Athena felt her hand tighten involuntarily around the mirror. She stared at her reflection in disbelief.
In the blink of an eye, the mirror reverted to showing her usual appearance. Yet she knew it wasn’t a trick of the glass. Just monts ago, she had caught a glimpse of a streak of white in her hair.
She had originally taken out the artifact Heart’s Desire to consult it about her plans for improving her attribute points. Instead, it had delivered an earth-shattering revelation.
Her body felt better than ever, with no signs of illness or weakness. But this inexplicable flash of white hair had unsettled her deeply. Whatever questions she had about her attributes could wait until tomorrow; she needed to address this anomaly now.
Unfortunately, the mirror's inscriptions swirled and shifted chaotically, resolving into nothing but smudged, indecipherable marks. At last, one faint word erged: Good.
Good? What could possibly be good about abruptly turning gray-haired overnight? Though her appearance had returned to normal, the fleeting change left her bewildered. Try as she might, she couldn’t fathom how this was anything to celebrate.
If it isn’t harmful, there’s no point dwelling on it. Athena’s pragmatic side took hold. If worse ca to worst, she could live with white hair. Such things didn’t trouble her for long.
She rummaged through her bag and took out a shimring golden package, the last unopened one she had saved. Outwardly composed, her hand trembled slightly as she approached it, and her heart raced faster than during any battle she’d fought against monsters.
The golden package opened with deliberate slowness, revealing… another box.
This box was unlike any she had seen before, split evenly into stark black and pristine white, as if embodying two extres of power. Its surface was adorned with intricate, mysterious carvings, not re decorations but ancient runes. Further encasing the box were countless fine iron chains, their origin unknown, as if sealing the object within against the world.
The sight exuded an aura of solemn mystery, stirring a powerful curiosity within her to unlock its secrets.
It was uncannily reminiscent of the fabled Pandora’s box.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, she snapped to her senses, quickly tucking the item back into her system’s inventory. Instantly, that peculiar compulsion dissipated.
...
[ Congratulations, you have obtained: Whisper x1 ]
Whisper
Quality: ???
Category: ???
Description: The murmur of the world’s oldest entities. Do not use it unless absolutely certain. Legend has it that rely coming into contact with these whispers grants boundless power, imnse wealth, supre authority—or potentially death. You may even beco the next Whisperer. Everything depends on your choices and the whims of fate.
...
Black and white… Two extres, ancient and enigmatic. It could be nothing other than the celestial dichotomy unique to this world. Unlike the sun and moon of a normal realm, this world evoked only stark contrasts: day and unyielding darkness.
Regardless of its association, Athena felt confident that this box was no benevolent artifact.
Better to leave it for now.
Even in her system inventory, the box’s chains writhed ceaselessly, though fortunately, it showed no signs of escaping.
Not only did I not get anything useful, I may have just unleashed an ancient-level burden.
...
Ever since stealing the bald man’s twin hamrs, Athena hadn’t considered returning them. To her surprise, the weapons resonated with her Black Abyss Axe, much like the colossal sword she had taken from a defeated skeleton.
It was reminiscent of when her Moonlight Arrow had fused with another bow.
Now, with all three weapons laid on the ground, she cautiously moved them closer to the Black Abyss Axe. Sure enough, the axe’s shaft began to tremble faintly.
...
[ Blue Fla Greatsword ]
Quality: Excellent
Category: Heavy Weapon
Durability: 50/50 (Repairable, non-upgradable)
...
[ Earthshatter Twin Hamrs ]
Quality: Excellent
Category: Heavy Weapon
Durability: 50/50 (Repairable, non-upgradable)
...
[ Detected: Compatible weapons can rge with Black Abyss Axe. Proceed? ]
"Yes"
Under the system’s influence, the twin hamrs and greatsword slowly drifted toward the Black Abyss Axe. Despite their resistance, the weapons’ struggles were futile. Over ti, the repulsion between them lessened, and they drew closer until they touched.
Gradually, the three weapons lted into a pool of black liquid, like molten tal imbued with life. The fluid pulsated, emitting an eerie glow, as if sentient. It flowed steadily into the Black Abyss Axe, fusing completely.
When the process concluded, the axe erupted with unprecedented brilliance. Its blade glead with a frigid, razor-sharp light, exuding an aura of intimidation and irresistible dominance.
...
[ Black Abyss Axe ]
Quality: Extrely Rare (Unique)
Category: Growth Weapon
Durability: 50/50 (Repairable, upgradable)
Skill: Devour—Wounds inflicted by the Black Abyss Axe cannot heal naturally. When injuries overlap excessively, the corrupted wounds spread, causing secondary damage until the enemy is consud.
...
Within the Guardian Fortress, there was no darkness. But beyond its walls lay endless night.
Big Bear, trembling, nearly let out a cry when she stepped on a withered twig.
The forest had long been overrun by treants of various sizes, but this group stood apart. Jet-black, their bark bore grotesque faces. Even in stillness, they radiated a chilling nace. Fortunately, they appeared dormant for unknown reason.
The elderly man leading the way shot her a disapproving glare before continuing deeper into the forest. Occasionally, alert monsters glanced at them but made no move, sparing Big Bear despite her companion’s presence.
“Are you sure about this, Elder One?” she whispered nervously.
...
[Special Condition Detected. Hidden Trait Unlocked!]
[Change Guardian Faction? Yes/No]
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