As Lin revealed the Hell Outpost Shield, its patterns shimmering with a blend of golden light and a hint of regal purple, the surrounding atmosphere turned palpable with astonishment. Shi Xingan, wide-eyed and momentarily breathless, finally managed to voice his disbelief, "Lin... Where did you find this shield?"
Calmly, Lin responded, "It was dropped by the outpost's guard just moments ago."
This prompted Shi Xingan to double-check, baffled, "You mean, the hell-level boss dropped it?"
Lin confirmed with a nod.
Before Shi Xingan could continue, Liang Yue interjected with a clearer line of inquiry, "Lin, did you solo the Outpost dungeon on Hell difficulty?"
Lin's affirmation sent ripples of disbelief through the group. The notion of soloing a Hell level dungeon was unheard of, bordering on the absurd, yet the evidence lay unmistakably before them in the form of the Hell Outpost Shield.
Shi Xingan, shifting gears, inquired, "Lin, would you consider selling the shield?"
Without hesitation, Lin handed over the shield for evaluation, suggesting they check if it could complete a set.
Shi Xingan, ecstatic, equipped the shield, instantly summoning a golden beam of light that pierced the sky and cleared the fog, drawing the attention of all present.
"It's the outpost suit," murmurs filled the air, a mix of admiration and envy threading through the onlookers' whispers.
Collecting a full set of outpost gear was a formidable challenge, requiring at least six distinct pieces. The sight of Shi Xingan donning the Hell level shield and its transformational effect sparked a collective awe.
Liang Yue, eyes gleaming, sought confirmation of its effect, "How is it?"
Shi Xingan, thrilled, reported, "It's extraordinary. All attributes have surged by +1000, with an additional 50% boost for knight types and a reduction in damage taken."
The significance of such enhancements was not lost on them; it signified a monumental increase in their team's resilience.
However, a humorous miscommunication led to a brief moment of awkwardness, quickly defused by Shi Xingan's inquiry into the shield's cost.
Lin, adopting a generous stance, left the pricing to Shi Xingan's discretion, underscoring a trust in Shi Xingan's judgment and reciprocating Liang Yue's earlier offer to assist with dungeon runs and equipment acquisition.
When Shi Xingan proposed 10 million gold coins—a price reflective of the shield's rarity and power—Lin modestly declined, suggesting instead a more reasonable 5 million, which Shi Xingan accepted without hesitation.
This transaction not only cemented their burgeoning camaraderie but also underscored the rarity of such a piece of equipment, capable of turning the tides in any dungeon encounter.
As they prepared for further adventures, the echo of a mysterious conversation hinted at a larger, unseen world taking note of their deeds, setting the stage for future encounters and challenges.
Lin, now rejuvenated from the fruit wine and ready for what lay ahead, watched as Shi Xingan rallied his team for another dungeon attempt. Their newfound alliance, built on mutual respect and shared goals, promised a blend of challenges and achievements on the horizon.
Unexpectedly, the arrival of a team, marked by a distinctive halo and exuding a sense of purpose, captured their attention. Recognized as the legendary Knights of Light, their presence sparked a mixture of awe and speculation among the onlookers.
Lin's gaze found Ning Yiyi among them, their unexpected reunion bringing a shared smile to their faces. Her approach, lively and filled with an innocent curiosity, bridged the gap between their worlds, hinting at shared quests and perhaps shared destinies.
As Ning Yiyi inquired about Lin's mission, it was clear that Ning Yiyi had made up her mind to join Lin's ranks.