Upon receiving 10 attribute points to distribute, Jonn contemplated the [Wildheart Talisman] with uncertainty.
He wondered whether his progress in [Exotic Animals] stemmed from the eagle’s many leaks, or specifically from this last point, where the beast had clearly showed its aversion to the item he wore.
Perhaps I should hand over the [Wildheart Talisman]? At least while attempting to approach this eagle’s horde. It makes sense that they would despise an item granting mages control over beasts… It might not create the best impression when meeting her group.
The [Wildheart Talisman] was no longer that important to Jonn, so he removed the artifact there, before the eagle’s watchful eyes, storing it in his spatial ring.
Whatever. I can communicate with Ice and the others without the bracelet. Losing just 3 points in mental attributes and 2 in [Luck] won’t impact my current power.
These attribute points had been crucial when he was between levels 1 and 2, but now at level 3, with well over 100 points in [Intelligence], an item granting merely 3 additional points seemed trivial.
He even preferred to have items that added any value to his power, but if one of them proved negative on any scale, it would be worth considering abandoning it.
I’ll speak with Eliot and Elia later and see about transferring the [Wildheart Talisman] to one of them.
Though Jonn hadn’t yet approached either of the village’s future mages, he planned to do so the following morning.
With this resolved, he turned his attention to the eagle, who watched him with irritation and barely concealed provocation, clearly doubting his sincerity. “I’ll honor my promise and accompany you to your horde,” he said to her. “However, that time isn’t now. I need a few days to prepare. Until then, you’ll remain here.”
“I eagerly await it, mage,” she responded, her tone heavy with anticipation and threat. “But remember, my people will eventually come searching for me. If you’re wise, you’ll fulfill your word and die alone rather than condemning your entire group. But if you prove untruthful, as your kind typically does, you’ll watch your home burn as your people are squashed and mutilated!"
“I know, I know.” He sighed, weary of the creature’s persistent threats.
Before turning to leave, confident in the security of his containment measures, he added, “By the way, don’t call me a mage. I dislike being identified as such. My name is Jonn.”
“All right, mage Jonn.” she said mockingly, amused by his peculiar request.
“Just stay here and resist any urge to escape. Those crystals surrounding you are rich in fire elements… even if you clear your mana blockage, attempting to absorb mana in this area will cause severe burns. I’ll tend to your wounds tomorrow.”
I could heal you now, but experiencing weakness and pain might help temper that attitude of yours.
Jonn ascended to the cave’s entrance level, entering the armory. There, he encountered the items stored in the area, those he previously could not use because of insufficient capabilities.
Jonn’s spatial ring was a fascinating item, but not miraculous. The artifact possessed vast internal space, rivaling a small warehouse. However, it couldn’t transport objects that exceeded its user capacity. That is, even with ample storage space, one couldn’t store a one-ton stone without possessing the magical capability to move it.
Several items left behind by Count Francus proved so heavy that the level 2 Jonn couldn’t even transfer them to his spatial ring!
Also, these items’ distinct mana signatures, which rejected any mana unable to match their level, further complicated their handling.
However, now at level 3, his capabilities had expanded significantly. Hence, before returning to the village, he paused in the armory to reassess the armor and weapons there.
After allocating the 10 merit points he had earned today to his [Constitution] and [Endurance], Jonn met the requirements for the armor—possessing over 600 points in [Stamina] and physical capacity—enabling him to use it.
Following that, he saw the system’s blue message box explaining the details of this artifact.
[Guardian's Mesh]
Characteristics: Crafted through a collaboration between a blacksmith and an enchanter, this armor comprises chest and back plates, shin guards, boots, and armbands capable of repelling water. When stimulated, it generates a mana barrier that can withstand attacks up to level 3 for three seconds. The wearer enjoys absolute defense against threats below level 3. While equipped, the bearer sacrifices 4 points of [Agility] but gains 8 points in [Endurance], 5 points in [Constitution], and 6 points in [Luck].
Durability: 330/330
Item Class: Rare.
Quality: Superb.
Weight: 56 kg.
As far as weapons were concerned, Jonn had already replaced his damaged spear with another weapon of higher quality from Count Francus’ armory. He hadn’t used it in the battle against the birds, but it was in his spatial ring, ready for use.
[Wuthering Fury]
Characteristics: imbued with Wind essence, this spear facilitates long-range attacks and generates blade-like gales. The wielder's [Strength] increases by 5 points, [Wisdom] by 6 points, [Intelligence] by 5 points, and [Dexterity] by 7 points during use. Wind-element {Spells} and {Skills} gain potency and efficiency when combined with it.
Durability: 170/200
Item Class: Rare.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Quality: Well Crafted.
Weight: 12.9 kg.
Donning the armor and grasping the spear, Jonn assessed the feel of combat with these recent additions.
He executed a series of exercises, thrusting at an invisible foe, advancing, retreating, and sidestepping. He crouched and leaped, cataloging limitations and possibilities.
This’ll slow me down, but it might help me get back to improving my physical characteristics with training. A couple of quick moves in this gear got my heart racing and my muscles burning.
While the spear and armor set undoubtedly held potential for combat, Jonn concluded that, in his current state, he could effectively use their characteristics for about two minutes. After that, he would probably get tired and they would be more of a hindrance than a help.
He made a mental note to incorporate training with the armor and spear into his regimen, aiming to build experience and endurance. However, he didn’t dismiss their value. At the beginning of a challenging battle, they could prove critical.
Keeping the armor on, Jonn left the armory, intending to run back to the village, and already start his physical training. Before departing, he checked the cave entrance, ensuring the traps were secure to guarantee his hostage’s presence the following day.
Before allowing himself rest after the day’s ordeals, Jonn embarked on this training session lasting dozens of minutes—the time required to return to the village at the pace the armor permitted.
In the darkness, no one noticed what he was doing. Before reaching the lighted area of the village, carrying the torch he had brought with him the whole way, he removed [Guardian’s Mesh] before heading home.
----------------------------------------
The following morning, John woke to a wave of discomfort pulsing through his body, particularly in his legs. It felt as if someone had methodically bruised each of his lower muscles while he slept, drawing a grimace from him as he rose at the crack of dawn.
He wasn’t surprised, though. As he propped himself up in bed and took a drink from the water jug on his nightstand, he understood perfectly well the source of this aching sensation.
Glancing at his status, he saw how much he had improved because of it.
Jonn Irondoom
Level 3 (33.7%) (Acolyte)
Health: 615/615
Mana: 1,735/1,685 (+50)
Stamina: 611/611
[Attributes]
Strength 51 (+5) Agility 51.6 (-4) Dexterity 50 (+10) (+10) Constitution 61.5 Endurance 61.1 Intelligence 168.5 (+5) Wisdom 153.2 (+6) Charisma 37.5 (+10) Luck 34.5 (+6)
To his surprise, one of his attributes that improved the most was [Agility], which should be weakened when he wore the armor.
Interesting… It seems that training with limitations can be very useful for developing a trait.
He got dressed while pondering what to do with this information, trying to hold himself together despite his aching muscles as he left the house that morning.
His pain accompanied him in each of his movements, but not enough to make him cry out or even show it in his expression. He had felt something similar before, when he had discovered the Limonite mine and started mining for the village almost single-handedly.
Already experienced in hiding the aches and pains of his workouts from his busy village routine, John left his house, greeting the locals and starting his day around the main area of the village.
After finishing his morning porridge, he bumped into Elia on her way to the construction site on the east side of the village. He approached her and said, “We need to talk.”
She looked at John, guessing this was about the mission he had started and returned from earlier. Much of the village was already buzzing about why he had come back the night before, with the Councilors eagerly anticipating an urgent Council meeting.
“Sure. What’s on your mind?” She asked as she stopped, facing him. Behind her stood the nearly finished stone wall that would soon seal off and connect the new village area to the old one.
Six houses were under construction there, each already hooked up to the village’s water supply system, along with the new warehouse, council building, and two other community structures.
John looked at the new observation tower being built in this area, where several workers were already bustling about in the early morning, and pointed to where Eliot was.
“Let’s get Eliot first. This is something I want to discuss with both of you at the same time.”
“Eliot?” Elia frowned. Yet, she readily agreed.
As she walked a little behind John, Elia’s curiosity grew, guessing this had to do with some issue involving warriors and some kind of Council approval. John was persuasive and knew how to win over the villagers. Whenever he wanted something, he got people to back him up. Rarely did he voice an opinion without already having supporters and evidence to back his words.
‘What happened to make him look so serious?’ She studied him from behind, seeing only one side of John’s face, noticing he was a bit tense.
The built-up and under-construction area of the village wasn’t large, allowing them to reach Eliot in just two minutes. Waving to his friend, John saw the archer heading towards them.
“Is there a problem, John?” asked the short-haired boy, with his traditional bow and a set of arrows on his back.
“Let’s walk a bit. I have something to discuss with you,” John said with a smiled as he pointed away from the village, where they could have some privacy for the conversation he had in mind.
Elia grew even more curious, while Eliot simply accepted, saying “okay” and then following beside John without asking questions.
Eliot’s nonchalant attitude almost irritated Elia, but she accepted the silence of their walk until the trio was far enough from the village to no longer hear the chatter of workers. They arrived at a spot with a privileged view of the animal area, greenhouse, and construction site.
There, John got straight to the point and said, “Elia and Eliot, I imagine you’ve noticed some recent changes in your strengths and sensitivities to things, right? Well, like me, you’re mages.”
John was so direct and blunt that their eyes and mouths flew open as they stared at him in silence, shocked at being called such a thing. They were so stunned they didn’t even realize he had identified himself the same way.