Ambrose studied the system display that materialized before him, revealing the collar’s true nature:
[Na: Echo Collar???]
[Level: B???]
[Set: Weakest(1/6)]
[Description: Originally created for beast tribe warriors lacking physical might, this artifact harnesses ntal strength to temporarily overco bodily limitations. Converts ntal energy into physical enhancent at a 10:1 ratio, allowing even the weakest body to briefly manifest considerable strength. Though recordings of its early uses have been lost to ti, legends suggest it was instruntal in allowing scholarly beast tribe leaders to prove their worth through ritual combat. The artifact’s ability to empower those with high ntal capabilities but low physical strength made it highly sought after, though its whereabouts beca unknown during the last war. Warning: Extended use can rapidly deplete ntal reserves, potentially leaving the user vulnerable to both physical and ntal exhaustion.]
His eyes widened with fascination. The ability to convert ntal strength into physical power was unprecedented in his experience. Though the 10:1 conversion ratio seed steep – almost prohibitively so for most practitioners – it held unique promise for soone in his position. Without hesitation, he attempted to channel his ntal strength into the choker, eager to test its capabilities.
The system’s response was imdiate and pointed:
[Physique: Weak Body (CAN’T increase physical stats in ANY way)]
A quiet laugh escaped his lips as he observed the system’s deliberately emphasized warning. He had anticipated this outco, yet felt no disappointnt. His analytical mind had already moved beyond the surface functionality, focusing instead on more intriguing details – specifically, the question marks in the item’s na and rank. Such cryptic elents typically indicated hidden potential, suggesting this wasn’t the artifact’s final form.
Even more compelling was the set designation: "Weakest (1/6)." The implications sent his thoughts racing. A set of six pieces, all sharing this peculiar designation, "weakest" – it seed almost too perfectly aligned with his circumstances. He had the weak body physique, thus he was the "weakest". It was practically begging him to take it. Could this be more than re coincidence? Perhaps these artifacts were left behind by a predecessor who shared his physical limitations, soone who had discovered a way to overco the Weak Body physique.
His mind constructed theoretical models of the remaining pieces. The Echo Collar around his neck would likely be complented by matching accessories: Echo Bracelets for the wrists, Echo Greaves for the legs. The final piece – possibly so form of core component to complete the circuit – remained more mysterious in his ntal blueprint, but he tentatively labeled it the Echo Core.
Studying his reflection in the mirror, Ambrose’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. Though Marcus had likely known only of the collar’s basic strength-conversion properties, he had inadvertently provided sothing far more valuable: the first piece of what might be a solution to Ambrose’s fundantal limitation. With this frawork established, he could begin a focused search for the remaining components, he didn’t believe that with all his abilities, he couldn’t find just a few treasures.
Behind him, Marcus and Hualing exchanged puzzled glances, clearly mystified by their young master’s evident satisfaction. Neither could guess at the complex theories and plans already taking shape behind his enigmatic smile.
…
In the softly lit room, Ambrose turned to Marcus with genuine appreciation in his eyes. "Thanks, I really like it," he said warmly, his slender fingers tracing the elegant dark choker that now adorned his neck. The words carried no hint of disappointnt despite the item’s inability to imdiately solve his physical limitations. After all, having spent his entire life constrained by weakness, the concept of physical freedom felt almost abstract – like describing colors to soone who had never seen them, to him, it didn’t matter if it was today or tomorrow.
Yet the Echo Collar represented sothing more: the first piece of a greater puzzle, one that promised eventual liberation if he could collect all six components. There was a certain charm to this gradual approach; after all, he wouldn’t be surviving the magic academy with just intelligence stats if he was so easily cured.1
Marcus studied Ambrose’s expression with growing confusion. He knew the young master possessed so sort of appraisal ability or treasure, which ant he must understand the collar’s true nature. Yet Ambrose showed no inclination to test its power, despite his perpetual physical weakness. This could only an one thing: the artifact simply didn’t work. Guilt gnawed at Marcus’s conscience – had he offered false hope only to snatch it away? "It doesn’t work?" he asked hesitantly, his voice carrying a hint of self-reproach.
Ambrose’s response ca with a gentle smile. "It’s okay, I still like it," he assured Marcus. Privately, he couldn’t reveal that the collar’s true value far exceeded Marcus’s expectations. After all, if the regressor felt a touch of guilt, he might be more inclined to present another set piece as compensation should he stumble upon one. The thought brought a slight curve to Ambrose’s lips as he considered the elegant simplicity of his sche.
However, watching Marcus’s shoulders slump and his gaze drop to the floor, Ambrose realized his strategy might have overshot its mark. While a slightly guilty Marcus might prove more generous with future discoveries, a thoroughly demoralized one might abandon the search entirely. With careful deliberation, Ambrose placed a reassuring hand on Marcus’s shoulder.
"I said it’s okay," he reiterated, his voice carrying a playful note. "I find it quite cute." His eyes sparkled with genuine amusent as he posed a question designed to lift the somber mood: "Don’t you think it looks nice on ?"
"I do! I think it suits you," Marcus responded with almost endearing eagerness, his earlier lancholy beginning to lift.
"I also think it looks good on you, master!" Hualing chid in from the sidelines, but Ambrose maintained his focus on Marcus.
"Then it’s all good," he declared with finality. When Marcus began to protest with another "but," Ambrose gently pressed his index finger against his own lips in a silencing gesture. "No buts..."
[TO BE CONTINUED]
A/N - ik yall thought i was scamming you
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