Apocalypse Villainess? Nah, I'm Nice

It was safe to say that among all the Ancient Martial Clans in Central City, the Mercer Family was the undisputed leader.

After drawing this conclusion from Zephyr Mercer’s words, Paige Summers grew even more puzzled.

A Noble House like that would surely have its own Artifact Makers. Why would Zephyr Mercer want to commission a weapon from her?

Although she was confident that her skills were second to none, her reputation wasn’t that widespread yet, was it?

Wendy Lowell’s recommendation?

But Zephyr Mercer seemed so earnest, not at all like someone just doing this as a favor...

Although she thought this, she knew better than to ask.

It was their first meeting, not to mention they only had a business relationship. Such a question would be crossing a line.

So, she teased him playfully, "So the Mercer Family is that powerful? That’s great. I won’t have to worry about you being unable to afford the materials or the fee."

Zephyr Mercer saw her eyes sparkle, her expression a mix of feigned annoyance and delight. His heart skipped a beat, and he found it almost impossible to look away. After a long moment, he finally turned his head, his ears flushed red as he stammered, "Of course. Just tell me whatever materials you need."

Paige Summers didn’t notice his strange reaction. Her gaze had already returned to the simple sketches. After a moment of contemplation, she looked up. "I’ll need some time to determine the specific materials. I’ll notify you when I’m done. You should be prepared—it will require a lot of materials, and the quality standards will be high. As for the crafting fee, I’d like to be paid in Crystal Cores, ranging from Fifth to Seventh Rank. The exact number will depend on the quality. Do you have a problem with that?"

Zephyr Mercer shook his head.

This weapon was of great significance to him, something that couldn’t be measured in Crystal Cores.

He had to have it, no matter the cost!

’Can she really make the weapon shown in the drawings?’ However, as he slowly calmed down, a doubt crept into his mind.

Just then, Paige Summers took out a contract and handed it to him.

This was standard practice.

To protect the interests of both parties, the contract clearly stipulated that if either side failed to fulfill their commitment, they would face an exorbitant penalty fee. Paige Summers might even face sanctions from the commercial district’s administration.

Seeing this document put Zephyr Mercer’s mind at ease.

They both signed, each taking a copy. Holding his contract, he politely took his leave.

Getting into his car, Zephyr Mercer quickly returned to the First District.

With its main and branch families combined, the Mercer Family numbered in the hundreds, so they occupied their own rather expansive residential area.

This wasn’t unheard of in the First District, but it was certainly rare.

It was another testament to the Mercer Family’s status in Central City.

Zephyr Mercer drove directly to the front of the Mercer Family’s main residence before getting out and striding inside.

The courtyard and front hall were empty, so he went straight to the study.

As expected, he found Zachary Mercer inside, reading a book.

"Father!"

Zachary Mercer calmly set down his book and looked up.

He bore a strong resemblance to Zephyr Mercer—both were tall and handsome. However, as the Clan Leader of the Mercer Family, the middle-aged man possessed an additional air of restrained authority. It was enough to make Zephyr Mercer not dare to act rashly. Despite his inner excitement, he simply stood there obediently.

"You’re back."

"Yes, Father. Not only did I meet Grandpa Lowell’s granddaughter, but I also confirmed the weapon commission with her!"

Zachary Mercer gave a noncommittal "hmph." Commissioning a weapon was just an excuse he’d used to send Zephyr Mercer to meet the girl. ’No matter how good she is, she can’t possibly be better than our own Artifact Makers.’

"How did she seem?"

"Seem? She was amazing!" Zephyr Mercer didn’t grasp his father’s intention—that the main purpose of the visit was to size her up. He said excitedly, "Sean once said I was dreaming, that the weapon I wanted was the stuff of legends. But Paige Summers came up with a draft in such a short time, even drew me some simple sketches, and we signed a commission contract. Look!"

Taking the contract, Zachary Mercer grew more and more alarmed as he read. "A transforming weapon?"

"That’s right. The base form is a sword, for close combat. After it transforms into a boomerang, it can be used for long-range attacks! Ha, now I’ll have to ask Silas for some pointers. He’s the best with a boomerang!"

As he spoke, Zachary Mercer flipped to the simple sketch on the last page. His expression froze instantly.

’This kind of weapon... it actually exists!’

He didn’t know how to describe what he was feeling!

He had seen a similar drawing before, in the ancient tomes left behind by the Mercer elders! But those were only simple sketches like this one; the other, more detailed parts had long since been lost to the mists of time, destroyed for unknown reasons!

In the eyes of the public, the Mercer Family was an Ancient Martial Clan. What they didn’t know was that the Mercers were originally supposed to be a great house of Artifact Making!

In fact, even within the Mercer Family itself, very few people knew about this anymore.

With each passing generation, fewer and fewer disciples were willing to study Artifact Making. Now, out of several hundred members, there were only two, and neither was particularly talented.

His third brother, Flynn Mercer, had complained to him about it more than once.

But what could he do?

In times like these, the young people who carried the Mercer bloodline were obviously more inclined to fight...

But as the Clan Leader of The Mercer Clan, he would never forget the achievements the Mercer Family once had. He had personally combed through every one of those ancient tomes.

And that was why he could recognize this weapon design at a single glance!

Setting the contract down, he let out a quiet sigh.

’This whole affair is very strange!’

This granddaughter from the Lowell Family had supposedly lived with her father—Wendy’s ex-husband—all this time.

He wasn’t familiar with the Summers Family, but according to the Lowell Family, the Summers’ ancestors had served in the imperial court for generations and were once prominent. After the times changed, they went into business.

From start to finish, there was no mention of them ever having inherited any legacy related to Artifact Making.

’So, how was this girl able to produce such a drawing and be certain she could craft it?!’

Although he wasn’t an expert, he knew that creating such a weapon was no simple feat. She couldn’t possibly have learned it on her own. She must have a teacher behind her!

’Who is this person?’

’And do they have some connection to the Mercer Family?’

His mind filled with immense suspicion, Zachary Mercer spoke up. "Finn, go bring that girl here. I have some questions for her."