Chapter 2: The Holy Deeds of Kings
Upon touching the Guardian's Gift, a faint pattern shimmered. Simultaneously, text appeared beside it:
"This is a gift bestowed upon new Paladins by the Kings, including:
- Paladin Self-Cultivation (Volume 1)
- Unarmed Combat for Paladins (Beginner)
- Hammer Combat for Paladins (Beginner)
- Appraisal Collection
- Book of Spells: Divine Shield x1
- Forging Blueprint: Fist of Verrigan
- Alchemy Formula: Talent Mixture
Friend, march forward bravely—under the guidance of the Holy Light!"
Forseti paused in awe. With no apparent change, he tapped the artifact twice. The Guardian's Gift vanished in a flash, and the pages of the Holy Deeds shimmered with golden light.
Turning to the third page, Forseti found "Paladin Self-Cultivation (Volume 1)". It was extensive, covering the artifact's origin, functions, operational guide, and ethical teachings urging righteousness.
According to the text, the Holy Order of Kings, crafted by a group of esteemed Paladins known as the "Kings," spread the Holy Light across the universe. Every chosen Paladin embarked on a journey to uphold justice and fairness, aspiring to join the ranks of the "Kings."
The operational guide highlighted acquiring "piety" through various means to purchase items from the piety store. Notably, the store traded in pages, not physical goods, all contained within the Holy Deeds.
Piety could be gained through the Book of Experience, whose nature remained unknown to Forseti, or through crypton Gold(like gold coins in games ). Despite the altruistic name, "donation" meant selling valuable items for piety—the more valuable, the greater the piety earned.
The Holy Deeds' contents were initially ordered but could be rearranged at the owner's will, a user-friendly design.
Following the guide's instructions, Forseti turned to the next page and found the "Book of Spells: Divine Shield," surprising him.
A renowned Paladin skill, the Divine Shield from World of Warcraft was described as simple yet formidable: invincibility.
When activated, Divine Shield rendered the Paladin immune to all attacks for a limited time. No matter the force or nature of the attack—be it Thor's hammer, stormbreaker—none could harm the Paladin.
The prospect of experiencing such invincibility excited Forseti, yet the reality of its three-second duration tempered his enthusiasm. It was a one-time-use spell, disappearing after activation unless more spell books were obtained.
In essence, Divine Shield served in life-threatening situations, offering a brief sanctuary of invulnerability.
Forseti pondered the practicality against formidable foes. Three seconds could be decisive, yet against cosmic threats like Thanos, its efficacy remained uncertain for millennia.
Nevertheless, in turbulent times in Asgard, the Divine Shield offered immense security—a brief respite to confront terrifying adversaries or to boast resilience.
Next, Forseti examined the "Forging Blueprint: Fist of Verrigan," impressed by the novice's divine hammer. Acquiring it had nearly cost him dearly, but for early Paladins, no weapon surpassed its utility.
**Fist of Verrigan**
- Type: Warhammer
- Standard Item Level: Level 4
- Main Materials: Cole's Gem, Jordan's Refined Ore
- Forging Technology: ...
Contrary to expectations, the blueprint listed only two main materials, simplifying its requirements.
Yet, the challenge lay in sourcing Cole's Gems and Jordan's Refined Ore—not a trivial task outside the gaming realm.
Perusing technical details and obscure instructions, Forseti found a section on forging completion levels—from failure to beyond perfect—evaluated by materials and skill. Substitute materials were evaluated similarly, easing the forging process in Asgard.
Relieved, Forseti turned to the "Appraisal Collection," which evaluated items for sale at the piety store. As a supreme Paladin artifact, the Holy Order of Kings would not accept anything deemed worthless.
As a low-level civilian, Forseti perceived his possessions as meager. Fortunately, Asgard's lowest ranks stood higher than most cosmic beings, underscoring their privileged status.
Opening a drawer, Forseti retrieved dozens of Asgardian gold coins. Common yet substantial, these coins resembled ancient copper in value—everyday currency in Asgard.
Though not pure gold, the coins comprised a robust alloy, valued for its weight and size.
In his previous life, Forseti had never possessed such wealth, marveling at Asgardians' opulence.
Considering gold's value, Forseti placed the coins on the Appraisal Collection. Soon, text appeared: "First-level items, 17.83 piety for all donations."
Swiftly, he sold the coins at the piety store, watching his balance climb from "0.00" to "17.83."
With newfound wealth, Forseti examined the sole item in the store—the Gift of Fate, basically gacha ,promising limitless possibilities.
Purchasing it, Forseti eagerly turned the page, eyes widening at what awaited him.
"This is..."
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