Chapter 179 | Switching Factions
Athena felt her hand tighten involuntarily around the mirror. She stared at her reflection in disbelief.
In the blink of an eye, the mirror reverted to showing her usual appearance. Yet she knew it wasn’t a trick of the ss. Just moments ago, she had caught a glimpse of a streak of white in her hair.
She had originally taken out the artifact Heart’s Desire to consult it about her ns for improving her attribute points. Instead, it had delivered an earth-shattering revtion.
Her body felt better than ever, with no signs of illness or weakness. But this inexplicable sh of white hair had unsettled her deeply. Whatever questions she had about her attributes could wait until tomorrow; she needed to address this anomaly now.
Unfortunately, the mirror''s inscriptions swirled and shifted chaotically, resolving into nothing but smudged, indecipherable marks. Atst, one faint word emerged: <em>Good.</em>
<em>Good?</em> What could possibly be good about abruptly turning gray-haired overnight? Though her appearance had returned to normal, the fleeting change left her bewildered. Try as she might, she couldn’t fathom how this was anything to celebrate.
<em>If it isn’t harmful, there’s no point dwelling on it.</em> Athena’s pragmatic side took hold. If worse came to worst, she could live with white hair. Such things didn’t trouble her for long.
She rummaged through her bag and took out a shimmering golden package, thest unopened one she had saved. Outwardlyposed, her hand trembled slightly as she approached it, and her heart raced faster than during any battle she’d fought against monsters.
The golden package opened with deliberate slowness, revealing… another box.
This box was unlike any she had seen before, split evenly into stark ck and pristine white, as if embodying two extremes of power. Its surface was adorned with intricate, mysterious carvings, not mere decorations but ancient runes. Further encasing the box were countless fine iron chains, their origin unknown, as if sealing the object within against the world.
The sight exuded an aura of solemn mystery, stirring a powerful curiosity within her to unlock its secrets.
It was uncannily reminiscent of the fabled Pandora’s box.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, she snapped to her senses, quickly tucking the item back into her system’s inventory. Instantly, that peculiarpulsion dissipated.
...
[ Congrattions, you have obtained: Whisper x1 ]
Whisper
<ul>
<li>Quality: ???</li>
<li>Category: ???</li>
<li>Description: The murmur of the world’s oldest entities. Do not use it unless absolutely certain. Legend has it that merelying into contact with these whispers grants boundless power, immense wealth, supreme authority—or potentially death. You may even be the next Whisperer. Everything depends on your choices and the whims of fate.</li>
</ul>
...
ck and white… Two extremes, ancient and enigmatic. It could be nothing other than the celestial dichotomy unique to this world. Unlike the sun and moon of a normal realm, this world evoked only stark contrasts: day and unyielding darkness.
Regardless of its association, Athena felt confident that this box was no benevolent artifact.
<em>Better to leave it for now.</em>
Even in her system inventory, the box’s chains writhed ceaselessly, though fortunately, it showed no signs of escaping.
<em>Not only did I not get anything useful, I may have just unleashed an ancient-level burden.</em>
Ever since stealing the bald man’s twin hammers, Athena hadn’t considered returning them. To her surprise, the weapons resonated with her ck Abyss Axe, much like the colossal sword she had taken from a defeated skeleton.
It was reminiscent of when her Moonlight Arrow had fused with another bow.
Now, with all three weaponsid on the ground, she cautiously moved them closer to the ck Abyss Axe. Sure enough, the axe’s shaft began to tremble faintly.
...
<ul>
<li>Quality: Excellent</li>
<li>Category: Heavy Weapon</li>
<li>Durability: 50/50 (Repairable, non-upgradable)</li>
</ul>
...
[ Earthshatter Twin Hammers ]
<ul>
<li>Quality: Excellent</li>
<li>Category: Heavy Weapon</li>
<li>Durability: 50/50 (Repairable, non-upgradable)</li>
</ul>
...
[ Detected: Compatible weapons can merge with ck Abyss Axe. Proceed? ]
"Yes"
Under the system’s influence, the twin hammers and greatsword slowly drifted toward the ck Abyss Axe. Despite their resistance, the weapons’ struggles were futile. Over time, the repulsion between them lessened, and they drew closer until they touched.
Gradually, the three weapons melted into a pool of ck liquid, like molten metal imbued with life. The fluid pulsated, emitting an eerie glow, as if sentient. It flowed steadily into the ck Abyss Axe, fusingpletely.
When the process concluded, the axe erupted with unprecedented brilliance. Its de gleamed with a frigid, razor-sharp light, exuding an aura of intimidation and irresistible dominance.
...
<ul>
<li>Quality: Extremely Rare (Unique)</li>
<li>Category: Growth Weapon</li>
<li>Durability: 50/50 (Repairable, upgradable)</li>
<li>Skill: Devour—Wounds inflicted by the ck Abyss Axe cannot heal naturally. When injuries ovep excessively, the corrupted wounds spread, causing secondary damage until the enemy is consumed.</li>
</ul>
...
Within the Guardian Fortress, there was no darkness. But beyond its wallsy endless night.
Big Bear, trembling, nearly let out a cry when she stepped on a withered twig.
The forest had long been overrun by treants of various sizes, but this group stood apart. Jet-ck, their bark bore grotesque faces. Even in stillness, they radiated a chilling menace. Fortunately, they appeared dormant for unknown reason.
The elderly man leading the way shot her a disapproving re before continuing deeper into the forest. asionally, alert monsters nced at them but made no move, sparing Big Bear despite herpanion’s presence.
“Are you sure about this, Elder One?” she whispered nervously.
[Special Condition Detected. Hidden Trait Unlocked!]
[Change Guardian Faction? Yes/No]