On Duskrice 4, 1850 AC (Arbiter Calendar), following the events of the previous day, Alistair headed to the Hunter Branch Guild. Due to the attention he received yesterday, many hunters were watching him as he approached the mission board. As expected, he chose another treasure hunting mission. After confirming his mission with the receptionist, he set off immediately.
As Alistair left, the hunters began to whisper among themselves. One of them said, "Let's make a bet! I bet he will find another valuable treasure. I'm willing to wager 25 Silver Talers." Another hunter countered, "That's just luck. I'm not even sure he'll find another treasure chest, so I bet he won't find anything for 25 Silver Talers." This sparked interest, and soon 15 hunters placed bets on Alistair finding a treasure chest, while 13 took the opposing side.
Meanwhile, on the second floor, one officer remarked, "Are you sure you want this to keep going? If Miss Ismeria or Miss Lyra hear about this, they might get upset." The second officer replied, "That's their problem. Let's just wait and see. By the way, I'm also betting that Alistair will find a treasure chest." The first officer was taken aback. "You know what? Maybe I should bet that he'll find one too. I don't mind facing the wrath of Miss Ismeria or Miss Lyra as long as we get paid if we win. But what if they take the money from us?" The third officer chimed in, "Then find a reason not to worry, you idiots."
As Alistair approached the Village Gate, he spotted Village Guard David. "Heading out again, Hunter Alistair?" David asked. Alistair nodded and displayed his hunter badge. "Okay, you're good to go."
Exiting the Leaf Village, Alistair walked toward the spot where he had dug up the chest, which served as the alibi he created yesterday. He sat down on a nearby tree trunk and told the system he was ready to receive his gifts.
"Good morning, Alistair. Here are your three random gifts. There is a chance that you might receive duplicate items, so good luck!" the system replied.
Alistair questioned, "System, even though these items are random, why are they all top quality?"
The system responded, "Isn't that much better? You can earn more rewards. If you're worried about not receiving top-quality items, don't be. All items start at Excellent Rank."
Curious about the quality rankings, Alistair asked for clarification. The system explained, "The rankings start with Defective, followed by Flawed, Normal, Standard, Excellent, Outstanding, and finally Exceptional Rank. To elaborate, Excellent Rank items are refined creations forged with precision and intent. Their aura channels are clean and stable, allowing stronger energy reinforcement and smoother output. These items significantly enhance combat capability and are typically owned by veteran warriors, elite guards, or accomplished aura users. Craftsmanship at this tier reflects mastery."
"Explaining all of these items will take some time, but this explanation focuses on Excellent Rank Items, which are commonly used in the Aura Transformation Realm and the Aura Empowerment Realm. However, their effectiveness may vary based on how they are crafted; some Excellent Rank Items can even belong to higher realms due to the craftsmanship involved. These items are referred to as Aura Constructs. You can become an Aura Construct once you reach the Mid or Late Aura Transformation Realm, but there are additional requirements to fulfill in order to achieve this status, so the choice is ultimately yours. Now, let's return to the topic of your three random gifts."
"Your first gift is a batch of three custom-made treasure chests, each containing one random item inside. As always, these treasure chests are one-time use only. To make this even better, the value of these treasure chests is significantly higher because I've added something special: the materials are made from Starsteel Mineral, a very rare mineral found only in the empires of the Freedom Continent. Amazing, right?"
Alistair was shocked and replied, "What do you mean it's amazing? A very rare mineral means this is top national quality, right?"
The System gave him a huge thumbs-up on the screen. "That's correct, Alistair! Just use the same alibi method you devised for digging up treasures."
Alistair said, "I understand, but won't it seem suspicious that the Leaf Village has so many valuable treasures buried beneath its soil? What if neighboring villages take this opportunity to encroach on our territory?"
The System displayed an "X" on the screen. "That won't happen. First, the Leaf Village Chieftess is at her Peak Aura Transformation Realm. Second, since Celestra visited the Leaf Village, other nearby villages won't dare to attack."
Alistair scratched his head and said, "Wait, you deliberately sent Lady Celestra to the Leaf Village a few weeks ago because of this? You really think ahead, System."
The System responded with a heart icon. "Of course, Alistair."
The second gift is an Excellent Rank Learning Book titled "Sacred Bow Arts." This unique book allows the user to learn advanced bow techniques with high precision, as all knowledge will be transmitted directly into their thoughts without the need for reading. However, it is recommended only for those who possess both aura and holy energy within their bodies. To meet the requirements, the individual must have been blessed by a priest or priestess of one of the three Goddesses of the Two Arbiter Continents of Freedom and Neutrality. It is advisable to consider giving this book away.
Lastly, the third gift is a lucky random item with an Outstanding Rank. This means that these items are rare and meticulously crafted to harmonize deeply with aura flow. They boast superior resilience, high energy retention, and advanced amplification properties. Such items often feel "alive" in the hands of a compatible user and are wielded by renowned fighters, commanders, or high-ranking figures. Only those at the Aura Empowerment Realm or higher can handle them.
You have received one of the lost legendary swords from the Freedom Continent, dating back 1,000 years: the King of the Sea, known as Tidebreaker. This sapphire-hued longsword was forged for naval warfare and is capable of slicing through the sea with a single slash. It was created by Captain Vaedric V. Seastone, the owner of Tidebreaker and the only person who forged the longsword.
It is recommended that users be at least two realms above the Aura Empowerment Realm to wield this sword. Attempting to use it at the Aura Transformation Realm or Aura Empowerment Realm will result in immense pain due to the significant aura capacity consumed.
Alistair stared at the system in disbelief. "System, are you joking with me right now? Why are you giving me this? I could sell it, but why are you making me richer?" The system responded with a "no" signal. "Alistair, you need to save up future funds as you will soon embark on a solo journey exploring the two continents. So no complaints about receiving these amazing gifts."
Alistair then asked the system, "You know the Leaf Village will get more attention if they hear about this sword's description and abilities." The system replied, "They won't. In truth, I think even the receptionist, along with the officers, the vice, and the guildmaster, would be unable to appraise this sword. They need an appraiser who is at the Late Aura Transformation Realm or better yet, those at the Peak Aura Transformation Realm. So, you should ask Selene for help."
As Alistair nodded, he wondered something about the system. "You know, I was curious why you don't use honorifics for the Village Chieftess or Lady Celestra..." The system responded, "That's because I am much older and more powerful than they are. Compared to me, I could crush them like ants."
Alistair remarked, "You sound as if you were a person..." The system replied, "Maybe or maybe not. I am only here because of you. So no more questions about it—finish your treasure-hunting mission, Alistair."