After completing his registration at the Adventurer's Guild, Ethan turned to Iris, ready to part ways. She had been his guide through this process, and now it seemed like their paths would diverge.
"Thank you for helping me," Ethan said with a grateful smile. "I'll contact you when I'm in the academy."
Iris, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink, fidgeted for a moment before reaching into her bag. She pulled out a small, ornate box and handed it to him.
"Ethan, this is for you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's a token of my gratitude for everything you've done."
Ethan blinked in surprise as he took the box. Opening it carefully, he found a beautiful pendant inside. It was intricately crafted, with a glowing sapphire at its center, framed by delicate golden filigree. The pendant emanated a gentle but powerful aura, unlike anything Ethan had ever felt before.
"Iris, what is this?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"This is the Imperial Pendant," she explained, her gaze steady. "It's a legendary artifact from the Imperial Dynasty. It's a symbol of authority and protection. I want you to have it. It's meant for someone who will face great challenges, and I believe that person is you."
Ethan felt the weight of her words. He carefully placed the pendant around his neck, and as soon as it settled into place, he felt a surge of energy, almost as if the pendant had accepted him as its rightful bearer.
Just as the pendant settled against his chest, a system message appeared in his vision:
---
[ Imperial Pendant ]
< Item: Imperial Pendant >
< Type: Jewelry (Pendant) >
< Rarity: Legendary >
< Weight: 0.5 lbs >
< Durability: 100/100 (Indestructible) >
[ Attributes: ]
Royal Aura: +25% Diplomacy, +15% Influence over people
Emperor's Blessing (Active): +10 Charisma, +5 Morale to allies within 30m for 30 minutes.
Imperial Resolve (Passive): Reduces damage by 50% when HP < 25%, heals 5% HP per second for 10 seconds.
Sunflare Shield (Active): Absorbs 500 damage for 30 seconds (24-hour cooldown).
Aura of Command: +20% Combat Efficiency to allies within 30m for 1 hour.
Mythology: A legendary artifact of the Imperial Dynasty, granting the wearer divine authority and power.
Acquisition: Obtained through the quest "Crown of the Radiant Sun".
---
[ You have acquired a title through the imperial pendant: "Crown of the Radiant Sun" ]
---
Ethan stared at the message in awe. The pendant's attributes were nothing short of extraordinary, and the title "Crown of the Radiant Sun" sent a thrill through him. This gift would undoubtedly play a major role in whatever challenges lay ahead.
"I don't know how to thank you, Iris," Ethan said, his voice full of sincerity. "This is an incredible gift. I promise I won't let you down."
Iris gave him a shy smile, her face turning slightly pinker. "I believe in you, Ethan. You have a bright future ahead of you, and I know you'll make the most of it."
With that, Iris turned and began walking away, her back straight and her steps confident. Ethan watched her for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the guild, feeling the weight of the pendant around his neck and the responsibility it represented.
It was clear that this was only the beginning of his journey.
---