Birth Of The Crafts-God

"System, what do you think is the best way to get back at someone?"

Staring at a list, Lucas suddenly had the idea to ask the system for advice. Truthfully, having lived as a vagabond before, Lucas was quite versed in the art of revenge.

The list in his hand was a compilation of all the major forces that took part in accusing him of terrorism, thereby forcing Lucas to depart from the city. As for how he got access to it, it was a 'welcome-back' gift that appeared in his mail just a few hours after Lucas had arrived. The identity of the sender was unknown and the information in the list couldn't be confirmed, but many of them were factions Lucas was already aware of.

"There are many ways to carry out revenge, but the most satisfying one would be to target something precious belonging to the other side." The system's mechanical voice sounded with a hint of malice.

"...I didn't really think you'd answer me. Heck, I didn't think you'd give such an answer." Lucas felt shivers.

"Although the system's programming had interfered to ensure that the host didn't blow the matter out during that period, the conflict which led to your departure had affected the system's advancement progress and your growth. Also, as the successor to the Crafts-God, the body is expected to reward good tenfold, and every evil one hundredfold."

"Yeah, but murder is off the line." Lucas retorted.

Even though he had the temporary licence from Trundel City's EVL branch, it wasn't something that could give him a free pass to murder or violence.

"The system never implied murder as an option."

"Then...?"

Lucas suddenly stared more intensely at the list.

Some of the names on the list were the top four families including the Mertens family. There were also top companies like the Novanio Tech, the Oder family's Prestige Star Ltd., and the Thebes Corporation.

The fact that Novanio Tech was included on the list was a bit of a shocker, but not entirely unexpected. During the early phase of the entire conspiracy, when Lucas was still up against vestige-smith companies rather than top factions, Novanio Tech had offended a number of companies to defend Lucas, with one of them being a top 15 company, Thebes Corporation.

After burning bridges with Lucas, one would think that Novanio Tech would steer clear of the matter, but they didn't want to lose out on their investment. And as a company not native to Baylands city-state, they also needed to make amends to the forces they offended. Thinking along that path, it wasn't surprising that they would also join in on the 'fun'. After all, in the world of business, there were no eternal enemies or friends, but only profits.

Adding what the system said to the appearance of the list, Lucas reached an interesting conclusion. What could be more precious to these entities than their market share and profits?

"But the public's opinion..." Lucas frowned.

The powerful forces of Baylands City had controlled the media and fleshed out a narrative that painted Lucas as a terrorist sympathiser and supporter.

If Lucas wanted to compete against these companies, he needed to clear his name.

'But is that even possible?' Lucas sighed.

If he had a local backing in Baylands City, it would be. However, most of the local forces with immense influence were against him, and the ones who weren't were all weaker parties that would want to steer clear from the situation.

Just as Lucas was lost in thought, he heard a knock on the door. There was a guest.

Somewhat surprised, Lucas had the system unlock the door for the guest to come in.

"Yo boss, it's been a while."

A black-haired teen that looked like a playboy walked in and waved at Lucas.

The young man had a familiar face that Lucas could easily recall. The young master of the Mertens family, Vergil Mertens.

The first time the two had crossed paths was when Lucas took the EVL registration exam in Baylands city-state. He scored sixth place in the theory exam and first place in the practical, but his practical results were forged resulting in him taking the twenty-third place. Angered, Lucas had challenged the decision and even wanted to carry out a vestige duel against the top twenty. In the end however, he was rejected and sent out of the building.

That event struck Vergil and made him look at Lucas in a different light. Then there was also the ensuing popularity of the SS vestiges that raised the reputation of both Lucas and the store. That was when Vergil realised that Lucas was someone everyone else at the exam had underestimated.

In hopes of training under Lucas, Vergil had even begun to call him boss.

"You guys couldn't even wait a bit." Lucas nonchalantly said.

"I couldn't wait to see you, that's all. You're the one who abruptly disappeared out of nowhere. No goodbyes or anything." Vergil retorted.

Lucas glanced at the youngster with a sarcastic look as if treating him like an idiot.

"Can't you take a joke, boss?" Vergil awkwardly laughed.

"Anyways, my dad wants to meet with you." Vergil said while sharing at Lucas' face for any hint of an expression.

Everyone knew that things went really south for Lucas after his visit to the Mertens family estate. If Lucas hadn't done so, the Baylands City Patrol Corps (BCPC) wouldn't have arrested him. As such, Lucas' feelings towards the estate or even the family might not be the best. Inviting him over was very much the same as pricking a wound that had yet to heal.

Contrary to Vergil's thoughts however, Lucas calmly replied,

"Sure. When will that be?"

Vergil was surprised but he didn't remain speechless for too long.

"Today. Or rather, now."

"Now?" Lucas frowned.

*Ding*

The bell that hung on the frame of the door rang as a new guest walked in.

"Yes, now."

The new arrival spoke.

Lucas raised his head and glanced towards the entrance. He was then stunned by who he saw.

Russell Mertens, the head of the Mertens family.