Chapter 142: A Message in the Bottle ǁ Shadow Veil Cloak ǁ
Wondrous Items, legendary (requires attunement)
This mystical garment envelops you in an aura of darkness.
Its enchanting properties bestow upon you the ability to excel in stealth, granting a significant advantage when concealed in shadows.
In dimly lit or shadowy environments, it bolsters your constitution with a +2 bonus.
Furthermore, when darkness prevails, the cloak becomes an impervious shield, providing a substantial +5 constitution bonus, rendering you nearly invulnerable to your adversaries.
Sewn into the fabric of the cloak is a wise adage: "Those who remain unseen are less likely to meet their demise in battle. May the shadows be your ally."
ǁ E N D ǁ
Having divided the rewards amongst themselves, they eventually departed from the tomb.
. As they made their way back, Xin was engrossed in studying the spell inscribed on a scroll that had magically materialized in his inventory after he had deciphered the incantations within the Druid’s tomb.
’By the ancient runes of forgotten lore,
In this forsaken fortress, we implore,
Unveil the path, the secrets hidden deep,
To where the dwarves’ prisoner lies asleep.
With mystic words and gestures, we entreat,
A portal’s magic, complete and fleet,
Evoke the essence of this realm’s design,
Let freedom’s light in darkness shine.’
The scroll’s end was conspicuously absent as if a portion had been torn away.
Xin’s curiosity was piqued, prompting him to conduct a quick internet search, but he found no information about a torn scroll within the Abandoned Fortress.
Then, a realization struck him like a lightning bolt. It must be connected to the key he had found earlier, the one that triggered the prisoner’s quest. The scroll seemed to be another clue leading to the captive.
"What’s on your mind?" Victor asked, interrupting Xin’s thoughts.
Xin snapped out of his reverie. "Nothing," he replied, "just researching something."
Victor grinned knowingly. "Is it about our project? Still concerned about the auction?"
Xin gave a nonchalant shrug. "Well, isn’t everyone?"
Victor stifled a laugh. "Don’t worry. Remember, if no one else buys your painting, I’ve got your back."
"Good to know," Xin replied, though he wasn’t too thrilled about the idea.
In due course, the group reached the Kingdom’s messenger and handed over the life-saving herb, the key to curing the princess’s ailment.
The Kingdom’s messenger accepted the herb from the players with a deep sense of gratitude in his eyes.
"Thank you, brave adventurers," he said, his voice tinged with relief. "This herb will save the princess’s life. Your efforts are greatly appreciated."
Yuzuro spoke up as well. "We hope the princess recovers swiftly."
The messenger’s eyes glistened with gratitude as he clasped his hands together. "You are truly kind-hearted souls. The Kingdom will not forget your selfless actions today."
The squad’s rewards for their valiant efforts in recovering the seeds and books from the druid’s grave and saving the princess were indeed a fitting reflection of their bravery.
The castle expressed its heartfelt gratitude by presenting them with a substantial sum of gold as a token of appreciation. This act spoke volumes of the Kingdom’s gratitude.
Xin and his companions were also granted access to the royal armory, where they could select a weapon or a piece of art known for its exceptional craftsmanship and power.
However, the choices were somewhat limited since many of the armory’s treasures were restricted to royalty alone.
As a symbol of their distinction and honor, they were bestowed with prestigious titles by the castle, elevating their status within the realm.
Furthermore, the chief physician pledged to provide them with free medical care and healing for the rest of their lives, ensuring their well-being and offering assistance whenever needed.
These generous gifts stood as a testament to the Kingdom’s enduring gratitude and served as a symbol of the fearless travelers’ courage and selflessness in the face of adversity.
"I believe it’s a fair reward, especially considering the dungeon’s challenges," Rever remarked, stretching with satisfaction. "Looks like we’ve cleared another segment of this map! Onward to the third part!"
Yuzuro clasped her hands together, her enthusiasm shining through. "We’re getting closer to the end."
Victor, however, wore a more reserved expression. "Remember, the dungeon’s difficulty will only increase from here. Are you all truly prepared?"
Rever’s determination was unwavering as he clenched his fists. "Absolutely!"
Yuzuro’s smile faltered slightly. "I hope we can make it all the way."
Victor had reservations himself, given their team’s composition and Xin and Yuzuro’s lower levels, but he chose to keep his doubts to himself for now.
"Looks like it’s time to call it a day," Rever yawned, his enthusiasm fading as he rubbed his eyes. "The system’s warning to log me out is already flashing on my screen."
The rest of the team nodded in agreement, bidding each other farewell and promising to reconvene tomorrow for the third dungeon.
Xin logged out of the game just in time for Evelyn’s return home.
Observing the clock, Xin noted that it was nearing midnight. "You’re home late," he remarked.
Evelyn let out a tired sigh. "Don’t even ask. That dinner meeting dragged on forever. I’m so exhausted I could fall asleep right here."
"Please don’t," Xin urged, assisting his mother towards her bedroom.
Evelyn yawned as she asked, "Why are you still up?"
"Projects," Xin replied, a mixture of truth and a little white lie.
Evelyn handed him a bottle of drink. "Here. I probably won’t drink this anymore, so you can have it."
Xin looked at the bottle and was surprised to find it was his mother’s favorite brand of hot chocolate milk. It was expensive too.
"Are you sure? You like this," he said.
Evelyn waved it off and yawned once more. "I’m too tired and full, so go ahead and have it. My boss gave it to me before I left his car. I couldn’t refuse, so I just accepted it."
Before Xin could suggest that she drink it tomorrow morning, Evelyn closed the bedroom door abruptly.
Xin blinked, then stared at the bottle in his hand.
Shrugging, he decided to drink it for himself, assuming Mr. Fey wouldn’t mind.