Chapter 995: Chapter 495: Proof of Diligence and Shadow Dust
The reason Xia Nan wanted to connect with the collector named "Aurie Silver Heart" through Ellison’s channels.
The main reason is that he learned from the other that this collector is very interested in exotic items, and Ellison himself often gathers information from Aurie in search of traces of his father, Lailo Moerton.
Currently in his spare time between missions, with several dozen days until the Moon Tide Banquet, he thought of taking this opportunity to find another secret realm, to replenish the energy of the [Dream Weaving Corridor], enhance his own strength, and prepare for the matters concerning the "Algae Scale" Dodd.
Thus, from the moment Xia Nan followed Aurie into the tower, his attention remained in a highly concentrated state.
For every item appearing in his line of sight, suspected of being a product of the secret realm, he would call out its attribute panel and scrutinize it, searching within [Note] and [Introduction] for keywords like "space-time travel," "Otherworld."
Unfortunately, at least for now, Xia Nan hasn’t made any specific discoveries.
Indeed, the items originate from exotic realms, but these so-called "exotic realms" are based on Suo Yu Bay rather than Aifala Continent, or this world.
There are ancient architectural remnants from the western desert, as well as old totems from the northern Frost Moss Barbarian Tribe, but none similar to the [Old Coin with Fading Fire (Fragment)] and [Type III Integrated Surgical Knife] Xia Nan once discovered, sharing attributes from Otherworld.
In fact, even now, as Aurie brought him to a small study clearly holding more advanced collections, those precious items carefully stored within glass cabinets still lack Otherworld attributes.
Through the attribute panel, Xia Nan can clearly observe the crown mentioned by the other, whose exact origin is unknown but is suspected to date back three thousand years, said to be from some ancient kingdom’s king.
Although indeed produced 3215 years ago, it was a replica made specifically for the king’s daily wear to prevent unnecessary damage, with the genuine one only taken out from a secret chamber known to few during major events such as rituals or coronation ceremonies.
In essence, it doesn’t have any special effects and is purely a collectible.
And that tarot card, supposedly a token left in the mortal world by the "God of Gambling," is a complete deception, lacking the effect of ushering its holder into the Divine Country upon death.
According to the brief introduction Xia Nan saw on its attribute panel, this tarot card was created countless years ago by a legendary figure from the continent’s south, aiming to touch upon divine authority, intended for hosting a deceitful large-scale ritual.
As for the outcome... judging from the message in the panel’s note section, it likely ended in failure.
Of course, it’s not entirely void of effect, as the holder of this tarot card will receive a slight boost in charm checks (persuasion and deception aspects).
If viewed solely from its equipment effect, it certainly isn’t worth its current careful preservation, but considering its historical significance, commemorating the failed ascension of a legendary figure, it does hold considerable collectible value.
The item that truly captured Xia Nan’s attention was the third collection he saw within this small treasury.
It’s a deep gray metal bracelet.
Made from slender yet resilient silver-gray iron wires knitted together, with the wires tightly spiraled in continuity, resembling surging waves or layered scales, imparting an overall neat and concise aura.
There is no gold or gemstones, nor is there a complex and glamorous design, not at all like accessories the noble and influential of this continent should wear.
Yet, its simple and advanced aura emitted under its manufacturing level and detailed craftsmanship conveys a uniquely indescribable texture.
Like a master-level craftsman deliberately abandoning all extraneous decorative techniques to wholeheartedly invest their skills within, epitomizing utmost utility.
It’s visible that nearly every small distance along the bracelet’s outer side, beneath the bending iron wires, there’s a small gap.
A total of nine empty rings, evenly spread across the outer arc of the entire bracelet.
Among them, only one empty ring holds something:
——an oddly-shaped badge.
The badge is not large, about the size of a fingernail, narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, resembling a flat and slightly short droplet, with a grayish hue akin to hardened morning mist, yet non-transparent, conveying a tiny yet weighty presence.
Initially, Xia Nan didn’t pay much attention to this bracelet, as compared to the previous crown and tarot card, its appearance indeed lacked eye-catching allure.
Until Xia Nan, following the cabinet order, focused his attention on it, causing the attribute panel to appear before his eyes, completely changing his perspective.
...
[Proof of Diligence]
Type: Bracelet
Grade: Ordinary/Good/Rare/Exotic/Epic
Effect:
1.-20% energy consumption (during training);
2.+15% stamina recovery rate;
3.+33% training efficiency (when training duration exceeds 180 minutes);
4.The wearer will more easily enter a state of high concentration during training.
Slot 1:
[Shadow Dust]: +50% skillful combat skills skill level acquisition rate;
