'So… Yeah. I am in trouble.'
Eren gulped at the red boar's dispersed figure. He got tense because he understood what the medallion was supposed to do for titleholders. It manifested Steve's individuality out in the open, magnifying its effects and expressing it in a grandiose way.
The butcher didn't want to express his individuality at all. He knew doing so would lead to unwanted consequences for him.
There were simply too many secrets about him. After all, he was the inheritor of Elder Ichor and carried three Sin Series Marks. Even his soul sense was class apart.
Eren also integrated a wide range of elemental attainments and multiple weapon comprehension into his ranking path. And he had obtained sufficient mastery in each of them, which was impossible to explain by normal standards considering his age.
Eren had tamed two demon beasts, and one of them was an artificial demon beast, Reen. Argo himself was a soul fragment of a Demon Prince– Beelzebub.
Then there were his experiences in two timelines- two lives. His highly controversial alter ego as the Osan Woods Butcher. His groundbreaking bloodline powers. And lastly, his unflinching will to get what he wanted irrespective of the price he had to pay.
Eren managed to keep everything about him a secret all this time. All of these things made him an extraordinary individual. They shaped his individuality in some way, giving it a lethal edge.
Most of Eren's secrets, even separately, should have been logic-defying. And as such, they would have been the target of heavy scrutiny not only by Edinburgh but also by the Anfang Alliance. But the fact that they were all related to one ranker made Eren an enigma.
Such enigmas usually had horrible endings in the land of Anfang. And death wasn't the worst thing they could get.
Eren thought of denying the title bestowment if it came at the cost of expressing his individuality out in the open without countermeasures. He would attract Emil's ire if he did that. But expressing his individuality would mean doom for him.
'Miss Timeless, can you fix this?'
Eren turned towards Alephee before making a final decision. He decided to deny the medallion and honor if she said no. Thankfully, the homunculus had a way around it.
'Hmm. Let's see.'
Another ranker from Royal Ren was awarded a title at this point. Alephee paid close attention to the guy and the medallion he held in his hand. She observed as his individuality was manifested in the surroundings before concluding.
'We can't do anything when it comes to your individuality, Eren. It has already been shaped the way it is. And interference from anyone can not change it.
But…
We can tweak the medallion. If I'm successful in cracking the rune encryption on the artifact, I'll be able to limit the expression of your individuality. Doing so might compromise your medal's functionality over time. But I don't think you would mind that.'
'Do it,' Eren replied affirmatively after Alephee finished explaining. He didn't get much time to chat with Alephee regarding this matter because he was next in line to receive a title.
"The next title recipient is Eren Elijah Idril."
Emil's clear voice reached Eren's ears. He looked up to see the king of Edinburgh staring right at him with a smile on his face. The butcher took a deep breath before putting on his brightest smile. When the rankers around him blinked their eyes, Eren disappeared.
Eren kneeled in front of Emil as the latter praised him.
"A talented person who broke into the rank of an Expert at such a young age, Eren is another dazzling diamond of Edinburgh we cultivated at the Lionhearts Adventurers' Academy. His lightning and fire attainments are in the leagues of their own. He is also pursuing the Way of Elements in other fields to enrich his path as a ranker."
Emil stood upright and looked at the crowd with his kingly gaze, letting his words sink into his listeners' minds. He locked his hands behind his back and stood at attention before speaking up.
"Eren has also established the city of White Raven on his own. He made the best use of the kingdom's help and turned his city into a lucrative model for himself and the entire kingdom by default."
Eren narrowed his eyes as he looked down. 'The kingdom didn't do shit,' he thought deep into his mind but didn't let that show on his face. It was never a wise idea to correct a king in such a trivial matter.
"His progress in LA was consistent and something to look up to for most of his batchmates. He served in Edinburgh's army with a spotless record and confessed his love for the land like a true patriot.
What's more? He is a certified potion maker. Edinburgh is using his recipes and products for the upcoming war efforts. We are glad that such a reliable young man is supporting his kingdom."
'Of course. As long as you keep giving me manufacturing contracts, I'll keep supporting you guys. I am indeed a true patriot.'
Eren thought to himself as he heard Emil's words. The king's words were a nice mix of facts, fantasy, and euphemism. Just the kind of blend Eren was used to concocting.
Alephee chuckled in Eren's mind before saying sarcastically.
'Hehe. I shall bestow you with the title Philosopher of Bullshittery for coming up with responses like these.'
Alephee beat Emil in awarding Eren a title. Meanwhile, Emil continued his speech.
"Eren delivered a stellar performance inside Sansara World. And he punished the state's enemies at the battle of Edinnica Arena. The Grim Pillar Town he has erected is a tight slap to Layos and its forces for conducting despicable acts inside Edinburgh.
His guild works closely with our war strategists and other prominent rankers. The White Raven Guild is a huge supporter of Edinburgh's campaign against injustice."
Emil looked at Jiana Jihang in the audience as he said.
