It was one thing to see the royal treasury in the ga.
It was another to stand inside it.
Azel’s boots stepped lightly onto the polished marble floor, the air thick with the scent of aged gold, varnished wood, and sothing vaguely ancient — like power that had been resting for centuries, waiting to be claid.
Even though the ga had rendered this room beautifully — towering ceilings, shimring vaults, weapons lined with enchantnts — it didn’t compare to the reality.
Here, the air thrumd with energy. Everything felt real. From the air in the room to even the reflection of light from the gold, he wondered where the air ca from.
This was the heart of the Starbloom Empire’s legacy. And in the near future, it would be looted, plundered clean when the northern empire launched their surprise invasion.
But that was still far off.
For now, it was untouched. Pristine. A dragon’s hoard without the dragon.
Azel kept his face neutral, hands behind his back, scanning without appearing greedy.
He was allowed only two items — a gracious reward from the Emperor himself — but he had to choose wisely.
Very wisely.
He couldn’t just walk out with the Starblade of Oblivion or the Crown of Endless Storms. Even he knew that would be pushing it.
That was also why Captain Mira stood beside him like a silent judge.
Her presence was casual, but Azel wasn’t fooled — if he reached for sothing dangerous, her blade would reach his throat faster than his fingers could close, figuratively though.
In reality, she would probably tell him off.
But instead of feeling watched, Azel felt... observed. Mira was curious. The way her violet eyes trailed after him, she was trying to read him.
It made sense. He didn’t act like a child.
No giggling.
No sprinting around the room grabbing swords like a wild brat. Just silence, calculation, and sharp glances.
That alone piqued her interest.
"So..." Mira’s voice echoed lightly in the chamber. "Have you decided what to take?"
"Not yet," Azel replied calmly. "I’d like to go further."
Mira gave a small nod. "Lead the way."
He did — slowly, deliberately, like a young noble showing poise... when in reality, he was retracing a path burned into his mory from countless playthroughs of the ga.
If everything was the sa, then the [Ever-Bracelet] would be exactly where he rembered.
As they walked, the treasures surrounded them in droves.
To the right: swords that humd with magic.
To the left: shields said to withstand dragonfire.
Ahead: rows of spears, daggers, bows, each resting in display cases lit by soft aura-lamps.
So glowed with raw power — those were aura weapons, tools forged to channel aura itself. Useful, yes. But not what he needed.
He passed them without a second look.
Further in, piles of gleaming gold ares — the empire’s currency — sparkled in open chests.
Spellbooks rested atop marble pedestals, ancient scrolls floated within glass containers. Even here, the weight of history pressed down like a second atmosphere.
"There are martial aura techniques here too," Mira offered. "If one interests you."
It was tempting.
Aura wasn’t just for swordplay — it could enhance punches, kicks, even body movent.
Martial artists in this world were terrifyingly strong.
But Azel had sothing better in mind.
"Father said he’d personally train in one," Azel said, waving the offer off.
Mira blinked. "The Sword Saint?"
He nodded, feigning nonchalance.
Her eyes sparkled at that. Of course they did — that man was a living legend. Even she couldn’t help but wonder what style Azel would inherit.
But Azel was already focused. They had finally arrived.
And there it was.
Sitting casually on a small golden pedestal: a single gauntlet, black and silver, heavy-looking and cracked at the knuckles.
Most would pass it by. Most would think the gauntlet was the treasure.
But Azel knew better.
Coiled around its wrist was a dull, simple-looking bracelet.
It had gray tal, there was no shine or luster to it, there weren’t even any inscriptions. The bracelet was just... there.
This was a relic from the very first Emperor of Starbloom, the thod to use it had been lost by the ti of the Fourth emperor and even now they didn’t know how to use it.
"Can I take this?" he asked casually, pointing.
Mira glanced over. "The gauntlet?"
"No," he shook his head. "Just the bracelet."
Her brow furrowed.
"The bracelet?"
She stepped closer, inspecting it with fresh eyes. It looked useless.
The royal family hadn’t figured out what it did in centuries. From the 4th Emperor to the current 7th, it had just... sat there.
A trinket.
A forgotten heirloom.
"Are you sure?" she asked, confused.
"It’s not important," Azel shrugged. "But I like it."
Mira paused... then smiled.
"It’s yours."
Azel didn’t wait another second. He slid it off the gauntlet and fastened it to his wrist.
[Ever-Bracelet] Acquired.
The mont he wore it, he felt a subtle pull on his aura. Like a small gravitational hum that only he could feel.
It worked.
Just like in the ga.
One down.
Mira folded her arms. "So. That’s one. What’s your second item?"
Azel turned to her with the most sincere expression he could muster.
"You."
Mira blinked.
"...What?"
"You asked what my second item is," Azel said, voice calm and expression unreadable. "It’s you."
There was a beat of silence.
Then her cheeks flushed — the red creeping in slowly like spilled wine across pale silk.
[Author’s Note]
Azel’s character art is out, hehe, I’ll be doing one for Naelia and Ira later so make sure to support with points and vote for your favs, ti to give our Heroines so screen ti.
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