Chapter 129 Bronze Artefacts

Perhaps because Malia was both a Vampire and his Vice-Lord, Ikaris' outfit was largely matched with the young woman's with a few differences.

To begin with his outfit was almost entirely black. Black leather boots, black pants, black belt, black shirt, charcoal gray vest, high-collared black overcoat. The only touches of color were the silver buttons on his coat and the metal buckle of his belt. On the back of his coat, a black angel with silver contours leaning on his falchion identified his affiliation: the emblem of House Morgunis.

Ikaris was not an emo or gothic metalhead in the throes of a teenage crisis and had obviously raised some objections. However, after listening to the Arch Imp's reasoning, he had given in to his artistic sense.

Glenrow's point was that he didn't need any color to mesmerize and enthrall the crowds. In his own words:

"You don't know it, but the bluish highlights in your jet-black hair, your irises harmoniously combining hues of red and gold as if a liquid ruby and amber had been fused together, are more striking than any flashy colored fabric. The slightly talented and trained Sorcerers will also perceive the Blood Energy halo enveloping you, as well as the Death and Dark Elemental Mana particles passively converging on you. As for the direct descendants of House Morgunis... They will see your wings aching to unfurl... Trust me, black is all you need."

With everyone having renewed their wardrobes and enjoyed a thorough makeover, Glenrow walked over to them and filled them in on several details,

"These clothes aren't just expensive and beautiful. The fabrics used are enchanted to withstand a certain level of stress. An ordinary stab or arrow will not pierce your shirts, pants and dresses, but it will not scatter the impact. Your coats, capes, jackets and vests are more resistant and can even protect you from minor spells. Wearing them you will feel a little stronger and more resilient and will get sick less often. They can be barely regarded as Bronze Artifacts.

"You might wonder why I provide such services, but you are in Tartarus Shade. The competition between Lords is extremely tough and assassinations and armed conflicts are not uncommon. Accidents happen, and good equipment can make your enemies hesitate if they come to fear your hypothetical background. House Morgunis is not as wealthy as it used to be and usually only provides such services to their descendants. By taking the initiative to draw their emblem on your cloaks and capes I am indicating that to attack you is to disrespect them outright. It is a provocation. On the other hand, House Morgunis' sworn enemies will be all the more determined to eliminate you, but believe me, given the current state of affairs, it will make almost no difference unless you switch allegiances immediately..."

The Arch Imp did not elaborate after his last warning. He owed them nothing and had done more than his part in revealing this information.

Doubting the merchant's confident assertions, Ikaris used his Appraisal Spell on his clothes and a notification popped up before his eyes.

[Black Leather Boots (Bronze): DEF+5, STR+0.1, AGI+0.1.]

[Black Flannel Pants (Bronze): DEF+2, STR+0.1, CON +0.1]

[Black Silk Shirt (Bronze): DEF+2, STR+0.1, CON+0.1]

[Charcoal Grey Cotton Vest (Bronze): DEF+3, STR0.1, CON+0.1]

[Black Leather Belt (Bronze): DEF+5, STR+0.1, CON+0.1]

[Black Cotton Coat (Bronze): DEF+5, Magic Defense+0.5, CON+0.1]

He was pleasantly surprised when he read the interface content. No wonder he felt a tad lighter.

The cumulative defense of each garment was not stackable unless he put them on top of each other. For example, putting on three shirts. He wasn't sure what a point of defense amounted to, and he would have to do some testing.

The most useful bonus in his set was by far the Magic Defense. This attribute wasn't usually unlocked until one reached the Sorcerer Realm and before that level people typically had no way to protect themselves from enemy spells except to equip Defensive Artifacts like this one.

Since getting his Elsisn Stele, Ikaris had enjoyed many conversations with Magnus and he was already familiar with the grading system used in this world to assess the quality of different Artifacts.

Tier 1 was Wood and that was the tier of his Elsisn Stele. In order, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Legendary, Epic, Mythic, Saint and Divine came next.

Bronze was the limit for apprentices, while Silver was the mark of an experienced craftsman. Creating a Gold Artifact was enough to earn the title of Master, while anyone who could create an artifact of Platinum Tier or above could be called a Grandmaster.

The reason why the top tier artifacts were called Legendary, Epic and Mythic was simply because they could not be obtained by mere crafting. A dragon's claw, a Leviathan's bones, a Troll's heart and so on. Ingredients and materials that were not commonplace and required great skill or fortune to obtain.

Saint Artifacts were created or used by Saints while they were alive, the most famous ones being called Relics. Divine Artifacts were practically a myth and could only be obtained in theory by making an untold number of offerings in a temple.

"Thanks Glenrow. How much do we owe you?" Ikaris asked with sincere gratitude as he pulled out his purse.

The demon's face lit up and after doing a quick calculation with his fingers he rubbed his hands excitedly and blurted out with a grin,

"2685 gold coins and 67 silver coins but I'll spare you the small change."

Ikaris almost fainted when he heard the astronomical sum to be disbursed. Suddenly he was not in such a hurry to pay the bill and with a dignified smile he patted Asselin's shoulder and said,

"Thank you for the gifts."

"Thank you for the gifts." Nardor bowed.

"Thank you for the..."

"Thank you for..."

Upon receiving the heartfelt thanks from Ikaris' companions, Asselin's brow twitched. He could have sworn there was a hint of sarcasm hidden behind these obsequious displays of gratitude...

"You're welcome... I promised to pay for your clothes when I brought you here and I will keep my word." The blond boy coughed uncomfortably, almost regretting his decision.

The nobleman pulled a golden card from his inner jacket pocket and pressed it against the purple card Glenrow had handed him. It seems that contactless payment also existed in this world.

Seeing their quizzical expressions, Asselin said,

"I will take you to open a bank account in Tartarus Shade once the enrollment in the academies of your choice is complete."

"Sure." Ikaris and the others agreed right away.

Their group then bid farewell to the Arch Imp and he handed them a customer loyalty card for all the products in the store. The back of the card listed the store's services, and apparently they could also sell clothing and light armor in industrial quantities. This was probably how he generated most of his income.

As Asselin had explained to them, despite the very high quality of these clothes the price was actually extremely affordable. This was the marketing strategy adopted by Glenrow to get into the good graces of these new Lords with limited financial capacities. When their kingdoms were better established they would surely contact him again and that was when he would strike it big.

In addition to these services, Glenrow could also craft custom armor and clothing to order if they provided him with the materials. His limit was Gold Artifacts, which put him at the level of a Master Tailor and Blacksmith in the Warring Lands.

The group then headed much more confident in their appearances to the Scholar District. This one couldn't be missed. A huge campus with tall buildings reminiscent of Hogwart's but more sinister stood north of the Trade District at the junction of the Trade and Noble District.

Their looks and bearings were extraordinary and they drew many fascinated looks along the way. Ikaris and Malia had a magnetic charm, Ellie was cute and sexy, while Danchun emanated the aura of a cold and unapproachable beauty.

In comparison, Charlotte, who was still very pretty, seemed bland and old-fashioned. Although they had also been relooked by Glenrow, her conservative upbringing had prevented the Arch Imp from giving free rein to his creativity. The redheaded woman was well aware that she would never have assumed to wear an outfit as daring as Ellie.

A short walk later, they entered the Academies' campus. As they passed through the metallic gate, they had to wait in line in front of a small building not far from the entrance, which was in charge of student registration. Fortunately, there was hardly anyone there and they did not have to wait long. A few minutes later it was their turn.

They passed by the doors and were met with a middle-aged Fae secretary sitting behind a desk.

The woman looked up as she noticed the many guests. "Good morning, how may I be of help today?"