A soft green aura emanated from the sarcophagus, casting a gentle glow over the chamber. Justin watched in surprise as the Amulet of Equilibrium, which had been around Malachor’s neck, suddenly lifted into the air and floated gracefully back toward the sarcophagus. A soft, ethereal light filled the room as the Amulet settled around the neck of a spectral figure that was now rising from the stone tomb.
It was King Alaric, his form translucent but regal, adorned in the royal attire he had been depicted wearing in the carvings. He had shoulder-length blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. The Amulet, now gleaming with a soft, violet light, hung prominently around his neck. His eyes, wise and kind, scanned the party, and he smiled warmly.
“Brave Adventurers,” King Alaric’s voice was deep and resonant, filled with gratitude. “You have freed my spirit from the dark ritual of the God of Death that sought to bind me. For this, you have my eternal thanks.”
The party stood in awe, their expressions a mix of relief and respect. For the first time since entering the Catacombs, Justin relaxed.
“As a token of my gratitude, I bestow upon each of you a gift matched to your valor and skill,” Alaric continued. “A Silver-Level item, one guaranteed for all Party Members.”
With a wave of his hand, an armlet appeared before him, a beautifully crafted piece of silver adorned with intricate engravings of swords, shields, and eagles. It gleamed with a faint blue light.
“To Alistair the Paladin,” the King intoned, “I present you with the Armlet of the Eagle. It is a Silver-Level Artifact that will bolster your Endurance by +2 while reducing the duration of Fear Effects by 30%, allowing you to stand strong in the face of terror.”
Alistair accepted the armlet with a solemn nod, slipping it onto his wrist. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will wear it with honor.”
Alaric waved his hand again, producing a longbow made from a sleek, dark wood, polished to a high shine. Its string was a silver thread, glowing faintly in the dim light.
“And to Eldrin the Ranger,” the King continued, “I gift the Bow of Eagle Sight. Made from the finest Ebonwood, it will upgrade your Eagle Eye skill to Eagle Sight, allowing you to see things at great distance, as an eagle would. In addition, the bow grants a +1 boost to Coordination.”
Eldrin’s eyes widened in admiration as the bow floated toward him. He tested its balance, giving a pleased nod. “A fine weapon, indeed! Long have I coveted an enchanted weapon that would have the power to bring down ethereal enemies, such as the ones we just fought. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
King Alaric nodded regally, next producing a delicate ring, made of a fine, woven silver band set with a small orange gem, fashioned in the shape of an eagle. “And to Lila the Bard, I gift the Ring of Eagle Strike. It will confer the Hidden Ability, Eagle Strike, when you wear it, which increases your attack speed by 20% when using throwing knives. It will also confer additional nimbleness with playing stringed instruments, such as lutes, guitars, harps, or dulcimers.”
Her eyes widened as the ring floated toward her, and she instantly slipped it onto her right middle finger, a slight orange aura surrounding her person. “This will serve me well. My thanks, King Alaric.”
Last of all, the King raised his hands, and a beautiful long blue coat materialized, with golden trim that glowed subtly. The emblem of Highcliff, an eagle in flight, was embroidered on the back.
“And for you, Justin the Socialite, I gift the Cloak of Highcliff’s Elegance. It’s of a kind that might have been worn by the nobles of my court. But unlike many enchanted coats Socialites wear, this one provides a bonus not for Charisma. It gives you +1 to Coordination and Endurance, perfect for a gentleman on the go. The coat also contains an Enchantment of Featherweight, which reduces its weight when you wear it, helping with mobility and reducing fatigue during long journeys.”
Justin’s eyes widened as the beautiful cloak floated toward him, and when he reached for it, the luxurious fabric felt soft under his hand. He immediately put it on.
Do you wish to bind the Coat of Highcliff’s Elegance to your Core?
Just gave a mental affirmation, and just like, he felt its effects. He felt hardier and nimbler, and such was its lightness that he almost felt like he wasn’t wearing it at all.
“This is incredible. Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Lila turned to him, giving a thumbs up.
There was a moment of silence, as they knew what came next. The dispersing of the Platinum-Level Artifact.
King Alaric smiled warmly. “These gifts are but a small token of my gratitude. But the true prize is the very amulet I’m wearing around my neck. It is called The Amulet of Equilibrium. In life, it was my most treasured possession, but the tale of its acquisition is sad.”
King Alaric seemed to collect his thoughts. Justin knew they were in from quite the speech.
“As a young man, my father took me, along with some of his strongest knights, to the Seraphim Range after hearing rumors of the return of a high-level Vault known as the Vault of Aeternum. Many parties had failed to clear it, and many brave and talented people perished trying to claim its treasures. At last, our party ventured inside, facing a creature of unimaginable power, the Elder Shadow Wyrm, a being of pure darkness and malice, whose progeny were causing much grief in northern Serenthel. The battle was fierce, and many of our company fell, including my father. However, through great skill, and even greater luck, we brought the beast down at last.
“Although the Vault did not deem me worthy of the Amulet of Equilibrium—I was still young, after all—it was given to me by Sir Garrick Stormblade, one of my father’s most loyal knights, a Spellsword of great renown. He was loyal to my father above all others. As he handed me the Amulet, resisting its call to power, Sir Garrick said, Use this well, young prince. Let it bring pride to your father’s memory and wisdom to your rule. As Sir Garrick said, my father was a wise man, and it was indeed at that moment that I resolved to honor him by seeking wisdom myself. I used the Amulet of Equilibrium toward this end, and I used to boost my Perception greatly, granting me insight beyond my years, bringing me fame, wealth, and power.
“However, such power attracted many enemies. The Amulet’s unique abilities made it a highly coveted prize. Only by my death could it become Unbound from Core, allowing it to be wielded by another. With the enhanced Perception the Amulet granted me, I led my small kingdom to victory, subduing many threats. My plan was to pass the Amulet on to my son, but tragically, he passed away before me.
“Therefore, I ordered the Amulet to be buried with me, locked within my crypt, for I could not trust any other to wield its power. I ordered the magically enchanted key to be thrown into the sea. However, there must have been some treachery after my passing, and somehow, by and by over the centuries, the key fell into the hands of the Cultists of Morvath, who used it to unlock my tomb. Here they remained for months, using their fell magic to unbind my sarcophagus of the mighty Life Magic that protected it. All of this explains why, despite this Vault being only Level 15, such a priceless treasure is available and why the Cultists were so desperate to get it.”
While all this was interesting, it didn’t tell Justin what the Amulet actually did, as well as who would get it.
But he knew that moment was coming soon.
The spirit of King Alaric looked at each party member thoughtfully. “The Amulet, of course, is the Platinum-Level artifact I will give one of you. In life, there was no one I trusted with it, but one of you has showed the courage and wisdom necessary to wield its mighty power. Indeed, I have watched your deeds and weighed your contributions ever since you first entered this Vault.”
The party exchanged glances, each wondering who Alaric would choose.
“Each of you has shown remarkable courage and skill,” Alaric began, his voice warm and resonant. “Your combined efforts have freed my spirit and cleansed this sacred place. Let us reflect on your individual deeds.”
He turned first to Alistair. “Alistair of Drakendale, your steadfast bravery and unyielding faith have been a pillar of strength for your comrades. Your leadership and holy hammer protected your allies and struck down the darkness that sought to consume us all. You have been a staunch Defender of Life, and your wisdom has been invaluable to this Party’s success.”
Alistair bowed his head, accepting the praise with humility. “Thank you, Your Majesty. It is my duty and honor to serve and cleanse this place of darkness.”
Next, Alaric looked at Eldrin. “Eldrin Thornwood, your keen eyes and sharp aim have been crucial in this battle. You navigated the challenges of this Vault with insight and precision, recalling the details of my life in the murals you observed with accuracy. You were wrong only once, while the Cultists got it wrong several times, arguing and bickering on the proper order. Not only that, but your arrows found their mark when it mattered most, and your strategic mind has aided your companions. Your generosity in giving your companions your potions, precious indeed, is noted.”
Eldrin nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I did what I could, Your Majesty. I’m glad to have played a part.”
Turning to Lila, Alaric’s expression softened. “Lila Fairwind, your agility and resourcefulness were clear at every turn. Your deft movements and quick thinking kept the group safe, and your precision with your knives proved essential. You faced danger without hesitation, and your courage was a beacon of hope. You were also the first to offer to answer the riddle, at the risk of your own life.”
Lila met his gaze, her eyes bright with emotion. “Thank you, King Alaric. I’m just glad I could help.”
Finally, Alaric’s gaze settled on Justin. His expression grew contemplative, as if weighing something deeply. “Justin Talemaker, you have displayed an extraordinary talent for inspiration. Your…unique abilities…are unlike anything we have seen in this world. And perhaps that it is because you learned them from another.”
Justin’s eyes widened at this, wondering how Alaric could know that. But maybe, as a spirit, he had access to knowledge mortals didn’t.
Alaric continued. “You turned the tide in the Party’s favor, especially when you faced the wraiths. There was a moment, however small, where all thirty-six wraiths had attacked your very Core, from which they hoped to drain your Spark of Life. Such an attack would have ended even the strongest member of your Party within seconds.”
“By the Six,” Alistair said, face pale.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“You didn’t know if it would work, but you did so anyway, perhaps not knowing that if it failed, you would have suffered a fate worse than death, joining the Demon Zalthor of the Netherrealm from which the wraiths issued. Not only that, but you also had the Perception to discover the answer to the riddle, which stumped the rest. You gambled everything for the chance to save your friend, Lila. That took guts, even if you were confident in your answer. In short, your Charisma and quick thinking have not only bolstered your allies but also confused and scattered the enemy. Your actions, though unconventional, were pivotal to the group's victory.”
At all this, Justin felt a flush of pride and gratitude. “I just did what I thought was right. It was a team effort.”
King Alaric nodded, his blue eyes filled with a deep understanding. “Indeed, it was a team effort. Yet, in every challenge, there is one who stands out, whose actions are critical at a key moment. You all have shown great valor and wisdom, but the Amulet of Equilibrium requires a bearer who understands the value of balance, both in power and in life.”
He paused, letting his words sink in. “Justin Talemaker, I bestow the Amulet of Equilibrium upon you. It holds a rare Enchantment, called Unbound Ascension. When you wear the Amulet, the hard cap of raising a single Attribute to more than twice the average of all other Attributes is waived.”
Justin’s eyes widened at that. He hadn’t known that was a restriction, which meant that upon reaching Level 10, assuming he went all in on Charisma, he wouldn’t have been able to place a point in it. He supposed the enchantment was useful, but he couldn’t imagine any character, must less him, reaching that point.
“That’s not all,” King Alaric said. “For it contains a unique enchantment for which the Amulet is famed, the likes of which cannot be found in all the Realms of Eyrth.” Alaric paused, probably for dramatic effect. “This enchantment is called Grace of the Six. Grace of the Six takes your highest base Attribute and divides it by six. The resulting number, rounded down, is then applied to all your other Attributes.”
“Whoa,” Justin said, unable to help himself. Even the others gasped at that.
It seemed busted. But maybe that was the power of a Platinum-Level Artifact. And because of the dynamic nature of the enchantment, it would remain useful at all levels.
Right off the bat, it would grant Justin a +2 to all other Attributes that were solely lacking, 10 Levels worth. And once he got to a higher level, say 24, it would grant a +4 in all other Attributes. And since only one Attribute point was granted per level, with rare opportunities to get a free one here and there, that was powerful. Extremely powerful. Even Gribble the Snow Goblin had pointed out that the free Attribute point he’d received from the Cane of Valoria was extremely rare.
“The Amulet of Equilibrium is yours, Justin Talemaker. You have shown that strength does not solely lie in physical might or magical prowess, but also in the courage to inspire and protect others, even at significant risk to oneself. Use this amulet to continue guiding and uplifting those around you. But be warned: If you raise one of your highest base Attribute to more than twice than the average of all others, the Amulet cannot be removed except by death.”
Justin considered this warning soberly. This wouldn’t be an issue for a long time. The more important consideration was if it would make him a target. The Enchanter class, it seemed, could see what enchantments certain items had. Some blessings could become curses and liabilities.
But all the same, the risk seemed to be worth it, at least for now. He had until Level 10 to decide if he wanted to change his mind by taking it off. That was when he’d get to raise his Charisma Attribute to 21.
The Amulet floated gently toward Justin, the six colored jewels glittering in the light of the glowing sarcophagus. His eyes widened as it settled around his neck with a soft, violet glow.
Do you wish to bind the Amulet of Equilibrium to your Core?
To his surprise, Justin hesitated. Once the Amulet was bound, it would be his, and he knew others might want to kill him for it once they recognized its power, as they had wanted to kill King Alaric. He could at least keep it hidden under his shirt, offering some measure of protection.
But as he considered it, the pros far outweighed the cons. He had risked himself greatly to clear this Vault, and he deserved a just reward.
Justin immediately gave his mental assent.
He frowned. Nothing had changed.
Core-binding failed. The Amulet of Equilibrium can only be bound to Characters with a Life Affinity. Death Affinity Detected.
Justin’s heart sank. Death Affinity? What in the blazes was that?
Then he realized. “This Mark. This damn Mark!”
What he had half-jokingly called a blessing was now a glaring obstacle. Frustration surged within him, and he clenched his fists.
A Platinum Artifact was right here, around his neck, but he couldn’t even use it. The frustration was beyond visceral. It was almost maddening.
King Alaric noticed the change in Justin’s expression and the hovering amulet. His eyes, full of understanding and sympathy, softened. “This situation is…unprecedented. I had considered giving the Amulet to another. However, I chose you, Justin Talemaker, knowing the Mark was not something you sought. It is a foul doing of Death Magic, so powerful that the gods—for whatever reason—are treating you as if you are a Practitioner of Death Magic yourself.”
Justin’s voice was tight with frustration. “Nothing could be further from the truth. So, am I really unable to use the Amulet’s benefits?”
Alaric nodded solemnly. “The Amulet of Equilibrium is a Relic of Life, and as such, it cannot be bound by those aligned with Death. The Mark of Death has shifted your alignment. However, this is not an insurmountable obstacle. Removing the Mark will restore your alignment to Life and allow you to use the Amulet.”
Lila placed a comforting hand on Justin’s shoulder. “We’ll remove the Mark, Justin. That’s the whole reason for this quest, right?”
Justin forced a smile, but inside, the frustration churned. At the beginning, he’d never dreamed he’d be the one to get the reward. Alistair, as a Paladin, was far more deserving. But the Amulet could have been Justin’s way of enhancing his meager abilities to contribute to the party more effectively.
Now, it was a reminder of the dark mark he carried and the influence of the Baron.
Eldrin looked at him with sympathy, while Alistair’s face was grim.
King Alaric’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Take heart, Justin. It seems your friends are committed to removing the Mark, something not easily done. This challenge is an opportunity to prove your strength and determination, to become even more worthy of the Amulet.”
“Do I have to give it back?” Justin asked.
King Alaric shook his head. “No. It was given to you, and that cannot be undone. You may keep it for yourself until you can remove the Mark, or you can give it to another.”
Justin’s face fell. “That’s probably what I’ll end up doing. I’m just a Level Four Socialite, and I can’t even use it. If this is a Relic of Life…” He turned to Alistair. It wasn’t easy, but he lifted the Amulet of Equilibrium from his neck. “Alistair…would you take it?”
Alistair’s blue eyes regarded the mighty prize, and Justin could see his desire for it. He reached for it but did not take it. He simply closed Justin’s hands over it.
“It’s yours, Justin. And I swear that you will get to wear it one day and wield its power. It’s one more reason to keep going for Mont Elea. The gods would not have given you this amulet if they didn’t want you to have it, but they would test you first, so that you can prove you are truly worthy.”
Justin nodded, putting the Amulet back over his neck. He would wear it, but it would not confer its bonuses—not for a while yet. “I’ll do everything I can to be worthy of it, then.”
Alistair gave a respectful nod.
King Alaric smiled warmly. “Your ties of friendship are commendable. It is in these bonds of strength that we can rise above ourselves and achieve greatness.” He nodded, satisfied. “And though it might seem a small prize in comparison, as promised, each of you shall receive 2.5 gold crowns, a substantial sum, to aid you in your future endeavors.”
2.5 Crowns have been added to your inventory! You now have 3 Golden Crowns, 11 Silver Marks, and 24 Copper Pieces!
Justin let out a breath, unable to help his smile. “That’s…a lot of pints.”
“Thank you, King Alaric,” Alistair said, bowing deeply. “Your generosity is unmatched.”
“Thank you,” the others echoed, their voices filled with sincerity.
King Alaric’s form shimmered, his time in the mortal realm drawing to a close. “You have my eternal gratitude. With your aid, I may now rest in peace. Should you ever find yourselves in Highcliff, know that my spirit watches over you.”
“Good King!” Alistair said. “If I may ask one question before you fade to the Otherworld. Is there a way to use the Catacombs to leave Highcliff to the north?”
Alaric nodded, his form growing faint. “Indeed, there is a passage that leads to the northern outskirts of the city. Follow the path through the Hall of Heroes, two levels up; you will find a hidden passage behind the statue of the First King. Fare thee well, brave adventurers.”
With a final, grateful smile, King Alaric’s spirit dissipated, leaving the chamber in serene silence.
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The Vault honors your triumph. Now go forth with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds.
The Trial of the Vault is complete!
Experience Gained: 750
Your experience stands at 1589/420 (Level-up available!)
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And just like that, it was over. Justin looked around the tomb, finding that all traces of the fight, including Malachor’s body, were gone.
Everyone crowded around him to check out his prize. The prize that would not give him its benefits.
“Tough luck, Justin,” Lila said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
“Congratulations, lad,” Eldrin said. “We’ll make sure you get to Mont Elea and get that Mark removed.”
Justin nodded numbly. Mont Elea was a long way yet.
Alistair’s blue eyes regarded the Amulet. “I am certain now the gods’ hands are in this. They watch over you, Justin, and that is the greatest gift of all. We’ll do everything we can to ensure you are free of the Mark.”
“The gods watch us all, do they not?” Lila asked.
“Yes, of course,” the Paladin responded. “And yet, it is clear there is something about you, lad. Eldrin said you had a story, and an interesting one, but that will have to wait for another day. We must leave Highcliff at once.”
The others nodded.
“Lead the way, Alistair,” Justin said.
The Paladin did so. As they retraced their steps through the crypt, Justin opened his character sheet.
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Justin Talemaker
Class: Socialite
Level: 4
Experience to Level 5: 1589/420 (Level-up available!)
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Power: 11 (10 +1)
Coordination: 11 (10 +1)
Endurance: 11 (10 +1)
Intellect: 10
Perception: 11 (10 +1)
Charisma: 16 (15 +1)
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Skills:
(Level 0) Epic Barb: Obsolete.
(Level 1) Poison Barb: You know precisely what to say to cause emotional damage to someone, stunning them temporarily. If your barb renders them speechless for at least three seconds, the cooldown immediately refreshes.
(Level 2) Dazzling Display: Once a day, strike a pose or make a gesture that immediately captures the attention of those nearby, momentarily distracting or captivating them. The strength of this skill scales with your Charisma Level.
(Level 3) Dandy’s Swagger: Perform a captivating strut that immediately fills you with confidence and swagger! This skill boosts allies’ Charisma by +2 and makes neutrals treat you as if you have +2 Charisma for one minute. Hostiles take a -2 Charisma penalty for one minute. This strut can halt conversations and cause enemies to hesitate, with this effect becoming more likely at higher Charisma levels. Cooldown: 30 minutes.
(Hidden) Gentleman’s Rebuff: Instinctually block the first hostile attack directed at you once per day by any character or creature up to Level 12.
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Equipment:
Weapon: Cane of Valoria: +1 to Charisma and Perception. Confers hidden skill “Gentleman’s Rebuff.”
Clothing: Coat of Highcliff’s Elegance: + 1 to Endurance and Coordination.
Accessory 1: The Ring of Hygiene: Once per day, become perfectly clean and groomed to your exact specifications.
Accessory 2: The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Nullified: Death Affinity Detected!
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Active Effects
Divine Aura: 5% boost to Power (minimum of 1 Power)
The Mark of Death: Upon death, become enthralled by character Baron Valdrik. Immunity to being enthralled or soul-captured by any character, creature, and monster of a lower level than the one who placed the Mark.
Valor of the Fallen: +1 to Charisma and Perception.
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Justin closed his sheet. Despite the others’ words of inspiration and hope, he only felt sick. Part of the appeal of video games was seeing the numbers go up. The more they went up, the better. The Amulet of Equilibrium would have been a way for his numbers to go way up.
Maybe this world wasn't exactly a game. The truth was, Justin didn't know what it was. It was his life, now, for better or worse.
This was more than a setback—it was a huge punch to the gut. In a way, he almost wished it had been Alistair to get it. Then he wouldn’t be feeling this pain.
Lila sidled over, wrapping an arm around him. She didn’t say a word, but Justin appreciated the comfort.
He looked at her, forcing a smile. “I should be grateful. I’m richer than I’ve ever been, got a spiffy coat, and have friends to watch my back.”
She smiled. “Always good to look on the sunny side, right? It’ll make it all the sweeter once you have that Amulet working.”
The party continued out of the dead king’s crypt, reaching the main part of the Highcliff Catacombs. One day, he determined he’d get to bind the Amulet to his Core. It was another reason to keep going. To keep fighting.
He followed Alistair and the rest up the spiral stairs.