Within the unknown space, two figures faced each other from a distance.
Naohara's gaze shifted slightly.
[Magic Detection]
Name: Surshana (?)
Race: ???
Level: ???
...
Aside from the name, there was no useful information at all.
Naohara kept his expression calm as he observed the undead before him, but a trace of caution rose in his mind.
At the slightest sign of danger, he would immediately revert to his true form and activate the [Fallen Dragon Transformation] state.
Perhaps sensing the growing tension, Surshana let out a sigh and broke the silence first.
"My friend, there's no need to be so wary."
As he spoke, he raised his hand and waved it lightly. The surroundings changed instantly.
The previously empty space turned into a boundless ocean.
On the surface of the sea floated a small platform.
"Please, sit."
Surshana gestured with his hand. Two chairs slowly rose from a magic circle.
One chair was crystal clear, but its structure looked as though it had been formed from countless skulls.
The other chair was pitch black, with fierce dragon heads carved into the armrests and backrest.
Naohara glanced at the seat beside him, his eyes shifting slightly.
"I thought you might like this style. Of course, if it's not to your taste, then I apologize."
Surshana sat down.
Seeing that Naohara had not moved, he spoke again in a slightly apologetic tone.
It was clear that he was being very hospitable. Perhaps a little too hospitable.
"This guy…"
Countless thoughts flashed through Naohara's mind, though outwardly he simply shook his head.
"It's fine."
With that, he sat down in the chair prepared for him.
He had no idea what Surshana was planning, but Naohara did not mind.
It was undeniable that Surshana gave him a strange feeling.
Still, that alone was not enough to make him cautious to the point of hesitation.
"Good. I'm glad you like it."
"Considering my earlier rudeness, please accept this gift. I hope we can set aside any misunderstandings between us."
Surshana nodded, then clapped his hands.
"Rufus."
At the soft call, a small creature jumped out.
"Meow~"
Rufus, the God of Death's familiar.
It looked like a nimble and beautiful vampire kitten.
The kitten jumped onto Surshana's lap and began sniffing around his collar, as if trying to take in as much of its master's scent as possible.
"Alright, stop being naughty."
"Go on."
Surshana sounded slightly helpless, though his tone was full of affection. His skeletal hand gently patted the kitten before pointing toward Naohara.
"Meow~ Meow~"
Receiving the command, Rufus nodded.
With a light leap, it landed steadily beside Naohara's feet.
Then, under Naohara's puzzled gaze, it spat out an item from its mouth, held it between its teeth, and obediently raised its head as if offering it to him.
"What is this…?"
A familiar fluctuation spread through the air, causing Naohara to pause in surprise.
He bent down, picked up the small female cat, and placed it on his lap.
Then he took the item from her mouth.
It was a ring with an ornate and luxurious design. A brilliant pure white gemstone was embedded in its surface, engraved with mysterious golden script and intricate patterns.
A dark golden light flickered in Naohara's pupils as he examined it.
After sensing it carefully, he finally confirmed what it was.
His composure instantly vanished.
The calm expression he had maintained until now was replaced with shock, surprise, and confusion.
"Haha, well? Rufus is adorable, isn't she?"
Seeing his reaction, the red glow in Surshana's eye sockets flickered as he spoke with a faint hint of amusement.
"…Yes. She really is adorable."
Naohara glanced at Surshana, who had clearly changed the subject on purpose. After a moment of silence, he gave a small nod.
World-Class Item: Ring of Elemental Spirit
The wearer can sense the various elements flowing throughout the world, greatly increasing elemental affinity.
Effect 1: Increases the power of elemental magic by 50%.
Effect 2: Based on the elemental magic types the wearer has learned, automatically grants mastery of all tiered elemental magic of the corresponding attribute.
Effect 3: Reduces the power of enemy elemental magic by 20%. The reduced energy can be absorbed through this item and converted into mana or health.
Naohara looked down at the ring in his hand as faint multicolored lights shimmered within it.
He had considered many possibilities.
But this was the one thing he had never expected.
A World-Class Item had just fallen into his hands so easily.
And for such an absurd reason.
Naohara clicked his tongue, feeling an overwhelming sense of unreality.
If not for the fact that [Dragonic Will] showed no abnormalities, he might have suspected he had fallen under an illusion.
"Surshana, tell me your purpose."
Naohara put the [Ring of Elemental Spirit] into his inventory and looked at the undead sitting across from him.
As he spoke, he casually stroked the small female cat on his lap.
The value of a World-Class Item alone was enough for him to overlook their earlier unpleasantness.
After all, what player could resist such a temptation?
Of course, Naohara had also considered simply attacking.
Based on his earlier speculation, the Theocracy should possess a total of six World-Class Items.
Excluding [Downfall of Castle and Country] and the newly obtained [Ring of Elemental Spirit], there should still be four remaining.
Though it was also possible that only three or even fewer remained.
According to what the Brightness Dragon Lord had said before, six hundred years ago the strongest member of the Dragon Race, the Dragon Emperor, had made some kind of deal with the Six Great Gods.
And the only thing that could interest the Dragon Emperor was World-Class Items.
Even so, the Theocracy should still have at least one World-Class Item as a final safeguard.
After briefly thinking it through, Naohara ultimately decided not to attack.
If the other party dared to hand over a World-Class Item so openly, then he must have already considered the possibility of being attacked.
'Some hidden trump card?'
Naohara thought to himself.
Meanwhile, as Surshana watched Naohara enjoying petting the cat, he quietly withdrew his skeletal hand and secretly let out a sigh of relief.
It seemed there would be no need to fight.
Just as Naohara could not see through him, he could not see through Naohara either.
And vaguely, he could sense a faint feeling of danger.
That alone was enough to leave Surshana astonished.
Surshana understood his own condition very clearly.
His existence was extremely special. All detection-type magic was rendered ineffective against him. Even World-Class Items were no exception.
As for strength.
In his eyes, so-called "World Champions" were nothing special.
'What a pleasant surprise. Still, this works out nicely.'
A trace of amusement flashed in Surshana's eyes.
The stronger the other party was, the more reassured he felt.
Of course, that depended on whether Naohara would agree to his request.
But Surshana was quite confident about that.
After all, the conditions he was offering carried only benefits and no disadvantages.
"My purpose is simple."
"I want to give the entire Theocracy to you."
***
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