Chapter 38

Thirty-Eighth Chapter: Artisan Guild

In the basement of St. Amanda School, Dorothy felt somewhat surprised as she listened to Audric’s words. Initially, she hadn’t thought that Audric was unwilling to destroy those excellent works to absorb spirituality simply because he couldn’t bear to.

‘Closer to craftsmen than to extraordinary beings…’

Muttering the words Audric had just spoken in her heart, Dorothy pondered and then spoke to Audric.

“According to your words, the ‘Stone’ extraordinary beings are closely related to craftsmen…”

“Yes, we are usually various kinds of craftsmen—stone masons, blacksmiths, gemcutters… even mechanics. Though there are some exceptions, the image of craftsmen has become firmly associated with us.”

Audric naturally replied, nodding as he listened to his words, Dorothy also nodded in understanding. Then, she continued thoughtfully,

“Craftsmanship and techniques? Regardless, the way ‘Stone’ extraordinary beings absorb spirituality is much better than that of the ‘Cup’…”

“The absorption by the ‘Cup’… Ha, I’m glad Miss Meyshos still retains basic moral principles. I hope you can keep this on your path ahead. However, I need to correct you; don’t assume all ‘Stone’ associated extraordinary beings practice like the ones you’ve encountered. There are also taboo practices within the cultivation of ‘Stone’.”

Audric corrected Dorothy with a smile, causing her to pause slightly.

‘Taboo practices of ‘Stone’…’

“Yes, the Crimson Eucharist gains rich spirituality by consuming human flesh, but don’t forget, how could humans, the pinnacle of all living beings, have spirituality only in their flesh? I can tell you that bones contain far more spirituality than ordinary rocks. In the societies devoted to ‘Stone’, many k*ll for bones, carving tools from them. They aren’t necessarily any nobler than the Eucharist.”

Listening to Audric’s words, Dorothy felt a jolt in her heart. She hadn’t expected that even the seemingly peaceful ‘Stone’ could have such a bloody and cruel side.

‘It seems that regardless of which kind of spirituality, there might be inhumane cultivation methods. And previously, Audric mentioned that the mainstream cultivation method of the ‘Cup’ involves consuming flesh, so there might be other cultivation methods for the ‘Cup’ as well.’

Dorothy silently pondered, while Audric sat back into his chair, continuing to speak to Dorothy.

“I have answered your questions. Is there anything else you wish to ask?”

Listening to Audric, Dorothy paused slightly before continuing.

“So, what I want to ask next is, are you willing to offend the Holy Communion to protect me?”

Dorothy said seriously, sensing Audric’s goodwill towards her, though she couldn’t clearly understand its source.

“Offend the Holy Communion? Hmph… As I said, they broke the rules first by causing trouble in my territory. We, the White Stone Craftsmen Guild, do not interfere in others’ affairs unless provoked, but we will not tolerate anyone disrupting our peace…”

Audric coldly remarked, causing Dorothy to respond directly,

“White Stone Craftsmen Guild?”

“Huh? You don’t know about this? Heh… It seems Miss Meyshos is truly new to the Secret World…”

Hearing Dorothy’s puzzled tone, Audric smiled and explained,

“As I mentioned, most extraordinary beings associated with ‘Stone’ are various types of craftsmen. Craftsmen… inevitably need to exchange experiences, take apprentices, trade materials, etc., leading to the formation of various societies. Among these, the White Stone Craftsmen Guild is one of the largest…

“The scale of the Artisan Guild is very large, almost the biggest secret society. It includes various ‘Stone’ associated extraordinary beings and all sorts of craftsmen, whose influence spans the entire continent. For example, I am the representative of the Artisan Guild in Igewent.”

“The… largest secret society…” Hearing Audric’s words, Dorothy was stunned. She hadn’t expected that the old man behind her had such formidable power.

“Hehe… No need to be so surprised. Although the Artisan Guild is large, its structure is quite loose, and the organization doesn’t exert strong control over its members. Compared to strict societies, we are more like a guild of craftsmen.”

Audric smiled and continued after drinking some tea,

“Our members are spread across the continent, and basically every major city has at least one member. Unlike other societies, the Artisan Guild adheres to the principle of neutrality, never aligning with any side, whether they are nations, churches, or other societies, as long as they do not provoke us, we won’t act.

“We rarely engage with any forces, except for transactions. Our works are highly sought after by other forces. As long as they can afford the price, we can trade with anyone. In fact, many forces are willing to do so…

“Although I generally dislike the Holy Communion, I cannot act against them due to the rules of the society. But since they violated the rules in my territory, I cannot be blamed for dealing with them. I am merely cleaning up those who break the rules, saving you was just a side effect.”

Audric explained, making Dorothy feel that the White Stone Craftsmen Guild was like an association of craftsmen and merchants. Indeed, both craftsmen and merchants thrive anywhere, and maintaining neutrality is the best choice. From the reports she had seen earlier from Gregor, the official An Yin Bureau in Igewent also had transactions with the Gray Hill.

“Regardless of whether it was a side effect, Mr., you helped me, and I am very grateful. Moreover, you generously shared so much secret information with me.”

“Secret information? These are not secrets; they are just common knowledge, worthless. You are my school student, and your performance pleases me. Sharing this with you is a little reward…”

Audric waved his hand dismissively, considering the information he shared with Dorothy as insignificant.

Listening to Audric’s words, Dorothy felt reassured and, after some hesitation, asked,

“In that case, I’ll ask you one last question. Do you know the initial promotion rituals for different types of spirituality paths?”

Dorothy asked Audric, as her Enlightenment was nearly at 10 points and she was soon going to consider promotion. She had finally met an elder in the Secret World, someone with a neutral stance. Although they were not of the same spirituality, she felt it was worth asking.

However, to be safe, Dorothy did not directly ask about which type of spirituality’s promotion ritual.

“Promotion ritual…”

Hearing Dorothy’s words, Audric scrutinized her and slowly responded,

“I don’t know if you’ve accumulated enough spirituality or just want to ask. But I can tell you that the ritual for ordinary people to become apprentices is actually quite simple, with only minor differences, so I know all of them.”

“All of them…”

Hearing Audric’s words, Dorothy’s eyes lit up. Just as she was about to ask further, Audric added,

“Yes, I know them all, but if you want to know, I cannot directly tell you.”

“Ahh… Why?”

Dorothy asked in surprise, and Audric continued with a smile,

“While this information isn’t worth much, it’s still valuable. Even though the initial promotion rituals of various types of spirituality are known by those with some background, they haven’t become common knowledge. According to the rules of the Artisan Guild, nothing of value can be given away freely, no matter how small its value.

“Miss Meyshos, I am someone who strictly follows the rules. I cannot break this rule of the society. You must offer sufficient compensation for me to share the ritual with you.”

Audric patted the dust off his clothes, leaning back in his chair and holding up one finger to face Dorothy,

“100 pounds, non-negotiable.”

Hearing Audric’s words, Dorothy froze in place. At that moment, she felt as if she had returned to the previous Secret Meeting.