Chapter 24 – Treasure in the Sludge
The viscous stench of the defeated mini-boss still hung in the air, but Cael took a deep breath and approached the remains. The Black Armored Knight followed closely behind him, silent, his blade still dripping with greenish residue.
"Seems it was worth it in the end," Cael said, rummaging through the hardened slime.
Three small glimmers awaited him beneath the creature's gelatinous skin. Cael pulled the first one out carefully:
Item obtained: Rare Essence Fragment (x1)
A pulsing fragment of corrupted energy. Can be used to increase stats or enhance soul magic.
He raised an eyebrow.
"This already looks better than the fairies' payment."
The second item was a golden vial, thick as honey.
Item obtained: Elixir of Momentum
Increases attack speed for 60 seconds. May cause mild side effects.
"There's always a 'may cause' catch, isn't there..." Cael stowed the vial away with a resigned sigh.
Finally, his fingers touched the third item—a simple-looking piece of jewelry: a matte silver ring with a slightly translucent blue stone in the center. The stone seemed to pulse softly, almost imperceptibly.
Item obtained: Ring of the Broken Chain (rarity: blue)
A ring cold to the touch, carrying echoes of forgotten bonds.
Its presence discreetly warms the wearer's heart.
Cael wrinkled his nose, staring at the ring for a moment.
"'Warms the heart'? That sounds like a description for a Valentine's Day gift."
Description approved by 83% of users. Elegant design, subtle effect. No known contraindications.
"Great. A ring with marketing reviews." He slipped the ring onto his ring finger, almost without thinking, and felt a slight shiver run up his arm.
The Black Armored Knight watched, but said nothing. He only tilted his head slightly.
"Did you find something useful?"
"Maybe... I'm still trying to figure out if I got a buff or if I'm just wearing cursed costume jewelry."
The knight didn't respond. He simply resumed walking, his heavy footsteps echoing through the wet stone corridors.
Cael looked at the ring one last time, frowning.
"...You are definitely hiding something," he murmured under his breath.
Me? Never.
Now keep moving. The sewer won't explore itself.
"I'm still going to take you apart piece by piece," he whispered, already walking after the knight.
And so, with a new item on his finger and a gnawing suspicion, Cael pressed onward... unaware that that small blue ring held much more than it promised.