147 - 24 Hearts

Chapter 147 - A Country of Entertainment and Culture, Urun "...What do you mean?" Yuda asked in a bewildered voice. The Count played with his ring, letting out a slight chuckle. It reminded him of a past he once knew. The memory of bygone days softened his hardened expression ever so slightly. "I'm saying I'll pass on the fragment I possess to you," the Count said, speaking as though he were offering congratulations. When something you've fervently desired comes too easily, instead of feeling joy, it often triggers suspicion. Especially when the item in question isn't the kind that drops from slaying monsters—it's something that should never transfer ownership without hefty compensation. Such skepticism was only natural. Could there be an ulterior motive behind this? Yuda eyed the Count cautiously. "No need for such wariness. There's no hidden agenda here. Unfortunately, no one, not even the original master of the fragment, has a claim over it—except perhaps a ruler, but you're no ruler, are you? Whether you desire it or not, now that the fragment has chosen you, it belongs to you. Regardless of what anyone says." "..." "Don't you find it hard to believe? That such fortune has come your way? I felt the same." The Count continued, gazing out the window with a nostalgic air. "When I acquired the fragment, much the same happened. Looking back now, I think I understand why the previous owner, she, was so consumed by madness. She told me, just as you're being told now, that the fragment had chosen me—like she was witnessing salvation. At the time, I couldn't grasp what it meant, or its significance." "She?" Curious about the previous owner's story, of which he was unaware, Yuda's eyes widened with interest. "Yes, her... Why am I only remembering her now? She said she was tormented by nightmares too. She claimed being by my side provided her sole solace. Indeed, why did I forget all that? I thought it was something I'd regret most in my life, but I must have been too happy to have forgotten it." The Count let out a self-deprecating laugh. "Like you, I was skeptical when she offered to pass the fragment on to me. I was suspicious. Everyone coveted it, yet she offered it without demanding anything in return." The Count let out a small sigh. "I couldn't trust her words and foolishly rejected what she was offering me. She never forced me. But soon after, I learned she had been attacked by others who desired the fragment. When I found her, I saw the woman, whom I thought could never perish, standing wounded amid unrecognizable remains. She awaited me, remarkably alive, and handed over the ring with the words, 'From now on, you are its master.'" "Ah, so that's how it was," mumbled the Count as he turned to stare into Yuda's eyes. "You see, you were the reason. Since the ring began to resonate, the fragment had pointed to you as its next owner. The nightmares I suffered were threats, demanding I pass it onto you, or risk seeing them come true." "What if I refuse, just as you did?" "Then, like her, I'd fall into madness. Driven by it, I could harm those around me... and face a tragic death, as she did." You sound so indifferent about it. The Count held the ring between his thumb and forefinger, as if to hand it over. Though he tugged at it, it wouldn’t come off immediately. His hands trembled slightly as he seemed lost in thought. But once resolved, he slowly removed the ring, clenched it tightly, and presented it to Yuda. "Take it. From now on, you are the ring's master." So easily? Yuda gazed at the ring in the Count's outstretched palm. An ancient, elegant ring, with value immeasurable in mere currency, lay upon the hand. The Count's seemingly genuine urging for him to take it made him extend his hand further. As Yuda picked up the ring, he stole a glance at the Count, whose eyes were closed. The mixed emotions of getting a prized item in a game, the relief of resolving matters without violence, and the uneasy sense of something amiss washed over him. He exhaled a long breath. ────────────────────── [Name: Fifth Fragment - Valentine] [Grade: Legendary] [Equipment: Ring] [Effects] Magic Power +3, Anti-Magic Power, Charisma, Charm +4 Magic Capacity +100%, Recovery Speed +300% [Description] The fifth fragment of the Heart of Faerne. The ring's base is made from celestial ore, topped with gold, and embedded with the fragment. It exudes an aura of sophistication, enhancing the wearer's appeal merely by sight. The ring emits a peculiar magical aura that elevates the user's captivation. The ring endows the bearer with the powers of "Destiny" and "Honor," altering their fate, and significantly enhancing their magic efficiency. The bearer of the ring shall find prosperity and attract a beautiful or handsome spouse, gain respect, and earn honor, even awakening latent magical talents. However, these changes in fortune only affect those of lower stature; those with significant power experience minimal effects from wearing the ring. Note: The ring has a tendency to select its own master. Should it choose another, it inflicts nightmares and promises a miserable end to its bearer. Though one might see it as trivial for a fragment, Fernern held this ring dear because it significantly reduced the magic power consumption required to cast high-level spells and could restore magic power in emergencies. - Magic Supply (Active): Absorb magic from the fragment embedded in the ring. Fully restores consumed magic power and can be used up to five times a day. - Dispel (Active): Cancel a spell in progress or remove enchantments from specific objects. However, it may fail for spells ranked 5 or above. The higher the user's magical skill or related knowledge, the higher the success rate of Dispel. The amount of magic consumed varies with the spell's rank. - Lending (Hidden): If you possess Carpe Diem, you can lend the fragment to a subordinate. Although it appears to be shared, ownership remains with the user. The user can retrieve the lent fragment whenever needed. However, the user and borrower cannot use the same fragment simultaneously. - Change Your Fate (Passive) - Allure of Shining Coin: Money will be drawn to you like a magnet. Probably. - Efficient Experience: Receive additional bonuses in skill proficiency and experience acquisition. - Glorious Fame: Your reputation will be more widely known, and those who value prestige will hold you in favor. - Mesmerizing Charm and Charisma: Grace permeates your every action. However, if your charm and charisma are low, the effect will be rather minimal. - Blooming (Passive): Elevates potential magical or supernatural abilities, leading to their development. - Efficient Magic Use (Passive): Reduces the consumption rate of magic for spells and magical techniques by 50%. - Magic Overdrive (Passive): Increases magic consumption by 50% for all techniques and spells, amplifying their power by 100%. - 1+1=5? (Passive): By consuming additional magic, the number of activated spells or techniques can increase by 3 to 5 times. There are skills to which this does not apply, however. - Absolute Magic Defense (Passive): Grants total immunity to spells ranked 3 or below, a 30% defense against rank 4, 25% against rank 5, 15% against rank 6, and 5% for ranks 7 and above. - Nightmare (Passive): As a type of curse, it causes the user to suffer from nightmares. - The Fifth of Fernern’s Twenty-Four Hearts (Passive): The power of the fifth heart among the twenty-four is "Fate" and "Honor." - Succession (Passive): If all 24 armors made from the Heart of Fernern are collected, one can inherit the power of the Demon King Fernern. ────────────────────── "...Huh?" A message signaled that the current state had been saved. Both the name and attributes noted in the item description were genuine. It couldn't possibly be a fake. Crafting such an item into a replica is astonishing enough, but if it could fool the system, the Count would indeed be a person of formidable skill. Yuda found himself unable to believe the situation. It was astounding that he had gathered the fourth fragment so smoothly. "Are you truly giving this to me? Really?" "Indeed. Now you are its master. I'm merely grateful you accepted it without question." "...It doesn't feel real." "Nor did it to me." "Is there anything you desire in return? For giving me the fragment, I mean. If there's anything I can do, I'd be willing to help." The Count let out a small chuckle. "What could you possibly do for me, having only just acquired the fragment? At best, I might ask you to keep a low profile until you leave Urun. If word gets out that you possess the fragment, it won’t end favorably for you." Considering his plans to clandestinely relocate elves away from the great nobles of Urun, Yuda doubted he could truly remain silent. He shrugged, unable to give a certain answer. "I'll try my best." Yuda pondered where to wear the ring he received from Count Zenior. He slipped Carpe Diem onto his left index finger and Valentine onto his left ring finger. The moment he donned the ring, Valentine resonated briefly, as if in contentment. A soft humming sound reverberated quietly within the carriage. ---------= Author's Note ---------= Hmm! Ding Ding! I should get back to updating consecutively. But first, let me complete this week's presentation PPT!