Chapter 78 - 78. Gifts
The skeletal spider was engulfed by darkness disappearing. "I'll allow you to live and as a good host I'll allow each of you to take or ask one thing. Think of it as a gift for bringing me a few things to think on for the next years." The words sounded in good faith but they knew there could be hidden dangers.
Gil stepped forward knowing they would need to make the best of this to gain benefits for the party but also for their kingdom as well. "Sir part of our test to advance our party is to defeat monsters here, gather knowledge, and treasures. Our kingdom knows little of the history of these ruins and I hope to ask for some history and religious books to bring back with us if possible." The others were impressed by Gil's smart request. He had immediately thought of something to help improve not just the party but the kingdom. The hero title was showing.
The immortal king waved his hand and a pile of five books rose from a spot of darkness on the floor. "You are wise to ask this of me, I have many copies of all history and religious texts. I'll allow you to take these and spread the word of the immortal god." Immortal king was impressed. These texts had long been collected by him and were not accessible by the normal people who came treasure hunting.
"Thank you very much sir." Gil motioned to Walker who stored the books away promptly. Still caught up on how well Gil had used his question the party was unable to stop Midnight from walking forward.
She let out a few growls and huffs which somehow the immortal king seemed to understand. "Ha ha ha ha arrogant like any other dragon. You may be a weak and small one but I can see why you'd want that. You hold skeletal and a dark dragon bloodline in perfect mixture. I shall not give you one of my bones however, it would cause your very soul to be enveloped and your body to die. But I will create something for you that serves what you desire. You may watch as you will only see something like this once."
The rest of the party was immensely confused. Did Midnight just ask to eat part of the ancient undead lich? Immortal king could have killed them all if he took offense to that. However their faces became even more astounded as immortal kind pulled off piece of its throne and started infusing the purest darkness to it. This small bead took form with stripes and engravings of pearly bone white and extreme darkness. This bead radiated profound understanding of darkness and death.
Immortal king spent a few minutes studying it before placing it in front of midnight "you would do best to have your little leader hold that for now, if you all make it from here it will put you to sleep for many a day." A slight chuckle was heard as it stated the if they make it from here. The feelings of dread washed over them again. Midnight delicately picked up the bead and dropped it in Walker's palm. It was small and held no weight but there still was a feeling of heaviness. Walker used his all around appraisal skill to see what it was.
'Condensed understanding
The forces of death and darkness have been condensed in to a single source. This item is uniquely created by those with a masterful understanding of the source component. This item can be used in various ways to increase understanding and to change the potency of a creature's blood.'
Walker had never heard of condensing ones understanding of something. If a master of a particular element did this would the results be the same? This lead to many other questions but since he had no knowledge nor had heard any rumors of such an item he had the feeling it was extremely valuable. What truly caught his eye was the potential to increase how potent a bloodline was. This meant midnight could become a more pure dragon than a normal mixed blood dragon. As such she could become much much more powerful.
"I'm sure you're surprised to see that" immortal king didn't have facial expressions but walker could tell it was smirking. " I made something similar for that demonic necromancer when he came a few hundred years ago, however he only wanted knowledge not true understanding. That brat cheated his way out of here using his master skills" immortal king tapped away at the throne with its hand in frustration. They all made note not to mention the necromancer no matter how curious they were.
Remey was the next to step forward, "there's not much I can think of to ask. I'm not as witty as the others but I'm smart enough to know I have many waiting for me to return. I also know that after this I'll be going to many more dangerous places. You sir said I was a front line fighter and we were very correct. I often leave the safety of our guardian. Our leader has a sister that can stitch and design things. My hopes are that you have a fabric as strong as armor so I could move faster but also be protected. This would help me a lot and make sure my party won't lose its main damage dealer to one attack."
Remey may have thought she wasn't as smart as the others and humbly said such. Yet she was very wrong. What she's asked for was something only someone thinking ahead with strong battle instincts would ask. She used her knowledge of walkers sisters system to her advantage. Along with this she also asked for the fabric specifically. This meant that not only something for her could be made. It could benefit everyone in the party not just her!
Immortal king cocked its skull to the side thinking. "Hmm you are most interesting. I did not expect you to ask for a material. You say you don't believe yourself smart but your words betray themselves." Immortal king pointed a finger at a closed chest to his left. "Go open that and choose a color"