Haruto could not believe it. Dimitri called this a small item! He felt like he was seeing things. He decided to read the so-called guidebook, as it was sure to give him insight. He knew he had to gather as much information as possible if he had any chance of completing his task.
He tapped the invisible screen to select it. If others saw him doing this, they'd think he was nuts.
---
**[Dimitri: Hey hey, friendly neighborhood God here. If you're reading this, it means you didn't die again during transport, and the first hurdle is out of the way. Congrats!]**
'Wait, I could've died?! This fucking guy.'
**[As you've been told, the world is inhabited by magic, beasts, and other things you aren't used to. Hence this guide. The items in your box have grades next to them. It's been a while since I last checked, but items, as I remember, are ranked accordingly: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Unique, Legendary, Ancient, and Mythical. You'll see the band says divine. That's because it's something I specifically created. No divine items exist in the world you're in, so it has the ability to change its power output and cannot be removed once you put it on. Some items, such as potions, weapons, and armor, have max ranks, meaning no matter what is put into them, they will not advance further in level. I advise you to immediately absorb the power stone so you can start your work. Time is of the essence. As soon as you discover something worthwhile, ensure to let me know. That is all.]**
Unknown to both Haruto and Dimitri, Dimitri based the power levels off ancient times when he was more actively observant. Magic levels then were much higher. Due to the decrease over time, the Epic items Haruto possessed were not just Epic but actually equal to Legendary ranked items! In the present time, Legendary ranked items were considered treasures of high-ranking nobles. Having even one gave a family or organization high standing. If anyone knew Haruto possessed not one but six Legendary items, it would make him the most hunted person in the world!
---
**Back in the Celestial Realm**
Dimitri stared at Ore as the fiend hovered over him, looking for any signs of deception. Dimitri had no fear since they could not harm him. "I have no idea what life force you're talking about," Dimitri said nonchalantly.
Priscilla walked over. "Ore of Void, we know life forces are your territory. We wouldn't bother tampering with them. You're mistaken. Besides, how would a life force end up here with us?"
Ore, the current fiend asking questions, stared her down. The reason Priscilla stepped in was that she knew Dimitri would only antagonize Ore, so she had to ensure he didn't return by making him see logic.
"While it is true they could not come here, we sensed a life force presence." Ore slid over to Priscilla and stared her down. "If we discover you've interfered in our tasks in any way, we will invoke the commandments." A portal ripped open suddenly, and they turned to leave. Maka then stopped and turned toward Priscilla. "The scales of judgment have tipped." Then they entered into the void.
---
**In the Void**
The Celestial fiends floated forward as if going nowhere. Ore then spoke. "Why did you tell them? We do not owe them."
Maka was unsure how to answer, but to her surprise, Bolom spoke. "My orb has cleared some of its interference. Whatever it is those two young ones did, it has aided us. We should let this play out. We may end up all being saved."
Ore was deep in thought. "You're correct. Maka, go to Dimitri's realm and investigate his worlds. I will take Titans, Demifords, and Carcos. Bolom, you keep us informed about any other changes." Bolom nodded as Maka and Ore disappeared into separate portals.
---
**Back in the Mortal Realm**
Haruto had finished reading over the guidebook and examining the items. They all seemed straightforward in their uses, but he felt he still needed more information. He then pulled up the power awakening stone. It had a myriad of colors that constantly pulsed. "Well, here goes nothing... Absorb."
...
"Egh?" Haruto looked dumbfounded. Did it work? No, it couldn't have. The stone hadn't been destroyed. Am I missing something?
As Haruto studied the stone, he had no idea he was being watched.
"Razor, that's an interesting awakening stone that brat has. I've never seen one like it," said Needle, a tall, skinny guy with disheveled hair and a black cloak. He had two common-grade short swords attached. He licked his lips.
"Hehe, Needle, it seems our luck isn't bad at all. If I can get my hands on that stone, we can finally try out for the Warlords." Razor was a chubby guy with short-cropped hair. He had a battle axe on his back and wore a black cloak.
"I should take the stone. I mean, after all, it was my idea to cut through this crappy forest." The third man spoke. He went by Snake and had a tattoo on his neck and a saber at his side.
Needle looked at Snake. "What's a kid doing in the middle of the forest anyway?"
"Who cares? Probably some rich kid who got lost. Let's go."
The three men crept closer with greed in their eyes.