The Return Item, a unique and intriguing skill, enables its wielder to retrieve an item based on the stipulations of a prearranged agreement. Intriguingly, if one attempts to sell or trade the item while the Return Item skill is still active, the unsuspecting party they are dealing with will sense the ongoing effect.
This extraordinary ability ensures that the item in question adheres to the terms set forth in the initial agreement, providing a layer of protection and transparency for all parties involved in the transaction.
***
Aeris felt a jolt of disbelief course through her veins upon hearing Sucura's words, yet she managed to maintain a stoic facade, concealing her inner turmoil.
The prospect of venturing into the Accursed Forest was daunting, as it was widely regarded as a death sentence for those who dared to enter its sinister depths. The task of locating the elusive Chrysanthemum within this treacherous landscape was akin to searching for a needle in a perilous, desolate expanse of sand, shrouded in darkness and devoid of any vegetation or solace.
As Kalinski mulled over the possible reasons behind Sucura's acquisition of the Angel's Quill, he observed Sucura, who exuded an air of serene determination while focused intently on Fabio.
Sucura's unwavering dark crimson eyes were perpetually prepared to confront even the most arduous of battlefields. In the presence of such unyielding resolve, Kalinski found himself silently admiring Sucura's steadfast spirit.
At the same time, Kalinski intuited that a fortuitous event might transpire within the Accursed Forest, yet he could not shake the feeling that a malevolent presence also lay hidden, causing him to release a resigned sigh, unnoticed by those in his vicinity.
Unfazed by Sucura's composed gaze, Fabio maintained his equanimity. After a palpable moment of tension, he finally broke the silence, "A Return Item, huh, Fine. Then we have a deal." He continued, "The Death Flower Party will commence in two days. You shall acquire the Angel's Quill tomorrow."
With those words, Fabio leaped into the air, defying gravity as he hovered for a brief moment. Then, just as suddenly as he had materialized, he vanished into the ether, leaving no trace behind.
***
Following the agreement with Fabio, the night enveloped Kalinski Manor, casting shadows across Sucura's chamber.
Sucura contemplated pensively, 'I have obtained the Angel's Quill, the one artifact that may grant me passage back to my own world. With just a little more time… just a little longer… I will finally return to my home realm.'
As his thoughts meandered to another matter, 'After the deal, Instructor Linda or Aeris didn't speak to me or engage in any way. When I glanced at her, she appeared disheartened. Master Kalinski, on the other hand, seemed unperturbed by the events. He suggested that I retire to my room and assured me he would call upon me later.'
———
[Lvl. 13]
Twin Leap (Common Rank) (Active)
Prestidigitation (Common Rank) (Active)
Muffling Presence (Common Rank) (Passive)
Mind Clarity (Common Rank) (Passive)
Mind Blank (Rare Rank) (Passive)
Weakness Physiology (Rare Rank) (Passive)
Leech Experience (Epic Rank) (Active)
Blur Evasion (Epic Rank) (Passive)
Astral Finesse (Unique Rank) (Active)
Shop: ??? (Lvl.60)
[Profession]
Assassin (Mesial)
Gunslinger (Dormant)
[Blessings]
Moonlight Arts (Unique Rank) (Passive)
———
As Sucura observed his own abilities, he pondered, 'I've already learned the three common spells I acquired from Mathilda, but for some unknown reason, my Mind Clarity has diminished. I'm unsure of what transpired, as I haven't seen anything in the game that would indicate this is possible. Skills can be removed, but degradation isn't an option. Nevermind, I must concentrate on the Accursed Forest.'
He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk, deep in thought. 'Only two days remain; I was under the impression I had four. I still need to purchase the Blazing Lamp Fire, a crucial alternative item for the Weeping Woman, in case things go awry. I've seen its effectiveness in MyuTube recordings.'
'Furthermore, I've already secured provisions for a month's journey, having purchased them in recent days. Now, my funds are dwindling down to a mere 30 gold coins, with a smattering of silver.'
Sucura pondered intently, reflecting on his observations of Nicolette. 'I've noticed that she consistently lingers on the circular platform following my sparring sessions with Instructor Aeris. She seems to revel in joining my own melodic singing, though regrettably, there's no accompanying barbecue. I can't dispel the feeling that something is amiss with her eyes, despite them remaining perpetually closed. A faint trace of dark mana seems to be present, and it strikes me as decidedly peculiar.'
He thoughtfully added, 'I sense her growing infatuation towards me. Perhaps I am merely the man she has confided in, or perhaps I am yet to discern the complete rationale behind her feelings. This could be a fleeting attraction that will fade in time, akin to a child's puppy love or a transient fascination with a favorite toy,'
Sucura's solitary eye abruptly swelled, as a torturous pain erupted beneath it. Gritting his teeth, he stifled a guttural groan, "Kggrrhh…" His face contorted in a grimace of pure agony, he clutched his visage with one hand.
As his vision blurred, the surroundings took on a sinister hue, as if drenched in a sea of blood. The garbled letters on the screen flickered menacingly before him, their cryptic and indecipherable nature taunting his senses.
[◼️◼️l◼️◼️◼️◼️s]
◼️n◼️h◼️◼️◼️◼️e◼️ (¿?¿)
I◼️◼️o◼️◼️◼️ce (¿?¿)
Co◼️p◼️◼️◼️◼️l D◼️◼️◼️n◼️◼️◼️o◼️ (Sy◼️t◼️e◼️◼️◼️◼️: 7%)
After several agonizing minutes, the searing pain in his eye abruptly ceased, vanishing without a trace.
Sucura lingered for a few moments, pinching the bridge of his nose as he contemplated the enigmatic message. 'These letters have reappeared, yet I cannot decipher their meaning, nor can I recall encountering anything like this in the game,' he mused.
He cast his gaze downward, observing the parchment held firmly in his grasp. With a disheartened exhale, he reluctantly admitted, 'I mustn't become overly absorbed in the game, for the realms of fiction and reality diverge significantly. Time flows differently, individuals possess a vast array of emotions and behaviors unlike the game's characters, who resemble marionettes uttering the same two phrases ad infinitum. Furthermore, the enigmatic nature of reality presents a myriad of complexities and countless variables to consider.'
Turning his attention to the window, he spoke calmly, "There's something amiss in this world – one of those anomalies being Vyn."