They walked down the bustling streets, Sylvie leading the way with excitement. Haruto followed, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity about what the day would bring. Haruto and Sylvie both entered the shop, the bell signaling their arrival to the store manager.
"Look, I've told you damn kids!" The storekeeper immediately saw the armbands and then recognized Sylvie, starting to panic. "I'm so sorry, young lords… I assumed you were those troublemaking brats that have been coming in here trying to gain access upstairs. Please forgive my rudeness."
They both looked at each other, puzzled, wondering what the shop manager was referring to. Sylvie then remembered when she first came in, the manager explained the levels to the store as certain ranks granted privileges and access to higher floors where more powerful items were held.
"Sir, if I may ask, are you currently holding any Rare or Epic items?" The store manager nodded as Haruto looked at Sylvie, wondering why she asked. She knew he was confused and decided to explain.
"Well, magic items are all ranked according to the type and skills they possess. As you know, the ranks are broken down from common to Unique. But numbers of 1-5 are added if the item can evolve. There are soul items as well, but those bond with the user."
Haruto frowned, "Don't you mean common to Mythical?"
The shop manager was impressed, and even Sylvie was taken aback. Most did not even consider this due to how rare anything above Unique was. The shop owner was used to kids her age going after what was shiniest or new.
He then smiled. "I believe you both are correct, but you cannot forget about those items considered Dark items and the supposed Divine items. If I am not mistaken, most of the Vanguards use Unique to Ancient items. For example, Vanguard Serena's weapon quiver."
It made sense to Haruto. Even Sylvie wondered how Serena was able to summon any weapon and it be ungodly strong. It wasn't her ability but her magical item that allowed it.
DING*
They all turned and saw a familiar face walking in. "Hey, it's Bane!"
Bane happened to be walking by outside with the day's events embedded in his mind and decided to check out the item shop, seeing as he was now a certified Warlord. Once he entered, he could see Haruto, Sylvie, and the shop owner all staring at him.
"I guess you guys are here to shop as well? Well, let's get to it!" He said with a smile, his mood lightening.
The shop manager smiled and decided to let them look around, informing them that if they needed any assistance, they should let him know. They all nodded, and Haruto walked towards the clothing section while Bane started to look at weapons and armor. Sylvie followed behind Haruto as he looked at items and read descriptions. He hadn't found anything yet that interested him and was beginning to lose hope until he came across a jacket set.
It was green in color and came with armbands that wrapped around the forearm. As he lifted the tags, a detailed review of the set popped up that startled him.
[Green Emperion Jacket with Collapsing Serpent Armbands: A jacket formed directly from the hide of a mythical beast slain by an older Warlord. The Armbands were formed from the tails of the creature.
Requirement to activate item abilities (locked)
Upgrade status: 10%
Current Level: Epic 1
Buff Increase: 30% increase of all body stats.]
Haruto was confused why it was showing stat increases in percentages. He then remembered a similar incident when he absorbed the awakening stone and received a message that stated his poisoning had been cleared. He then looked down at the Divine Band on his arm. 'Did this band allow him to view hidden stats?'
Haruto furrowed his brows as the store manager walked behind him. "Oh, Young Lord, you don't want that set. Many have tried, yet none have been able to activate the set's ability. It apparently requires some specific magic to activate."
"Yeah it's locked" Haruto stated lost in his own thoughts. He suddenly smiled, "I'll take it!" The shop manager was taken aback. "Young Lord, again, I don't think you really want that item." The shopkeeper was unsure why he was insisting on buying it. Eventually, though, he decided to give up and sold him the set.
Sylvie watched the whole exchange and wondered why he was so set on buying the set. She decided it was better not to ask, as everyone had their own preference in what they wore. Bane then approached with what looked like a small dagger. Sylvie noticed strange markings and, after inspecting, realized it was a Rare 2 Item.
"It's a Raga Dagger. Our royal guard carried them as part of the ceremonial uniform. This may be the last thing from my home..." The emotions from the prior events swelled inside him.
Sylvie wondered what he meant and decided she'd let him speak about it when he felt comfortable. As Haruto walked up, an announcement suddenly rang out throughout the Kingdom. It was Vanguard Serena.
[All New Warlords will report to the Combat Square tomorrow for processing. If you're late, you will answer to me!!]
Bane looked up, and as Sylvie looked over at him, she saw that he wasn't surprised. 'Did he somehow know this was coming?'
She wrapped her arms around the two, smiling. "Well, guys, it looks like we will have a fun day tomorrow," she beamed at them.
They left the shop, their minds buzzing with the day's events. As they walked back through the capital, Haruto couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what was to come. The future was uncertain, but he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.