The room was suffused with a quiet tension as Lucianus extended his hand, offering the ring that Lily had seen him wear countless times. It was a simple band of silver, unadorned yet elegant. Lily received it with a mixture of curiosity and reverence, her fingers brushing against the cool metal.

“Try it on,” Lucianus encouraged her, a soft smile playing on his lips.

With a hesitant motion, Lily slid the ring onto her index finger, feeling its weight – a tangible symbol of her father's trust and love. As she did so, an unexpected sensation washed over her, akin to a veil being lifted from her mind's eye. A prompt appeared before her, ethereal and demanding attention.

[Would you like to bind ‘Aurum Ring of Inferior Quality?’]

Intrigued and a little bewildered, Lily mentally affirmed. The ring pulsed lightly on her finger, and she felt an expansion in her perception as if a new realm of understanding had unfolded within her consciousness.

“What is this?” she asked, her voice tinged with awe.

“The Alchemists’ work,” her father replied with a chuckle. “Even Marcus is green with envy over this one.”

Lily's eyes widened in realization. “Wait, you only have one of these? Then, why give it to me?”

“Because I’ve only got one daughter,” Lucianus replied, his voice laden with a father’s unwavering affection.

Lucianus proceeded to explain the ring’s capabilities.

“Now, let me explain. I’ve stuffed it with food; things don’t go bad while they’re inside of the ring. So, there’s enough food and water for years. That’s because... well, we got stuck once, and that got me paranoid about not having enough resources. So, there’s enough food for you to last however much time you’ll need to figure things out. There are also some unmarked gold coins, silvers, and coppers. You haven’t really needed to trade with anyone so far, but I trust that your arithmetic will come in handy when the time’s ripe. Then, I have added a few extra things.

“Twenty wands, each imbued with my version of [Major Healing]. They won’t last forever, but they might just save your life,” he said, a hint of worry flickering in his eyes.

Lily listened, absorbing every detail.

“And there’s more,” Lucianus added, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. “I’ve added some pictures of me and your mother. I don’t want you to forget us.”

The mention of her mother and the thought of having their images with her on her journey brought a swell of emotion to Lily’s throat. “Thank you, Dad. I won’t forget. But it’s still nice to have them,” she managed, her voice soft.

Lucianus nodded.

“Lastly, there’s armor,” he said, his tone shifting. “You’ll need it. You’re not just a [Healer], Lily. You’re a fighter, and this armor... well, it’s special.”

“Special, how?” Lily asked, her curiosity piqued.

“You can summon it over your clothes. Just try.”

Lily focused on the ring, sensing the instinctual guidance it provided. With a mental command, she felt a surge of energy, a connection between the ring and an unseen reservoir of magical potential. The air around her seemed to shimmer, and then, in a seamless flow of motion, the armor materialized over her attire.

The armor that appeared upon Lily's command was a breathtaking sight, clearly designed not only for defense but also for someone of great artistic sensibility. Silver and muted steel contoured her figure with precision. Each plate was etched with delicate incisions that didn't mean anything, but they still felt like they meant something. The pauldrons swept over her shoulders, carrying streaks of crimson in them, while the breastplate bore a soft, embossed scarlet floral design that caught the light in a subtle play of shadows and radiance.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Upon the gauntlets and vambraces, there were silver threads, glistening. The greaves rose with a flourish, their flared edges covered in intricate detailing. Most strikingly, amongst the shades of crimson that highlighted the armor's silhouette, real red flowers blossomed. They sprouted from the metal as if nature itself had claimed the armor as its canvas, their vibrant petals a stark, living contrast to the inanimate steel.

The armor was unlike anything she had seen before. The plates caught the light with every movement. It seemed to be a part of her, moving with her body as if it were a second skin as she slowly moved around. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each piece fitting seamlessly into the other.

Lily moved her arms wide, testing the range of motion. The armor responded fluidly without a sound. She could feel the power coursing through it, a silent promise of protection and strength.

“This is incredible,” she breathed, a mix of admiration and gratitude in her voice. “The flowers... how?”

“Isn’t that a good question,” Lucianus sighed. “The fact that it works on you... well, it seems you’ll be receiving some Classes... Shadows take me, I’m getting old. I’m actually jealous."

“What?” Lily frowned.

“This is another Alchemists’ artifact. I have never managed to get it appraised, though. You’ll probably be able to see its name once you unlock the System.”

Lucianus watched her, a look of paternal pride softening his features. “It will keep you safe,” he said. “That’s the most important thing.”

Lily looked down at the blossoming flowers and shook her head, “this is so much, Dad. Isn’t it... too much?”

“I have no use for this thing anyway. It doesn’t work on me or Marcus. It must be responding to your skills.”

Lily frowned, looking down at the armor, almost as if the piece of magical metal could be wrong about it. But then, she accepted it. She felt special.

...

The monastery's ancient stones stood silent and watchful in the first shadows cast by dawn. They ended up talking a little longer. Now, though, in front of the building’s imposing gates, Lily and Lucianus shared a moment of quiet reflection.

Lily's gaze lingered on the monastery, her eyes tracing the familiar contours of its structure.

Lucianus, standing beside her, broke the silence. "Here," he said, handing her a small, intricately designed object. It was a map, its surface alive with enchantments. As Lily's fingers brushed against it, the map flickered with life and revealed a detailed layout of the region. A pulsing light marked her current position, and another, a steady beacon, showed the location of the Dungeon she sought.

"This will guide you," Lucianus explained. His voice was steady, but Lily could sense the undercurrent of concern. "Remember, the Dungeon is within the Necromonarchy, in the mountains. You must be cautious. If anyone questions you, just show them your Death Magic and, for the rest of the journey, keep to yourself."

Lily nodded, folding the map carefully and tucking it away. Her mind was already racing with plans and strategies that marked the unknown challenges that lay ahead, fueling her determination.

"What about the [Cardinal]?" she asked, looking up at her father. "Won't he come after me?"

Lucianus's expression hardened slightly. "Leave Atticus to me. I'll handle the Church. Your focus should be on reaching the Dungeon safely and uncovering the truth about your magic."

Lily could feel the weight of her father's words, the gravity of the situation pressing upon her. But within that weight lay freedom and the chance to forge her own path.

The air was filled with the scent of the evening, and the soft rustling of leaves was felt in the gentle breeze.

Finally, Lucianus stepped forward, his arms opening in a silent offer of a farewell embrace. Lily moved into his arms, feeling the strength and warmth of her father one last time.

As they parted, Lily felt a surge of emotions – a mix of gratitude, love, and a deep sense of purpose. She took a step back, her eyes meeting her father's. "Thank you, Dad," she said, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "For everything."

Lucianus nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You have always been – and will always be – my pride, Lily. I hope you find your destiny."

Turning towards the gates, Lily took a deep breath. She reached out, her fingers brushing against the cold, rough surface of the monastery's gate. It was a silent goodbye to a chapter of her life that was closing and the beginning of a new one that awaited her beyond these walls.

The journey to the Dungeon would not be easy, but Lily knew she was not the same person who had entered the monastery all those years ago. She was stronger, wiser, and armed with purpose.