Chapter 883 (1/2)
”Well fuck me sideways,” Sam muttered.
In a strange repeat of a similar scene two weeks ago, Donny stood next to Sam while twisting to and fro nervously. The boy certainly had a right to let down his guard at key moments and display his own nerves, but Sam would prefer that he not be included in that trusted circle. This was a bit too much. ”What does it mean?”
”It means that they have made more preparations that I thought... and it means we should meet with them,” Sam grunted. His mind shifted from the messenger to the message from Zone Seven. In front of him sat a wooden box, a similar wooden box to the one that Donnyton had received earlier. Except this time, instead of hundreds of very low-quality swords, there were three weapons lying within.
One ax, one sword, one spear.
All three pieces of equipment had reached Level 79. It was a Level that made Sam clench his teeth.
Cheerful Butcher's Axe (A) Lvl 79: A weapon imbued with the inner peace of a cheerful butcher. Strikes made with the ax have a high likelihood of inflicting severe damage. The edge might not seem sharp, but the practical intent of the butcher has made this weapon extremely deadly. Strength +30, Endurance +10. Ritual Use III. Spirit of the People IV.
Ritual Use III: This weapon has gone through a series of refinements by being consistently used over a long period of time. When fulfilling the use that the weapon was designed for, the effectiveness of all related Skills is increased by 30%. Resistance +15.
Spirit of the People IV: Each weapon is imbued with the unstoppable spirit of the People, enabling a warrior to continue fighting long after their body would usually run out of strength. Willpower and Endurance +55.
Qilin Horn Rapier (Ru) Lvl 79: The rare horn of a powerful monster that was slain and transformed into a blade. Such was the craftsmanship that the equipment has transcended even the rare nature of the original material. The mystical properties of the Qilin's horn are perfectly suited to this stabbing blade. Elemental Kaleidoscope III. Not of This World I. Spirit of the People I.
Elemental Kaleidoscope III: Due to the materials used to create this weapon, there will occasionally be explosions of elemental Mana during attacks. Such explosions will add as much strength as a Level 30 Skill. Wisdom +20.
Spirit of the People I: Each weapon is imbued with the unstoppable spirit of the People, enabling a warrior to continue fighting long after their body would usually run out of strength. Willpower and Endurance +5.
Spear of the Intrepid Monarch (Un) Lvl 79: A spear held by one who has led many souls into battle. With such a spear, the holder will be seized by the collective will of the army and wield that strength with impunity. The larger the army, the more strength the holder will draw from the army. Strength, Agility, Reaction, and Perception +10. Folded Metal III. Spirit of the People VI.
Folded Metal III: The complex production process has created a beautiful kaleidoscope of color with its folded metal. Perception and Reaction +35.
Spirit of the People VI: This weapon has been made with a very insistent and powerful image for the People’s role in the world. As such, it will be able to help its bearer surpass his or her limitations when following the will of the People. Willpower and Endurance +85.
”So?” Donny asked again.
So at least they have not reached Legendary Rank.But aside from that edge I have over them… this is beyond the current me. Sam sighed. In some ways, Donny was so foolish. So persistent. What can be said that hasn't already been said...? The information was already in front of them. What really mattered was what they did with this information.
Suddenly, Sam felt like Randidly’s words about Donnyton believing it was the strongest was spot on. Which meant that Sam needed to use this as the prodding to push himself forward to a Level higher than this.
Well, if what Donny wanted to know was whether Donnyton was capable of producing something like this...
Sam pressed his eyes closed. Not right now. But soon. I know it. With what I'm about to make for Randidly, I'll blow this away...!
Yet that wasn't now. So Sam opened his eyes and said. ”How much do these cost? What did the ambassador want for them?”
”No cost,” Donny said with a shake of the head. ”He claimed they were a gift.”
That was exactly what Sam hoped he wouldn't hear. Sighing, Sam looked up at the sky. ”No such thing as a free lunch... hey, talk to Sydney and get her to send some of those elemental manifestations South to us. We are going to need to send a gift in return to our neighbors... and we need to make fucking sure it blows their socks off.”
Sam had been focused on so many things the past few months that he had forgotten to raise the bar of what was possible. But this, combined with Randidly’s rejection of his initial equipment, lit a fire in his chest.
It was time to remind the world of the power of the Dawn Smith.
****
Randidly frowned down at the ground, sitting cross-legged in one of the deep burrows that Thorn used as its home. Even here, not all of Thorn's body was visible; Thorn's core was exposed, but much of his body was spread through the area beneath Scant.