Chapter 66: Rings of the Abyssal Lurker


    <strong>[Rings of the Abyssal Lurker, Umon Set-Artifact (3/3)</strong>


    <strong>Ring of the Phantom Strider: Passively influences all sentient lifeforms in a twenty five meter radius, misdirecting all attention directed towards the wearer. The strength of the misdirection is dependent upon the wielders Mental and Proprioception Statpared to the targets. </strong>


    <strong>Ring of Twisted Blood: Automatically coats any weapon in physical contact with the wielder with a thinyer of blood toxin that saps away at the target''s stamina and endurance upon making contact with the enemys flesh. </strong>


    <strong>May not work on all Phantasmal Archetypes and/or entities that surpass the wearers Physical Stat.</strong>


    <strong>Ring of Stoneform: Allows the wearer to bring forth the Aura of Stoneform once a day, granting them greatly reduced damage from blunt force attacks and moderately reduced damage from piercing attacks for five minutes. </strong>


    <strong>Set effect when all three rings are worn together: Boosts the effects of umon ranked cards by 15% andmon ranked cards by 35%] </strong>


    Well? Aleph directed the question towards Tom, the amusement in her voice palpable. Regretting your magnanimity now, Sir Synrak?


    No, Tom replied, his tone steady as he took the false name he had given Aleph in stride. Though Aleph, thats really quite., he found himself at a loss for words, still processing the Artifacts specifications.


    Its not an Umon Card, Aleph began. Its not, but it may as well be the next best thing. I havent felt this powerful in a while, She admitted with a soft wistfulness, as the three rings, each iid with a different colored gem, glinted on her left hands fingers.


    Tom sensed the heaviness in the air, allowing himself a deep exhtion as his gaze flickered towards the exit that had opened up at the end of the third auditorium.


    Well, since we got what we came here for, lets get out of this hell pit, Tom finally allowed his exhaustion to influence his psyche. He was tired, caked in Abyss Demon blood and in that moment, wanted nothing more than a warm bath and a clean bed.


    Yeah. Its been a long day.


    So, Aleph began, her voice leisurely as shey on the solitary cot that was tucked away in the north-eastern corner of their cozy little hideout. You want to sneak into the Noble District, she stated matter-of-factly, as if his exaggerated request was merely a task on a list to aplish.


    Yes, Tom replied simply.


    Let me reiterate. You want to go back to the ce you stole from, knowing full well that theyll be on guard for you? There are as many cards in cirction as there are stars in the night sky and the Noble Families of Renovia certainly have enough Deck Cards that can pierce through illusions, even without counting their extravagant wealth in artifacts and elixirs.


    I do, Tom answered calmly, the facade ofposure he was maintaining on the surface doing well to belie the churning anxiety he felt welling up in his gut.


    Why? Aleph threw her hands up in the air in mock exasperation. If you get caught, theyll interrogate you until they find out wherever it is that you came from. Ill be as exposed as you are if that happens, you do know that right?


    I know, Aleph. But I-, Tom tried to exin.


    Surely, Aleph cut him off as she sat up, giving him an odd look. Surely youre not smitten enough with me that youre willing to sacrifice your life, are you?


    Toms cheeks flushed hot at the unexpected retort.


    No, Tom finally regained hisposure with a dry cough. Well, I dont dislike you but thats not the reason why I would voluntarily step behind enemy lines and risk being tortured until they wring out everyst shred of valuable information they can get out of me, Aleph, He matched the jest for a jest, though his expression gradually turned serious.


    I need to make preparations, Tom finally admitted. Tonight, Ill slip out of the hideout and I cant have you following me.


    Aleph raised an eyebrow in challenge at those words.


    Ill know, Aleph. You may be exceptionally skilled and powerful, but youre not built for stealth, Toms tone was soft but firm, already having decided on the matter.


    And why should Iply? Aleph met his demand with an almost icy tone.


    For both your safety and mine, He answered. I dont intend to get caught, but if I do the less you know about me the safer it is for you. And I swear, to the Divine System if need be, that those words are not a lie.


    Those words seemed to cate the fiery Fallen Noble, if only a little. The system didnt punish those who swore falsehoods in its name, though Artezian culture seemed to consider it a supremely bad omen to do so.


    It is not for me to stop you, Alephs voice was slow and dignified, tinged with what Tom could only glimpse as a hint of mncholy. Though I will not aid you in a mission that is likely to end in your death or.worse.


    Tomorrow, Tom replied, his voice echoing a steely confidence that his past self back on Earth would be astonished at.


    Tomorrow, I shall give you reason enough to trust me. Enough to believe that Ill be able to pull this off, Tom dered, the certainty he heard in his own tone somehow lessening the anxiety he felt.


    Just one day? Aleph asked, her gaze conveying her astonishment. You just need one day to prepare for a heist in the Noble District?


    Toms lips slowly curled into a cheeky smile at her exmation.


    Yep, He nodded. Just a day. So. will you trust me?


    You are Renovias one and only master thief. I see no reason to deny you a chance <em>if </em>you truly prove your methods to me tomorrow, as you have promised to, then <em>yes</em> I have a way into the Noble District.