"Before we get to that," Daisuke began, the entirety of his gaze falling onto Elena.
She blushed.
[Name: Elena Hawthorne
Race: Demihuman (Beastkin)
Level: 15 | EXP: 24,880/35,156 (70.77%)
Class: Mage
Affiliation: Adventures' Guild
Title: None
HP: 1320/1320 | MP: 445/445
Strength: 15 | Stamina: 53 | Agility: 12 | Intelligence: 70
Stat Points: 0]
After using the Eye of Verity to assess her status, Daisuke cast a quick glance at Elena's attire. While his skill didn't allow him to analyze her clothing, it was clear that, much like his own garments, its sole purpose was to ensure she wasn't walking around in her birthday suit.
"Can I see your weapon for a sec?" Daisuke asked after noting that she wasn't wearing any accessories either.
"Um. Sure."
[Verdant Willowtwig]
[Rank: Normal
Type: Staff
Melee Attack Power: 2 | Magical Attack Power: 28~35 | Durability: 28/39 | Accuracy: 24
A twig that couldn't be further from the likeness of a staff. The Willowtwig facilitates the flow of mana for faster casting speed and stronger spells. Yet, even with these qualities, it remains an unimpressive substitute for a staff.
Conditions of Use: Lvl 1+ | Strength 1+ | Stamina 1+]
It looks like even though I don't own the weapon, once I'm in contact with it the Eye of Verity will work. I need to remember that. Daisuke looked from the sorry excuse for a weapon to Elena. I don't need to see her clothes to know that they're no good.
Daisuke followed up by asking her, "What skills can you use, if you don't mind my asking?"
Elena looked to Rexar nervously, as if for his opinion, and he nodded approvingly.
"I possess five skills," she stated softly. "Fireball, Magic Missile, Force Field, Wind Cutter, and Poison Dart."
"Mm. Well, you certainly have a decent assortment of skills," Daisuke responded thoughtfully. "However, it seems you possess an unusually high amount of stamina for a mage. As a result, your mana supply is insufficient, leading to fewer opportunities to use your skills. This also has an adverse effect on your magical attack and defense ratio."
Elena's eyes widened in surprise. "W-Wait… how did you—?"
Everyone looked just as alarmed.
"Here, give me your hand," requested Daisuke, cutting her off before she could pry.
Elena hesitantly extended her arm, and Daisuke gently slipped a ring onto her finger.
[Sapphire Ring]
[Rating: Rare
Durability: 4/4 | Magical Defense: +3.2% | Magical & Physical Balance: +3.7%
A ring adorned with a flawless sapphire, said to be a treasure of an ancient underwater civilization.
▪︎ Int +6
Conditions of Use: Lvl 13+]
With the exception of body armor, excluding the headgear, it was possible for a player to conceal the physical appearance of accessories. Daisuke made use of this option for the ones he currently had equipped. Regrettably, NPCs did not share the same privilege.
DOKI-DOKI-DOKI!
Elena's chest rose and fell, hot breaths escaping her lips as she studied the ring upon her engagement finger. A fierce blush stained her cheeks at the thought that Daisuke had just proposed to her.
"Is this… a pro-pro-proposal?" she squeaked, her eyes growing wide with pleasure as she cupped her face.
Rexar lightly karate-chopped her atop the head. "Did some of your brain cells burn too?" he asked wearily.
Daisuke smiled awkwardly before offering the final gift. "These should help to increase your mana."
[Starcaster +2]
[Rank: Normal
Type: Staff
Melee Attack Power: 8 | Magical Attack Power: 101~125 | Durability: 18/52 | Accuracy: 48
A relic akin to a shooting star, the Starcaster possesses a subtle charm that belies its true potential. It was crafted in the heart of Mount Delitarious, where its enchantments were woven by the whispers of the ancient star people.
▪︎ Each successful Physical Attack increases max mana and Accuracy by 10% for 5 minutes. Likewise, each successful Magical Attack increases Physical Attack by 10%. It stacks 5 times and the effect is lost if damage is sustained.
▪︎ Int +7
Conditions of Use: Lvl 13+ | Strength 5+ | Stamina 11+]
"I-I can't accept this," Elena refused, shaking her head frantically like a frightened child. "I mean, this staff looks like it cost hundreds of gold; it would be a complete waste on me."
Rexar and Milo looked on nervously, as if they were being offered illegal narcotics from a drug dealer.
"Elena, look at me."
She held Daisuke's unblinking gaze.
"Now look at everyone else."
Elena scanned the faces of her party.
"The items I'm entrusting to you will greatly enhance your ability to protect all of us, including your family," Daisuke explained earnestly. "And, as far as I'm concerned, this staff isn't worth even a fraction of our lives."
"By extension," Gavric chimed in, "you are more than worthy to be in possession of these items."
The group nodded, wearing warm smiles.
Elena finally smiled, accepting the gift. "Thank you."
"Rexar."
"Yes!" he responded, immediately standing at attention and saluting like a cadet.
Daisuke looked him over appraisingly. "You possess the Stats and combat skills to overpower your enemies, but as a martial artist, you lack a proper weapon. I think these will be of great help without compromising your combat preferences."
[Obsidian Bangle]
[Rating: Rare
Durability: 4/5 | Magical Defense: +3.9% | Magical & Physical Balance: +4.5%
A bangle hewn from the heart of a shadowy abyss, it conceals the secrets of the darkness.
▪︎ Strength +8
Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+]
[Ironclad Gauntlets +3]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Gauntlet
Melee Attack Power: 59~67 | Durability: 18/62 | Attack Speed: +5%
Forged in the heart of the fiery Foundry Peaks, the Ironclad Gauntlets are a symbol of raw power and unyielding strength. These gauntlets, rugged and imposing, are designed for warriors who seek to crush their foes with sheer force.
▪︎ Whenever you are within a 20-meter radius of at least 2 opponents, your Melee Attack increases by 10%, and your Defense by 6%. However, when there are fewer than 2, your Melee Attack experiences a 20% boost.
▪︎ Strength +8
Conditions of Use: Lvl 16+ | Strength 22+ | Stamina 29+]
Rexar tried on his new equipment and gave a few swift jabs. "These are amazing, thank you! I can already feel new power welling up inside of me!"
"Milo," Daisuke now called the only human of the three. "Come closer."
As soon as he was within reach, which took a while due to his hesitant approach, Daisuke swiftly flicked his forehead without an ounce of regret.
"Ouch!" Milo cried out tearfully, immediately placing his hand over the now steaming area. "Wh-What was that for?"
Daisuke looked him over with a shake of his head. "Much like these three," he gestured to Lyanna, Gavric, and Finnian. "You have everything that you need at the moment to shine. But there's only one thing missing from your arsenal—a backbone."
Daisuke allowed that to sink in for a moment, and Milo lowered his head, feeling chagrined.
Daisuke offered his support, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with feeling fear," he said empathetically while applying a gentle squeeze.
Milo slowly raised his head.
"It's a natural instinct that keeps us on our toes. Remaining cautious and alert increases our chances of survival, and for a healer, a sense of self-preservation is crucial.
However, cowardice is a choice. If you shy away from danger and your friends perish, you're likely to follow suit. If survival is your goal, then you must fortify your resolve and fulfill your duty as a healer. Keep them alive."
Milo tightened his grip on his staff, his eyes burning with renewed confidence and vigor. "Okay! I'll do my best!" he declared with a determined nod.
Lyanna pouted. "I wanted to be on the receiving end too," she mumbled, sounding a bit disappointed.
Daisuke turned to face her with a smile. "Well, they're not equipment or accessories," he began, "but I do have some items to share with you guys."
"Oh no," Lyanna waved her hands dismissively. "I-I didn't mean that seriously. I was just—"
"These items will be an important part of our plan tomorrow," Daisuke informed as he handed a few Frost Prisms and Flarial Seeds over to them. "As for tomorrow's strategy…"
[Frost Prism]
[Damage: 70
Deals fixed Ice Damage to a target upon impact. There is a 50% chance of freezing the target for 60 seconds, and a 25% chance of inflicting the «Frostbite» Status.]
[Flarial Seed]
[Damage: 90
Deals fixed Fire Damage to the target upon impact. The fire will spread and engulf nearby targets, and there is an 82% chance of inflicting the «Burn» Status.]
After discussing the battle plan and various team formations to handle different combat scenarios, the party resorted to a simple game of rock-paper-scissors to decide who would take the first watch.
Gavric peered down at his trembling fist with a somewhat pale expression. "I lost…?"
Lyanna gave a smog smile as she walked away from her grieving opponent. "Leave it to a tank to be fixated on strength," she teased playfully. "So predictable."
"You better not doze off," Rexar warned. "I'd rather not become monster food while we're sleeping."
Gavric sank slowly and comically to the ground, emaciated by depression, and everyone laughed in chorus.