Still inside the forging room, Christian found his thoughts drifting again.
Maybe it's finally time...
To start preparing his ideal technique — one that was powerful, all-encompassing, and, could even help increase his comprehension along the way.
He had been delaying this for a long time.
The situation he was in demanded immediate strength, not long-term potential.
But that was before — before he had his current foundation.
Now, aside from those giant outsider groups, or a monster like the girl sitting some distance away from him, he could handle the rest.
So maybe… maybe now was the right time?
While his thoughts ran at full speed, Anastasia suddenly interrupted, her voice light and teasing, "Should I give you an Essence Technique as the price for the android?"
Intrigued, Christian glanced at her and asked, "Wasn't the Iron Flame technique the price for the android?"
Anastasia shook her head.
"No. That was the price for upgrading the android — not for the android itself. So, you can still get one more thing."
Now even more intrigued, Christian's eyes lit up.
"And what stage would this technique allow me to reach?"
Anastasia tilted her head slightly, as if amused, and asked back,
"Which one do you want it to be?"
Christian didn't hesitate.
"Then one that can help me reach the next rank after Mortal!"
With those words, Christian finally voiced what he truly wished for.
And hearing it, Anastasia couldn't help but laugh aloud.
"Hahaha~ You really are greedy."
Christian didn't mind the comment.
He was greedy. And he knew full well his feeble android wasn't worth such a technique.
Still, thickening his skin, he shamelessly asked, "Well… is it possible?"
Anastasia gave him a teasing smile and said nothing right away.
Her silence dragged for just long enough to make him feel like she might actually refuse. Chapters first released on NoveI-Fire.ɴet
He could feel his high expectations beginning to deflate.
Then, just as he was lowering his head, focusing again on the metal in front of him, she spoke—
"Yes, it's possible."
Christian's hands paused.
And the moment those words sank in, he turned his head fully toward her, already forgetting the task in his hands.
Anastasia chuckled as she looked at him.
She was clearly enjoying herself — drawing all kinds of reactions out of him.
Still, her tone shifted slightly as she offered a bit of advice.
"The technique you're asking for is still something far above your current level, though. You won't be able to train in it for a very long time. Are you really sure about this?"
"Yes. I'm certain," Christian answered decisively.
He didn't need to train in it right away, anyway.
All he needed was to use it as a reference — for crafting his own techniques and skills.
And a technique of that caliber would be immensely helpful for that.
"Then think about what kind of attribute you want this technique to be based on," Anastasia said.
Hearing her, Christian couldn't help but wonder...
Just how many techniques does she even have?
He seriously wondered.
But then, catching her gaze — one of those unreadable looks paired with a smile that wasn't really a smile — he quickly dropped the greedy thought.
It increasingly felt like his thoughts were transparent to her.
But he decided not to think too deeply about that.
'For now,' he told himself, 'she can just keep those techniques safe for me… until I take them all back later.'
Still, putting that aside, it was time to return to the real question.
Which attribute should he choose?
Christian's expression turned serious as he pondered.
Since he could choose, he naturally wanted the strongest…
Or, more accurately — the most difficult.
Because strength wasn't just about the attribute itself.
The attribute alone didn't guarantee power.
It also didn't need to be Space. He had already started walking that path.
But… was that really the best choice?
Christian furrowed his brows, deep in thought—
And then, suddenly, a new idea struck him.
Divination… meaning Fate.
Wouldn't it be better to get that kind of technique from her — if she had one?
Lately, relying on information through technology alone had started to feel… insufficient.
And through divination, he might actually be able to predict the crises waiting for him in the future.
'Like the current one,' he thought with a sigh, 'where even my dignity is on the line.'
So… maybe this was the right answer?
If he chose a divination-based technique, then it wouldn't just serve as a reference — he might even train in it.
But, even if Anastasia had something like that… would she give it?
Christian's expression turned serious as he carefully weighed the feasibility of the idea.
He didn't even notice the state of the metal piece anymore.
The part meant for the android had been left unattended for too long.
And now, it needed to be reforged entirely from the start.
Naturally, that was the last thing on his mind right now.
He was on the verge of making a decision… a meaningful one.
That's when a voice echoed softly in the room.
[Master, people from the Drevane family are heading this way to attack the house. They're expected to arrive in a few hours.]
Christian's expression shifted instantly, twisting into one of irritation.
But at those rotten Drevane bastards… finally choosing now — of all times — to make their move.
Right when something this important was happening for him.
Should he just go all out and wipe their entire family off the map, consequences be damned?
Killing intent began brewing in Christian's mind—
But then, Anastasia interrupted him again.
She asked with a curious tone, her expression that of someone ready to enjoy a good show.
Christian's killing intent vanished instantly, as if it had never existed.
He forced a smile onto his face and calmly explained the situation.
Venting his irritation on her?
Directing all that boldness and murderous intent at her?
That was completely out of the question.
He still wanted to live for a long, long time, after all.