Chapter 131 - 131: Veil of Forgotten Steps
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[Oathfeather:
A silver-white feather formed from condensed soul fire. It can be thrown to cut through wards and flesh like a blade of light, or unfolded into radiant wings to shield its bearer. Each use consumes stored soul energy, boosting both attack and defense.
Method of Use: Hold the feather and will it into either a blade or wings.
Cost: Drains a portion of the user's soul energy with every use.]
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'Another soul treasure?'
Lucien raised his eyebrow after seeing the quill in Velmara's hand.
"This one is perfect for me. Did you choose one?"
Velmara asked Lucien after taking the quill out of the array and storing it elsewhere.
Although he couldn't see the information about the artifacts like Lucien, with his realm and senses, he could still discern what was useful for him.
"Yes, these three will do."
Lucien nodded to Velmara and pointed at the three artifacts he had chosen.
Two of them were Mirror of the False Self and Phantom's Die, while the other one was a cloak.
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[Veil of Forgotten Steps:
A thin, tattered cloak that erases all traces of presence; no footprints, no scent, no magical trail.
Method of Use: Wear the cloak and infuse it with mana; its effect activates instantly.
Cost: Continuously drains mana while active.]
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To be honest, Lucien was unsure about choosing these epic rank artifacts, as he knew they weren't allowed to be used in dungeons at all.
So, he didn't know if the World of Origin, or rather, the Shadow Kingdom, would allow that.
Still, the reason he wanted this cloak was to make use of his class, Assassin, more effectively.
After all, he had four different classes due to his unique class, Unique Throne, one of which was Assassin.
"Three of them? Kid, aren't you too greedy? Don't depend too much on these things."
Velmara saw three artifacts in his hands and couldn't help but advise.
Unlike weapons and armor, artifacts were costly to use. They always drained the user of mana, soul power, or something else.
That's why it was better to choose one that suited your needs rather than hoarding everything.
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry."
Lucien nodded at Velmara lightly but still kept all three artifacts inside his mana ring, making Velmara speechless.
"Forget this. Instead, can you tell me if we can use these inside the Shadow Kingdom?"
Lucien suddenly asked Velmara, changing the subject.
From how Velmara carefully chose his artifact, he couldn't help but doubt.
"Hmm? Oh... are you afraid it isn't useful in the World of Origin?"
Velmara immediately understood his logic and shook his head.
"Kid, you seem to have the wrong perception of dungeons and domains."
He said, landing atop Lucien's shoulder once again as they headed outside together. During the entire process, neither of them even glanced at the artifacts below epic rank in the warehouse.
"Think of it this way. In the World of Origin, there are countless worlds and countless dungeons. Those worlds are called domains, each with its own ecosystem and laws."
"Dungeons, on the other hand, are rule-based secret realms designed as trials, meant to test those who enter."
"For example, your class awakening quest, ascension quest, or even certain inheritance trials; all of them are nothing more than specialized dungeons crafted for that purpose."
Velmara continued,
"Of course, things aren't so simple, and even I don't know much. But what I do know is that while artifacts in our world won't work in dungeons, they work perfectly fine in domains. In fact, the demand there is even higher."
"So, you can use this artifact inside the Shadow Kingdom?" Lucien asked.
"Yeah, as long as you don't enter any dungeon, you can."
"That's good. Then, do you want to choose a weapon too?"
Lucien was happy to hear the good news. He pointed at another warehouse that stored weapons and asked.
Since he had already chosen his artifacts, he didn't mind taking one or two weapons.
After all, he was indeed grateful for Velmara's help earlier.
"No, I don't need weapons. They're a bother."
Surprisingly, Velmara shook his head and denied his suggestion.
As a spiritual beast, unless the weapon or armor was specially designed by a blacksmith for him, he didn't want to use them.
Without good synergy, such things could be counterproductive for him in battle.
"Let's go to the library. It seems Malcolm is out."
"Okay then."
Lucien didn't insist and quickly returned the way he came, only to see Malcolm standing outside the library.
From how bright his face looked, he seemed to be satisfied with what he had gained.
"Did you two choose what you want?"
As soon as they came close, Malcolm asked with a smile. And when he saw both of them nod, he immediately waved his hand, giving a light order.
"Okay, then let's leave. It isn't good to stay in this space for long. Besides, it is already almost night. Let's return."
After saying that, he immediately used his newly gained authority, intending to leave the Dimensional Vault while signaling Lucien and Velmara to do the same.
He seemed quite eager to leave this place and return to his residence.
"Swoosh!"
Outside the Bellenford capital, in the empty sky, three figures suddenly appeared inexplicably.
"Whoa!"
Just as he appeared outside, Lucien almost dropped to the ground due to losing his footing. Inside the Dimensional Vault, he could use the floating platform however he liked.
But outside, he had to rely on himself and almost fell.
Fortunately, Velmara resecured him in time.
"Kid, learn a floating spell at least. Don't just rely on your class."
Malcolm saw his gaffe, rolled his eyes, and tossed a scroll, which Lucien reflexively grabbed.
'Sky Step!'
Lucien could see the name of the spell written clearly in Arcane Language.
"Although our world is no match for the World of Origin and its wonders, it has its own uniqueness," Malcolm said solemnly.
"I suggest you look through the library and learn the runic language at least. Who knows, it might come in handy."
He advised, intending for Lucien to be resourceful. There was no loss in being careful, was there?
"Okay then, let's leave. Velmara, you continue to guard Lucien from the shadows and don't do anything reckless like last time.
"And you..."
Malcolm looked at Lucien and said faintly,
"I don't know what you plan for tonight, but don't take it too seriously. Like I said, this much wealth we can afford to lose in the grand scheme of things."
After warning him one last time, Malcolm suddenly disappeared from his place, leaving them alone.
The Shadow Kingdom was on the verge of opening, and he couldn't waste precious time here.
"Then, let's go?"
Lucien saw his grandpa leave, looked at Velmara, and asked. He also wanted to return and use his newfound power to gauge how strong he had become.
"Okay, then sit tight. We are entering the capital."
Velmara agreed, allowing Lucien to ride on his back before disappearing from the sky at lightning speed, appearing directly inside the capital, stealthily.
Like Lucien, he was also eager to look through his new epic rank artifact.
***
"Lord, Malcolm has returned to the capital, and his beast also reappeared inside after being gone for an entire day."
Inside a grand mansion near the royal palace, a figure draped in black robes knelt on one knee, conveying the news.
The figure knelt before a man who sat in a luxurious chair, sipping tea while gazing out through a massive window. This person was none other than Castor Viremond, duke of the Viremond Duchy.
The one backing the Lionheart family that had declared war on the Goldveils.
"Oh? Did you figure out why he sent his pet out?"
After hearing the news, the duke stopped sipping his tea and asked.
"Umm... L-Lord, we... we cannot find the reason. That beast is too stealthy, and we can only trace its faint presence; that's all."
Unfortunately, he was destined to be disappointed after hearing his subordinate stammer nervously.
"How about Heckler? Did he find anything?"
He asked again, mentioning his right-hand man, who was busy controlling his dukedom for him at the moment.
He was also a strong man at the Peak of Weaver rank, though the method in which he obtained that realm was questionable.
That's why no one besides him knew his real strength.
"No, sir. Lord Heckler didn't find anything either. However, he mentioned noticing some unusual activity in Viremond, which he will report once confirmed."
"No need. Since he didn't find their motive straight away, searching now makes no sense."
Duke Castor said, then once again began sipping his tea while looking out the window.
"Besides, that guy Dorian already activated that token. The Shadow Kingdom will open shortly, and we have no time. And that old man doesn't seem to care about his business at all. Let's just... leave them for now."
He said, finding the whole situation not in his favor.
He thought he might gain another Circle of Nobility by pressuring Malcolm, but looking at how that guy directly gave the business to his grandson to play around with, he felt there was no point now.
After all, before reaching the realm above Weaver rank, he didn't want to fight anyone.
"But... sir, what about Lionheart? We promised them..."
Hearing his words, the black-robed figure was shocked and hurriedly asked, only to be stopped by Castor.
"What promise? We just let them use our name, and that's enough. If they still can't do anything, then it's their own problem, not mine. Okay, you can leave."
Duke Castor said, annoyed, dismissing the figure.
In the scheme of things, the mere Lionheart family was nothing.
Besides, it's not like anyone would wipe them out just because he didn't care, right?