Everyone filed into the hidden room, illuminated by the magic crystal stones—
“Wow…” Milora gasped softly, as it was her first time entering a lord’s treasure vault in a labyrinth.
The room wasn’t large, but it was packed with items, mostly earthenware and metal vessels, along with some locked chests, all densely arranged.
There were ancient coins filling clay pots.
Weapons hung on the walls, covered in dust.
Jewelry placed individually in small boxes.
In the corner, there were some biological materials that seemed to come from rare creatures.
“First come, first served, but no more than three items per person.
The rest will be handled by Anna-veil and me, deciding whether to distribute them or confiscate them,” Torina quickly instructed.
It wasn’t really necessary to explain, as everyone except Milora and Ji Xue came from noble backgrounds and didn’t need to covet these treasures.
What she wanted more was the honor of being the discoverer and victor.
“…Then I won’t hold back,” Anna-veil was the first to start selecting.
“Huh? Can I really take anything? Even me?” Milora was a bit flustered, thinking she was the one who caused trouble and didn’t deserve a reward.
“If I say you can choose, then choose.
Don’t feel pressured,” Torina reassured her.
“Alright…” So, everyone began to make their selections.
Patty was looking at a few bows hanging on the wall.
These bows were quite rough in design, taller than she was.
She tried two and gave up.
Lanifi, on the other hand, was very interested in the barbarian heavy weapons stored here.
Her family was known for being small but strong and skilled in forging, rumored to have ancient dwarf blood.
Lindas, with her unique profession, didn’t have much need for equipment, so she just squatted down to observe the metal materials.
Laxis casually picked up a staff and an amulet, which seemed to be used by ancient barbarian shamans.
Ji Xue had no desires, looking around absentmindedly, her mind seemingly elsewhere.
Naji eagerly searched for beautiful jewelry.
She wasn’t greedy for money but loved beauty, being a devout believer who cared too much about appearance.
Torina had her own plans.
After awakening a new skill, she could truly fight using both hands and feet.
If she could equip her feet with weapons like Sister Bei, wouldn’t that be amazing? But… what kind of weapon should she use?
Those powerful weapons were designed with “handheld” use in mind.
Those in the “fighter” profession might have leg moves, but at most, they wore shoes or pants that enhanced foot strength, not real weapons.
Was there a weapon that could perfectly fit her legs and feet, be worn without hindrance, unleash powerful force when needed, feel comfortable to use, and allow her to walk barefoot?
While rummaging through a pile of rare materials, she suddenly found something interesting: a whole box of transparent silk threads, far more crystal-clear than plastic on Earth, like crystal spun into fine threads, and completely weightless.
(Silk from celestial silkworms… It’s said to be nearly extinct now, yet I found it here.)
She carefully examined the celestial silk, then looked down at her feet, her clever mind already forming an idea.
(Hehe, I’m so smart!)
She began to feel proud.
To be fair, her idea was indeed good, but unfortunately, she hadn’t considered how impractical this plan was.
Not far away, Milora’s attention was drawn to a giant sword leaning against the wall.
Rather than a sword, it was more like a massive iron block, standing almost as tall as Milora, with a rough, dark green blade covered in faint red fungal threads and carved with mushroom-like patterns.
“Um, Miss Laxis? I remember you have an appraisal skill? Can you help me take a look?”
“This sword? Let me see…”
At Milora’s request, Laxis used the “Eye of Appraisal” skill that many Mages learn:
“Appraisal… Hmm… It’s called the ‘Fungal King Greatsword,’ with strength enhancement, attacks with strong decay attributes, and significantly increases the user’s resistance to poison, decay, and fear.
The fungal threads can absorb biomass stuck to the blade as nutrients, and once enough nutrients are accumulated, it can add a small explosion effect to slashes… A very powerful weapon.”
“Yes… It looks so cool.”
“But this thing is clearly meant for professions like greatsword users, berserkers, barbarians, or heavy knights.
I suggest you know your limits.”
“Mm~~~~” Hearing this, Milora’s stubbornness as the Protagonist kicked in, and she immediately tried to take it off the wall—so heavy! Really heavy! She needed both hands to hold it in front of her!
After some picking and choosing—
“Everyone, have you made your selections?”
““““““““We have.”””””””
Torina took all the celestial silk and plant fibers that could be used to make clothes, shoes, and socks.
Milora chose the Fungal King Greatsword and two accessories that increased resistance to abnormal statuses.
Anna-veil took three rare gems that had no practical value but could fetch a high price among nobles.
Laxis took a staff, a small amulet, and a bag of fungi.
Patty took a poison-enchanted dagger, a roll of leather that could upgrade a quiver, and a bag of fungi.
Naji took a bracelet, necklace, and anklet, all very beautiful and exotic in style.
Lanifi took a full set of heavy armor, a large box of rare metals, and the axe Grelou used in the first stage.
Lindas, bored, grabbed two rhinoceros beetles.
Only Ji Xue was left empty-handed, or rather, she hadn’t chosen anything at all.
“Hey, Ji Xue? Are you sure you don’t want to take something?” Torina asked.
“………”
“If you don’t choose, I’ll pick something for you.
This piece of refined iron is of good quality.
How about you take it to forge a new sword?”
“…………”
“What are you daydreaming about?”
Torina patted her shoulder, and she suddenly shouted:
“I—I got it! I got it!!!!”
“…Huh?”
“I got it! Yay! I got it! As expected! Only a life-and-death battle that truly threatens your life can provide the most valuable experience!!!”
“Are you referring to almost getting killed by the lord a few days ago…”
“That was an extremely valuable experience! My, my swordsmanship can finally break through!! I’ve been stuck for so long with no progress!”
“So… do you need us to practice with you?”
“Leave me here!!”
“Huh? You want to leave the team?”
“Not leaving the team, but I can’t join activities for now! I need to find a place where no one will disturb me to train, so leave me here! You guys go ahead and do what you need to do without worrying about me! I’ll find you once I’m done training!!!!”
“Since you’re so insistent… alright, we’re going to stay in Zhiweidun City for a short while after this.
You can find us there once you’re done.”
