The City of White Raven.
Eren occupied his private workshop, which doubled as both his potion laboratory and secluded training space for honing his Ranking Technique.
Here, the ambient atmosphere pulsated with an array of elemental mana, its potency augmented by the presence of exceptionally scarce Mana Blessing stones, painstakingly procured from far-flung corners of Anfang.
These Mana Blessings, designated as B-Rank rarities, were a coveted prize, so scarce that only a lone Master Ranker out of hundreds could lay claim to their possession. And yet, Eren had amassed a staggering collection of nine Mana Blessings, an extravagant luxury that eluded the grasp of the typical Master Ranker.
Upon learning from Jiana that the full-scale war between Edinburgh and Layos was looming just a week away, Eren chose to remain within the confines of the City of White Raven. He focused on fortifying his foundation as a Master Ranker, leveraging the privileges and resources at his disposal as the White Raven Guild's master.
Nearly two days had elapsed since Eren delved into the practice of the Rootless Ranking Technique. Time became irrelevant as he meticulously circulated mana throughout his body, adhering to the technique's core principles. Only when he sensed an incoming long-distance communication did he stir from his meditative state.
This call was long-awaited.
Eren blinked and opened his eyes and ceased his Ranking Practice, assuming a composed posture as he permitted the spectral transmission to connect.
"Is everything proceeding as planned, my charming kitten?"
A voice that once haunted Eren's nightmares.
Sage Eliza's spectral form engaged Eren in a voice that carried a blend of amusement and inquisitiveness. Her Soul Sense projection exuded an aura of authority, appearing as a prime version of herself.
Eliza's Soul Sense Manifestation exhibited slight distortions and static interference, revealing the inherent instability of the long-distance communication array used for contact. Expectedly, Eliza communicated from her Purgatory, a method Eren had seldom employed due to its limited functionality and temporal constraints.
Eliza's projection remained as imperious and self-assured as ever. She donned a provocative leather bodice, coupled with a complete armor set, comprising armguards, leg guards, and waist protection. A simple-looking yet powerful gladius hung from her waist belt. Her voluminous hair framed her visage, imparting an additional layer of allure.
Her eyes, dark green akin to the most precious jade, possessed an enigmatic charm. A dainty nose and a gracefully oval-shaped face adorned her clear complexion, with a subtle blush accentuating her cheeks.
Her petite lips bore the color of ripe cherries. Although she appeared to stand at 5 feet 10 inches, her svelte figure lent an illusion of even greater height.
This young woman with her captivating countenance, boasted an equally mesmerizing physique, replete with generous proportions and graceful curves.
Behind Eliza's Soul Sense projection lay her actual body, a stark contrast to her projected self.
This body appeared even more frail than the one Eren had last seen a decade ago. It sat upon a throne fashioned from precious bones, firmly bound by intricate runic restraints. Her true form had dwindled into a mummified skeleton, with desiccated skin clinging precariously to its frame, poised to crumble at the slightest breath of wind.
The mysterious runic bindings, which enveloped Eliza's mummified body, sustained her existence, and her life teetered on the verge of extinguishing if these runic tethers unraveled. Judging by their deteriorating state, this impending death was not far off.
In stark contrast to her fragile corporeal form, Eliza's Soul Sense projection emanated an air of calm composure. The mummy Eren observed behind her projected self seemed almost incongruous with her demeanor.
Eren swiftly grasped Eliza's motive for initiating this form of communication. She aimed to convey her unwavering mastery of her faculties, regardless of her body's fragility. Her message was clear: no matter how vulnerable her physical form, her Soul Sense projection alone remained a formidable force capable of confronting any challenges posed by Eren or external influences from Anfang.
This unshakable self-confidence defined Eliza's character. She subtly cautioned Eren against harboring any misconceptions regarding the Lazarus Project, despite her frail condition.
Familiar with Eliza's penchant for psychological tactics, Eren remained unfazed by her attempt at intimidation. He inhaled deeply before responding with gravitas.
"Sage Eliza, things… things have happened and we need to expedite our preparations. The Lazarus Project is set to activate in five days," Eren stated solemnly.
Eliza reacted with a dissatisfied wrinkle of her nose upon hearing this news. She assumed a slightly complaining tone in her reply.
"Five days, you say? That hardly affords me adequate time, boy. I had presumed we still had three months to prepare. I still have a lot I need to prepare.
Can't you postpone it by at least a month? I thought you were a skilled planner," Eliza mused, toying with strands of her hair.
Eren bore a crease of annoyance on his forehead in response to Eliza's complaints. Nevertheless, he maintained his stoic demeanor and addressed her patiently.
"In an ideal scenario, I would oblige Sage Eliza. However, I am no deity, and circumstances have forced my hand. We can only adapt to our circumstances.
Trust me, I did not intend to hasten the Lazarus Project as well. And yet, here we are," Eren asserted as he rose from his meditative posture. He deactivated the array formation that had been supporting his practice of the Rootless Ranking Technique.
Eliza responded with a playful chuckle, her gaze keen as she continued.
"Fufufu. I was of course kidding, my dear. It seems I must stop addressing you as 'cute kitten,' considering the growth you've made since our last face-to-face encounter," she remarked, her tone friendly yet tinged with a hint of wickedness.
"I understand the difficulties you might have encountered in arranging this whole thing up. I am not blind to not see the efforts you have made. And the way with which you have handled the plan. Had it been anyone else, they might have either exposed us prematurely or faltered in their commitment.
Rest assured, I will be sure to prepare within these few days so that we may embark on the Lazarus Project whenever you deem fit," Eliza concluded with an assuring smile and tone.
AN: Mana Blessing was explained in chapter 13.
