NOVEL NEXT Chapter 174 Mirror Surface
"So, what will you offer in exchange for it now? The value doesn't have to be exactly equivalent, but it can't be too far off."
Alka had indeed completed his task. He was also a resident of Home Island, inherently one of God's children, and possessed remarkable talent. The Archbishop was never stingy with such gifted young people, especially those naturally aligned with the Holy Mother. However, he couldn't excessively favor the young man before him either. Doing so would cause discontent among some members of the Church and would also be inappropriate.
After speaking, the Archbishop waved his right hand. On his palm appeared the very Treasure Alka had once touched, the one that had initiated his abilities. He had already brought this Treasure, having prepared it in advance.
[Mirror Surface]
An ordinary mask with simple facial features, its surface like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding environment.
Looking at this mirror mask, Alka felt his Magic Power and Core Spell responding within him.
It was yearning.
The first Treasure one touches has the greatest influence on their Magic Power attributes because it is the awakener. It is the first external Magic Source the body's inert Magic Power encounters. For someone like Alka, who had comprehended a Spell, the influence was even more profound.
Looking at the Mirror Surface in the Archbishop's hand, Alka pushed the metal box at his feet over. The seamless metal box, polished mirror-smooth, looked like a perfect match for the Mirror Surface.
The Archbishop looked at the box at his feet, stared at it for a while, and then shook his head. "Insufficient. It's an artificial Treasure from ancient times. Although its craftsmanship and materials are perfect, it doesn't compare to a regular Treasure. After all, it's man-made. As for its abilities, you should be aware of those."
Hearing this, Alka nodded. He hadn't expected the Archbishop to discern nearly all the Treasure's information with just one glance.
"You'll still need to add something more to your offer."
No matter how one looked at it, this Treasure's value couldn't possibly equate to the Mirror Surface. The Archbishop would not agree to the exchange; the value gap between them was too large.
Alka was prepared for this. He hadn't expected to trade for the Mirror Surface with just this one Treasure.
In his hand appeared a map of the Realm of Pitch Darkness, which he placed on the table.
"This is a map of the Realm of Pitch Darkness. I know where the Vastin Empire's Treasure is hidden, and I know the conditions to unlock it."
Upon hearing this, the Archbishop's expression changed, becoming intrigued. Looking at the map in his hand, he couldn't help but ponder.
"I will validate your information with prophecy. If there are no issues, then the transaction will proceed."
Adding precise information about a Treasure would obviously make the trade equivalent. Even if it wasn't perfectly equivalent, it would be enough to silence certain people.
Alka nodded, "No problem."
"This is the Holy Mother's contract. Come and sign it."
Watching the contract, which seemed like an Energy body, in his hand, Alka nodded and infused Magic Power into it. This was both evidence and a necessary procedure. After all, the Church was a formal institution.
The Archbishop likewise infused a portion of Magic Power into it and then placed it on the table.
After completing all of this, the Archbishop lightly tapped the table twice, looked at Alka, and said, "Alright, you can begin your account now."
Alka nodded and began to relay the information he knew.
"The Vastin Empire's Treasure is located within the Imperial Palace of their former capital. Unlocking the place where the Treasure is hidden requires the bloodline of royal descendants. Furthermore, among the enemies guarding the Treasure, the strongest has reached the Four Spirals level, so considerable vigilance is required."
After speaking, Alka marked the golden point representing the Vastin Imperial Capital on the map of the Realm of Pitch Darkness with a pen and then handed it to the Archbishop before him.
The Archbishop took the map and looked at it. Then, he slowly closed his eyes, muttering under his breath, though what he was saying was unclear. Soon, the surrounding light began to converge, eventually enveloping the map. After a moment, he opened his eyes.
"Very good. This information is genuine and quite detailed," the Archbishop nodded, acknowledging the data.
He hadn't expected the intelligence to be so detailed. This exchange seemed to be quite profitable for them.
He then extended his right hand, upon which the [Mirror Surface] floated.
"Then, the transaction is complete."
Upon hearing this, Alka reached out with both hands, carefully taking the [Mirror Surface] from the Archbishop's hand.
Looking at his own face reflected on the mask, he noted that although the mask appeared lightweight, its heft was far greater than he had imagined.
It felt as if it was made of metal.
"[Mirror Surface] is a Holy Grail Level Treasure, obtained 136 years ago from an Island. As it happens, the person who acquired this Treasure was also from Golden Wheat Island. Perhaps this is fate? Hahaha."
The Archbishop chuckled twice, continuing, "Its primary ability is mimicry. Its secondary ability is creating mirrors out of thin air. These mirrors can vary depending on the user's proficiency, Magic Power, and mastery of the Spell. Among Holy Grail Level Treasures, it ranks as upper-middle, and could even be considered high-ranking. This is because its primary ability seems like a secondary one, while its secondary ability is as powerful as a primary one."
Upon hearing this, Alka began to ponder. So, the Core Spell he had obtained was actually from its secondary ability.