Sucura meticulously perused the vast collection of common spells on the bookshelves, searching to discover the ideal combination to bolster him on his perilous expedition through the Accursed Forest.
He was in pursuit of spells that would not only harmonize with his current abilities but also amplify them.
Heaving a despondent sigh, Sucura lamented, "I have a mere 600 gold dai coins and a smattering of silver ones remaining. My funds are dwindling rapidly, and I must also invest in accessories that can aid my mana regeneration."
As Sucura spent nearly an hour scrutinizing the descriptions of various spell books, he couldn't help but occasionally raise a a dubious eyebrow and allow his eyes to adopt a vacant, glassy expression. Among the spells he encountered were:
[Spit of Sheral], which granted the user the ability to project their saliva up to 50 meters and make it extra adhesive; [Spoon Bending], a peculiar power that allowed one to bend spoons with their mind, but only when no one else was looking; [Invisible Ink], a spell that bestowed the gift of writing with invisible ink, although the user couldn't see it either; and [Ousrre de Fart], a rather amusing enchantment that transformed one's fart into a sweet-scented aroma, much to the relief of those nearby.
Sucura said in disbelief, "Who in their right mind would spend hundreds of gold dai coins on these absurd spells? Although, I must admit, the [Ousrre de Fart] does have a certain charm to its name and might even be somewhat useful… maybe."
As he perused the extensive collection of books, he contemplated, 'In the game, there is a limit to the number of spells a player can possess, although I couldn't quite remember the exact number. However, I do recall that one could remove an existing spell using the Orb of Efface, thereby making room for new spells to be acquired.'
He selected three books that appeared to be of particular use to him and settled into a nearby chair. As he pondered, 'I truly desire a skill [System] an assistant of sorts that could aid me in choosing the most suitable skills or even possess a [Synthesis] ability to merge my existing skills.'
He released a deep, contemplative sigh and continued, 'I must refrain from indulging in such fanciful thoughts, as they hold no true merit.'
His gaze lingered on the trio of books before him.
[Twin Leap]
- An active skill grants the user the ability to perform an additional jump while airborne.
'The Twin Leap technique shall enhance my prowess in close quarters combat, allowing for deft maneuvers and swift evasions. When wielding a firearm, I can execute a graceful somersault to retreat a considerable distance.'
[Muffling Presence]
- A passive skill that endows the user with a discreet aura of concealment, rendering them less perceptible to both human beings and monstrous creatures in their immediate surroundings.
'The Muffling Presence is essential, as I shall be joining a party and must minimize my detectability, not only to my companions but also to the creatures lurking within the Accursed Forest.'
[Prestidigitation]
- An active skill enables the user to create a simple illusion, deceiving enemies by manipulating their senses. This ability offers a strategic edge in scenarios that demand misdirection.
'As for Prestidigitation, it serves to deceive my adversaries by creating misdirections and subtle illusions, keeping them off balance and vulnerable.'
***
After contemplating the pros and cons for nearly an hour, Sucura finally reached a decision. Rising to his feet, he called out softly, "Mathilda, I've made up my mind."
In an instant, a surge of crimson magic enveloped his entire form. Within moments, he found himself standing inside the stall, directly before Mathilda.
She was seated gracefully in a chair, she donned her pointed hat adorned with a bat motif, the backless dress with silvery pattern. Her attention was focused on the three books he had been clutching earlier, as she examined each volume.
As she scrutinized each volume, she murmured calculations under her breath, "100 gold, then 175 gold, then 425 gold… with a 30 percent discount, that comes to 490 gold dai coins." A satisfied, enigmatic smile played upon her lips.
Sucura handed Mathilda a pouch filled with gold coins, and in return, she presented him with the three books he had purchased.
He carefully placed the books into his dimensional ring, then turned to face her, his countenance serene. "I am deeply grateful for your assistance, Mathilda,"
Mathilda's smile widened as she rose from her seat. With a measured, deliberate stride, she approached Sucura and extended her hand, presenting him with a scroll.
Casting a cursory glance at the scroll, Sucura met her gaze and inquired, "What might this be?"
Mathilda responded with a soft chuckle, "Fufu~… Consider this a gift from me - a teleportation scroll for single individual, good for one use." She quickly sought to alleviate any concerns, adding, "Rest assured, there's no cost associated with this."
Sucura pondered the situation, his thoughts racing. 'What could this mysterious witch be scheming? She's offering me something for nothing, and yet, I sense an underlying threat should I refuse.' He pushed aside his suspicions and gingerly accepted the scroll from her outstretched hand.
"Until we meet again," the witch murmured, her enigmatic smile never faltering. Her eyes, however, betrayed a chilling emptiness, devoid of any discernible emotion.
Sucura gave a subtle nod before turning to leave the shop.
As he neared the door, he was confronted by the haunting sight of a woman adorned in a violet, pointed hat and a sumptuous vermillion gown.
Her mesmerizing visage was of such ethereal beauty that even heavenly beings would be consumed with envy. Yet, despite her alluring appearance, Sucura's hair bristled, signaling an impending danger that compelled him to create as much distance between them as possible.
It wasn't her appearance that elicited such a visceral response, but rather her chilling presence. It was as if the very air around her was saturated with death, the tormented screams of countless souls echoing her malevolent essence.
[Lvl. 96]
The woman cast a dismissive glance at Sucura, before sauntering into the shop, dismissing him as if he were nothing more than an insignificant insect.
As Sucura retreated from the shop and gradually increased the distance, he felt a cold sweat trickle down his back, and his throat inexplicably parched.
He ruminated inwardly, 'These beings at level 90 are truly monstrous. Even with my Mind Clarity, I find myself unable to withstand the overpowering aura radiating from her very presence. Then again, it is merely a [Rare Rank] that I possess, after all.'
***
As the striking woman in the vermilion dress entered the stall, she called out exuberantly, "Mathilda!"
Mathilda gazed at her, somewhat taken aback. "Oh, Lorelei Malifecuin, what brings you here?" she inquired, adding, "I was under the impression that you were in the Realmn of Quepothiozstanme."
Lorelei replied, "There's significant news regarding the Holy Triumvirate Empire. My mother fetch me from that Realmn and instructed me to find you."
Mathilda's eyes widened as she murmured to herself, "The Queen is seeking me?"
While Mathilda was lost in thought, Lorelei said with disdain, "Why are you peddling your wares in this squalid place? The stench is repulsive, and I long to see it obliterated." She added, "Well it doesn't matter, this place will likely be engulfed in war sooner or later."
Mathilda regarded her with an emotionless expression, "I don't particularly care what happens to this kingdom. I've completed what I needed to do here. In any case, I was already planning to leave this place; you simply arrived at the right moment."
Lorelei smiled and said, "Oh, I suppose I'm fortunate, then."
With a swift motion, Mathilda clapped her hands, and in an instant, the Witch's Hut vanished from the Black Market.