[Reychnalyn's holy sword
Category: Unique, Set
Level requirement: 40
Attack Damage: 34-37
Attack Speed: 0,7
Dexterity: +12
Effect 1: Every other attack with this sword deals an additional 3% (PDMG) holy damage.
Effect 2: If your enemy is afflicted with two or more Dark Marks, you can choose to explode two of them and replace them with Holy Marks upon landing an attack with this sword. (cooldown: 40 seconds)
Effect 3: If your enemy is afflicted with at least one Holy Mark you have a chance of 10% to afflict them with blind for 2 seconds. (cooldown: 60 seconds)
Two-piece Set effect: If your enemy is afflicted with an even number of Holy and Dark Marks, you can reset them to gain a bonus of 5% per mark on your PDMG. Lasts 20 seconds per mark. (cooldown: 120 seconds)
Restriction: Bound upon wearing; Restricted to classes: Holy Tempest, Chaotic Tempest, Dark Tempest
This sword has been forged by the predecessor of the Chaotic Tempest lineage for his disciple Reychnalyn. The nephilim made good use of it until his power outgrew it. Now the sword has fallen into your hands. Can you do it justice and succeed the Chaotic Tempest lineage?]
Liam was amazed as he weighed the swords in his hand. Their hilts fit perfectly, as if made exclusively for him. And this probably was the truth.
This pair of swords, one holy and one dark, were obviously created for someone holding the chaotic tempest class, which Liam planned to acquire after reaching level 50.
Their powers complemented each other with Reychnalyn's dark sword bearing the same effect as Reychnalyn's holy sword only with everything holy and dark exactly swapped.
Liam let out a sigh, quite satisfied with the two weapons.
After receiving his rewards Liam was sent back to the audience. Instantly congratulations reached him from all sides.
Serena wore a bright smile. Overcome by emotions she couldn't sit still bouncing around, constantly shouting:
"My brother is the best! I knew it!"
All the friends were in high spirits. Even Quickstep had already recovered. They converged around Liam, constantly praising him. Cyclone eyed him with a grin, requesting:
"Expert! Come on, show us your rewards!"
Liam laughed but he didn't keep it a secret from his friends. Upon seeing the two unique swords everyone fell silent, realizing that the already formidable Bleary Mirage had just got an immense boost.
In the arena a brief closing ceremony was held with more musical performances. Unfortunately, not many could watch calmly. The audience was caught up in discussions, reminiscing about the tournament, and marveling at the outcome.
With Hotpot's rise the entire gaming landscape was under pressure. All the top players would surely increase their efforts from now on, not reconciled with Liam taking the spotlight.
And on Dream Avenue's side everyone was determined to strengthen the guild so it wouldn't embarrass Hotpot in the future.
Finally, the curtains closed over the tournament. Everyone returned back to their own servers, and it was uncertain when or if all the players would be able to gather again.
Dream Avenue celebrated Liam's achievement for a while until it was time to go offline. Yet before the game shut down, a surprising message was suddenly heard on all the servers.
[Server Announcement:]
[Fate of Crunaboul will enter a three-day maintenance. During this time, you will not be able to access Crunaboul.]
Surprise instantly spread through the entire federation. There had been no reminder beforehand, catching everyone off guard. Many people were eager to enter the game and grind after watching Liam, but now their hot heads were suddenly doused in cold water.
Liam and his friends also looked at each other in bewilderment. But Cyclone quickly recovered, exclaiming joyfully:
"Nice! This means we can celebrate all night long! See you in One Thousand Tastes!"
The young woman's laughter echoed as all the players were kicked out, returning to their homes.
Liam opened his eyes, finding himself back in the apartment. But before he could move, C's voice sounded in his mind.
[Challenge 'Win the federation tournament: solo contest!' accomplished]
[Evaluation: Rank SSS!]
[Possible rewards:
Upgrade your championship ring
Please choose, Player Liam!]
Liam took a moment to sort through this information before his eyes began to twitch.
C, didn't you forget something?
[…]
Shouldn't there be more rewards? You even gave me an SSS evaluation! And didn't you promise to provide more information?
[The rewards will be to your satisfaction, Player Liam! There is no need for further information.]
Of course there is no need, you only gave me one option after all!
[…]
Whatever, I choose option one...
[Congratulations on finishing this challenge. Your reward will arrive shortly!]
An imperceptible light flashed on the championship ring worn by Liam. However, its effect would only unfold once Liam entered the game. At least C was kind enough to display the item's information for Liam right away.
However, before he could take a look, Serena's excited voice reached him.
"Liam! You did it! Haha, you're the champion!"
Serena appeared in front of Liam, her body shaking, seemingly not knowing how to vent her excitement. Seeing her like this Liam also smiled brightly, his heart filled with warmth.
The siblings talked for a bit until Serena calmed down. Finally, they reached the topic of Crunaboul entering maintenance.
"What do you think is happening with the game this time?"
"I don't know. Last time it was the introduction of the guild system. But I don't think a similar system is missing right now."
"Hmm. Maybe C just wants us to enjoy the flower festival!"
Liam was confused for a moment before memories involuntarily popped up in his mind. The flower festival, also called Festival of a million flowers, was a week-long celebration on Falva Star.
Each spring there was a period where the beasts usually inhabiting the forests of Falva Star retreated deep into uncharted territory.
Liam didn't know if the reason for this was unknown or undisclosed. However, this event occurred each year without fault. Eventually the people grew courageous enough to leave the cities during that time and enjoy the planet's nature.
Since it was spring and all plants bloomed, turning the planet into a colorful sea of flowers, the name Flower Festival was eventually born. Now it has become one of the most anticipated times for Falva Star's people, the celebrations increasing each year.
However, the joyful time also came with its dangers as the beasts were usually violent when they returned, forcing the army to defend against them.
As he sorted through his memories, Liam looked at Serena noticing the sparkle in her eyes. Usually, the Flower Festival was an enjoyable period for the siblings as the people were in a good mood, willing to share with the city's poorest.
And now that they were in a better position, it was obvious that Serena was eager to join the festivities.
"Do you want to join the parade tomorrow?"
Liam offered with a smile, causing Serena's face to bloom. Obviously, his suggestion was right on point. Serena nodded her head like a chicken pecking rice.
At that moment the sound of a door opening came, and Merida entered the apartment.
"Liam! Congratulations!"
"Haha, thank you. I guess the news spread fast."
"Of course! I couldn't have avoided it even if I wanted to!"
Liam, Merida, and Serena talked about the tournament. Merida constantly sighed, having never imagined that the poor young man she took in would become a star in such a short period of time.
After a while Liam and Serena excused themselves as it was time to meet with their friends. Merida was already used to it by now as she watched the siblings leave.
Sitting in the back of the car, Liam finally had a moment to check out the challenge reward.
C, can you show me the information?
[Bleary Mirage's championship ring
Category: Uncommon (upgradable)
Effect 1: Can be worn without using an equipment space.
Effect 2: Charisma +14.
Effect 3: Can more easily trigger the recruitment mission of NPCs.
Effect 4: NPCs recruited by you will be strengthened.
Restriction: Bound to Bleary Mirage
Only a single person is worthy of wearing this ring.]
Liam's eyes lit up. Compared to before his ring now gave more charisma and had a fourth effect. The wording was somewhat vague, however. It remained to be seen how much the ring would empower NPCs.
A smile formed on Liam's face as he imagined the boost his ring could give to Dream Avenue. The images of a few NPCs came to his mind, all valuable targets for recruitment.
Soon Liam's thoughts diverted as the hover car stopped. They had reached One Thousand Tastes. When Liam and Serena entered, everyone was already waiting for them in a private room.
In great spirits the friends celebrated all night long, getting rid of all the pressure caused by the tournament. However, even then they seemingly didn't have enough yet.
The next day Liam met his friends again, preparing to join the flower parade together. After learning from Serena that her and her brother were joining the parade today, the others naturally decided to come along.