themonasnovels Chapter 496 [Proof of Indulgence] and [Shadow Dust]
Chapter 496 [Proof of Indulgence] and [Shadow Dust]
Chapter 496 [Proof of Indulgence] and [Shadow Dust]
Xia Nan wanted to contact this collector named "Aurie Silverheart" through Ellison's channels.
The main reason was that he learned from the other party that the collector was very interested in exotic items, and Ellison himself often gathered information from Oriel in order to find possible traces of his father, Lelo Morton.
During a break between missions, with several dozen days until the Moonlit Feast, he thought he could take this opportunity to find another secret realm to replenish the energy of the [Dream Corridor] and improve his own strength in preparation for matters concerning "Algae Scales" and Dodd.
Therefore, from the moment Xia Nan followed Aurier into the tower, his attention remained highly focused.
For every item that appears to be a product of the secret realm, you should bring up its attribute panel and examine it carefully, looking for keywords such as "time travel" or "other world" in the [Notes] and [Description] sections.
Unfortunately, at least so far, Xia Nan has not made any special discoveries.
It is true that these are all items from foreign lands, but these so-called "foreign lands" are all based in Harp Bay, not on the continent of Aifara, or this world.
There are ancient architectural ruins from the western desert and ancient totems from barbarian tribes in the northern frost-covered moss, but none of them share the same otherworldly characteristics as the [Fallen Old Coin (Incomplete)] and [Type III Integrated Surgical Knife] that Xia Nan had previously discovered.
In fact, even now, when Aurelius led him to the small study where more advanced collections were clearly stored, those precious collections that he had carefully kept in the glass cases on the cabinets still did not possess any otherworldly attributes.
Through the attribute panel, Xia Nan could clearly observe that the crown the other party mentioned, whose exact origin was unknown but which seemed to have a history of three thousand years and was said to have come from a king of an ancient kingdom.
Although it is indeed a product from 3215 years ago, it was a replica specially made by the king for his daily wear to prevent unnecessary damage. The real item was only taken out by him from a secret room known only to a few people on large events such as sacrifices and coronation ceremonies.
It has no special effects and is purely a collectible.
The tarot card, a keepsake left in the mortal realm by the "God of Gamblers," is a complete lie and has no power to connect the holder to the divine realm after death.
According to the brief introduction Xia Nan saw on its attribute panel, this tarot card was created countless years ago by a legendary powerful figure from the southern part of the continent, who specially created it to obtain godhood, with the purpose of holding a large-scale ritual with deceptive elements.
As for the result... judging from the comments in the panel's remarks section, it was most likely a failure.
Of course, it's not entirely without effect; the holder of this tarot card will receive a slight bonus when making charm checks (in terms of persuasion and deception).
Judging solely from its equipment effects, it is clearly not worth preserving it with such meticulous care. However, considering its historical significance and its role in commemorating the legendary powerhouse who failed to advance, it does have considerable collectible value.
What truly caught Xia Nan's attention was the third item he saw in this small storage room.
It was a dark gray metal bracelet.
It is woven from strands of fine and flexible silver-gray iron wire, which are intertwined in a continuous and tight manner, resembling surging waves or layered scales, giving it an overall clean and simple feel.
Without gold or jewels, and without any elaborate or ornate design, it was nothing like the kind of jewelry that the high-ranking officials and nobles of this continent should wear.
However, the simple yet sophisticated quality that this bracelet exudes, enhanced by its high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, gives it an indescribable texture.
It's like a master craftsman who deliberately abandons all the extra craftsmanship used for decoration and wholeheartedly devotes all his skills to it, embodying the ultimate practicality.
As you can see, almost every short interval on the outside of the bracelet, there is a tiny gap left by the bends of the woven and intertwined iron wires.
Nine empty loops are evenly distributed on the outer curved surface of the entire bracelet.
Only one of the empty rings had something hanging inside:
—A strangely shaped badge.
The badge itself is not large, only about the size of a fingernail, narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, like a flat and slightly short water droplet. Its gray color is like solidified morning mist, yet it is not translucent, giving people a small but heavy feeling.
Xia Nan didn't pay much attention to the bracelet at first, after all, compared to the crown and tarot cards she had before, it wasn't the kind of thing that would catch her eye in terms of appearance.
It wasn't until Xia Nan focused his attention on the cabinet according to its order that the attribute panel that appeared before him completely changed his mind.
……
[Proof of diligence]
Type: Bracelet
Tier: Common/Fine/Rare/Exotic/Epic
effect:
1-20% of physical exertion (during training);
2. +15% stamina recovery speed;
3. +33% training efficiency (when training duration is greater than 180 minutes);
4. Wearers will find it easier to enter a state of high concentration during training.
Slot 1:
[Shadow Dust]: +50% speed at which skill-based combat skills gain proficiency;
Slot 2: /
Slot 3: /
……
Slot 9: /
Introduction:
To the sweat before dawn, the calluses on my palms, and my clumsy devotion.
Remarks:
"Swing your sword, and everything will be alright once you start swinging it."
……
What's this!?
Xia Nan almost thought he was seeing things.
What do "+33% training efficiency" and "+50% speed of gaining proficiency in skill-based combat techniques" mean?
As a professional adventurer who had mastered many combat skills from beginner to expert, even though he had only been in this world for two years, he could clearly feel how difficult it was to improve his combat skill proficiency level in this world.
Even with exceptional talent, the daily training sessions of over ten hours outside of missions are a real and undeniable reality. On the continent of Aifara, whether you're a novice adventurer just starting out or a legendary figure already at the top, no one considers combat skill training easy.
The sweat shed during arduous practice and the soreness in the muscles after high-intensity training, along with the time and energy consumed, are the necessary steps for professionals to climb the ladder of success.
No one can avoid it.
That's why items like the [Dream Corridor], which can significantly increase combat skill proficiency levels in a short time, are so precious; and that's why the effect of the [Proof of Indulgence] displayed on the attribute panel before Xia Nan's eyes surprised him so much.
This special effect of improving training efficiency, even if it is only five percent or five per thousand, will be incredibly effective and save a lot of time when combined with a professional's long training career.
Not to mention that the current figures are "33%" and "50%"!
Since being blown away by that truck to the continent of Aifara, Xia Nan has never seen or even heard of any equipment that could improve the speed of combat skills training.
It's hard to imagine what kind of storm this "Proof of Unwavering Dedication" will cause among adventurers when it circulates in the market.
Xia Nan was certain that even the most powerful beings at the top of the pyramid would be tempted by this type of equipment.
Right now, this bracelet of unimaginable value is placed right in front of him, separated only by a thin layer of transparent glass that is extremely thin for him.
Perhaps it was the dazzling characters on the attribute panel that made Xia Nan feel that the bracelet, which originally seemed unremarkable, looked much more pleasing to the eye and perfectly matched the equipment he was wearing.
He subconsciously leaned closer and carefully examined the bracelet on the counter.
Based on the information displayed on the attribute panel, it can be seen that the [Proof of Non-Slackening] is mainly divided into two parts.
The main element is the bracelet itself; once worn, the four special effects in the effects panel will also take effect. Then there's the small teardrop-shaped badge.
Meanwhile, unlike other equipment Xia Nan had obtained before, the [Proof of Unwavering Dedication] had an additional "slot" column on its attribute panel.
There are nine slots in total, and eight of them are empty.
Only "Slot 1" is filled with a [Shadow Dust], which additionally grants the effect of "+50% speed of gaining proficiency in skill-type combat arts".
Xia Nan could tell from the shape of the bracelet.
The nine slots that appear on this attribute panel correspond to the nine ring holes on the outer curved surface of the bracelet.
The only effective [Shadow Dust] in "Slot 1" is the tiny badge currently hanging above the ring hole!
Xia Nan subconsciously examined the badge itself more closely.
Its surface, resembling a flat teardrop, is covered with countless fine undulating textures, like the continuous waves on the sea, or like the gravitational ripples that intertwine and collide in the black and white world after Xia Nan activated [Heart-Guiding Vision].
Then, recalling the "skill-type combat skills" targeted by the [Shadow Dust] skill's increased proficiency acquisition speed, Xia Nan couldn't help but show a thoughtful expression.
No wonder the quality level of the [Proof of Unwavering Dedication] on the attribute panel is "Common/Fine/Rare/Extraordinary/Epic".
Based on the eight extra empty slots on the bracelet, it's reasonable to infer that [Shadow Dust] is not the only one.
In this world, there may be other badges similar to [Shadow Dust] that can be inlaid in the ring holes of a bracelet.
The types of combat skills they can cover are certainly different, not just the skill-based type.
If one day it were possible to fill all the holes in the bracelet with different badges, the 50% speed bonus to skill acquisition might also cover all combat skill types in the world.
Even [gravity control]!
At that time, the quality level of the [Proof of Indulgence] will also reach the same "Pink Epic" level as the [Coin of Destiny].
At this moment, Xia Nan's desire for this equipment reached its peak.
No matter how many gold coins it costs or what price he has to pay, as long as he stays above that most dangerous line, he's willing to do anything for this bracelet!
Meanwhile, the half-elf collector, who was enthusiastically introducing the collection in the room to Xia Nan, also noticed the focused gaze of the black-haired youth in front of him.
Thanks to Xia Nan's lack of outward expression, Aurelius didn't think much of it, assuming that Xia Nan, like with the crown and tarot cards before, had also become interested in the bracelet, and took the initiative to introduce it:
"I acquired this bracelet from an auction house a few years ago. It came from a down-on-his-luck adventurer who was trying to sell his possessions to earn money to turn his fortunes around in the casino."
"Don't be fooled by its seemingly unremarkable appearance. Upon closer inspection, the bracelet's craftsmanship is actually quite exquisite, employing techniques that ordinary artisans would not possess. It must have been made by a master craftsman."
"In addition, it is also effective and can speed up the wearer's physical recovery, so I bought it right away."
"It cost less than a thousand gold in total. Considering the average price of this kind of equipment on the market at that time, it was actually a bit high, but I really liked its craftsmanship, so I didn't haggle much at that time."
"It's a pity that the adventurer didn't manage to break even at the card table in the end. I heard that he encountered danger during one of his missions and never came back. Tsk tsk..."
The half-elf before me had a vacant look in his eyes, as if reminiscing about the past.
Xia Nan felt a strange sensation in his heart.
The fact that the other party could recognize the exceptional craftsmanship of the "Proof of Non-Slackening" stems from the collector's extensive experience, which is perfectly reasonable.
However, Xia Nan's attention was drawn to Aurelius's subsequent mention of "stamina recovery effect" and "a price of 1000 gold, higher than the market price".
In his view, even disregarding everything else, the "+33% training efficiency" attribute on the bracelet's panel alone is enough to justify adding another zero to its price of one thousand gold.
But according to what Aurelius said, it seems that he paid too much gold...?
This made Xia Nan suspect that the other party might not have been able to fully identify the specific attributes of the [Proof of Unwavering Complacency].
Of course, that's possible.
Take the [Tide Lure Rod] that I have already sold to Ellison as an example. 99.9% of people in the world will only see it as a spear-type weapon and will not discover its special effect as a "fishing artifact".
After all, who would take that stone spear, continuously stab a whale for ten minutes, and then throw it back into the sea?
The extremely demanding triggering conditions mean that if this spear hadn't encountered Xia Nan, who possessed a cheat-like attribute panel, it might have circulated in the world for hundreds or thousands of years without ever truly triggering its special effects.
To some extent, the same applies to the proof of diligence.
Its effects of reducing physical exertion, increasing physical recovery speed, and making it easier to enter a state of focus can be easily observed by simply wearing this accessory and conducting a little testing.
However, achieving that 33% increase in training efficiency requires extending the training time to three hours at once, which presents a certain barrier to entry.
The 50% proficiency gain speed bonus from [Shadow Dust] only applies to so-called "skill-based combat techniques".
The latter two are not easy to identify.
Could it be that Aurelius... didn't discover it?
(End of this chapter)