"Forgive a playful test, noble spirits," he added with a respectful bow.
Moonshade and Nightshade exchanged confused glances, unsure of his meaning.
"While I accept your apology," Nightshade said, a hint of bewilderment lingering in his voice, "perhaps you could clarify why you feel the need to apologize, and what this test was all about?"
Taking a deep breath, Elias replied, "There's something I was hesitant to disclose. Given your unwavering faith in Prometheus, I believe you can keep a secret."
"However, I fear other creatures might overhear us, and this information reaching the ears of these new gods you mentioned would be disastrous."
Moonshade's voice turned reassuring.
"There's no need for such worry. This tree, the Shadowbloom, is a legendary one, protected by the Ancient One himself. No creature can approach it, except those granted his favor."
Nightshade added, a reassuring smile gracing his spectral features.
"The fact that you were able to reach this tree, climb to its very peak, signifies that you carry the will of the Ancient One. You have nothing to fear regarding eavesdroppers, even those considered gods by others."
Relief washed over Elias.
"So," Nightshade reiterated, his voice filled with anticipation, "we can speak freely without worry of being overheard. Please tell us everything you wish to share, without holding back."
Moonshade nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on Elias with a flicker of excitement.
"This might sound unbelievable," Elias began, a hint of unease creeping into his voice.
"But there exists a unique bond between me, Elias, a simple human, and Prometheus, even before this world was born."
A hush fell over the clearing. Moonshade and Nightshade exchanged stunned glances, their curiosity piqued by Elias' bombshell statement.
"What do you mean?" they asked in unison, their voices barely above a whisper.
Elias gazed into the distance, a wave of nostalgia washing over him.
"It's difficult to explain everything at once. But what I can say for certain is that we were… close friends."
"Five hundred years ago, our bond was unbreakable. He was my dearest confidante, a loyal friend who was always there for me."
He sighed, the weight of past events settling on his shoulders. "An unforeseen event tore us apart. We were separated for five hundred long years, until fate reunited us on that island."
Moonshade and Nightshade remained silent, their expressions contemplative.
Though they couldn't fully understand the details of Elias' separation from Prometheus, they empathized with the raw emotion in his voice.
"We understand your pain," Moonshade finally spoke, her voice laced with sympathy.
"However, to dispel our doubts, could you offer some proof of this… friendship with the Ancient One before your encounter?"
Nightshade echoed her sentiment. "Indeed, chosen messenger. Your words, while intriguing, seem far-fetched. Can you provide us with something, anything, that validates this connection?"
Elias fell silent, his mind racing. What could he show them as evidence? A memory? No, that wouldn't be enough.
Suddenly, a recollection sparked within him. Just before being transported here, Prometheus had entrusted something to him.
A ring – a family heirloom, a tangible link to his true identity back on Earth. Confusion gnawed at him.
How was it in Prometheus' possession? As far as he knew, the ring had been lost in a devastating catastrophe that befell Earth five hundred years ago.
According to Prometheus, however, the ring had been unearthed as an ancient artifact from a forgotten era by the current inhabitants of Earth. They housed it in a museum, a relic of immense value.
The ring he held wasn't the original; it was a replica crafted by Prometheus in Arcadia, a reminder he'd carried since the creation of this very world.
Reaching into his inventory, a feature of this strange world, Elias retrieved the ring.
Moonshade and Nightshade watched in disbelief as his hand materialized the object from seemingly thin air. Their expressions transformed into a mixture of shock and awe.
Moonshade and Nightshade exchanged a bewildered glance, murmuring amongst themselves.
"Pocket dimension?" Moonshade whispered, a hint of intrigue in her voice.
"Dimensional magic, perhaps?" Nightshade rumbled in agreement.
Elias held out the ring, offering it as evidence. It was crafted from an unknown material that shimmered with an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from deep cosmic blues to radiant golds.
The wide band, elegantly curved, possessed a timeless elegance that seemed to whisper of a forgotten age.
Ancient runes, inscribed with a soft, mystical glow, adorned the exterior, each symbol pulsing with an inherent power.
Smaller gemstones, each glowing with an inner light, were embedded within the band, connected by intricate root-like structures that wrapped around the ring in a mesmerizingly natural design.
These roots, appearing almost alive, symbolized the interconnectedness of all things and the deep-rooted power that coursed through the ring's wearer.
The central gemstone, larger than the others, sat proudly atop the band, further enhancing the ring's mystical aura.
"This…" Nightshade breathed, her voice trembling slightly as she fixated on the ring.
"The very ring the Ancient One always wore… "
"The Supreme Ruler ring." Moonshade echoed the sentiment, a gasp escaping her lips.
"The Supreme Ruler...?" Elias repeated, bewildered by the name.
"Let us verify its authenticity," Nightshade declared, extending a hand to receive the ring.
Both spirits focused intently on the object, their ethereal forms flickering with concentration.
"Hm," Nightshade muttered, "crafted from Eternium alloy… and the main gemstone… a fragment of the Heart of the Cosmos itself."
His voice held a hint of awe as he brushed his finger across the central stone, his gaze flitting towards Moonshade.
Moonshade and Nightshade's expressions mirrored each other – pure, unadulterated shock.
Upon closer inspection, a hidden inscription appeared on the ring's inner surface, revealed only to their otherworldly senses. It read:
__________
The Supreme Ruler
Recreated by Prometheus, the creator of Arcadia, from an ancient legacy item belonging to Elias Frostborn.
This ring can only be worn by Prometheus, the safe keeper, and Elias Frostborn, the rightful owner and legacy holder.
__________
Nightshade returned the ring to Elias, her voice hushed with newfound respect. "Indeed, you possess a connection to the Ancient One that transcends our understanding."
Elias reached out to take the ring, his mind reeling. However, before he could slip it back into his inventory, Moonshade intervened.
"The ring should remain with you," she instructed, a hint of urgency in her voice.
"However, to ward off unwanted attention, it would be wise to disguise its true form."
Elias blinked in confusion. "Disguise it?"
A smile softened Moonshade's spectral features.
"Once you wear the ring, focus your will upon it. The inscription will reveal detailed information, including instructions for altering its appearance."
Elias complied, slipping the ring onto his finger. He felt a sudden heat rise within him, accompanied by a strange but exhilarating sensation that seemed to encompass his entire body.
As he concentrated on the object, a translucent window materialized before him, displaying intricate details about the ring and its functionalities.
His jaw dropped in astonishment as he delved deeper into the information revealed by this incredible artifact.
__________Supreme Ruler Ring
Type: Mythical Artifact
Description:
The Supreme Ruler Ring is a legendary artifact crafted from Eternium, a near-indestructible metal.
Level: ~
Attributes:
Strength: +500
Dexterity: +500
Endurance: +500
Intelligence: +500
Wisdom: +500
Charisma: +500
Luck: +500
Special Abilities:
Supreme Authority: Commands respect and obedience from most beings within Arcadia.
Cosmic Insight: Grants profound wisdom and understanding of the universe, aiding in decision-making and strategic planning.
Eternal Shield: Creates an impenetrable barrier that absorbs and nullifies any attack.
Disguise: Transforms into a simple ring at the wearer's will, masking its true power and appearance.
Soul Bond: When attuned to a worthy soul, the ring forms a powerful connection, amplifying the wearer's abilities and forging a deeper understanding with the cosmos.
Lore:
Legend tells of the Supreme Ruler Ring, recreated by Prometheus, the creator of Arcadia, from an ancient heirloom belonging to Elias Frostborn. This ring embodies the essence of cosmic power, symbolizing ultimate authority and wisdom. Its intricate design, featuring root-like structures and radiant gems, represents the wearer's deep connection to the cosmic forces that govern Arcadia.
Ownership:
The ring recognizes Elias Frostborn as its sole rightful owner and legacy holder.
__________
Elias' gaze drifted down the detailed information displayed about the ring.
As he reached the bottom of the list describing its attributes and abilities, a new line flickered into existence below the final entry. It pulsed softly for a moment, drawing his attention.
__________
Soul Bond: The Soul Bond feature activates automatically upon Elias wearing the ring, forging an unbreakable connection.
__________
Elias' eyebrows furrowed in surprise. This hadn't been there before.
He glanced back up at the ring on his finger, a strange warmth spreading through him.
Was this the Soul Bond activating? A tingle of excitement mixed with apprehension danced across his skin.
A wave of contentment washed over Elias as he slipped on the ring.
A wealth of information materialized before him, detailing the ring's incredible properties.
No wonder he felt such joy! Ever since dozing off beneath the Shadowbloom, a whirlwind of unexpected events had swept him off his feet.
First, there were the experience points he gained from encountering the ancient spirits.
Then, the accidental discovery and naming of the Shadowbloom itself.
Finally, the revelation that the ring from Prometheus wasn't just any trinket, but a mythical artifact with potent stat-boosting abilities.
As if that wasn't enough, the ring possessed a soul bond, meaning (he assumed) it would forever remain with him.
Curiosity gnawed at him. He yearned to see his current stats, especially after factoring in the ring's bonuses.
Just as he delved deeper into the information, a startled gasp escaped his lips. The previously silent spirits were addressing him.
"Master Elias…"
Startled back to reality, Elias stammered an apology.
"Oh, forgive me. I got a little carried away studying this incredible ring."
A hint of confusion colored his voice. He couldn't shake the feeling that their demeanor and tone had undergone a drastic shift, becoming considerably more respectful and polite.
"We are Moonshade and Nightshade," the two ancient spirits announced in unison. Almost as one, they knelt before him.
"Guardian spirits of the Shadowbloom," they proclaimed with resolute voices.
"We swear our loyalty and service, for all our remaining days, to you, Elias Frostborn."
They spoke in perfect unison, their voices echoing in the air.
"Messenger of the Ancient One," they continued, "faithful friend, true owner of the world's legacy… Supreme Ruler of All!"
They bombarded him with titles, each one grander than the last.
"Please accept us as your loyal followers," they pleaded, "who will forever stand guard and protect you."
Elias' mind reeled. He was utterly speechless, having just received the unwavering loyalty of two ancient spirits – beings revered as legendary mythical creatures within Arcadia.
He glanced down at the notification window that had materialized after their declaration.
__________
Two Mythical Creatures Wish to Serve
These powerful beings offer themselves as your loyal followers. Do you accept?
(Yes/No)
__________
Before blurting out a response, Elias decided to clarify.
"May I ask… why the sudden change of heart? Why would beings like yourselves – legendary creatures – swear allegiance to a mere human?" His voice trembled slightly, a mixture of shock and disbelief clinging to his words.
Nightshade bowed his head in response. "The ring you wear… it leads us to believe you hold a position equal to, or even greater than, the Ancient One himself."
"We suspect the Ancient One deliberately sent you to us…" Moonshade began, but Elias cut him off, slightly uncomfortable with the excessive praise.
"Enough," he interjected gently. "I accept your request. But please, refrain from showering me with so much reverence."
He then focused on the notification window and nudged the shimmering "Yes" button with his mind.
DING!!!
A chorus of electronic chimes filled the air as several new notifications materialized in front of him.
__________
A historic feat! You are the first human in Arcadia to forge a bond with the ancient spirits, earning their loyalty and companionship. This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter in the world's history.
__________
Congratulation, Elias Frostborn!
You have accomplished a monumental feat!
Your actions have forged a legendary bond with the ancient spirits of Arcadia, beings of immense power and wisdom. They have recognized you as their true master, swearing an oath of allegiance to become your loyal companions and followers.
This achievement, known as the Bond of the Ancients, is unprecedented. It highlights your extraordinary leadership and connection to the mystical forces that shape Arcadia. As a reward for this historic event:
Title Earned: Master of Ancient Spirits
Experience Gained: 500,000 XP
Enhanced Abilities:
The ancient spirits acknowledge your exceptional charisma and wisdom. This bond has strengthened these attributes significantly. Additionally, you will gain new abilities and insights bestowed upon you by your companions.
Additional Rewards:
Increased respect and standing throughout Arcadia
Greater influence over mystical and ancient forces
__________
This marks a new chapter in Arcadian history. With the unwavering support of the ancient spirits, your journey will undoubtedly be filled with challenges and triumphs.
__________
Status Window Updated
__________
Name: Elias Frostborn (NPC)
Race: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Occupation: Unknown
Level: 0 (+)
Experience Points (XP): 675,000 / 100 XP (next level)
__________
Title:
Survivor of Frostpire Isle (passive)
Effect: +10 Endurance, +5 Strength, +5 Dexterity
Scholar of Arcadia (passive)
Effect: +10 Intelligence, +10 Wisdom, +10% Experience Gain
Messenger of the Ancient One (passive)
Effect: +15 Charisma, +10 Luck
Master of Ancient Spirits (passive)
Effect: +20 Wisdom, +20 Charisma, +10% Magic Damage
The Faithful Friend (passive)
Effect: +10 Charisma, +10% Ally Buff Duration
True Owner of the World's Legacy (passive)
Effect: +15 Intelligence, +15 Wisdom, +10% Artifact Effectiveness
The Supreme Ruler (passive)
Effect: +20 to All Attributes, +25% Leadership Effectiveness, +10% Resistance to All Damage Types
__________
Stats:
HP: 5840
MP: 3618
Attributes:
Strength: 576
Dexterity: 576
Endurance: 581
Intelligence: 598
Wisdom: 618
Charisma: 620
Luck: 585
__________
You have been awarded significant experience and attribute enhancements due to your recent accomplishments. Continue your journey, Elias, and discover the true extent of your potential.
__________