By the time they arrived in the city, Spencer, Reva and Kate's father, appeared before Andrew stealthfully. He did not say anything, but rather looked around suspiciously before he handed a heavy, wood-bound book towards the boy.

It was purchased in another city they stopped at; however, it was strange. Yet, when he recalled his father's strange advice, just hours prior, he immediately fled the caravan just before the reached home.

Rae eyed Keryzn coldly, "what was that?"

He shrugged absently, "I don't know. Spencer's gift, perhaps?"

Rae glared at Keryzn whose unreadable expression caused her no end of internal discord. Nevertheless, after dragging him by the ear, she finally got him to spill the contents.

When he did, Rae's expression was one of fury. That, of course, was until Felli started crying.

Keryzn had already retreated out of her range, but Leya was eyeing the two curiously. Sensing emanates danger, Leya, too, ran from the house.

"What is with my children? Have they no shame?!" Growled Rae as he brought Felli back up to her chest. "I just... please, she'll be normal, right?"

Keryzn shrugged, "hard to say. I think I recall her being put out of the competition between the two of them, but it is hard to say for sure."

Rae sighed loudly and started writing a note. When Keryzn saw it, his mind reeled. However, he, too, had to flee before he could push himself to get any more information.

"That is not happening! Not happening!" Cried Keryzn from the door.

"It's for the best," spoke Rae with a cold smile. "They are... well, too much."

"But... him... with her!? That little devil-child!?" Keryzn stood back and suddenly shouted, "Andrew, Leya - RUN!"

Rae laughed coldly and an indiscernible glint appeared in her eyes. However, it was as gone as it appeared. Granted, Keryzn had already sprinted away to warn the two children.

Andrew, of course, had already bought a horse and fled back to the bandit encampment. He was well on his way when he heard a mournful wail in his ears.

'Andrew... Andrew.... run. Mom is crazy... don't go back!'

Andrew paled and guided the horse faster and faster down the plains. He reached the bandit encampment after only a few days, but his nervousness was at an all-time peak.

"Everyone! We will be doing spartan training. I may have to flee so you'll be otherwise on your own. Form into groups of four - now!"

He did not even bother with the confused bandits, instead, he paced over to the slowly forming group and repeated the command for Dancing Blades and Earth Bullet. It was elementary magic that could be scoffed at.

However, when they finally accomplished it, Andrew started to do a full-scale manipulation of the earth around him. He had to be careful not to hit the other troops around him, but those involved in the training were not so lucky.

They were forced into quickly getting the hang of it, but Andrew did not stop there. Similar occurrences appeared into the troops with fire, water, and darkness. Each time he pushed himself too far, he would collapse. However, more than half of the horde of bandits had already collapsed long before. It was a vicious cycle.

Nevertheless, the rapid training took only two weeks to get them to a decent starting level.

"That is the first lesson! You have earned the right to bear arms! Come, form a line, and tell me what weapon you. Specifics too because I don't have time to guess!"

"Axe... the woodcutter ones," spoke the first nervously. Seeing Andrew's penetrating glare, he added, "single-handed... and sharp?"

Andrew nodded and soon a black axe appeared. It was superior to most works, but the black iron coating was mostly for show. It would be the first to wear off and it would also indicate the amount of use it received.

Then blades, axes, hammers, even polearms appeared on after another.

"These weapons are designed to last; therefore, they are heavy. Do not be too weak to hold them up! Now, we are switching groups. One will do fire, two water, so on and so forth. You'll be granted two elements! Don't get anything more because it is a pain to train them all!"

The troop backed away fearfully, but Andrew huffed up his chest as he pointed to his most devote follower. In addition to the two others he granted leadership, the stocky man was a former scout so he did receive military training before he shifted into darker areas.

"Fat man," called Andrew. And the man appeared without hesitation. "I'm going to show what you'll receive if you complete the training!"

Using the man's body measurements, Andrew crafted a set of thin, but heavy armour. As usual, it was black on the outside. Yet, the patterns of the folded steel were immensely durable. Nevertheless, he used a twice-over stolen gold coin to mark an x on the man's chest.

Andrew pushed him to showcase the prototype armour and called out, "this is meant for battle! You'll be warriors, mages, and, above all, bandits! Nothing will... huh, don't piss off the mage council! It's annoying! Anyways, normal people won't stand in your way!"

After that, Andrew spent another two weeks hammering the basics of another element into their very being. The stocky man became an apprentice of sorts since he was involved in both darkness magic and earth. Therefore, the harsh training was able to be alleviated when he imagined being able to push into the heights of magic like what Andrew could do.

Naturally, Andrew himself was still considered extremely low-tiered amongst that circle. It was just that there was already an unfathomable gap between mages and normal folk. However, he was getting more advanced. That is until he felt a harrowing feeling overcome him.

"Retreat! Retreat! Back to the safe-house! I will divert the enemy!"

Andrew had habitually kept his horse nearby so he quickly mounted the beast and charged off into the forest. The bandits, who were far weaker than Andrew, were conflicted.

"We have numbers..."

"But if it's that strong..."

The stocky man puffed up his chest with pride. "The Boss has already created your armours! They are currently in the safe house. I personally oversaw it all so it should fit! Now, listen to the Boss' orders! We now should have enough power to stop all the petty thievery!"

"Yes, sir!"

"We will become..."

"We will never sully his name!"

"He has done so many good things; how can we act without regard for the consequences!

"From this day on, we'll be known as the Black Knights of Justice!"

----------

Andrew had tightly clung to a plain, black-iron-covered book in his grasp as he charged forward. He was heading South. However, he also felt an inexplicable feeling overcome him. It took a long time, but Kha was able to track him to the bandit hideout with his orders. However, his sudden departure caused the assassin no small amount of grief.

Nevertheless, his steed was far more expensive than Andrew's so he was able to close the distance.

"Boy, what's going on?"

"Just run!"

"Why are you saying that?! I don't understand!"

Andrew looked behind the assassin and his face paled. A falcon was flying loftily in the sky, but the moment their eyes matched, the bird dived.

It cawed loudly as it neared Andrew. "Don't think you can escape me!"

"No! Stay back, foul beast!"

Andrew covered the two in a black mist and the horses neighed in annoyance. However, he created streams for their heads such that they could see low-lying ground ahead of them.

Yet, the sky was still far, far too bright. "What is that thing?" Murmured Kha curiously.

"Run!"

Kha snorted and launched a few shadowy tendrils to block the bird. However, when they touched the beast, it exploded in a burst of golden light.

Their faces paled at the sight of the bird closing in on them. However, the falcon flew alongside them. In moments, they forced it towards the South.

Andrew cried, "no! No! Why are you doing this?!"

"You're not going to touch my child! You, nor your sister, are not going to taint her with all your crazy ideas! Only Skyridge will be a safe haven for you - nowhere else!"

"But... but... she's there!"

The falcon snorted and pierced through the darkness effortlessly. "You won't say anything bad about her! She deserves your respect!"

Andrew cried mournfully, "my minions! My minions! What about them!?"

The falcon's eyes sharpened, "nothing - should you comply. I will know. I know everything, Andrew!"

Andrew sobbed as he charged to the South. Kha, no matter what he did, could not even stall the falcon for a single second. However, as time dragged on, the two learned only steel reinforced bunkers deep below the earth prevent the falcon's advance.

Yet, they were still driven to the South. In fact, Kha was increasingly more worried; though, his face was always calmed by the statue he pulled out. However, Andrew did not have such a luxury. With every passing mile, he would always be reminded of the wasted opportunities.

'Old man,' projected Andrew, firmly steeling his heart. 'Destroy my Mother's house again - please!'

'What? What the hell are you playing, kid?'

'Do it! I sent that damned limited edition figurine already via bandit! It should arrive soon. Anyways, do it and I'll send plates so you can print it for everyone to see! I want to be paid in destroying Mother's house and sacrificial cows!'

'Cows? Why?'

'So I can artificially expand my mana pool using them as sacrifices, obviously,' scoffed Andrew. 'Anyways, do it - now!'

'I can destroy the house easily, but...'

'Just do it! I'll send a demonised limited edition. It'll be the second print, but still!'

'Fir-'

'No. I have to fulfil my promises! Do it!'

'Gah, fine. Just make sure the assassins know the meeting point.'

Andrew cut the connection and opened up a rampant from ten feet below the earth. The horses were exhausted, but they were still able to keep going for a few hours.

Andrew and Kha bolted out of the steel rampant and caused an overwhelming flair of light to appear in the air. The smouldering air was dotted with wisps of smoke and ash; however, Rae still followed adamantly.

Of course, she stopped suddenly, screaming, "why the hell would you do that - again?!"

"You started it," retorted Andrew as he kept pace. "Now deal with the crazy old man and leave me alone!"

"You are to never set foot in Nineau for five years, you little- gah, my kitchen! He ruined the stew!"

Andrew snickered when he saw the falcon disperse into light. Just to be sure, the two of them flooded the area with darkness to suck away any trailing existence of the link. When they were finished, Andrew steered his horse to the West with an impish smile on his lips.

"To the demon capital!"

Kha sighed shook his head. "We are heading towards Thurn right now, I do not have much influence there. We cannot be sure what will happen when we arrive, just so you know."

Andrew shrugged and sped the horse towards the West. The country of Nineau was shaped like to a point at the Southernmost section so they were able to cross into Thurn easily enough.

However, on the third day of riding, both horses seized up.

"Huh, did not expect them to last that long," murmured Kha. "Hungry?"

Andrew sighed and nodded. The two butchered one of the horses and started to roast it as they looked across the land.

It was clear to see it was once a battlefield. However, time healed the scars upon the ground. There were countless forgotten blades, armour, and bodies left to rot under the Sun's embrace.

Granted, the two did not really concern themselves with the battlefields. Andrew merely looked at the bones curiously before he started to replicate the old armour and weapon forms.

Kha was silent, but his face was not all that perturbed. He casually ate the horsemeat and looked off towards the North. It was around the area where Vinas was, but it would still be an incredibly long time before they are able to traverse the distance. It was because of this that they decided to continue towards Thurn's capital, Bynas, on foot.

Andrew saw the other horse already heaving it's last breath so he opted to use it to fuel his mana pool. The pain was unimaginable as his veins and arteries were flooded. However, he near-instantly raised a large memorial tower in the centre of the field.

There were no names nor embellishment, only two warriors of old that were described by Kha. One was human and the other demon. Yet, while the two horned demons might get a bad reputation, Andrew did it anyways. Both carried grievous wounds, but they still stared at each other with respectful eyes.

Using the two forms of old arms and armour, Andrew used black iron to forge their armour before he tailored it to their reputed wounds.

All-said-and-done, it took six hours of careful etching to give life to the two warriors. However, when he was finished, he was only allowed a small portion of his mana pool.

It was enough to stand and move comfortably, but the nagging headache did irritate him.

"That good?"

"Yeah, should be alright. It isn't 'forgotten' as some claim. However, it is not well-travelled. Some claim it is cursed, but others cannot back it up. Hopefully, the last full battle between the two races will now get the respect it is deserving of."

"I thought skirmishes happened all the time?"

"Sometimes. It is based on individual policy rather than anything else. This was the sight of the last encounter where races, themselves, were involved completely."

Andrew sighed and shook his head. It was something he knew of, but not to this depth before. The two of them kept their pace for many days, but the country they were entering was large - very large.

In fact, it was only Nineau that decided to build atop old battlegrounds due to its relatively small size. The other countries avoided them if possible, but some forts and small towns did exist around the borders of the once unified races.

Andrew spent most of his time reading the novel that Kakarov was so enamoured with. While some of the scenes themselves were ridiculous, he did have to admit it was well-written. Using it as a reference, he started to design the original, paper-thin sheets of the novel.

Back in his original world, he was guilty of perusing a few such novels. Therefore, he was able to replicate it with great accuracy. All said it was a total of two hundred pages. It may not sound like much, but the pages were formed in a, albeit elegant, comic book styling. This was to pack the descriptive, suggestive scenes in absolute detail alongside the dialogue.

When he was working on the novel, he did not move for a few weeks. However, Kha was not inclined to move him as he got the privilege of being the first reader. He disappeared on occasion, but the pages were never sullied, much to Andrew's relief.

After the initial research and prototype, he created a second version. He spent a full month restlessly creating the two as he checked over ever minute detail. After he was satisfied, he created another set of the two originals.

This was to be the pages of printing them. They required only to be dipped in ink and stamped upon parchment. However, the etchings were sacrificed to some extent. Yet, the four unholy books would unwittingly cause a great stir amongst the populace.

Of course, he marked the first page of each chapter with a small x as a show his craftsmanship. Though, Kha as not too happy with his depiction of some of the one-horned heroines.

"She should be the one with a single horn. It suits her character far, far more. As for Delia, I can see, but Fyrin ought to be one-horned."

"Hey, you still have Tafe, she's pretty good too," muttered Andrew. "You were practically begging me to make her like that, you know?"

"Still... Fyrin is the best girl..."

Andrew snorted, "bah, for you perhaps. Maybe I'll do another edit. Anyways, we've been only three days from the city for too long."

"It is probably better that way," spoke Kha seriously. "Who knows... who knows what they'll do if they know we have the books - or statue!"

Andrew glared softly at Kha, "you take too much pride in owning that doll. Just think, a real, living version of her! I will find her!"

"No! I call dibs!"

"Liar, you wouldn't have even been enlightened without me!"

"Doesn't matter, you are nine! I'm eighteen!"

Andrew paused for a moment, "what? I thought you were, like, forty?"

"I'm not that old! We just happen to mature faster than you pitiful humans," gloated Kha. "Still have far longer lifespans too!"

Andrew sniffled and started to kick a nearby rock. "It isn't like I wanted to be a human. I just... I wanted horns..."

Kha's triumphant smile wavered for a moment, "you are not going to get me this time."

Andrew looked up with big eyes towards the veteran assassin, but there was not a single budge in the man's attitude. He let out a cold harrumph before turning away.

"Ah, that was close," snickered Kha. "Almost had me."

Andrew gasped and the assassin gently guided him towards the distance. Naturally, the four books were encased with a liberal layer of steel, disguised under wood, and further covered in a salvaged, shredded cloak. However, the sheer size of it all was formidable.

After another five days of slow travelling, the pair were able to see the outlines of the city clearly. They've already passed a few farming villages and outposts, but it was deemed so common for their human disguises that no one said a word.

However, at the gate, Andrew was required to 'release' the disguise to the guards. Most did it naturally as had become second-nature. But Andrew was not able to do that.

"Mister Guard, I've come on the invitation of a fellow. Alas, I do not have such a form... as it would be problematic."

The guard eyed him dangerous, but Kha sighed and subtly shifted a purse towards him. With a well-practised grin, the guard nodded over his shoulder and the two entered without issue.

"Huh, it is a lot easier the other way around, isn't it," laughed Andrew bitterly. "You guys are too lucky."

Kha shrugged, "it isn't like we can go to major places, like the palace or whatnot. But humans are allowed here.... in small doses - and usually under a lot of supervision. Guards do possess some magic in one way, shape or form. However, the auxiliary scanning ability is an annoying one."

"Auxilary magic, huh," mused Andrew. "I should probably learn some after I grow horns."

"I really don't know if there is such a spell that'll completely change you into one, but there are plenty of shape-shifting spells. I believe they vary in their element, but some are auxiliary, if memory serves."

Andrew grinned happily and started to hum. It, however, stopped when he saw a bright-eyed girl being dragged in front of him.

"Why... are they doing that?" Growled Andrew furiously.

Kha looked at him in surprise. "Haven't you... oh, right. They do that behind closed doors there. We have a slave market here. Well, all kingdoms do, honestly. We three kingdoms simply don't care enough to hide it. Is she to your liking?"

Andrew snorted, "I just don't like to see beautiful girls like that up for sale."

"Well, then you better earn a lot of money because it is common enough when debts need to be settled. Granted, ours actually tend to be more restrictive than others. Therefore, unlike humans, we forbid sexual contact, pervasive actions, unjust behavior, and typically only allow them to do manual labour.

"Some admittedly come from poor families, but many are also criminal elements. Thieves, rapists, murderers- so on and so forth."

Andrew's glare softened a little, but he was still immensely irritated at the scene. To his knowledge, everyone under his father's power in his old world was always treated fairly. Their family was central to the improvement of the empire as a whole and always worked to tirelessly benefit the population as a whole.

Granted, he was sheltered, but he was not completely hidden away from the knowledge as he practised to take over the throne. It merely an uprising that turned the people, human and some demons included, against his family. Thus, Leya came and shot him before he could react to stop the bloodshed.

Andrew bitterly sighed as he thought about his old life. However, he was not altruistic. He merely did not like the scene. Instead, if the conditions were true, then he was more sickened at other human kingdoms rather than Thurn in general.

"All finished? I have something to show you," spoke Kha with a suspicious air about him.

Andrew frowned before following him. He naturally did not understand the man in detail yet, but he knew he was not wholly bad. Granted, he was an assassin. But he was a good enough person if you disregarded that occupation. In actuality, Andrew killed quite a few of those that fought against him in the tunnels of the ancient city so he considered himself no better.

Several convoluted turns, sketchy alleys, even passing through an underground cellar, they were greeted with several reverent looking assassins. They were garbed in blood-red cloaks, but the strangest thing was the statue in the middle of the room.

"I know that you've worked hard to bring her here, men," proclaimed Kha grandiosely. "However, we have another mission. Inside this crate are four objects. Each almost measures up the statue in front. Alas, we do have to let two of them go, but the others will remain in our possession."

The group looked perplexed, but they nodded all the same. "Understood, what'd you have us do?"

Kha nodded quietly, "this mission is of the utmost importance. Iyo, Juy, there will be no failure. You fail to deliver the two and you'll be excommunicated. Andrew?"

Andrew sniffled as he looked at the steel box in his hands. "It's... I don't know if I'm ready..."

Kha reassuringly put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "It'll be okay. These two are the best at evading detection. While their combat abilities are rather poor, they are good at tasks such as this."

Andrew muttered as he held the box tightly to his chest. After rereading it several times, he had unknowingly become very attached to the picture book. However, he did feel the need to get it into a safe place before his mother became suspicious.

"Iyo and Juy," murmured Andrew. "If you return I will grant you replicas of the statue. However, if a falcon is following you, do not ever, and I mean ever, continue the mission. Hide, fit in, and be otherwise unnoticeable, okay?"

At the mention of the two figurines, Kha's face soured, but the others perked up. A barrage of shouts appeared in the cellar, but Andrew offered only two solemn nods.

"We accept," spoke Juy as he looked at Iyo. "We understand the risks. May we know the object that we are carrying?"

Andrew shook his head, "if you do not know, then all is well. I cannot let that information leak. When you do return, you will perhaps understand; however, I imagine it will take a while."

Andrew double-checked the crate and started to rewrap the bundle. The outside was unassuming, but it did carry a complicated lock that few were be able to crack. Of course, it was a feint. To truly open it required the ability to know where to slowly cut through the steel without damaging the internal package.

Andrew had already relayed instructions to Kakarov. The man was more than capable of a small-scale lock so he was not concerned with that packaging, but rather the delivery itself.

The two of them were re-equipped with Andrew's weapons. All of the black blades carried a single silver x at the bottom of the pommel. It was obvious if looked at directly, but those assassins were told to always wear cloaks. Therefore, the risk was mitigated to some extent.

After the meeting, Kha set Andrew up with several tomes. Each of the books was purchased by Kha himself. However, Andrew knew he could see the profit of reproducing paper versions of the novels. In fact, the assassin was already carefully producing the first copy using vellum. It was a material that was already expensive and reserved for the most influential books. Yet, they unhesitantly used it to carefully copy the steel etchings.

While Andrew was practising the language and various shape-shifting spells, the men had already produced three copies. One of which was sent, encased in steel, to the Chancellor, the other two were left in the safe-house.

However, the fourth book, subpar compared to his own standards due to a mistake in the last chapter, was set up for auction.

Due to their long life spans, tomes, be it fact or fiction, sold for exorbitant prices. However, the demonic rendition of the novel was show-cased as the feature item of this particular auction house.

Andrew sat there in a blood-red cloak as he casually glanced around. There were posters of a few choice scenes picked out by Andrew and Kha scattered across the more adult orientated gentlemen's clubs, bars, and even circulated to the upper echelon of government. It took an entire month since the fourth book's inception, that the stage was set.

"Wild Adventures of Lusty Demonic Maids," roared the announcer, enticing hundreds of cries. "This item will now be set up for auction.

"We have been made aware that the producer is currently in the audience. However, we would like to remind you that this novel is the first of its kind to be offered up! He wishes that you understand the issue with it as few could reach perfection in such a new form of literature on the first try!"

"A ruby!"

"Two."

"Five rubies!"

The prices sky-rocketed as Andrew and Kha wore unrestrained grins. Their glances stretched out from across the crowd, of primary men, who fervently bid against one another.

"I'm the captain of the town's special forces! Anyone who dares try to bid again-"

"Bah, that's nothing. I'm the treasurer to the Vin clan! Your power means nothing in this room!"

Prices jumped and soon hit its peak before the auctioneer coquettishly pointed out, "it is said other novels will be produced in time... however, they will be missing a bonus scene specifically created in the original, first-edition of the true novel."

"One hundred and fifty rubies!"

"Twenty thousand gold!"

"Twenty-five!"

"Thirty!"

"Ah, damn it, damn it," mumbled a man as he frantically searched his bag. "Ancient Automaton Magic!"

The other bidders scoffed, but Andrew was curious.

"What is that, Kha? Ancient... whatever magic?"

Kha's eyes gleamed with a ruby-red lustre. However, he absentmindedly answered, "infusing your will into earthen elements. Nothing major. Think of it like a doppelganger or shadow clone."

Andrew's eyes widened as he scanned the old man. "A.M. #3, please give this to the man, okay? Then leave and do not lead them back to me."

An invisible hand appeared and took a hastily scribbled note.

The auction seemed to finish at just short of fifty thousand gold. This was effectively the cost of ten of the houses he lived in. Granted, it was well within his expectation; however, he knew he had to get the other clone magic.

If he built a steel body then who'd he have to fear on a battleground? In fact, all he would have to do is cut the connection and then people will be none the wiser in such a situation. This was especially promising because he could give birth to his half of the Demon Brothers once again.

"Just... please, please read the note," prayed Andrew quietly.

The assassin had already delivered the note to the man who was searching for Andrew with wide-eyes. However, Andrew simply tilted his head when the man's sight rested on him. The fact he was a, seemingly, human child seemed to spur the man to continue his search.

Andrew walked as the auction crowd, too, begin their own search. However, both Kha and Andrew were already aware of the need to follow along. When the first half of the group left, Andrew and Kha remained. It was only when the group started to dissolve, that they followed suit.

To most, it seemed like a parent with his child, albeit strange, it was not unheard of. So their departure was not even remembered in the slightest. After weaving through many alleys, Andrew changed his appearance to his original self.

It was a strange feeling, but he was slowly getting used to the magic. He only changed his eyes and the length and colour of his hair, but it was a strangely draining form of magic. He considered whether or not he was truly using the right spell, but he pushed away from the thought as they met up with figures from the auction.

Andrew had already requisitioned the second book from the fanatical assassins so he met up with both the auctioneer and the hooded man. The auctioneer had already passed off a bag of nearly five hundred rubies, worth approximately fifty thousand gold, to Kha. However, his eyes immediately caught sight of the other book.

"It's an earlier edition. My friend is interested in the magic you claimed so he is willing to trade. This one is perfect. No smudges, smears or anything of the sort - including the scene."

Kha's eyes were unusually dark; however, Andrew promised to craft a matching 'Goddess' with a single-horned variant. Due to having the original novel as well, he was also less inclined to refuse. However, he was still hesitant about it all.

"Do you agree to those conditions?"

The middle-aged demon, clearly nervous, looked around anxiously before passing him the tome.

It was well-worn with age, but the tome did seem to have an unnatural sheen to it. Andrew grasped the tome eagerly and tossed the novel towards the man. He did not care about that version in the slightest as it had no effect on him. Yet, the other two were awash with shock when the novel was tossed in the air.

"T-to do such a thing..." murmured the auctioneer anxiously. "Gil, you've ought to realise the value of the object you are holding. If you ever need money, please don't be afraid to ask. The fever-pitch atmosphere will jump as soon as people realise it. However, you need to know when the price will be at-"

"No!" Cried the middle-aged man. "I refuse to sell. Unless tragedy happens, it'll never leave my hands."

Andrew smiled wryly at the scene and Kha gave an approving nod. When they departed, nearly fifty thousand gold richer with the addition of a new spell, they were elated. Using their new-found wealth, Andrew and Kha purchased a few new safe-houses for production and training. However, one thousand was saved collectively to facilitate his desire to practise the shape-shifting spells.

"I wish I could do the automaton magic right now," sighed Andrew.

He was currently in a single-horned demon state - not because he wanted to. Rather, it was because shape-shifting with two horns seemed to be a great deal harder than a single version. It did not constantly drain his mana, but simply removed the opportunity to regenerate it after a certain point.

It was an annoying restriction, but Andrew was firm about learning the magic. In addition, Kha coached him on various words in the demon language. It was strange, but they did naturally come to him as he spent more time in the demon form. However, he still did require translation on a few matters.

The only strange thing was the written language was the exact same as the two he knew. While each language was only a small distance apart, a lot of words could be used to replace different things. At the very least, it was a well-structured system so Andrew was able to utilise it well enough even when the pronunciation was off for each letter depending on the language.

After a few weeks, Andrew and Kha were able to converse in the demon language easily. It was simply easier to learn with the group being converted to it.

'Andrew, I heard what you did in Thurn. I'd like to tell you that it was safely brought here. I have started full-scale production on the books... but where is the last scene in the press?'

'Kakarov? Oh, it was at the bottom. Detached from the whole thing. Should be bound with the original book, though.'

Andrew thought he heard mournful sobs, 'I... I see... well, that's a shame... a shame... but-'

'For them, right? You still have access to it.'

'Yes... argh, even the rumour has spread. I need to work faster. Send me another plate later!'

'No, there were like ten of them, bastard,' growled Andrew. 'And I'm still waiting on- damn it. I can't even use my sacrificial cows yet!'

'Ha, but seriously. Plate... it feels wrong not putting it all together.'

Andrew snickered, 'you realise that is just because the one I got had that extra scene? Apparently, Mr Spring tracked down a good one. Anyways, it might not be up to your standards, but... the production is set. I expect my stipend!'

'Yeah, yeah,' replied Kakarov uncommittedly before he disconnected.

"Old bastard," sighed Andrew.

He looked at a series of steel dummies in front of him. Each of them were different in appearance; however, he did not have the ability to control them yet. It simply would take too much of his mana. Therefore, he decided to use them as a goal while he worked on improving it with meticulous training.

Of course, he was also able to create the second woman to join his own dream woman. However, this time it was more in Kha's tastes. He allowed the man to chose different attributes during construction and soon another joined the pantheon of beauties.

Seeing the sudden addition, the others started shouting, "please, please! Let us design one too! It'll be a national treasure! They will be able to bring in more and more money if they are set up inside a house! We can attract nobles, human or demon, and start building a true following!"

Andrew exchanged a glance with Kha who thought things over. "Andrew, your call."

The boy scratched his head lightly, "don't you have jobs?"

Kha shrugged, "yes and no. Allegiances, but free-lancers, if that makes sense."

"So," murmured Andrew. "You're unemployed?"

Kha looked offended as he haughtily rose his chin, "we are currently on a mission to make the demon kingdoms a better place..."

"One book at a time!"

Andrew looked at the two statues for a moment before realisation dawned on him. "Did you... really pick her?"

Kha smirked, "it came from your imagination, but yes. Tafe, I have chosen her!"

"What happened to Fyrin?"

"More I reread it, the deeper it gets," shrugged the man.

Andrew sighed loudly, "fine, but I still get fifty percent. We can start building an art gallery or whatever, but someone has to pick the best safe-house."

"I got i-"

"That is not their house," added Andrew.

The assassin, A.M. #3 looked sullen, but quickly supplied Andrew with information concerning a house that was recently put up for sale. It was within their budget. However, the area itself was a little seedy.

"Wide ravine, calm river, and a decent view over the walls," murmured Andrew as he looked at the isolated house. "Why is it so cheap?"

"The owner was imprisoned for beheading an official," spoke Kha indifferently. "Does this work?"

Andrew rubbed his chin for a long moment. "I suppose so. It'll be one of the better ones, but should we do this here or in Vinas?"

"The statues are already here," supplied A.M. #3 eagerly. "Plus, that is just a home base. We travel a lot as it stands."

Kha nodded, "yeah, it does not matter much. However, we might as well reap the profits while it is still a hot topic."

"Fine, fine," murmured Andrew. "Worst case scenario we can just sell it all outright later. I can always make more."

The assassin troop exchanged conflicted expressions. However, Andrew already decided to purchase it. 'Decent spot to train too. Can use the hill, river, and trees for something too, I suppose.'

After an agent, the auctioneer, bought the house on their behalf, the men began to start to renovate it completely. They salvaged some furniture and lumber, but otherwise, it was completely torn down. This naturally attracted a lot of attention, but Andrew began to design the structure from the ground up.

His first addition was a series of storerooms and underground chambers. Some of which could be later expanded into the tunnels connecting some of their safe houses. However, their primary purpose was for storage of more projects.

"Should save the earth too," spoke Andrew absentmindedly as he pushed the loose dirt into the store-rooms.

After the basement and foundation were laid, he started to build the outside walls. Unlike the traditional rectangular building methods, he designed a fringed dome-like roof that shone brightly in the mid-day sun. Considering the relative ease of extracting materials, Andrew was not in the least bit concerned about wasting steel.

Black iron and stainless steel were woven in intricate patterns on the wall as many town folks came to watch the construction. Nevertheless, due to the scale of it, he rested every hour or two in order to conserve his mana pool.

After a full week, the exterior of the building was done. Due to his share in its future operations, he dished out a large portion of his wealth; however, the amount he retained was unfortunately used to pay for the, now broke assassins' daily needs.

After two weeks, the landscape was altered to match the exterior. It was not lavishly decorated yet. However, the placements for certain buildings were clear as day to the crowd.

Kha started to implement a fund building policy after the crowd grew large. "Anyone over the age of ten has to pay one silver to watch! This is private property currently under construction. Those who wish to stay, must pay or else be escorted out by the guards!"

The crowd was irritated at the sudden claim, but when the landscape was starting to change rapidly as decorations being built, they happily paid the trifling fee. Using this, the assassins started to purchase high-end furniture to fit with the blueprint Andrew laid out weeks ago.

However, once the landscape was done, the crowd demanded to see the inside. Kha begrudgingly allowed them to watch from a roped off area as Andrew concentrated on the interior designs of the building. They long since lost interest in the fact he could transmogrify steel and concentrated on the budding arts works. In fact, several artisans had already handed off paintings to the assassins to spread their fame.

When the purpose of the building was intentionally leaked by the auctioneer, under Kha's orders, the crowd explosively grew.

"It's the author! He is building it!"

"No wonder the scenes are so detailed, who would have thought he was just a kid!"

A.M. #3 was trying to over-power the crowd's cries as he roared, "we are starting the first sale! These are the first one hundred books each of them was meticulously created on precious vellum so please be assured of their quality! Starting price is at fifty gold!"

Although the price point was high, the crowd was already in a frenzy as they seen the construction underway. Therefore, the books sold quickly. Some pooled their money together to purchase one, but most tried to hoard the first mainstream versions.

'We only have a few hundred more,' laughed Kha inwardly as he looked at the bulging purse in his hands. 'Tomorrow let's cut down the numbers.'

While the others performed their own duties, Andrew finished up work on the large dining table. He was tired so he simply wrapped himself in his cloak and went to sleep.