We moved through the thick vegetation with ease. It seemed that even the plant life of this place recognized Aphrodite as their absolute master, since trees and bushes moved out of the way and thorns turned to the side so that only flower petals would touch her beautiful skin. All I could do was follow close enough to her so that I wouldn’t be hindered by them once they returned to their original positions.
The path was getting increasingly dark, partly because the sun had completely set now but also because of the green canopy of the forest above us. However, as if on cue, a series of mushrooms lit up, spreading a soft pink glow over both sides of the path we were walking on. The ground was now softer and full of short, immaculately groomed grass, and the whole area around us smelled of magnolias.
A beautiful grove of lush willows and oak trees appeared out of thin air as soon as Aphrodite stopped walking and flicked her wrist. This was probably her own residence, or one of the many she must have created on the island. Looking closer at the open space between the trees I saw something moving and barely had the chance to inspect it before it sprinted away.
* * *
Name: Pink Deer of Aphrodite
Type: Beast
Level: 31
Disposition: Passive
HP: 636/636
Physical Attack: 118
Magic Attack: 83
Speed: 118
Attack Range: Melee
XP: 1677
Description: The pink deer of Aphrodite is the only deer species with this coloration and was bred by the goddess Aphrodite herself. It is a very intelligent and elusive creature that is rarely killed by predators, tending to live to the end of its natural life on the island of Mykonos.
* * *
“I apologize,” I said honestly. “I didn’t mean to scare them.”
“They’re not scared, Zeus,” she replied. “Do not confuse intelligence with fear.”
Well that was a very comforting thing to keep in mind
“You said you have clothing for me?” I asked.
“Indeed I do,” she replied, and clicked her fingers.
A large closet materialized in front of her and when she opened its doors, it was completely dark inside.
“An extra-dimensional closet…” I noted.
“What can I say? I like clothes,” she said with a smile. “Do you favor leather over heavy armor?”
“I like my armor as heavy as possible,” I said, as she passed me a set of mundane undergarments.
“Are you a brute in battle as well?” she asked.
“As well as in bed you mean?” I retorted.
She scoffed.
“I know my way around the battlefield as well as—”
“What I mean is,” she interrupted, before I was able to voice my next smart remark, “can you take damage or are you a glass catapult?”
“I can take damage, alright,” I said as I put on the undergarments she’d given me. “I can use both light and heavy armor equally well in terms of passive skills but I prefer fighting with heavy.”
“Show me your armor mastery skill,” she said as she turned her back to the wardrobe.
“Aren’t you going a bit fast? Why not take me to dinner first?” I said, a smile creeping onto my face.
“I shouldn’t have fucked you.” she said, rolling her eyes.
Wait, is that why I’m feeling so light and funny all of a sudden?
I had heard of sex magic before, but I hadn’t considered that one of her divine abilities might influence my psyche. It wasn’t like it was negative or clouding my judgment at all. If anything, I was feeling a lot better than before, but it was nevertheless quite impressive.
“Here it is,” I said, and pushed the skill status to her before she got wind of how impressed I was by her.
* * *
Name: Heavy Armor Mastery
Level: 31
Type: Passive
HP Consumed: 0
MP Consumed: 0
Power: 0
Range: Self
Precondition: Only active when wearing heavy armor.
Description: Continuous use of heavy armor has increased its efficiency in terms of defensive abilities. Physical Defense is increased by 44.6 while wearing heavy armor.
* * *
“That is quite an impressive skill,” she remarked, and turned to put her hands into the darkness of the wardrobe again.
“I showed you mine, better show me yours too,” I said, not being able to contain myself from blurting it out.
“I suppose it’s only fair,” she said, and I received the skill window in the periphery of my view.
I mentally pulled it forward and saw that her armor mastery level was much lower than mine.
* * *
Name: Robe Mastery
Level: 22
Type: Passive
HP Consumed: 0
MP Consumed: 0
Power: 0
Range: Self
Precondition: Only active when wearing robe armor.
Description: Continuous use of robes and armor made for spellcasters has increased its efficiency in terms of defensive abilities. Physical Defense is increased by 51.5 while wearing robes.
* * *
“That’s not bad at all,” I said, noting the boost she got on her Physical Defense.
The base defense offered by robes was always much lower than heavy or even light armor but a fifty-point increase was pretty good for a spellcaster. But as soon as removed the window from my view, I received two more flashes.
* * *
Name: Light Armor Mastery
Level: 22
Type: Passive
HP Consumed: 0
MP Consumed: 0
Power: 0
Range: Self
Precondition: Only active when wearing light armor.
Description: Continuous use of light armor has increased its efficiency both in terms of defensive abilities as well as flexibility and use during magical spellcasting. Physical Defense is increased by 40.3, Casting Speed is increased by 91%, Attack Speed is increased by 25%, and MP Regeneration Rate is increased by 20% while wearing light armor.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
* * *
Those bonuses were insane. Not only was she getting a Physical Defense bonus, her Casting and Attack Speeds increased as well. I couldn’t really see a reason why she would opt to wear robes instead of leather armor. Especially since the level of this skill was the same as her robe mastery.
I pulled up the last of the skills she’d sent my way and was even more surprised by it.
* * *
Name: Heavy Armor Mastery
Level: 14
Type: Passive
HP Consumed: 0
MP Consumed: 0
Power: 0
Range: Self
Precondition: Only active when wearing heavy armor.
Description: Continuous use of heavy armor has increased its efficiency in terms of defensive abilities as well as flexibility and use during magical spellcasting. Physical Defense is increased by 31.8, Casting Speed is increased by 68%, and Attack Speed is increased by 25% while wearing heavy armor.
* * *
“You can wear heavy armor too?” I said, not quite believing that she could have gotten all of these masteries. “Just what kind of deal have you struck with the Dark Energy to get all this?”
“There are no deals involved,” she replied as she retrieved a pair of heavy-looking boots from the wardrobe. “This is part of my path.”
“Your class enables you to cast spells faster while wearing light and heavy armor?”
“The boost I get from these masteries,” she explained, “isn’t enough to compensate for the penalties I suffer when I’m not wearing robes.”
“Is the penalty so big that it can’t be countered by that ninety-one percent increase in Casting Speed from your light armor proficiency?” I asked, honestly not knowing the answer. My focus had always been on physical fighting rather than spells.
“It is,” she said, and nodded. “I can never attain a good enough casting speed while wearing anything other than robes. However, I still have the possibility to use them, if I want to engage as a battle buffer.”
“Wait!” I exclaimed, and touched her shoulder. “Are you a buffer?”
“Of course I am,” she replied nonchalantly. “I am the goddess of lovemaking. How could I be anything else?”
“I thought you were some kind of damage-dealing elementalist with debuffs,” I confessed. “That’s just amazing.”
“I am amazing,” she agreed, and passed me a set of metal armor and gaiters she had just retrieved from the extra-dimensional closet. “Why don’t you try this on? See how you feel in them.”
* * *
Name: Abaddon Devout Full Plate Armor +2
Type: Full-Body Armor (Heavy)
Rarity: B Grade
Physical Defense: 272
MP Increment: 0
Durability: 8021/8400
Weight: 9980st.
Description: This incredibly powerful one-piece armor is used by the disciples of the abyssal angel Abaddon, who is also known as Apollyon. The armor is made of an alloy exclusively found in the abyss that constantly shifts its shape, making the engravings ever-changing. The shifting patterns of this armor are feared among mortals since the disciples of Abaddon are known for their desire to craft pain through loss. Creating widows and orphans, or killing children and letting their parents live with the pain of separation, are some of the tactics they are most known for.
* * *
“That’s a pretty dangerous piece of armor to have lying around,” I noted, looking at the shifting imagery on the metal breastplate.
“They thought I was going to sit idle while they invaded my island,” she replied coldly. “That was the last mistake they made.”
I wanted to ask just how many of them had attacked her, but thought better of it. This armor would definitely attract attention and that was something I didn’t need right now. However, I did need B-grade armor and I couldn’t afford to be picky about it. I would just have to throw some kind of cape over it to avoid having people inspect it too closely and reading its description.
“Unfortunately, I sold the rest of the set pieces so you can’t get that bonus,” she said, taking out a helmet and a pair of gloves. “You’re lucky nobody wanted to buy the armor I just gave you, or else you wouldn’t even have a B-grade set.”
“What about the rest of the heavy items you’ve got?” I asked, and picked the gloves.
“They’re C-grade,” she said, and I inspected them.
* * *
Name: Blue Mythril Gloves
Type: Hands
Rarity: C Grade
Physical Defense: 39
MP Increment: 0
Durability: 4412/4600
Weight: 600st.
Description: Blue mythril is a very rare and hard-to-extract variety of the legendary mythril ore that can only be found in underground veins directly below freshwater lakes. The proximity to the mountains instills the material with the flexibility and strength one would expect from normal mythril, but the closeness to water grants the item crafted with it an additional bonus. The wearer’s lung capacity when underwater is increased by 20%.
* * *
“I certainly wish I’d had these when I was drifting in the Aegean,” I said. “Perhaps I wouldn’t have washed up on your shore.”
“Then perhaps it’s better that you didn’t have them,” she said with a smile. “You can try the boots and helmet now while I go through the weapons I have.”
* * *
Name: Sumerian Battle Helmet
Type: Head
Rarity: C Grade
Physical Defense: 58
MP Increment: 0
Durability: 3898/4800
Weight: 640st.
Description: Sumerians were one of the first groups of people in the Prime Material plane to craft equipment with the sole purpose of fighting. The design of this helmet is lean and practical, devoid of any decorative elements but very effective at protecting its wearer.
* * *
Her collection of equipment didn’t cease to amaze me. Granted, it was nothing like the treasure trove I had at my disposal on Mount Orthys, but then again that wasn’t really mine. It was my father’s collection, and he had fought with the primordial elder gods in order to acquire them. Still, having an extra piece of B-grade full-body armor lying around was nothing to joke about.
I leaned forward and took the boots in my hands and was glad to see they were at least enchanted.
* * *
Name: Woodwyrm Leather Boots +3
Type: Feet
Rarity: C Grade
Physical Defense: 40
MP Increment: 0
Durability: 2588/12000
Weight: 1210st.
Description: The soles of these boots are made of compressed, hardened woodwyrm leather. The unique properties of this material make the wearer less likely to trip even when magical means make the terrain slippery. If three or more pieces of woodwyrm leather armor are worn together, an additional bonus of 5.26% is applied to Physical Defense.
* * *
“This is an interesting mix of equipment,” I said, looking down at myself.
“It’s better than what I found you with,” Aphrodite said, still shuffling through the items in the closet.
“Do you have any jewelry too by any chance?” I asked. “My Magic Defense is extremely low.”
“All in time,” she said, pulling out a lance that had a faint blue glow.
“That’s what I’m talking about!” I shouted. “I love enchanted weapons.”
“Settle down now.” She calmed me as she handed it to me. “It’s only C grade, but you’re lucky I even have a spear.”
* * *
Name: Widow Creator +7
Type: Spear
Rarity: C Grade
Physical Attack: 199
Magic Attack: 111
Special Ability: -
Attack Speed: Normal
Durability: 10629/16000
Weight: 1980st.
Description: This spear was created using a certain black metal that has since been lost in time. The alloy used is impervious to mundane or magical analysis, making weapons crafted with it unique. This whole spear is made from a single piece of almost unbreakable metal, while its weight changes according to how fast the wielder swings, further maximizing its ferocity.
* * *
“That is one amazing weapon,” I said. “Where did you get it?”
“Let’s just say that the person who was creating widows with it won’t be making any more anytime soon. It’s your turn now.”
“Looks like you’ve been attacked quite a few times,” I noted.
“More than a few,” she agreed, “but none left with what they came here for.”
“Until now,” I said pointedly.
For a moment she just looked at me without saying anything. “You didn’t come here asking for anything in particular,” she said finally.
“Yet I’m leaving with the best there is to offer,” I said almost immediately.
“You can be too smart for your own good sometimes, you know,” she said. Then she closed the large closet and had it disappear again.
“I consider it part of my charm,” I said, and smiled at her in all my armored glory.
“You said you needed jewelry as well?” She changed the subject, opening a small decorated wooden box.
“I would definitely appreciate it. I left Orthys in quite a hurry.”
“And you weren’t wearing any?”
“I didn’t see the need for it in my own domain,” I said. “Clearly I was wrong,” I hurried to add before she managed to make a comment on it.
“I haven’t started my B-grade collection of jewelry yet, so you’ll have to use the C-grade set I was using.”
“Fine by me,” I agreed. “Anything would be better than what I have right now.”
“Just remember,” she said as she handed me a small velvet pouch that carried some significant weight to it, “I want it all back. Two rings, two earrings, and a necklace.”
“But of course,” I said, and greedily opened the pouch to see what she’d given me.
* * *
Name: Earring of the Enchantress +3
Type: Earring
Rarity: C Grade
Magic Defense: 51
Durability: 4765/5000
Weight: 150st.
Description: This ornate ivory earring loop was crafted specifically for the goddess Aphrodite. Its additional magical effects are not visible to anyone but her.
* * *
Well, that wasn’t really helpful. Both of the earrings in the small pouch were exactly the same. Half of the fun when getting C-grade equipment—especially jewelry—was in the additional magical effects they had.
While having personalized magical abilities on your equipment made sense since they could be more powerful than generic ones, the effects would never be able to be replaced, thus dropping the piece’s resell value. Obviously, Aphrodite hadn’t had any intention of ever sharing her earrings with anyone.
* * *
Name: Ring of Medium Charm +3
Type: Ring
Rarity: C Grade
Magic Defense: 35
Durability: 4156/5200
Weight: 150st.
Description: This ring made of pure platinum has been crafted specifically for the goddess Aphrodite. Its additional magical effects are not visible to anyone but her.
* * *
Both rings had the same description, and I had a feeling that the ability of the necklace would also be hidden from me. I couldn’t complain much though, as at least all five pieces were enchanted to +3, further raising my Magic Defense stat.
* * *
Name: Necklace of Beauty +3
Type: Necklace
Rarity: C Grade
Magic Defense: 67
Durability: 5676/6000
Weight: 150st.
Description: A necklace that befits only creatures of immense beauty. The additional magical effects of the necklace are not available to those who do not fulfill certain beauty standards.
* * *
Is it saying that I’m not pretty enough to unlock its magical effects?
I had never encountered a magic item with a condition like this on its use. Granted, there were items that were soul-bound or required a certain amount of Strength or Intelligence in order to become equippable, but to get all the normal numeric bonuses of an item except for its special abilities was something new to me.
“These items sure are very...” I struggled to find the right word. “…specific to you and what you represent.”
“Not all battles are won on the field,” she said. “In fact, most of them aren’t.”
“In that case, I will leave those battles to you. My place is on the battlefield.”
She rolled her eyes slightly, which was exactly the reaction I was hoping to get. I may be the son of a titan but I hadn’t gotten to level fifty-five by fighting like a muscular animal myself. I knew just how important diplomacy and politics were, especially when dealing with creatures on the power levels of gods.
But making her think I was just another dumb brute might prove to be an advantage. I had nothing to prove to her and since her allegiance was one of only temporary interest, I didn’t mind misleading her at all. However, I did need her to know what my combat abilities were and I also needed to figure out what her repertoire of buffs consisted of.
“You’ve got me all geared up,” I said. “What do you say to a quick sparring match? Or perhaps a demonstration of your aiding spells?”
Aphrodite opened her mouth to reply, but stopped short as she spotted a small blue sparrow. The bird, which appeared out of nowhere, glided past me and landed on her shoulder. It stretched its tiny neck and placed its beak near Aphrodite’s ear. I couldn’t hear anything but it was fairly obvious that the bird was telling her something bad, since her eyes widened in surprise.
“Damn you, Zeus,” she said, starting to run back the way we’d came as the bird flashed out of existence. “Damn you for bringing them to us.”
Before I had the chance to utter a word, a low rumbling from the ground below turned into an explosion of grass and dirt. It was followed by two more behind it. I threw the pouch of my new jewelry into my inventory and clenched the spear in my hands.
There was no time to equip anything. My father had found me.