Minerva's Utopia. The southern testing grounds.
Following his release from the illusory realm, Eren's eyes fluttered open, finding himself back on the levitating platform.
The intensity of the battle he had experienced within the realm hadn't physically drained him, yet a lingering mental fatigue remained. The use of Shadow Clones and the intricate process of reflecting his Intent Reflection onto them had left him with a throbbing headache.
"Congratulations, Eren. You've successfully cleared my master's test," a cheerful voice resonated. He raised his gaze to encounter Meeli standing before him, a smile gracing her lips. It appeared she was genuinely pleased that someone had finally triumphed in claiming Sage Minerva's legacy.
"Aah. Thank… Thank you, Meeli. Now, where do we go to meet your master?" Eren inquired, his voice strained as he tried to alleviate the headache by massaging his forehead. The illusory realm's effects had left his vision slightly compromised, making distant objects appear blurry even within close range.
Meeli's laughter tinkled like a melody as she stepped to the side. Extending her arm, she pointed ahead.
"Hehe, you don't need to go anywhere. My master has come to you. Look straight ahead," Meeli disclosed. Eren lifted his gaze, focusing his eyes on the figure that had materialized on the levitating platform. Blinking to dispel the residual blurriness, he peered intently at the newly arrived presence.
Before him stood an exquisite woman, appearing to be in her early 30s by mortal standards. Her countenance was captivating, featuring flawless skin with a delicate peach hue, entrancing eyes, and a pert nose.
The crimson lips and graceful neck complemented her appeal. Dark brown hair, cascading to her shoulders, framed her face.
Clad in purple breastplate armor, she emanated both femininity and strength, her curvaceous form standing at an imposing 5.10ft. Her very presence exuded elegance and allure.
As Eren's eyes focused, he caught a waft of a sweet, herbal scent that seemed to cling to her. It was as if this enchanting lady had stepped directly from an elaborate potion-making endeavor.
The figure that stood before him was merely a soul fragment of a Sage, projecting her true form through her Soul Sense. Eren required no introduction; her gentle yet potent Sage-like aura provided ample insight into her identity.
"Thank you for seeing me, Sage Minerva," Eren greeted with a bow, remaining seated to both acknowledge her and account for his lingering mental fatigue. Eren was yet to take full control of his body. Not wanting to rush to his feet and potentially make a clumsy impression, he chose to maintain his composed posture before Minerva.
Minerva regarded Eren with a scrutinizing gaze, as though assessing his value. Her demeanor wasn't overtly hostile, but neither did it exude a warm welcome. Eren suspected that Sage Minerva wasn't particularly pleased that a Master Ranker had circumvented the fundamental prerequisite she had set to claim her legacy.
"You're not an Expert Ranker, are you, boy?" Minerva's eyes narrowed with a hint of furrow on her brow. "You've utilized some methods to infiltrate this space as an Expert Ranker even though you are clearly in the Master Rank." Minerva swiftly deduced Eren's true rank status.
Aware that deceit held no ground in the presence of a Sage Ranker, Eren acknowledged her assessment with a nod before speaking in a deferential tone. "Indeed, Sage Minerva. I simply wished to test my fortune. If my actions have offended you, I extend my apologies."
Minerva pondered Eren's response, her gaze then shifting to Meeli, seemingly seeking her input. Meeli, though thrilled to witness her master's return, managed her enthusiasm and addressed Minerva respectfully.
"Hehe. Rest assured, Master. Apart from his suppressed ranking status, the young man hasn't employed any other deceptive methods to ace the four trials you designated. His scores are genuinely earned. I offer these log records for your confirmation." With a graceful gesture, she sent an Array Disk gliding toward Sage Minerva before bowing.
Minerva deftly caught the Array Disk and delved into it with her Soul Sense. The log entries meticulously validated Eren's successful navigation of Minerva's Utopia and its distinct tests. Maintaining her composure, she perused each entry, considering Eren's accomplishments.
Minerva's gaze softened as she confirmed that Eren had genuinely overcome her tests using his own abilities. While his status as a Master Ranker still lent him the edge of superior Elemental Attainments, they had only marginally aided him, particularly in the final challenge.
"Not bad," Minerva remarked, her tone mild as she directed the Array Disk towards Meeli. Then, her gaze shifted back to Eren with a touch of curiosity. "What is your name?" she inquired.
"Eren Elijah Idril," Eren responded carefully, his words measured. Minerva acknowledged his reply with a nod before continuing.
"You've cleared the tests on your own merit. Concealing your true ranking will result in a penalty, but fear not, most of my legacy in Anfang is still yours to claim," she stated as she walked purposefully toward Eren.
Eren released a sigh of relief as Minerva confirmed his success. He was relieved that he had persevered in claiming Minerva's legacy, even after inadvertently attaining the B-Rank. The penalty was acceptable to him, an outcome far preferable to receiving nothing at all.
Standing just a few steps from Eren, Minerva paused and waited for him to rise. Eren promptly stood, facing her with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, unsure of what was to come.
"Offer me your hand," Minerva commanded, her right hand lifted and palm open before Eren. Without hesitation, he raised his own right hand, extending it as requested by the Sage. he rested his palm onto hers, strategically steering away from converting into a dubious hand-holding.
The touch of Minerva's hand was soft, but an unusual sensation passed through Eren as their palms met. It was clear that he was touching something other than a physical body. He was on the verge of breaking the uneasy silence that had fallen when he noticed Minerva's startled expression.
