. In a voice that barely carried in the study, “Highness, a man is made up of far more than his abilities. Marc arrived at his altitude not just based on his prodigious abilities. Providence played a hand.”

“If the senior Consul Varus of that year had not acted on a hunch and sent reinforcements to Marc in time at the withering depths, I fear there will be no premier general of the Astrea Empire today.”

Aureus stood up,

“Yes, I studied that campaign. Tales of it are still being spoken of in the Varus army as one of the great battles of the Empire against demons.”

“Very well, point taken.” said Aureus as he tipped his head.

Tarin bowed towards Aureus and smiled, “Highness, do you plan to recruit Edward?”

“Tarin, what do you think a different perspective is worth?”

“I cannot speak much for other areas but in combat, if one can come up with new approaches and thus heighten the chances of victory, that is invaluable.” Tarin replied in an instant.

Aureus nodded.

—

A few days later, in the morning, Aureus headed towards the training grounds of the castle.

“Edward! How are you adjusting?”

“Quite well, your highness.”

“The grapevine has been buzzing with news of your peculiar sword skills and how the lodge of healing has more custom the past weeks thanks to your tender teachings to the recruits.”

“It was nothing, just exercising the body in the morning.”

“Would you be interested in a duel with me?”

“Highness?” Edward was looking puzzled at this sudden request.

“I am quite interested in meeting a swordsman from your world. Till date, I have not had such an opponent.”

“How would the duel be conducted?”

“Basic combat mode, three days from now?”

“Very well, I will begin preparing.”

Aureus then handed over a wad of notes and indicated that it would be helpful for Edward in preparing for the duel.

—

Edward headed for the market square in Everdawn after parting from Aureus. As he entered the square, he saw a prominent Sphere artifacts store to his left and made a beeline towards it.

“Welcome, dear customer what are you looking for?” A lad about fifteen summers was tending to the front of the store.

Edward requested to look at the one-handed blade spheres of the shop.

The lad led Edward to the left of the shop to an aisle.

“This aisle has all the best blades crafted by our resident blacksmith. All our blades on this aisle are made from Rodezian steel and the sockets will be compatible with any cores and gems you may slot. Shop guaranteed.”

Edward glanced at the aisle and asked for the heaviest blade the shop has.

The lad headed for the middle of the aisle and tip-toeing; he brought down a sharp-looking blade.

Edward hefted the blade and gave the blade a few rudimentary swings in the open space of the shop. Shaking his head, he requested for a heavier blade.

“To have a blade heavier than this would need to be custom made. In addition, it is not advisable as one of the more popular aether gem ability Mass would no longer be compatible with the blade.” The shop attendant was looking at Edward askance now.

Edward said it was fine and requested to meet the blacksmith of the shop.

The lad disappeared into the back of the shop and returned with a man that had arms as thick as tree limbs.

“I am Gannes, the resident smith of this shop. What request do you have?” Gannes asked in a gruff voice.

Edward spoke of his requirements of having a heavy one handed blade sphere.

Knitting his brows, the smith asked how heavy does Edward wants the blade.

“2.5 Kg.”

“That is 1kg heavier than the norm. It is even heavier than a normal bastard sword!” Gannes looked at Edward as if trying to determine whether he was being taken for a fool.

“Is it possible?” Edward asked while taking out several notes.

The smith’s eyes darted towards the notes and his voice adopted a sheen as he replied “Yes, though I can no longer use Rodezian steel. Hence the sharpness would decrease. Is that fine?”

“Is it possible for the tip to remain sharp?”

“No problem.”

“How soon?” Edward asked as he took out several more notes.

Gannes’s eyes were gleaming as he replied, “Come by tomorrow at noon. It will cost $400.”

“All right.”

—

Edward then strolled further down the street until he reached his next objective - a Sphere armament shop.

“Welcome, what cores or gems are you looking for?” This time a professional-looking saleslady was overlooking the counter.

“Every elemental type of aether gem is available here.” said the lady as she indicated the displays behind her.

Gems and Cores of every color can be seen. The square-shaped gems were displayed on the left of the displays while the round cores were displayed on the right.

Edward stated that he was looking for aether gems for combat purposes. He followed it up with a request for three gems with the aether ability Lighten.

“Huh, not Sharpen or Mass?” The lady now looked puzzled.

“No, Lighten will do,” replied Edward.

Giving Edward a weird look, the shop attendant went to fetch the relevant gems.

“I must remind sir that when lighten is used, the power and weight of the blow from your weapon will decrease, hence this gem is highly unpopular with most users for combat usage.”

“Noted. Thanks for the reminder.”

Edward then requested for two grade 4, strength boosting monster cores.

The saleslady soon returned with two ruby-colored cores.

After haggling a little, Edward paid in full and left the shop.