Jack’s hands tightened into fists as he took a steadying breath. The weight of the Quest offered by the System pressed heavily against his thoughts, and he could feel the enormity of what it entailed. This wasn’t just about fighting monsters or surviving the Dungeon—this was about restoring an entire people’s legacy.
He glanced toward Erydan, who observed him with that same unwavering, golden gaze. The Avatar stood tall, a spectral sentinel who embodied the strength and wisdom of a bygone age. Jack’s eyes shifted to the rows upon rows of treasures gleaming faintly within the Treasury, each relic whispering stories of forgotten glories.
Jack cleared his throat, the question forming before he could second-guess himself. “Erydan, if I’m going to take on this Quest, I need to make sure I’m ready.Will you help me choose two items from the Treasury?”
The Avatar tilted his head slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his otherworldly features. “A prudent decision. The relics of Shudra were crafted not merely as tools of war, but as extensions of their wielders. To choose wisely is to honor their creators’ intentions. But before we proceed, tell me more about yourself, Jack. What is the foundation of your strength? What path has the System carved for you?”
Jack hesitated, the faint hum of the Dungeon Core’s presence lingering in the background as he gathered his thoughts. “My Class is Spearsoul. It’s about mastery of the spear, combining precision, technique, and and the power of Soul in combat. But my Profession is Wargear Crafter; I’m good at working with materials, creating and enhancing weapons and armor.”
Erydan’s gaze sharpened, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. “A Spearsoul and a Wargear Crafter. Interesting. Your Class emphasizes the unity between warrior and weapon, while your Profession speaks to ingenuity and creation. You walk a dual path, one that balances destruction and craftsmanship. Such a combination was rare even among the Ramkin. It’s fitting, then, that you’ve come here, to the heart of what remains of Shudra.”
Jack gave a small nod. “That’s why I need your help. I don’t want to waste this opportunity. If I’m going to take on something this big, I need to be prepared.”
Erydan’s expression softened, and he gestured for Jack to follow him deeper into the Treasury. The air grew cooler as they descended into a hall lined with ornate pedestals and weapon racks. Each artifact seemed to radiate its own subtle energy, the room alive with the echoes of ancient craftsmanship.
They stopped before a central pedestal where a spear rested in solitary splendor. Its shaft was sleek and dark, seemingly forged from a strange alloy that shimmered faintly between blue and deep violet. The head of the spear was a flawless crystalline blade, glowing softly with an inner light that pulsed like a heartbeat. Intricate runes spiraled along the weapon’s length, glowing faintly in the dim light.
“This is Aetherspire,” Erydan said,. “One of the greatest weapons ever forged in Shudra’s prime. It was designed for warriors like you, those who walk the path of the weapons. But Aetherspire is more than a spear—it is a conduit for magic, a focus that allows its wielder to channel spells seamlessly in combat. With this, you can cast without relying on your hands, keeping your weapon ready while unleashing your magic.”
Jack’s breath caught as he stepped closer, his eyes locked on the spear. “How does it work?”
Erydan gestured toward the runes. “The runes along its shaft are attuned to mana, forming a bridge between your energy and the weapon itself. When you hold Aetherspire, it becomes an extension of your will. You can guide your magic through it, shaping spells as naturally as you swing the blade. In the hands of a master, this ability is unparalleled. The spear’s reach and its versatility as a focus will allow you to fight in ways your enemies cannot anticipate.”
Jack reached out tentatively, his fingers brushing the shaft of the spear. A sudden warmth surged through him, an electric connection that made his heart race. It felt alive, almost eager, as if it recognized him. He tightened his grip, lifting the weapon from its stand. The faint glow of its runes intensified, and he felt a resonance deep within himself, as though the spear had become a part of him.
[Aetherspire
Rarity: Epic
Quality: Pristine
Durability: 2437/2500
Material: Shimmersteel, crushed Aether Crystals, Mana conductive paint
Damage: 90-145 Piercing damage
Properties: Can be as a focus to cast spells. Soul Bound. Growth item
Special Effect: Increases spell damage by 15% when wielded in combat
Description: Aetherspire is an artifact of unparalleled craftsmanship, forged from Shimmersteel and infused with Aether Crystals that channel the pure essence of magic. Aetherspire’s unique bond with its wielder deepens over time, amplifying their magical prowess and creating a seamless fusion between warrior and mage.]
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“This is… amazing,” Jack murmured, his voice filled with awe. “It’s like it’s responding to me.”
Erydan smiled faintly. “It should. Aetherspire was forged to bond with its wielder, adapting to their strength and skill. Treat it with respect, and it will serve you well.”
Jack nodded, his grip on the spear firm. “I’ll take it.”
The fact that it was a growth item alone made it more valuable than Jack’s old spear even though it did less direct damage. In games, growth items increased in power as their wielders did. If this was the same, he might never again need to find a replacement weapon.
The Avatar’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before he turned and led Jack toward another section of the Treasury. This one was lined with shelves filled with tomes and scrolls, their spines bearing intricate engravings. The air here was thick with the scent of parchment and ink, the weight of knowledge pressing down on them.
Erydan stopped before a shelf and gestured to a heavy, leather-bound book. Its cover was dark brown, almost black, embossed with silver designs that resembled woven branches and bone. The title glowed faintly in an ancient script, but as Jack stared at it, the letters shifted into words he could understand: The Artisan’s Crucible: Crafting Wargear from the Wild.
Erydan held the book out to him. “This tome contains the knowledge of crafting armor and weapons from organic materials—leather, bone, scales, and other resources drawn from nature and beasts. It was written by one of Shudra’s master artisans, who specialized in adapting materials from the wild into wargear that was both durable and deadly. For a Wargear Crafter like you, this knowledge will be invaluable.”
Jack took the book carefully, its weight solid in his hands. He opened it, revealing pages filled with detailed diagrams, notes, and instructions. The craftsmanship displayed within was astonishing, each design a blend of practicality and artistry. Later chapters seemed to focus on creating enchanted versions of armor and weapons.
“This is incredible,” Jack said, his voice tinged with wonder. “I’ve worked with hide before, but nothing like this. The techniques here are… on a whole different level.”
Erydan nodded. “The knowledge within this book will allow you to craft armor and weapons that not only protect and empower their wielders but also resonate with the wild, drawing on the inherent strength of their materials. With it, you can create wargear that rivals even the relics of Shudra.”
Jack closed the book, holding it tightly. “This is exactly what I need. Thank you, Erydan.”
The Avatar’s expression softened. “You have chosen wisely. Aetherspire and The Artisan’s Crucible will serve you well on your path. But remember, Jack: tools and knowledge are only as powerful as the will that wields them. Your journey will not be easy, but with these at your side, you have the means to shape your own destiny.”
Jack looked at the spear in one hand and the book in the other, a sense of purpose settling over him. The path ahead would be difficult, but for the first time, he felt truly prepared to face it. He glanced at Erydan, his voice firm. “I won’t let this chance go to waste. I’ll make sure these tools are put to good use.”
As he examined the items more closely Lyla walked over to Erydan. Apparently she was having trouble choosing her items as wells. She explained to the Avatar that she was a spellcaster and about her Ritualist Profession.
Erydan listened attentively, his golden eyes gleaming with understanding. He seemed to weigh her words carefully, the silent echo of ancient wisdom settling between them. Then, with a slow nod, he gestured for her to follow him deeper into the Treasury.
"Ritualists are indeed unique among spellcasters," he said, leading her to a smaller section of the chamber where various enchanted accessories rested on velvet-lined pedestals. “Their power does not lie in speed, but in the depth of your focus and the intent of your will. To assist you in channeling this power, I know of two relics that may suit you."
He paused in front of a display case containing a necklace adorned with a large, swirling gemstone. The stone pulsed with a steady, rhythmic glow, as if it held a life of its own.
"This is called a Locus Gem” Erydan explained, his voice low and reverent. "It is a necklace crafted to store the power of a single ritual, allowing you to carry it with you and unleash it at your command. Once attuned, the gemstone absorbs the energy of your ritual—a spell of great significance—preserving it until the moment it is needed most. When you activate the gem, it releases the ritual’s power in its entirety, bypassing the usual time constraints."
Lyla reached out, her fingers brushing against the gemstone. A pulse of energy coursed through her, and she could almost feel the weight of countless rituals sealed within. The idea of storing such potent magic for a future moment was intoxicating.
"I can carry the magic of an entire ritual within me... to be unleashed when I need it most?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Erydan nodded. "Indeed. The Locus Gem has been a crucial tool for many spellcasters who must perform rituals in dire circumstances."
Lyla took a steadying breath, her fingers curling around the necklace as she allowed its resonance to sink into her. "I’ll take it."
Erydan then motioned for her to follow, his gaze sharpening as they walked toward a display of rings. There, nestled among the silver bands, was one that seemed to shimmer with a protective aura.
"This ring," he began, lifting the piece of jewelry from its stand, "is an Unyielding Aegis. It creates a magical barrier around its wearer—one that protects against both physical and magical harm. However, unlike some protective enchantments, this barrier does not hinder movement, nor does it interfere with the casting of spells. So long as it remains charged with mana it will allow you to move freely and cast your magic as you would without encumbrance, while still shielding you from external threats."
Lyla's eyes studied the ring. The silver band was sleek, and an inner light pulsed within the small gemstone set in its center. She could feel a faint hum of protective energy, like the calm before a storm, ready to rise at a moment's notice.
"And how does it work?" she asked, curiosity sparking in her tone.
"The ring attunes itself to your aura," Erydan explained. "When danger is sensed, the Aegis will automatically activate, forming a protective barrier around you. The barrier will absorb a portion of incoming damage, but it does so without disrupting your magic. You can still cast freely, even while it shields you from harm."
Lyla could feel the weight of the ring in her palm, its promise of defense without sacrifice exactly what she needed. Her heart surged with a sense of assurance.
"This is exactly what I’ve been searching for. A balance between offense and defense," she said, her fingers closing around the ring. "I’ll take this, too."
Then a thought struck her.
Wait. What about Cael?