The exploration of the underground storage ended swiftly this time.
Thanks to having seen it before, there was no need for deep contemplation.
Perhaps because of past experiences where I spent half a day pondering, Kalris looked puzzled at how quickly I wrapped things up.
The Summoning Ring of Bazul, capable of summoning high-level beasts, was among the treasures I found. By storing a beast within the ring, I could summon it freely like a familiar. Of course, if I lacked the necessary skills, it wouldn't heed my commands.
Two unique items—Bazul's Summoning Ring and the Lich's Bracelet...
Genedin had said these were the most valuable treasures in our family. And indeed, they were items of exceptional worth. If only I could take a screenshot and post it online, it would cause quite a stir.
"Why is that guy grinning like an idiot?" one of the guards muttered.
"Looks like he's acquired some rare magical tools from the family," another replied.
"Tch, he's picking up useless trinkets. How many times have we stressed that a magician shouldn't rely on such things? Tsk tsk."
"Those aren't ordinary magical tools. They're so precious that their value can't even be measured."
"What about what you create? Isn't that better?"
"What are you talking about? The items held by the Lords can't be made by human hands."
Krang and Lakto were conversing while glancing at me. The "Lords" they referred to were named monsters in the game, like the Lich or Bazul. The items I wore were once possessed by them.
In other words, it's the difference between drop items and crafted items.
When it comes to value, items dropped by Lords are clearly superior. In fact, crafted items are more akin to imitations of unique drop items. While Lakto is undoubtedly an exceptional craftsman, the drop items from each Lord are beyond human creation.
"Master, can you summon beasts as well?" I asked Krang after admiring my new treasures.
I was filled with excitement at the prospect of obtaining something worthy to store in Bazul's Summoning Ring, but he shook his head.
"I can summon low-tier beasts like Black Manglers, but anything higher is beyond my ability."
"…That's disappointing. I didn't think there'd be something you couldn't do."
"Listen here! Summoning high-level beasts requires a high affinity. That's something you're born with! If I had both skill and affinity, that would be cheating!"
I already knew this information. While affinity isn't explicitly listed as a stat, it definitely exists. I recalled a strategy guide from a community post that mentioned:
"Affinity is randomly applied each time you create a character."
It was an experimental post stating that even with identical specs, different characters could summon beasts of varying levels. The conclusion was that "something not displayed in stats determines this," which seemed to align with Krang's mention of affinity.
Affinity... I wonder how mine measures up.
At that time, I hadn't paid much attention to it since knights couldn't use summoning magic; it felt irrelevant to me. But now that I was in a magician's body, curiosity was only natural.
Without a suitable summoned beast, this ring would be useless.
However, I certainly didn't want to fill it with lowly beasts like Black Manglers. That would be akin to using a soul weapon just to slice bread.
As I pondered this dilemma, Krang casually asked, "Why the sudden interest in summoning beasts? You're not planning to take advantage of me, are you?"
"Well, there is some potential for that," I admitted.
"You brat! A magician shouldn't rely on such things; otherwise, there's no growth!"
"I'm just considering it as an option."
A strong summoned beast could serve as an incredible asset in battle. Even a decent mid-tier beast would surpass my current abilities. As the mission deadline approached, my desire for powerful options grew stronger. This was also why I had chosen to bring Bazul's Summoning Ring over other magical tools.
Affinity... This game is ridiculously complicated.
I wondered if there were any magicians with both high skills and good affinity. Suddenly, Genedin's face popped into my mind, but I quickly shook my head. Asking the head of the family for assistance with summoning would be utterly insane—unless one were exceptionally reckless.
"Well... I do know one magician with good affinity," Krang said thoughtfully.
"Really? Is that true?"
For some reason, Krang let slip this information casually. When I pressed him further, he grinned mischievously and made a circular motion with his finger—he wanted money for this information.
What a greedy old man.
"Are you possessed by some money spirit?" I shot back sarcastically.
"High-quality information always comes at a price! Three hundred gold coins will get you what you need."
"That amount is equal to my monthly earnings from my building!"
"If you don't want to pay up, then go searching for it yourself for a month."
I glanced at Eddie momentarily; he pretended not to hear me and quickly turned away. Well, considering he was known as the King of Beggars, it made sense he wouldn't have such information.
Caught in internal conflict over my finances, I mentally calculated my situation: I'm already short on funds...
Having spent all my savings from buying magic shops and receiving ten thousand coins in rewards left me strapped for cash. With additional expenses for setting up camp at the tent village piling up, my income simply couldn't keep pace with my expenditures.
Watching me struggle with this dilemma, Eddie smirked mockingly. "Why did you even buy those magic shops? Didn't I tell you? You should've invested in profitable lens or high-end clothing stores instead! If you had listened to me, you'd be sitting on a pile of gold by now! Three hundred coins? That's nothing!"
"Did you forget I'm returning tomorrow?"
"Hmph! I'm quite comfortable here! Your threats about rent won't work anymore!"
"Oh really? Threats don't only come in monetary forms."
Zap!
I created a small spark on my palm—a skill honed through Krang's training allowed me precise control over mana.
Eddie looked hurt and pouted slightly. "Are you calling me a thug?"
"If you keep messing around like that…"
"There's not an ounce of partnership between us! You're so heartless…"
While we bickered back and forth, Krang merely observed us with amusement. Based on past experiences, he wouldn't lower his price.
Sighing deeply, I raised both hands in surrender. "Fine! I'll give you three hundred coins."
"Do you have the money right now?"
"…The rent comes in next month."
"Well then just tell me next month!"
This old man...
My mood soured instantly upon seeing his smug face—my irritation flared anew.
"Forget it! I'll handle things myself; consider our deal off!"
"Ha ha! As if I'd suffer any loss! Do as you please!"
He continued to annoy me until I turned away in frustration when Krang muttered behind me:
"Rachel's summoning magic was quite impressive back then."
"What?"
"Nothing; just reminiscing about old times."
What's with this tsundere attitude?
When I looked at him with slight admiration on my face, he shrugged and walked over to Lakto.
He really is an enigma.
I chuckled softly while watching his retreating figure.
Rachel's mansion was second only to the head family's estate in size within Arahan territory. In truth, it resembled more of a villa than just a mansion since Rachel usually resided at the main estate herself. Only minimal staff remained at her villa; her visit today marked quite an occasion after such a long absence.
"Everyone hurry up! Lunch will start soon!"
"Yes!"
Today was special—Rachel's butler had been bustling about since early morning preparing for this day. The unusual commotion had even made the other staff break into sweat as their faces brimmed with peculiar anticipation.
"Is it true that Seventh Seat is coming? Really?"
"Yes! It's quite an emergency!"
Jed's movements had become hot topics among guards and staff alike—returning from captivity on his own accord after opening his brainwave capabilities and rescuing those who participated in covert ceremonies from ambushes wasn't small news at all!
Not only that; he single-handedly sent shivers down the spines of Imperial investigators who everyone feared and dismantled what many considered Arahan's rotten faction—the hardliners among elders!
Every action Jed took resonated loudly throughout Arahan territory; unlike typical nobles who looked down upon their servants or competitors like Tunda Arahan whom he forgave—rumors spread quickly about his kindness towards others!
"How exciting! It'll be my first time seeing Seventh Seat in person!"
"Hurry up! We must treat him well since it's his first visit!"
"Yes! We don't have time to waste chatting!"
Jed's visit was significant not only for staff but also for Rachel herself—this wasn't just any child visiting their mother; it was an heir meeting their family head!
Though Rachel didn't think so herself; she understood how her family viewed such occasions differently than she did—hence there was both nervousness and joy intertwined within her heart as she prepared for this momentous meeting.
"…What time is it now?"
"It's 11:20 AM; we still have 40 minutes left until lunch starts," replied her butler dutifully.
Sigh. Today felt especially slow as she kept glancing at her watch repeatedly—the second hand seemed frozen in place!
This lunch would mark her long-awaited reunion after ten years with her youngest son—a moment many might consider mundane yet for Rachel held immense significance!
Arahan bloodlines typically sent their children off to independent living by age five—a lesson learned early on how life worked within their noble family structure!
Her heart swelled with emotion while waiting impatiently; each tick of time felt like burning coal within her chest!
"How do I look? Is everything alright?"
"Haha! You still look beautiful as ever!"
"No—not those compliments! Do I look scary or cold?"
"Of course not! You look like the warmest mother in the world!"
Sigh. Why am I so nervous? It's just seeing my child…
"…It's because we're Arahan."
Upon hearing her butler's words Rachel's expression darkened momentarily—she didn't care about being part of an elite family or wealth/fame anymore!
All she desired was simple moments spent sharing meals together while exchanging trivial conversations occasionally peppered with motherly worries—a dream she longed for yet could never attain fully!
"Oh! He's coming! Seventh Seat is arriving!"
At that moment one of the staff members rushed in from afar after keeping watch excitedly!
As anticipation filled every corner inside the villa Jed finally came into view atop his pure white steed adorned by Arahan's dark cloak flowing behind him elegantly!
The staff tidied their attire nervously while fidgeting excitedly—they were finally going to witness their family's most popular star!
"Wow... He looks so adorable!"
"It seems Arahan truly stands out; his presence is overwhelming!"
"When hearing rumors before he seemed intimidating but now he comes off quite charming!"
"That must've thrilled all those maids gossiping about him earlier."
As Jed approached closer many began chiming in excitedly—the moment he reached them all bowed respectfully!
"You've arrived...?"
"Hello Rachel."
"Oh? Uh… yes…"
He didn't call her "Mother" but addressed her by name instead—a fact that stung Rachel deeply until she noticed what he held out toward her—a gift changed everything instantly!
"What is this…?"
"It's just a brooch—I thought it would suit you."
"A gift… from you?"
"I couldn't come empty-handed; next time I'll bring something more valuable."
With trembling hands Rachel accepted what appeared ordinary—a brooch worth merely twenty coins available anywhere…
Yet she clutched it tightly as if holding onto something far more precious than gold itself—tears glistened within her eyes reflecting joy mixed with bittersweet nostalgia as she whispered softly:
"There couldn't be anything more valuable than this… My son."