Merlin’s Long Forgotten Gift - Three for Three!

Alex and Tereza watch from a distance as the corrupted Centaur undergoes a horrific transformation, turning into an abomination completely unrecognizable from his previous self.

Magor, unwilling to show any mercy to the corrupted, immediately raises his hand, giving the order. "Fire!"

His soldiers release a volley of arrows into the restrained Centaur.

Before the creature dies, Rishi unleashes a Mind Strike on the target, landing the final blow. Despite his usual calm and concerned expression, Alex catches the faintest smirk on his face.

Did he get loot? I didn't even think about that. Come to think of it, I also got some loot, didn't I? I need to open that chest soon.

The inspection continues, though now many Centaurs look visibly nervous—they hadn't expected more of their own to be infected.

Alex opens his chest, and the moment he looks inside, he freezes. His LUK stat clearly works in his favor again, but even he is surprised this time.

You received Magoroth's Legacy (Damaged)

You received Imbuement Archery Skillbook

Alex studies his loot and sees both a skillbook related to archery and a bow.

This… I get an Archery Conjuration ability, and at the very same time, the suitable skill and a bow? This kind of convenient thing feels almost like cheating, I have to admit.

He shifts his focus to his newly acquired weapon, carefully examining its effects.

[Magoroth's Legacy (Damaged)]

World: Harry Potter / Wizarding World

Quality: Deep Purple (Downgraded from Gold)

Type: Bow (Enchanted Rune-Bow)

Required stats: STR - 10, PHY - 10, SNS - 10, MNA - 10, SPR - 10

Required skills: Bow Proficiency lvl 3, Basic Meditation lvl 3

Durability: 37 / 100 (Downgraded from 200)

Damage: 30-50 (Downgraded from 40-60)

Effect: Increases the effect of any type of Imbuement cast on an arrow fired by this bow by 20% (Not active, due to item damage)

Effect: Increases MNA by 5 (Flat boost, not increased by other skills) (Not active, due to item damage)

Effect: Spiritual Arrow – Allows you to manually control and sense the world through an arrow fired by this weapon. Can only be used on one arrow at the same time and consumes 5 MP. While you control the arrow, you can't move, defend yourself, or even react before cutting the connection to the arrow.

Note: A magical rune bow created by Merlin himself and gifted to Magoroth, a legendary Centaur warrior, not only skilled in archery but also known for his unique form of magic, focused on elemental enhancements.

Note: Time, constant use, and lack of maintenance have decayed this once-legendary weapon. Can be repaired by a skilled magical craftsman with experience in runic crafting.

Holy shit… what kind of treasure did I just randomly stumble upon? A magical bow created by Merlin? Magoroth?

Too bad it's damaged… now that I look at it, the runes are obviously broken. Some parts are missing, and the connections aren't properly aligned anymore, but they're still mostly visible. It should be possible to repair them! It'd take someone extremely skilled, though. If we go back to the Realm, I don't think it'd be impossible to have it fixed… but it'd be expensive. And showing off an item like this in search of someone to repair it? That'd probably draw a lot of unwanted attention and make me a target as soon as I arrive in the main Realm!

Not that it matters right now, I can't even use it. It requires Bow Proficiency, which is probably the standard Blue-quality weapon skill for bows, similar to Pistol Proficiency. Let's see what this Imbuement Archery skill does, and if it qualifies as a normal Archery Proficiency.

[Skillbook: Imbuement Archery]

Quality: Deep Purple

Effect: Teaches the skill "Imbuement Archery"

Note: An archery style focusing on various imbuements, allowing the user to use various techniques to increase the potency and versatility of his arrows.

Note: Supersedes any other archery skill, for example, Archery Proficiency.

Note: Warning: this ability does not provide any imbuements on its own. Without other skills suitable to act as an imbuement, this skill will only serve as an Archery Proficiency skill, with higher requirements and cost.

Imbuement Archery (Level 0 Base):

Requirements: 6 STR, 6 PHY, 6 SNS, 6 MNA +1 per level

Basic Long-Range Combat Prowess lvl 0, Basic Concentration lvl 0, Basic Mana Control lvl 0 +1 per level

Leveling Requirements: 2000 Fantasy Coins + 1000 per level

Effects: +10% ranged damage, accuracy, shooting speed & reloading speed with any kind of bow, +5% per level

Effects: +10% increased potency (Damage, Duration, Effect) of any imbuement used with any kind of bow, +5% per level

Effects: Allows the user to imbue most abilities into an arrow, as long as this skill has the same level as the level of the skill used for the imbuement.

Fuck… this skill… it looks like it's essentially a normal Archery Proficiency skill, only with an additional effect, namely, increasing the potency of any imbuement. This is… does Nen, specifically Shu, count as an imbuement? It should work, and the effect should be amplified, especially with the third effect. Can I get my Sword Magic working on it? If this works… I need to learn this!

As Alex thinks about his new Conjuration ability, [Skillbook: Imbuement Archery], and of course, the no longer shiny but still impressive [Magoroth's Legacy (Damaged)], he turns around and can't help but look at the bow again.

It's mostly made out of ancient, expensive-looking wood, plated with magical-looking metal, with runes etched into it. It's not light, requiring quite a bit of strength to use. The bowstring seems to be made of magical metal as well, looking extremely sturdy and brand new—the enchantment on it obviously still working perfectly.

Despite two effects being inactive, it's still a mighty weapon! I'm seriously tempted… While I may regret this in future worlds where technology is more advanced, I'm tired of relying on a skill that's barely effective in most primitive worlds. It already happened in Final Fantasy 9, where my pistol was nerfed. I'd rather have a more reliable, always-available weapon than a strong, effective weapon I can only use in rare circumstances.

Also… you have to work with the cards you're dealt. Now, with my new Conjuration skill, this incredible bow, and the archery skill, it would be dumb not to accept my loss and replace my Pistol Proficiency skill. A normal blue-quality skill is strong, but I'm reaching a point where I should aim higher!

Alex puts the bow away and notices Rishi and Firenze identifying another corrupted Centaur, the third one in total.

He approaches and hears Magor praying for the deceased Centaurs, including his own son. Every Centaur bows their head, joining him in mourning.

After a few minutes, Alex and Tereza walk over to Rishi, Firenze, and Magor.

Magor takes a deep breath and says, "Humans… meeting you has caused me great grief. Without your interference, however, I fear we'd have suffered even more casualties. Thankfully, the immediate danger is gone. I welcome you to stay as long as you want. I'll instruct everyone to treat you as our honored guests. As for the Corruption crystal. Give it to me, I'll destroy it! It will weaken the Corruption!"

[Side Quest Completed:

Mission: Find out more about the [Corruption Crystal] by asking the centaurs in the Forbidden Forest.

Reward: Increased Reputation with the Centaurs of the forbidden Tribe, and special Access to their item exchange, Increased Mission Rating]

[You have gained the respect and friendship of the Forbidden Forest Centaur Tribe. Unlocked Side Quests, Centaur Store (20% reduced cost and extended inventory), and the ability to influence the Centaurs' actions in fighting the Corruption to some extent.]

"Please, stay as long as you want, humans. Also, talk to Firenze and Mikora, who'll be acting as our supply officer. If you fight against the Corruption, it would be dishonorable for us to offer you nothing but our heartfelt thanks. I have given her a few of our most valuable items. In fighting the Corruption, we are willing to pay any price for those willing to help us," Magor says before leaving the group, carrying his son's body to prepare for burial.

Finally, with things cooling down, the group stands inside the camp, looking at each other.

"Could have gone worse," Alex says.

"Yeah, I was kinda scared at one point, but you pulled through, Rishi. That was very risky and bold, quite uncharacteristic of you," Tereza comments.

"I'm taking that as praise. However, Tereza, your words are as venomous as ever. You should really work on that—not everybody is as understanding as me and especially Alex," Rishi responds with a smile.

Alex nods and shares the details of his Conjuration ability and his two spoils from Magorian, shocking the other two.

"This… your LUK is as unfair as ever! Even getting just one of these three, either the skill or the items, would be worth celebrating for most people. You got all three at the same time, and they synergize with each other," Rishi says, laughing in disbelief.

"You're opening every damn chest I find, Alex. This is way too unfair to other players, I want to profit from your LUK too," Tereza demands.

"It's only possible when we're in the same world. Anyway, that's what we've been doing this entire time. Let's check out the female Centaur, Mikora, that old guy mentioned. Maybe we can get even more rewards!" Alex says eagerly, curious about the so-called treasures Magor was talking about.

The group approaches the female Centaur, who looks quite young and energetic. She seems noticeably more curious, open, and accepting than many of the traditional Centaurs.

As Alex, Rishi, and Tereza approach her, she immediately welcomes them with a pleasing smile.

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