Chapter 45: Living wood
They took a moment to catch their breath and tend to their wounds, all while eyeing the ornate chest that dominated the center of the chamber.
Its polished surface gleamed with an otherworldly light, as if daring them to discover what treasures lay within.
When Mitch finally approached and lifted the heavy lid, the chest burst open with a brilliant flash that forced them both to shield their eyes.
The radiance was so intense that the contents remained obscured for several heartbeats, like staring into a miniature sun.
As the light gradually faded, Mitch carefully began extracting each item, his voice steady as he read their descriptions aloud to Leya.
The first item made his breath catch.
[Tier 2 Living Wood Shield - Standing at the pinnacle of tier two, this dark green living wood shield has restorative properties.
The grain of the wood seems to flow like water beneath its surface.
Channeling mana through it will cause the shield to restore itself to its original form, healing any damage sustained in battle. It possesses exceptional mana conductivity and provides substantial resistance against magical attacks.]
Mitch turned the shield over in his hands, admiring its craftsmanship. The wood felt warm to the touch, almost alive. "This is perfect for you," he said, offering it to Leya.
"The only drawback is that it can’t be socketed with gems; items like this need to be crafted with sockets from the beginning." He remembered the blacksmith’s explanation about why he couldn’t add sockets to his boots, which had the same restorative capabilities as the shield.
Leya accepted the shield gratefully, testing its weight and balance. It felt natural in her grip, as if it had been made specifically for her.