The party members were in a good mood, joking around while looting. Everyone received at least one suitable green-magic item, boosting the entire group.
Common items were abundant.
When Cyclone first reached the cave, it was filled with piles of gold and jewelry. The young woman's eyes reflected the coins, imagining infinite wealth.
However, when she reached out with her hand each pile only yielded three gold coins, causing despair.
Cyclone sulked in a corner while the rest of the party separated the gold into one pile each.
Most of the friends were excited, as three gold coins were a lot at this point in the game, equivalent to one hundred silver or ten thousand copper.
Other than this the party found a replica of Osick's sword. With multiple people interested in it, they had no choice but to roll for it, relying on luck.
In the end Quickstep beat everyone despite only rolling a 58.
[Saber of the blue tide
Category: Uncommon
Level requirement: 5
Attack Damage: 13-15
Attack Speed: 0,7
Effect 1: Every attack deals 2%(PDMG) water damage.
Effect 2: Every attack deals splash damage of 0,5%(PDMG) water damage.
A saber bought by Pirate Captain Osick. Known for his tendency to throw his weapons in a fit of anger he bought in batches.]
Fortunately, Cyclone was a mage and not interested in sabers. If the lucky young lady would've rolled the dice, everyone would have been certain of her win.
And at this moment Cyclone proved her luck again as she looted the three copper-grade treasure chests in the room.
She received two magic rings with strength and intelligence respectively, one given to Liam and one to Balm.
The kind mage almost didn't want to accept, but she shut up as Cyclone pulled another uncommon item, a powerful tome, its effect granting a chance to repeat one skill without cost.
She quipped it, generously giving her old tome to Balm.
The party received an all-around upgrade. Only Liam knew that even this might not be enough to make it through the upcoming dungeon.
After half an hour of happy looting, the party left. The once golden treasure cave only held some empty chests and racks now.
Somewhere on the vast ocean Osick felt a stab in his heart, swearing revenge.
Naturally, the party would welcome him with open arms, urging him to bring more loot.
Under Silver Blade's lead they left the pirate village, crossing the island. The monkeys had already respawned, awaiting demise as everyone wanted to test their new equipment.
Thus, the return journey only lasted a few minutes, the path plastered with dead primates.
Fortunately, Onriel didn't care about the massacre. She waited on her boat, anxiously praying for the party to return. When Silver Blade came into her view with the trident in hand, the young woman's eyes lit up.
"Adventurers! You did it! You retrieved the trident!"
"We didn't disappoint you, young maiden!", exclaimed Radiant Shield.
"Great! Great news! Now grandpa will be able to defend the village again!"
A tear ran down Onriel's cheek, touching everyone as they boarded the fishing boat.
"Tell me, adventurers. What happened to the vicious pirate?"
Silver Blade naturally did the talking.
"Unfortunately, the captain was able to escape, fleeing on his ship."
"A pity. But I'm sure he won't dare to return anytime soon. Thank you!"
Silver Blade smiled at Onriel, but her mind was still on the quest.
"Say, Onriel. Are you sure your grandfather will be strong enough to unleash the trident again?"
"Of course. Over the last few days, he has already been looking better. I think it's his iron will to protect the village which motivates him."
"So, your grandfather has always been protecting the village. That's his top priority?"
"Yes."
Onriel looked puzzled but answered the helpful adventurer obediently.
"Is he the only one able to wield the trident?"
"Of course. The Blue Blood Trident is our family heirloom, acknowledging only grandpa."
"But what if… he was to die?"
"Impossible!", exclaimed Onriel with conviction.
"But just if it really happened?"
"Well, in that case I would succeed him."
"Oh no!"
Suddenly the pieces of the puzzle matched in Silver Blade's mind. She grew anxious, getting a bad premonition.
"Onriel, can we speed up? We need to hurry!"
Silver Blade spoke loudly, attracting the other's attention.
"Silver? What's going on?"
"This old fishing boat can't go faster…", answered Onriel.
Silver Blade's mind churned. Suddenly she remembered the trident's description.
Without waiting for anyone she walked towards the boat's bow, raising the Blue Blood Trident towards the sky.
With a thought the weapon's effect activated.
Liam smiled knowingly as the ocean below them began stirring.
"Hmm? What is Silver Blade doing?"
"Are we getting into a storm?"
At this moment Silver Blade finally explained herself, her face grave:
"I think if we don't hurry up the old man will kill himself!"
"What?!"
"Why? Where did you get this from?"
"Because the old man's wish is to guard the village. Even if he needs to die for it!"
The party members stared at Silver Blade's back, but they naturally believed her. The waves building below the ship were prove that the game created this way to reach the village faster.
"Not again…"
Cyclone wailed as the boat was pushed by the ocean, rocking continuously. The blond woman hung over the railing, her face green.
Quickstep was the complete opposite, dragging Silent Acacia towards the bow and enjoying the wild ride.
Waves churned, pushed by an invisible force. They grabbed the frail fishing boat and threw it towards the coast, leaving the seagulls circling in the air behind.
A minute later the peaceful Lomen Village came into view again.
The villagers were startled as strong winds blew through their houses. A little boy turned towards the sea, staring with wide eyes.
"Mom, mom! Look! Such a huge wave!"
The mother rolled her eyes, about to admonish her son when she turned around and froze in horror.
"What is happening?!"
"Frascaido, have mercy! Please! Save us so we can sacrifice in your name!"
The villagers panicked, calling out to their gods, fearing for their lives.
Silver Blade stood on the boat, gulping heavily. The moment she activated the trident's effect, the game had taken over control, similar to a cutscene.
Suddenly Silent Acacia squinted his eyes, shouting at the party.
"Look! The cliff over there!"
Following his reminder, everyone found an old man standing atop of a cliff, his back towards the ocean, arms opened wide.
"No! Grandpa!"
Onriel's shrill scream tugged at everyone's heartstrings.
But at this moment the waves suddenly changed direction. Forced by the magical trident they rolled towards the large cliff.
It looked as if an invisible magic was protecting the village, all waves mellowing out before reaching the coast.
At the same time the water rose higher and higher, almost being at one level with the cliff.
Old man Blunnriel was in his own world, not noticing any of the commotion. He whispered with tears in his eyes.
"Goodbye, beautiful world. I'm sorry, Onriel. Please continue protecting the village in my stead. I… have failed. Let me return to the ocean where I belong."
His dry voice barely audible, the old man slowly tilted backwards. The empty air embraced him.
But a moment later…
"OUH!"
Blunnriel left out a pained shout.
"Grandpa! Grandpa! Why… what?!"
Blunnriel heard his granddaughter's voice, opening his eyes in confusion.
"Onriel? What are you doing here?"
Onriel choked on her own words, kneeling down and holding her grandfather's head with tearstained eyes.
*sob* *sob*
Liam looked to the side, spotting Cyclone who managed to raise her head, sobbing audibly, her face looking terrible.
"Ah! Don't look! *sob*"
Liam chuckled, taking a quick look at his other teammates, all of them obviously touched.
No one spoke as the waves below the boat gradually receded, transporting them back to the village.
The old man sighed heavily as he stepped foot on the familiar wooden ground, Onriel clinging to his arms, not daring to let go.
A complicated look was in the village guardian's eyes as he looked at the trident handed over by Silver Blade.
"You brought back the trident, adventurer. But you can't bring back my youth…"
Onriel's body trembled.
"Grandpa! It's time for someone to share the pressure with you! The village can't rely solely on you!"
"No. This is my fault, and I vowed to protect all of us! If only I could wield the trident again…"
Blunnriel looked downtrodden, but suddenly a spark lit up in his mind.
"Adventurer, tell me, how could you command the trident?"
"We found these in the pirate's lair.", explained Silver Blade, handing over the blue crystals.
"This… how is this possible?! Who could forge such a medium?! With those lessening the burden I might be able to unleash the trident's power!"
Onriel stared at her grandfather in shock.
"No! I have to research this!"
Blunnriel began mumbling to himself, entering his hut with the trident and crystal.
Onriel was dazed before suddenly bowing to the players.
"I can't thank all of you enough. Here, take this for your help. And please come back in a while. I might have more tasks for you."