The cavern itself was enormous, its ceiling towering far above her head, almost giving the impression of being outdoors under a twilight sky. Pale blue light filtered down from cracks and openings high above, where patches of greenery clung to the rock, and streams of water cascaded down from hidden sources, forming delicate waterfalls that fed into the lake below. The waterfalls were illuminated by the soft, ethereal glow of bioluminescent plants that dotted the cavern walls, their gentle light adding to the magical atmosphere of the place.
Rock formations rose up around the lake like ancient sentinels, their shapes worn smooth by eons of water flow. Some of the rocks were jagged and sharp, while others were rounded and covered in a soft carpet of moss, adding a touch of green to the otherwise cool, blue-toned landscape. Small, carefully placed lanterns lined the path leading down to the water's edge, their warm light casting long shadows and creating a stark contrast with the natural, otherworldly illumination of the cavern.
In the distance, where the lake met the far wall of the cavern, there was a massive archway carved into the rock, its edges worn smooth by time. Beyond the archway, Phanessa could see another chamber, faintly lit and beckoning her forward, but she knew better than to rush ahead. This place felt different, sacred almost, and she took a moment to simply take in her surroundings, feeling a sense of peace that she hadn't experienced since entering the tower.
The ground beneath her feet was soft, a mixture of fine sand and smooth pebbles that crunched gently underfoot as she moved closer to the water. The sound of the waterfalls grew louder, their soothing murmur echoing throughout the cavern, blending with the distant, melodic dripping of water from the stalactites above.
Phanessa knelt down at the edge of the lake, her fingers skimming the surface of the water. It was cool to the touch, sending a pleasant chill up her arm. The water was so clear that she could see all the way to the bottom, where smooth, colorful stones lay scattered like jewels. Tiny fish darted among the rocks, their scales flashing iridescent in the soft light, adding another layer of life to this tranquil scene.
She noticed that something was glistening just beneath the surface. The water was so clear that she could easily see the colorful stones and the tiny fish darting between them, but it was the faint, mysterious glow coming from deeper within that truly caught her attention.
Curiosity piqued, she focused on the glimmering object below and tried using her [Identity] skill to gather more information. But, to her surprise, the skill yielded no results. The system offered no details, no description, nothing. It was as if whatever lay beneath the water was beyond the system's understanding—or perhaps intentionally hidden from it.
Phanessa's instincts told her to be cautious, but as she scanned the water, she saw no signs of danger. The tranquil lake was calm, its serene surface undisturbed save for the soft ripples she had created when she touched it. The glowing object continued to beckon, its light pulsing gently as if it were calling out to her.
Determined to uncover the mystery, Phanessa made a quick decision. She removed her Archer's robe, folding it neatly on the rocky shore, and prepared to dive into the water. The cool air brushed against her skin, and she took a deep breath before slipping quietly into the lake.
The water enveloped her like a refreshing embrace, the coolness sending a pleasant chill up her spine. She opened her eyes underwater, the crystal-clear lake allowing her to see with perfect clarity. The glowing object was about ten feet down, nestled among the smooth stones at the bottom of the lake.
With strong, fluid strokes, Phanessa swam deeper, the soft light from the object growing brighter as she approached. As she got closer, she could make out its shape—a perfectly symmetrical, double-pointed crystal, glowing with an ethereal blue light. The crystal was about the size of her hand, and its surface shimmered with an almost liquid quality, as if it were alive with energy.
She reached out, her fingers brushing the crystal's surface. It was cool to the touch, and the moment her skin made contact, she felt a gentle hum of power resonate through her body. The sensation was strange, but not unpleasant—it felt like the crystal was somehow attuning itself to her, recognizing her presence.
Phanessa carefully grasped the crystal, feeling a slight resistance as if it were rooted to the spot. But with a firm tug, it came free, dislodging from the bed of stones. The moment she lifted it, the light intensified, casting a brilliant glow that illuminated the entire underwater chamber.
The lake's depth seemed to come alive with the crystal's light, revealing intricate patterns etched into the walls of the submerged cavern. For a moment, Phanessa was awestruck by the beauty of it all—the way the light danced and refracted through the water, the shimmering reflections on the cavern walls, and the sense of ancient power that seemed to emanate from the crystal itself.
But she knew she couldn't stay underwater forever. Holding the crystal securely in one hand, she kicked off from the lakebed, swimming back up to the surface with quick, powerful strokes. As her head broke through the water, she took a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs as she emerged from the lake.
Climbing out of the water, Phanessa stood on the shore, the crystal still glowing brightly in her hand. She took a moment to study it more closely now that she was back on dry land. The crystal was flawless, its double-pointed shape perfectly symmetrical, with a clarity that made it seem almost otherworldly. Inside, the blue light swirled and pulsed, as if alive with some hidden power.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Phanessa decided to try using [Identity] on the crystal once more, hoping that the system might now provide her with some information. She focused on the glowing shard in her hand, silently activating the skill.
To her surprise, this time the system responded, and a notification appeared in front of her eyes.
[System Notification]
Item Identified: Upgrade Shard (Equipment)
Description: A rare and valuable shard infused with potent magical energy. When applied to a piece of basic equipment, this shard has the ability to enhance the item's attributes, potentially unlocking new abilities or increasing its overall power. Use with caution, as the results can vary based on the compatibility between the shard and the equipment.
Note: The shard can only be used once. Choose wisely.
Phanessa stared at the notification, her mind racing as she processed the information. An Upgrade Shard—a powerful tool that could potentially make a significant difference in her journey through the Tutorial Tower. She had heard of such items in stories and legends, but to actually hold one in her hand was something else entirely.
The shard's value was immediately clear. Enhancing her equipment could give her a much-needed edge in the challenges to come, especially if the upgrade resulted in new abilities or significant boosts to her stats. However, the cautionary note at the end of the description reminded her that there were risks involved. The outcome would depend on the compatibility between the shard and the equipment, and once used, the shard would be gone forever.
Phanessa carefully weighed her options. She could use the shard on her bow, enhancing her primary weapon and potentially increasing her already impressive archery skills. Alternatively, she could wait until she found a piece of equipment that might benefit even more from the shard's power. The decision was not one to be taken lightly.
Phanessa carefully weighed her options, understanding the gravity of her decision. The Upgrade Shard held immense potential, and using it wisely could make a significant difference in her journey. She considered waiting to find another piece of equipment that might benefit more from the shard's power, but her mind kept returning to her bow.
Her bow wasn't just a weapon; it was a gift from her Uncle Lyall, crafted with meticulous care and love. He had spent an entire year perfecting it, presenting it to her on her 21st birthday. The bow had become an extension of herself, a trusted companion in countless adventures. It felt right to honor that connection by enhancing it with the shard.
With her decision made, Phanessa carefully retrieved the Upgrade Shard from her inventory, its ethereal blue light casting a soft glow on her surroundings. She held the shard in one hand and her bow in the other, taking a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of the weapon that had served her so well.
Taking a deep breath, she focused on the bow, feeling the familiar weight and balance in her hands. She activated the shard, channeling its energy into the weapon. The shard began to pulse more intensely, its light merging with the bow, creating a dazzling display of energy.
[System Notification]
Item Upgrade Complete: Nature's Wrath (Soulbound)
Description: Your bow has been successfully enhanced and has become soulbound to you. It is now known as Nature's Wrath. This weapon is linked to your soul and can only be wielded by you. Its power is tied to your growth and will evolve alongside you, unlocking new abilities as you progress.
Attributes Enhanced:
Damage: +20%
Draw Speed: +15%
Accuracy: +25%
New Ability Unlocked: Arrow of Precision
Description: This ability allows the user to fire an arrow that automatically seeks out the target's weak point, increasing the chance of a critical hit by 50%. Cooldown: 2 minutes.
Special Effect: Nature's Wrath is attuned to your essence, and its power will grow with you. As you level up and unlock new skills, the bow will adapt and gain additional abilities. The bow cannot be lost, stolen, or destroyed.