Receiving Gift

Standing before Case was a massive gate forged from an unknown metal, something he wouldn't have known if he hadn't recognized it.

'Tenth strongest metal in the whole universe. Oblivion Steel.'

Six meters high and six meters wide, the Oblivion Steel, a metal mined from the edge of the forgotten realms, stood imposingly tall for its unnatural stillness at Alexandria's vault.

Appearance-wise, the surface was perfectly smooth, yet its thickness could be felt miles away, giving slight terror to whoever looked at its reflection.

It was rumored that touching it chills the soul and triggers flashes of memories that didn't belong to the same person who has touched it.

'It is worth saying that this metal right here is one of the best out there. Guards aren't even needed to take a post. No one can even enter, even if they wanted to. How come…'

What was bugging Case's mind was revealed through the mouth of Velez as she said.

"This steel is one of the best there is in the Universe. It's a mixture of stalwart and solitude. Unless there's no cosmic breaking weapon out there trying to destroy it, it will stand. Moreover, being able to use it is far greater. And the only one who could achieve it is no other than the esteemed Highest Crafter."

She laughed proudly, "Can you believe it? Being able to use this thing to protect our vault?"

She then rests her hands at her pockets as she ordered in the air, "AI, open the door of the vault."

Right after she had spoken, the mighty door of the vault began to open, releasing a chilling air inside.

"Come inside."

What dawned upon inside were stacks of items placed in a sealed, thick glass container. This time, Case couldn't help but be in awe at Alexandria's wealth.

Even Velez had taken notice as she smugly presented, feeling contented that even the nonchalant Case could be excited at those valuable items.

"Fascinating, isn't it? Let me present these so-called Items to you. Yep, no exaggerated or complex name. These things you see are called Items that can be found… well, literally everywhere. But these Items aren't just the normal ones. They have become extraordinary due to exposed to a surroundings, crafted by the renowned crafters, or loots that we have salvaged on somewhere."

She took a halt, as if trying to add tension before revealing the truth, "And today, you will get to pick one."

Receiving Gifts.

Case couldn't forget this particular event out of many that happened in his past life.

It was because this was also part of the test that Auralex, the owner of the ship, had created for the Earthlings.

Case might not be able to sense Auralex's presence now, but he already knew that the commander was already watching them from somewhere.

'Some of the gifts around here had a tiny consciousness that even with one wrong touch, they can inflict like-threatening injuries that could result in death. I had to be careful about what to choose,'

Auralex was testing one's greed.

With so many treasures falling on the eyes that had gotten here, he wanted to see if those participants could show some restraint and choose what was appropriate for them to use, instead of picking something they couldn't handle.

Even without proper qualifications, one should be able to sense them and not take more.

"…"

For example, the shield that Case was currently looking at.

It was emitting a terrifying aura that just screams that it shouldn't be touched unless a professional handles it.

If one is still stupid enough to pick it, because they got greedy on the power it wielded, it will be instant disqualification.

"I will get to pick whatever I want, right?"

Velez made a sly smile, "Of course, of course. As long as you can handle it, it should be doable."

'She's basically warning me not to chew too much more than I could handle. Well, I know that already.' Case mused inwardly before replying, "Can I look around the place?"

"Suit yourself."

With that permission, Case began to roam around the place.

'Man, if only I had something on my hand, I should be able to snatch a thing or two…'

Case searched around every item he saw and stopped each time. He read each description of the items, trying to see what suited him the most and not only hinder his prowess.

"Hey Case, even if I didn't give you any time limit to settle this, it doesn't mean you'll have a day to look around the treasury."

"I know, I know…"

Case made a shooing motion, trying to get comfortable around Velez since he will be her representative.

That's why he's slowly trying to bring her guard down to him.

"That's Lady Velez to you!"

Case completely ignored her ramblings before he continued searching around until he was able to spot one item that piqued his interest.

'That's…'

Case moved closer until he was right in front of the container.

'It really is the Oblivion's Grin…'

It became even more what he knew about the item the instant he read its description.

[A cracked porcelain mask with a permanent eerie smile. According to the information that surrounded the mask, legend says it once belonged to a jester who laughed as the world burned. Beneath its cracked smile was an unknown emotion, granting immunity to fear— at the cost of empathy.]

Velez approached Case from behind, letting out a sigh a moment later upon realizing that Case wanted the mask.

She then revealed, "Are you sure you want this? Just because it can remove a lack of one's empathy doesn't mean that it is the only thing the mask can take from you. The information given is not enough to know its full capability."

Case scoffed before letting out a cough so as not to hide his joy. If only they knew what hidden features the mask had, they would not let it go.

Alas, they don't.

He then flatly said, "Thank you for the warning, but it doesn't matter. Lady Velez, if you don't mind, I want to take this as a reward."

Velez seemed to have contemplated it for a moment before sighing and giving him a heads-up about the mask as his reward.