The City of Lancelot. The Lancelot Guild.
A spacious hall exuded a bright ambiance within the esteemed Lancelot Guid.
The walls of this grand hall were adorned with an array of artifacts, weapons, and various magical runes, creating an awe-inspiring sight.
Among the captivating features, historical paintings adorned the walls, portraying epic battles between Rankers and mythical beings. The artworks skillfully blended reality and imagination, leaving viewers to ponder whether these magnificent duels truly transpired or were the fruits of the artists' creative minds.
One particular painting stood out amid the distractions, capturing the attention of all who entered the grand hall. The masterpiece depicted a brave lady confronting a colossal giant, her diminutive figure pitted against the giant's towering presence. The oil painting's remarkable level of detail made it the focal point of the hall, towering at a staggering 15 meters in height and 30 meters in length, occupying a significant portion of the left wall.
The captivating details of the lady in the wall painting were truly mesmerizing. The artwork portrayed a stunning light-copper-haired woman clad in formidable battle armor, standing courageously on a war-torn battlefield, facing a colossal giant as her sole opponent.
Though only part of her facial features were visible, one could immediately recognize her striking beauty. Her captivating facial features, complemented by her wavy, cascading hair, evoked an air of allure and strength. Her dark, mesmerizing eyes, cute nose, and brownish-red lips exuded a sense of determination and elegance.
The form-fitting battle armor not only accentuated her feminine figure but also provided her with the protection needed for the fierce conflict. Adding to her charm, a delicate bracelet adorned her right wrist, reflecting a faint sunlight, hinting at its mirror-like quality.
In contrast, the figure of the giant was artfully obscured by clouds and dust, intentionally blurred to draw the viewers' focus solely on the resolute lady standing amidst the chaos of battle.
Surprisingly, the oil painting lacked any name or claim by its artist. Unlike the other paintings in the hall, this masterpiece remained completely mysterious, shrouded in anonymity. No description plaque accompanied it, leaving viewers to wonder about the story behind the awe-inspiring scene they beheld.
The House Lancelot seemed to harbor a desire to keep the painting's significance hidden, creating an enigmatic atmosphere around it. This grand masterpiece stood as an open secret within the clan, known only to a select few.
Visitors to the impressive hall found themselves inexplicably drawn to the captivating painting, even without understanding its context. Curious, they approached the clan members, hoping to unravel the mystery behind the artwork.
However, their inquiries yielded no definitive answers. It appeared that even the House Lancelot members were either unaware of their own history or deliberately chose to withhold information about the profound historic achievement of their ancestor depicted in the painting, carefully concealed from public view.
The grand hall of House Lancelot was a place rarely accessible to outsiders, reserved for those with a connection to the Lancelot Guild. To gain entry was a mark of recognition for one's talent and service under the guild's banner.
Amidst the captivating paintings that adorned the walls, the grand hall's latest visitor was drawn to the oil painting depicting a copper-haired woman. Although her identity remained a mystery to most, there was one exception in the form of this visitor who recognized her immediately.
'Shallot Lancelot,' Eren thought to himself as he approached the painting with silent steps. Having encountered Shallot's ghost trapped inside the Elder Seed Artifact, he had no trouble identifying her.
Before he could immerse himself in the artwork, a voice interrupted his musings. Someone had appeared behind him, addressing him as Piper.
"Congratulations for officially receiving the title of Baron's Bane from the kingdom, Piper," the figure greeted.
The reason why the person addressed Eren as Piper became clear. He had skillfully shapeshifted into Piper's visage. After learning about the meeting, he instructed Ivor to take the day off and assumed the famous Piper identity for the gathering, which had recently gained fame for killing off Isen Osan.
Piper's heroic feat of supposedly slaying Isen Osan marked a momentous occasion in the history of the kingdom of Edinburgh, garnering widespread recognition and admiration from its citizens. Isen's treachery had posed a grave threat to the kingdom, making Piper's act of eliminating him not only a heroic deed but also a necessary one to ensure the safety and security of the realm.
As word of Piper's courageous act spread far and wide, he rightfully earned the admiration of the kingdom's people and caught the attention of its royalty. The kingdom's rulers, recognizing the significance of his actions, bestowed upon him a prestigious title as Baron's Bane in acknowledgment of his bravery and service to the realm. Moreover, Piper was generously rewarded with other honors and benefits that reflected the kingdom's gratitude for his selfless dedication.
Amidst the turmoil of chaotic times, the value of titles bestowed by kingdoms had somewhat diminished, as they were now being liberally granted to numerous individuals who had showcased their valor on the battlefield. Piper was well aware that his newly acquired fame might not endure for long, as the kingdom would soon witness the rise of other remarkable individuals who would achieve great feats and capture the awe of Edinburgh's populace.
In a seamless transition, Eren presented himself as Piper, ready to participate in the meeting incognito.
Eren looked in the person's eyes as he introduced himself. "Hehe, to be honest, the title Baron's Bane makes it sound like I'll only be effective against barons. But thanks anyway, Grandmaster…"
"Avalon, young man," the figure replied. "You can call me Avalon Lancelot."
The man introduced himself as Avalon Lancelot, a handsome A-Ranked Grandmaster who looked to be in his 40s.
Clad in leather armor adorned with the fur of a mythical mana beast, Avalon stood tall at around 6.7 ft, dwarfing Eren's current form. His lean yet muscular physique exuded strength and confidence. Despite his attempts to contain it, the aura of an A-Ranked Grandmaster radiated from him, unmistakable in its power.
Having achieved the solid stage of the A-Rank two decades ago, Avalon was a rare talent in the history of House Lancelot. The House Lancelot had high hopes for him. He was predicted to ascend to the rank of the Sage in the coming centuries.
Avalon's remarkable progress and potential set him apart as a force to be reckoned with, both within the guild and the wider world of Rankers. Having recently assumed the position of Guild Master, Avalon's face was unfamiliar to some members, but his capabilities spoke volumes.
Eren, still in his Piper guise, couldn't contain his surprise upon learning Avalon's name.
"What a surprise! It's my first time meeting the Guild Master of the Lancelot Guild. I would have come bearing gifts had I known I'd be granted an audience with you. Anything I could afford with my meager earnings to please your eyes, that is," he said politely, bowing before the esteemed Grandmaster ranker.
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