The Chest of Luck      

At the brief respite, Horizon could no longer resist the urge to open the chest that had been gnawing at him relentlessly.

With a simple press of the blinking icon at the side of his screen, the two silver chests and one golden chest materialized before him, glowing with a tantalizing light.

Von, who had been keeping a watchful eye, stared in shock, his mouth agape. "Wait . . . No Valerian or even Eternian can do that. Hold on . . . Are you a human from the ARK?"

Horizon remained silent, the current situation had shifted his plans. He wasn't ready to reveal his true identity, knowing that some Eternians and possibly Valernians despised humans for being invasive outsiders.

Humans were the only ones granted access to [Missions] and [Quests], with rewards materializing in the form of chests.

This unique ability set them apart, but it also made them targets.

It was still a mystery why that was, but Von was right — no Valerian or Eternian could summon a chest from thin air.

Typically, looting required a native's careful touch. It was also true for humans from the ARK. But spoils from [Quests] and [Missions] appeared instantly, forming into chests as if by magic.

"Is that going to be a problem?" Horizon asked, locking eyes with Von.

"You lied to me."

"I didn't lie. I just didn't mention that I'm human."

Von sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. "I guess it's my fault for trusting so easily."

"So, do you have an issue with me being a human from another world?"

Von shook his head. "Not really. I don't have the same hatred as the others. Some humans here in Drakha and Eternia are decent — seems like they're everywhere nowadays."

"Yeah, we reproduce like rabbits, or so I've heard," Horizon quipped.

Von chuckled. "I heard that too. But I want you to know this doesn't change anything. In fact, I'm glad you're human. It means you have access to this otherworldly stuff — like summoning chests out of thin air that contained cool items!"

"It doesn't work quite like that, but thanks," Horizon replied, turning his attention back to the three chests waiting before him.

Horizon knew that luck would play a crucial role in determining the treasures inside the chests. His luck stat was high, and he felt confident about what he might receive.

But just to be sure, he glanced at Von and asked, "What's your luck stat?"

In both Eternia and Drakha, everyone had stats, but seeing them required special items like a [Monocle] for beasts. For the natives, it required special skill or so he heard. 

Von blinked, then smiled. "Luck? Oh, you mean my stats, right?" He straightened up, pride evident in his voice. "It's 247."

Horizon was taken aback. He hadn't expected that. There was no indication that Von was lying, so it had to be true.

Was Von . . . some kind of overpowered character?

A minor stat like LCK was already 247, then how about his major stats like STR, DEX, and CNST? Or was he the type of guy who kept maximizing a single stat like his LCK, perhaps?

Von seemed to read Horizon's thoughts and grinned. "Want me to open the chest for you?"

Horizon considered it. The items inside the chest would depend on who opened it, and that was something to think about. Von was an elf with the Haunt Inquisitor Class, just as he had said. If Von opened the chest, the items would likely align with his abilities and class rather than Horizon's.

That was also one of the reasons natives targeted humans for chests.

However, the Silver and Bronze chests were different, containing mostly common items. Horizon handed them over with a nod. "You can open these two."

Von's eyes lit up with excitement. "I've always wanted to open one!" Without hesitation, he eagerly opened the chests.

The two Silver chests vanished, leaving behind an array of items: [Recovery Potions x5], [Antidote x5], [Heaven's Blessings x5], [Old Rope x1], and [Tent x1].

Horizon couldn't help but feel satisfied. Having Von open the chests had turned out to be a smart move. 

"There's so much here!" Von exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he inspected the potions.

Horizon was relieved to see no hint of greed in Von's expression. The last thing he wanted was to fight over items with someone he would journey out of here.

"But will all this fit in your bag?" Von asked, eyeing the small [Beginner's Backpack] slung over Horizon's shoulder.

"We can share the potions," Horizon suggested, handing half of them to Von. "I'll keep the rope and the tent."

"Are you sure?" Von hesitated, clearly touched by the offer.

Horizon nodded. "It's also smarter not to put everything in one place. If I'm in trouble and lose my bag, you can heal me with the potions, and vice versa."

"That's a great idea!" Von agreed, tucking the potions away.

Now, only the Gold chest remained. Horizon took a deep breath, feeling the weight of anticipation. He reached for the chest, hoping his luck would hold out. If it did, he might get the equipment upgrade he desperately needed.

With a swift motion, he opened the chest, betting on his luck to get a decent equipment at least.

[ACQUIRED! Bone Armor x1! Drakescourge Scimitars x1]

|| Bone Armor ||

Very Rare, Dragonkin Class

This eerie armor is crafted from the bleached bones of Nix'Udjar dragonkin, fused together with dark magic. The chestplate is composed of interlocking rib bones, creating a jagged, yet protective, exoskeleton.

The pauldrons resemble dragon skulls, with hollow eye sockets that seem to watch your every move.

The armor is lightweight yet durable, with spiked bracers and greaves that add to its menacing appearance. A faint, ghostly aura surrounds the armor, hinting at the lingering spirits of the dragons from which it was made.

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

❶ Spectral Shield: The armor can generate a temporary ethereal barrier that absorbs a portion of incoming damage.

❷ Dragon's Resolve: Increases the wearer's resistance to fear and intimidation, making them nearly unshakable in battle.

|| E N D ||