'My Sin Series Abilities… are they also something I received using the Faustian Contract?'
Eren started connecting the dots as soon as he received relevant information from Alephee. The latter confirmed his assumption right away.
'Yes. The Sin Series Abilities are given to you using the runic chains that bound your heart. And since these Abilities are related to the demon realm, they are otherworldly in nature when you use them here on the land of Anfang.
But… the contract you have established for your Sin Series Abilities is not a normal Faustian Contract. There's no demon involved at the other end of the deal.
Your Sin Series Abilities are granted to you by the Seven Planes of Sin. So you don't need to worry about a demon enticing you into doing something beneficial for them.'
Eren breathed a sigh of relief and Alephee chuckled. She wanted to tell him something about the Seven Planes of Sin but then decided against it. This time, it was less about the restrictions placed by the continent-spanning array but more about maintaining the health of Eren's psyche.
'Do you think they know that Steve is practicing demonic art?'
Eren asked Alephee while looking at Hansen, Rufus, and other rankers on the panel. Maybe the rankers of Anfang couldn't see through Demonmir because of the Demon Prince whose soul fragment was now residing within Ottoman.
But the butcher refused to believe that they would not see through Steve. His incredible progress was already eye-catching. And one could tell there was something different about him from the get-go.
'They probably do. These are the most outstanding rankers from their respective academies who have participated in this graduation event. It also means that they want to see the top-tier class of rankers who would have the biggest impact on the kingdom's battle might. At least that's what I'd do if I were in their position.'
Eren nodded at himself before canceling Sedated Perception. He then contacted Steve.
'Steve, pay attention to what I'm saying. This graduation event is a showcase of your talent. The kingdom's big leagues are eager to watch you perform.'
Steve raised his eyebrows and was shocked by Eren's sudden cryptic talk.
He felt that he was nothing special among all these talented rankers around him. So there was no need to pay attention to him specifically. But he knew that Eren would not kid with him for no reason. So he let the butcher finish what he was saying.
'The graduation event is also like an enlistment program for the kingdom. The demonic art you practice might be seen as a threat if you don't join them at the end of the event.
Trust me… you don't want to meet Anfang's secret forces after this event. They will not be something you can handle on your own. And they'll just keep on coming until you either bend to their will or disappear mysteriously.
What I meant to say is… If you can't defeat them… join them.'
Steve froze in his tracks when he heard Eren's grim predictions. The Berserkers were usually stereotyped as having fewer brain cells. But the guy strayed away from that stereotype. He had his own instincts as a berserker that he had developed along the way.
Steve might not be able to see the undercurrents of the land of Anfang like Eren. But he was able to sense their existence all the same. The higher he rose, the more apparent the existence of these undercurrents became to him.
'What about joining the White Raven guild? This was our plan all along… all of us… joining you.'
Steve just trusted Eren wholeheartedly instead of asking the Whats and the Whys. Even he could tell that the body-strengthening art he was practicing had otherworldly origins. Eren's words helped him to understand the ramifications of using such a technique. So there was no point in asking juvenile questions.
'Work for them, but stay in touch with me. Do you understand?'
Steve chuckled when he heard Eren's plans. The butcher's plan was simple. Joining the kingdom would allow Steve to take the target off his back. In exchange for his services, the kingdom will become his sponsor so he can practice his body-strengthening art more efficiently. A symbiotic relationship to some extent.
Despite all of the restrictions placed on him, Steve would still be able to flourish under the kingdom's guidance. Until he was strong enough to pursue some other options, this was the right choice for him at the time.
Meanwhile, Eren and Steve both could use and support each other in the background. This way, Steve would not be completely reliant on the resources provided by the kingdom.
'Alright. So they want to see my worth before offering me a deal I can't refuse, huh? I got to perform at my peak then. Hahaha!
Steve commented and laughed it off while clenching his fists. Nobody liked feeling restricted in their choices. He did not want to take part in the upcoming war as a ranker strongly affiliated with the kingdom because they were bound to attract more heat. He knew that it was a thankless job that didn't pay very well.
He realized his enlistment was inevitable as a result of Eren's prediction. He might as well accept the road that was made available to him and walk steadfastly on it. Steve's limbs weren't the only ones getting stronger through demonic art. His heart was also getting tempered by the fires from the demon realm– making him headstrong in his decisions.
Eren would rather have Steve work for him in a limited capacity than hire him only to get him killed mysteriously one day. All his investments in Steve would come to naught if and when that happened. So he changed his plans then and there to make them future-safe.
As for Wilber taking over Steve's body, Eren decided it wasn't relevant for the current Steve to know about these things. The guy was making huge progress in his demonic art. Telling him these things might affect his psyche and impact the growth spurt he is experiencing.
Eren then moved on to inspecting the growth of his other team members. He talked with Ramy and others while all of them waited for Hansen to kick-start the event.
Eren had to say that his team members had responded well to his guidance and investment. Even Becky had performed well past his expectations despite her non-cooperative behavior.
Getting selected for the graduation event itself was a big deal. As a result of the efforts Eren made since the first academic year, they were all qualified to attend.
Eren could say with confidence that this was the best he could do as his team's mentor. He just hoped that it was enough to get the things he wanted out of this graduation event.
Four Sage legacies were on the line after all.
