Upon arriving at the big tent that covered the portal to the dungeon, Lilithra stopped on her tracks and faced the group. She scanned everyone inquisitively, and nodded a few times to herself while the rest simply exchanged curious looks. Soon, her gaze focused on Lyra, causing the Felinae to twitch slightly.
“Ehem! Before we go in…” Lilithra started with an excited glint in her eyes, clasping her hands together and pressing them against her chin. “Can you appraise my items?!” She asked with utmost energy, leaning in closer to Lyra.
“Oh! Sure!” The cat girl replied with an enthusiastic smile, and Lilithra raised her arms high in a gesture of triumph.
“Yay! Here you go…” Lilithra said as she fiddled with her interface, causing her new, imposing halberd to materialize in the air. Lyra admired the armament with gleaming eyes, clearly impressed by the sight. She carefully grabbed it, and her arms suddenly sank down to her hips.
“Whoa!” Lyra exclaimed in a mix of surprise and nervousness, doing her best to raise the weapon higher. Seeing her struggle, both Ascalon and Lilithra grabbed onto the weapon, helping relieve some of the weight. They exchanged smiles as Lyra bowed in appreciation.
“T—thanks! I’m surprised you can lift something so heavy, Lilithra!” Lyra stated with admiration as she started to trace the air with her fingers. Lilithra blushed slightly and let out a giggle, but remained silent to not interrupt the cat girl’s appraisal.
Lyra looked focused, and the halberd emitted a soft hum before a window appeared in front of her. She gasped as her eyes opened wide, moving frantically as she read the weapon’s description.
“Amazing…!” Lyra murmured in awe, causing the rest to look at her with curiosity and eagerness. Their gazes made her ears twitch. “Oh, right!” She blurted in embarrassment, her cheeks reddening as she shared the window’s contents with everyone.
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<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Chimereon’s Baneful Blade -of Bravery-</td>
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<td style="width: 100%">Unruly and prideful, a beast that cannot be tamed, forged into death itself—yet as the banner cloth dances high, its new purpose shines upon life!</td>
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<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Crafted -Epic- Weapon.
Rank: S.
Attribute: Fire.</td>
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<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Effects:
The Chimereon’s defiance is at its highest—earn its recognition by proving yourself.
Increases strength and agility by 10% (untamed).</td>
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<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Additional Effects (locked until tamed):
Lion’s Prideful Roar: Striking with the blunt side of the Chimereon generates a powerful, sonic shockwave from the point of impact, which causes enemies to be momentarily intimidated or staggered depending on their level and stats.
Dragon’s Solemn Awakening: The Chimereon’s blade ignites with the power of a dragon’s flame, increasing its fire attack by 50% and granting fire immunity to the wearer during the duration of the effect. Enemies struck with this flame will receive damage over time. Duration: 20 minutes. Can only be used once per combat.
Serpent’s Deceitful Gaze: The Chimereon’s shaft can momentarily extend and bend slightly beyond normal, acting like a serpent’s body and allowing for attacks from unexpected angles. While it gains flexibility, it decreases the attack’s strength by 20%.
Banner’s Inheritance: Boosts support skill effects by 30%.</td>
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The weapon’s description left everyone speechless, and rightfully so. For one, none of them had ever seen an armament of epic quality—or at least, not its effects directly. To add to that, the skills not only looked amazing, but the weapon itself had a condition attached to it: Lilithra had to ‘prove’ herself—she had to ‘tame’ the beast!
But the most interesting detail was the ‘banner’s inheritance’, without a doubt. It likely meant the cloth she had attached to it had conferred it a new ability, which was incredible. The network, once again, showed just how meticulous it was.
Ascalon was awestruck, a half-smile curling his lips upward. He couldn’t help but think the effects were simply astounding, and couldn’t wait until Lilithra could properly wield them! Surely, she would benefit greatly from these effects.
Selorien, on the other hand, was simply baffled. He was the one that had the idea to forge the weapon, and he trusted the blacksmith he had chosen—but this result was beyond his wildest dreams. He felt a mix of jealousy and elatement, thinking he wanted an upgrade to his daggers as well—but, he did have his unique, advanced class skills after all, so his happiness for Lilithra was drowning his envy!
As for the girl itself, she just didn’t know how to react. All kinds of amazing skills, situations, and meetings had been taking place one after the other—after years of stagnation and hesitation, it was just too sudden of a change. Lilithra breathed in and out and calmed herself. Excitement replaced her surprise as she grabbed the weapon tightier, a wide grin adorning her face.
“Thanks, Lyra.” She murmured as her big, yellow eyes traced the armament from one end to the other. “But, uh… how do I tame a weapon?” She asked nervously, clearly embarrassed. The tension was instantly broken as Selorien started giggling, followed by Lyra. Ascalon let out a resigned sigh at the sight, speaking up.
“I assume you have to wield it in combat to prove yourself!” He declared with utmost confidence, causing Lilithra to nod in eager agreement.
“I see…! Maybe?!” She replied with an energetic tone. “I’ll do my best, then!” Lilithra declared as she puffed out her chest, earning a proud grin from Ascalon. Then, Lyra nudged her on the side. Surprised, Lilithra tilted her head and looked at her with intrigue.
“Uh, you had an amulet to appraise too, right?” The Felinae said in a sweet voice, rejoicing that she had appraised such an incredible armament, and excited for being useful to her friends!
Lilithra jolted in realization and rested the weapon against her shoulder, wincing slightly under the weight. Then, freeing one of her hands, she rummaged under her collar and produced her tear-shaped amulet, presenting it to Lyra. Meanwhile, both Ascalon and Selorien observed in curious silence.
“Here it is! Hehe, finally!” Lilithra exclaimed with joy, evidently happy about her amulet finally being appraised. After all, she had acquired it after her battle in the colosseum, and had waited all this time to know the full extent of its effects. Surely, she could’ve taken it to other appraisers, but it was obvious she wanted her friend to do it.
Lyra grabbed the purple accessory with slight hesitation—perhaps due to its gloomy appearance—and then focused on it, frowning with a determined look on her face. After a brief moment, she let out a contented sigh and shared a blue screen with her friends.
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<td style="width: 99.0065%; text-align: center">Teardrop of Fear.</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%">Fear not the dark, but what dwells within…</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%">Rare Accessory.
Rank: B.
Attribute: Darkness.</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%">Effects:
Continuously exudes -Aura of Dread-, instilling fear in creatures below the user’s level.</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%; text-align: center">Additional Effects:
Aura of Dread: Hostile creatures below the user’s level get inflicted with the fear debuff, causing them to flee or preventing them from approaching.
* The intensity and duration of the effect depends on the creature’s level and race, with humanoids having increased resistance to the effect.
* The more difference in levels between the user and the creature, the easier to inflict the fear debuff on them. Current guaranteed range: 25 levels below the user.
Intimidation: Once per day, the user can focus the effects of -Aura of Dread- on a single entity, increasing the current guaranteed range to 15 levels below the user.</td>
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While the pendant wasn’t as marvelous as the weapon, Ascalon thought it still had some impressive effects, and it was reassuring to properly learn about its uses at last. Just the fact that she could choose to focus on frightening a single creature could come in handy in many situations! Overall, another solid piece of equipment for the cheerful girl.
“Yay! Thank you, Lyra—again, haha!” Lilithra chirped as she received her amulet, storing it inside her collar. As she grabbed her weapon to save it in her inventory, Lyra nodded enthusiastically at her.
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“Hehe, anytime, leader!” She replied with slight shyness, causing Lilithra’s eyes to gleam with emotion. After storing the halberd away, she hugged the cat girl tight under the warm stares of her friends.
“You’ve been so lucky with your items, Lil!” Selorien said mischievously, prompting the girls to end their hug and glance at him.
“I—I feel kinda bad, honestly…” Lilithra responded in a dejected tone, garnering everyone’s concern. “It’s like I’m the only one getting cool stuff, you know?” She continued, her cheeks reddening as she traced circles in the ground with her foot. Selorien ruffled her hair and beamed at her before raising his voice.
“Don’t be silly! I got my advanced class and stuff, too.” He exclaimed proudly, making Lilithra feel slightly better, a small grin on her face. “And Lyra…” The elf continued, pointing at the cat girl and startling her. “...also has a new weapon to appraise!” He concluded with a mischievous tone, prompting Lilithra to look at Lyra with anticipation in her eyes.
“Haha… alright!” Lyra fidgeted nervously under the pressure, producing her huge, macabre scythe from her inventory. She whimpered slightly as she grabbed it, still not accustomed to the weight, though this time her friends didn’t help her. Ascalon thought she had to get used to wielding it, while Lilithra was too preoccupied with seeing the stats of a boss weapon to even realize.
Lyra breathed in and out, her excitement showing in her twitching tail, and focused onto the grim-looking weapon. After a brief moment, she muttered a ‘whoa’, visibly overwhelmed by what she was seeing. Composing herself, she shared her appraised item with the rest.
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<td style="width: 99.0065%; text-align: center">The Reaper’s Final Sigh</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%">Even in the darkest night, the void blade shimmers—inescapable death, resting grounds perturbed, it awakens them.</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%">Legendary Weapon.
The weapon hums with eerie eagerness, awaiting to unleash its full potential (partly appraised).
Rank: SSS.
Attribute: Death/Spectral.</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%">Effects:
Increases the wielder’s intelligence by 100. Requires 300 intelligence to wield.
Grants -Spectral Sight- while being wielded.
-Appraisal level too low- x2</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%; text-align: center">Additional Effects:
Spectral Sight: The user can gaze upon the spectral world, locating ghost-type enemies and hidden entities. Can see through invisibility depending on the objective’s skill, stats, and level.
Awaken to the Mortal Coil: Raises a random number of undead minions from their eternal slumber, depending on the stamina used for the skill.
* The maximum number of undead is half the user’s level until -Appraisal level too low- and -Appraisal level too low-
* While normal corpses can be used, the skill can create artificial remains to replace the need for them in areas where no bodies or bones can be found.
* The undead minions scale with the user’s intelligence.
* The undead minions can be some of the following types:
Zombie - 80% chance.
Ghoul - 15% chance.
Ghost - 10% chance, doesn’t need a corpse.
-Appraisal level too low- x2
Skeletal archer - 35% chance.
Skeletal Warrior - 35% chance.
-Appraisal level too low- x6
Netherworld Sweep: Whenever the user swings the scythe, there’s a 10% chance to send an aerial spectral slash, cutting through physical defenses. There’s a 40% chance to cut through magical enchantments, depending on the defensive skill being used.
-Appraisal level too low- x3</td>
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The group finished reading the description in complete silence, with Lilithra and Selorien standing dumbfounded, with mouths agape and eyes wide. Ascalon admired the weapon’s versatility, though he didn’t quite like the way it toyed with corpses and ghosts, even if they could be replaced with ‘artificial’ ones.
Still, it was a powerful weapon, and he could see the benefits of having such power on their side, even if reluctant about it. To break the silence, he cleared his throat and addressed Lyra, who nervously awaited their reaction.
“It is indeed quite the astounding weapon, Lyra! Though it seems you need to increase your appraisal skills to unlock its full potential…” Ascalon pondered as he stroked his chin, while Lyra beamed with happiness. Perhaps she felt a bit awkward about the armament’s description, since it did exude creepiness! Urged by Ascalon’s words, Lilithra chimed in.
“It’s amazing! Kinda dark, but amazing!” She chirped excitedly, easing up the tension around them. Lyra sighed in relief, while Selorien nodded in agreement. Then, he jolted in place, and quickly began to fiddle with his network interface.
“Wait, I got something too!” He exclaimed out of nowhere, garnering everyone’s attention. Then, a ragged cloak materialized in the air, descending swiftly upon his arms. “I completely forgot about this!” Selorien admitted with an enthusiastic tone, presenting the clothes to Lyra.
“Oh! The boss’ cloak!” Lilithra stated in a surprised voice, having completely forgotten about the second item dropped by the boss monster. Ascalon let out a curious ‘oh’ as Selorien gave the clothing to Lyra, who received it with a conflicted expression—after all, it looked old, and dirty!
“Uhm, let’s see…!” She said aloud to strengthen her resolve, and focused on the ragged, ugly cloak. After a brief moment, the familiar blue screen appeared in front of everyone once again.
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<td style="width: 99.0065%; text-align: center">Veil of the Ether</td>
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<td style="width: 99.0065%">Shifting through the crossing planes, it protects its wearer from the spectral, mournful hands—it won’t let them take their master, ever again.</td>
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<tr style="text-align: center">
<td style="width: 99.0065%">Legendary Armor.
The cloak hums with eerie anticipation, awaiting to unleash its full potential (partly appraised).
Rank: S.
Attribute: Death/Spectral.</td>
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<tr style="text-align: center">
<td style="width: 99.0065%">Effects:
Increases the wielder’s dexterity by 50. Requires 150 dexterity and 50 intelligence to be worn.
Grants -Spectral Step- while being worn.
-Appraisal level too low- x2</td>
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<tr>
<td style="width: 99.0065%; text-align: center">Additional Effects:
Spectral Step: The user can turn incorporeal by standing still, consuming massive amounts of stamina per each second the effect is in use, until -Appraisal level too low-
Unearthly Shroud: The user can shroud his surroundings in a dark, ghostly mist, conferring partial invisibility to allies and reducing visibility for enemies.
* Enemies in the mist get afflicted with a weakening effect, losing 10% of their stats for each minute spent in the mist, and depending on their resistances, stats, and levels. Leaving the mist clears the weakening debuff immediately.
Displacer Wail: Twice per combat, the user can absorb an incoming attack with the cloak, unleashing it back to the enemy afterward.
-Appraisal level too low-
* Can only absorb projectile-like attacks.
-Appraisal level too low- x3</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
Following the trend, everyone stood in awe at the item’s reveal once more. It was like they had opened a box full of surprises, one after the other—though it was the culmination of their latest adventures taking the shape of a well-earned reward! As Ascalon thought about that, Lyra sighed in relief, visibly tired from using her skill, a wide, satisfied grin on her face.
She presented the cloak to Selorien, eager to give it back, while he looked at the clothes in disbelief. Slowly, a confident smile formed on his face, and he received the item just as Lilithra raised her voice.
“Congrats, Selly!” She beamed with clear emotion in her voice, her eyes sparkling with joy. There was not even a hint of sadness or jealousy over her friends getting legendary weapons, and her genuine, unbridled happiness made Ascalon’s heart melt with tenderness.
Selorien giggled with a bit of embarrassment, happy to have acquired a powerful item just like his friends. Everyone shared the gleeful moment, until Lilithra gasped and looked at Ascalon with a concerned expression. The knight tilted his head in confusion, curious about her stare.
“Oh… uhm! W—we’ll get you one too, Ascalon!” She stammered, clearly shaken. Ascalon realized she was probably feeling bad about him, since everyone had gotten new equipment except for him! While his friends looked dejected and regretful, Ascalon burst laughing, amused by their caring camaraderie.
“Do not worry, I am more than happy to see you strengthen yourselves!” Ascalon declared with pride, earning warm and admiring stares from his friends.
“Still! We’ll get you one, I promise! You deserve it!” Lilithra insisted, puffing her reddened cheeks. Selorien nodded resolutely, with Lyra bobbing her head up and down frantically. Ascalon sighed in resignation, yet smiled with appreciation at his friends. Aside from his old knight comrades, he couldn’t ask for better companionship right now.
With an overflowing, blissful feeling on his chest, the group basked on the gentle atmosphere for a while. Eventually, they decided it was finally time to enter the dungeon—now more equipped, and ready to gather some herbs!