Chapter 15 Magic Crystal
I slowly open my eyes and feel the comfort of softness beneath my body. I am lying on the matriarch's bed, a spacious bed adorned with luxurious fabrics and delicate details. Nestled by soft pillows, I am enveloped in a world of comfort.
The gentle sunlight filters through the wooden roof, casting a golden glow across the room. The surroundings are tranquil and serene, as if time has stood still. I feel refreshed after a night of deep and restorative sleep.
I rise slowly, feeling the softness of the fabric beneath my bare feet. The cool morning breeze seeps into the room through the open windows, carrying with it the gentle sounds of nature outside. I quickly break the blocks of the door and window and start walking.
I leave the matriarch's room and am greeted with a graceful bow from Bruzy herself and her servants. Their faces reflect respect and a certain fear in the presence. The matriarch approaches and smiles, expressing a mix of courtesy and apprehension.
"My lord, it is a pleasure to have you in our tribe," Bruzy says respectfully. "How may I serve you today?"
I return the smile and approach the matriarch. "I have a voracious appetite today, ask your servants to prepare a hearty breakfast with fresh fruits and vegetables. I need to replenish my energy for the day ahead."
As they hurry to fulfill my order, my gaze fixes on Bruzy's eyes. Seriousness takes over my expression, and my voice takes on a firm tone. "Tell me, matriarch, does your tribe possess any magical crystal?"
Bruzy hesitates for a moment, feeling the weight of my question and the risk of displeasing me. Her eyes betray a mixture of fear and uncertainty. However, I stare at her with determination, making it clear that I will not accept lies.
"My lord," she replies in a trembling tone, "we... we do not possess any magical crystal."
I retrieve the energy pistol from my inventory and aim it at Bruzy's head.
My voice echoes in the room, conveying my authority. "Do not dare to lie to me, Bruzy. This will be your only chance to be honest. The truth is the only safe path for your survival."
Bruzy swallows hard, understanding the seriousness of my words. Her eyes meet mine, and she finally reveals the truth. "My lord, we do have a carefully guarded magical crystal. It is the heart of our belief, it is more important than my life. I hope you will not take it, as it would leave our village unprotected from supernatural forces."
A satisfied smile forms on my lips. "Very well, Bruzy. Your honesty is commendable. You have made the right choice. I swear by the honor of the Crow clan's mages that I will not take your crystal. Rest assured, I am merely curious."
Bruzy nods, a slight relief on her face. I will kill her as soon as I have the crystal in my hand. I cannot let her live; this old woman lied to me.
I quickly consume the breakfast prepared by the matriarch's servants. My hunger is satisfied, but my attention is focused on the search for the magical crystal that Bruzy has just revealed. I rise from the table, determined to proceed.
"Bruzy, lead me to the location where the crystal is kept," I command, my voice firm and authoritative.
The matriarch promptly nods, and we make our way into her hut. She guides me to an apparently ordinary wall, but I know there is something hidden there. Bruzy whispers strange and ancient words, an incantation that will reveal the guarded secret.
As she whispers, I observe the serving maids in the room bowing respectfully, acknowledging the importance of the crystal. I maintain an impassive expression, my desire for the power of that artifact pulsating within me.
Finally, the words are spoken, and the wall begins to vibrate. An opening is revealed before our eyes, unveiling the long-awaited magical crystal. Its shimmering red brilliance fills the room, enveloping the surroundings with intense energy.
However, before Bruzy can turn around and celebrate the discovery, a sudden surge of energy cuts through the air. She is struck directly in the head and falls to the ground, lifeless.
With a satisfied smile on my lips, I observe the fearful looks in the eyes of the maids surrounding me. They have just witnessed the death of the oldest elf in this place. "Anyone who dares to lie to me will die!" After saying that, I turn toward the crystal and move towards it.
The red crystal, emitting small rays and still shimmering intensely, is the item I need to activate my gauntlet. Quickly, the system screen appears before me, displaying information about the crystal.
"Ding! Ding!" sounds ring in my ears, drawing my attention to the words appearing before my eyes.
[Magical Energy Crystal]
[Rank 3]
[Description]: A stone that stores large amounts of magical energy.
My smile widens, revealing my contentment. It is exactly what I expected. The energy contained within the crystal will allow me to use the gauntlet, opening doors to possibilities beyond my imagination.
Without wasting time, I extend my hand toward the crystal. Approaching it, I feel the vibration of magical energy emanating from it. It is as if I am touching the essence of magic itself. My hand envelops the crystal, feeling its smooth texture and slightly warm temperature.
As I hold the crystal, a wave of power courses through my body, enveloping me completely. With determination, I remove the crystal from the wall and take a step back.
Looking at the maids, I sense the fear in their eyes. It is understandable. I have just killed the oldest elf in this place.
With a piercing gaze, I fix my eyes on the maids, conveying a clear message: respect and obedience are expected. The smile on my lips remains, an expression of confidence and supremacy.
Carefully, I hold the magical energy crystal in my left hand. I raise my right hand, displaying the gauntlet made of sturdy material.
With caution, I position the magical energy crystal near the opening of the gauntlet. The crystal sparkles in response, as if eager to merge with the artifact that will now house its energy.
I slowly bring the crystal closer, feeling a gentle vibration spreading through my hand as it nears the gauntlet. It is as if the magic itself recognizes the union that is about to take place.
"Buzz!"
With a precise fit, the crystal smoothly slides into the gauntlet, fitting perfectly into its designated place. An intense, pulsating glow takes over the gauntlet, radiating magical energy in all directions.
I watch in awe as the gauntlet transforms, assuming a new appearance. The magical energy crystal is now an integral part of the artifact, surrounding it with a radiant red aura.
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