The Mysterious Black Magician

Inside the palace treasury.

Different kinds of equipment from pieces of jewelry, weapons, armors, etcetera were hanging on the wall or if not, they were neatly displayed on the shelves.

They gasped in admiration. As expected of the empire, most of the rarest equipment was stored here-- from plain-looking equipment to a shining one.

"Everyone, choose your desired reward. Just put in mind to choose the equipment that suits your style and that may help you in your journey, " said the empress after everyone stepped inside.

Their pair of eyes feasting the wonders in front of them.

After a couple of minutes of looking back and forth at all the high-ranked equipment around them, Hilion finally was able to choose the equipment of his choice.

He chose a pair of shining wristbands.. Just looking at the gleaming surface, anyone could tell that it wasn't an ordinary item. However, before he wore it, "be careful!" Her majesty warned.

Hilion paused and all of them glanced at the empress, seeking an explanation.

"That equipment was known as the [Wristband of Emerald God], a ranked 8 equipment. You needed to be at least a star-7 False Path Expert or higher to wear it. If not, it may put your lives in danger."

"!!"

Roman nodded his head. "Her Majesty was right, Hilion. Even my rank 7 Lightning Mayhem required me to reach a level of star-5 False Path Expert to tame it," Roman seconded, agreed to the empress.

It was the first time for Hilion to get a hold of such a higher ranking item, so he had no clue about it. However, he was excited. Finally, high-ranking equipment was in his hand. As he was currently a star-5 False Path Expert, he just needed to advance two levels to reach the required level. 

Although it wasn't an easy task, it wasn't impossible to achieve. If he pushed himself to be so active in the Virtual Arena, he believed a breakthrough before their training to become an all-rounder ambassador would start.

After saying his thanks to the empress, He grinned and faced Roman.

"Roman, let's duel when the time comes that we both can manifest our equipment's real power."

Hilion declared after storing the equipment into his spatial ring.

He was looking at him as his rival. After all, he lost only in the competition in a little margin. If not because of Roman's high-ranking Lightning Mayhem, there was a great chance that he would win over him in the championship.

With this [Wristband of Emerald God], he could probably defeat him when times came.

Roman sneered and walked towards the shining white and dark blue armor.

A trace of lightning was visible on its surface. Probably, an elemental armor.

"Looks like Roman was set on the [Scale Armor of the Lightning Sovereign]. It is a good item to wear, especially that Roman has a strong affinity with lightning elements. It won't only deflect lightning attacks towards him, it will also increase his lightning prowess. On top of that, the [Scale Armor of the Lightning Sovereign] is enchanted with an autofit enchantment, and the one who did the enchantment was the popular enchantress of the empire—" said the empress.

"Your Majesty, do you mean… is Her Eminence Lady Gaia?"

Asked Roman with a surprised face. Even Hilion and the others were having the same face. Only Yman had no idea who this so-called Lady Gaia was.

But seeing their surprised faces, he believed that she was an awesome person.

And the name Enchantress must be someone who had proficiency in enchanting. He believed.

The empress nodded.

Roman's mouth broke into a grin as he thought that this armor was distined to him.

When Roman touched the armor, a fluctuation of lightning was felt by his skin. The visible scale-like design of a fish was gleaming on its smooth surface.

"Your Majesty, are you sure it's fine for me to take this treasure?" Asked Roman in excitement.

An uncontrolled pounding in his chest made his hand tremble slightly. It seemed like there was an invisible aura that was pulling him towards it.

"Fufu. Feel free champ," said the empress in a little teasing manner. Then she faced Crimson who was yet to choose.

Even Roman, who was said to be a man with a stone resolve could not help but blush in embarrassment from the empress's teasing.

However, Roman's excitement was visible on his face. Together with Lightning Mayhem, his dream of becoming the Ruler of Lightning Element would soon be at hand's reach. If he completed 7 equipment with lightning elements in the rank of 7-9, he would certainly become one. Right now, he has two of them, the Lightning Mayhem and the [Scale Armor of the Lightning Sovereign]. Five more to go.

He secretly shook his head at Hilion, who had no idea that he was ahead of him. But same as Hilion, he needed to advance 2 levels before he could use it.

Roman stored the armor in his spatial ring.

"Uhm… y-your majesty… how about me?"

Cinde asked shyly as she slightly raised her hand to take the empress's attention.

"Sure, feel free to choose. Uhm, I wanted to recommend something for you, Cinde Lupine."

"Cinde Rayla Lupine, Your Majesty," Cinde hastily said to correct the empress but soon covered her mouth and bowed repeatedly while saying her sorry.

The empress giggled at Cinde. Then asked her to follow her to the next room. Cinde and the Empress went to the next room.

The palace treasury was heavily guarded, and no one could easily enter as it was littered with traps. But thanks to the empress, they easily entered.

Yman was still busy looking around.

"Crimson!" He suddenly heard Rea's call. He glanced behind and saw her walking towards him. Yman blinked his eyes. "Having trouble in choosing?" She asked him.

"Uhm…" He thought. It was certainly troublesome to choose when all of the equipment around him was extremely high ranking. But it wasn't the reason why he was yet to choose. "All I want is the medicine," he said with a serious face.

Rea stared at him, wondering how important that person to him. Well, the value of that medicine couldn't be lost with the rank 8 equipment. Especially at the present, it was the only medicine known that could heal any illness.