Chapter 445, Hundred-Arms
The Hundred-Arms Robe.
Its effect is ability duplication.
The explanation is somewhat vague, but it seems similar to [Mirror Image Spell].
[Mirror Image Spell] can also create duplicates.
The duplicates are illusions that confuse enemies, making it difficult to distinguish between the real body and the energy forms.
However, it has almost no practical combat effect.
If it's really just like an illusion spell, then this rare item is completely lackluster.
It wouldn't meet the expectations of a first-class merit reward.
His gaze quickly shifted to Sheila Grey's reward.
A longsword.
The hilt was blue, and the scabbard looked ordinary, though faintly inscribed with intricate runes.
[White Phoenix Cursed Sword (Rare Item)]
[Category: Rare Item]
[Effect: Ice attribute damage; Elven bloodline can assimilate the White Phoenix.]
[Side Effect: Physical harm.]
(Description: A longsword that coexists with the White Phoenix.)
Damn, hers is amazing.
A cursed sword.
Cursed swords fetch a high price at auctions as rare items.
Moreover, the sword's effect is excellent, and the side effects aren't particularly harsh.
In this world, Professionals naturally possess resilient bodies, and potions can offer excellent recovery.
Clearly, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Is there discrimination against my profession? Why deliberately choose such a robe?
Might as well trade it for six second-class merits instead.
Sheila Grey couldn't view the item's attributes, but she could guess based on its appearance.
Her eyes were filled with anticipation.
Assistant Moya brought tea to the two of them, picked up a nearby notebook, and began explaining: "The Hundred-Arms Robe allows you to create multiple duplicates, gaining an advantage in battle. The side effect is a strong sense of mental fragmentation after canceling the ability, which can be dangerous in combat."
The introduction matched the description without much difference.
Moya turned to the next page and continued, "The White Phoenix Cursed Sword is a powerful rare weapon in the cursed sword series. In addition to dealing ice damage, it allows those with elven bloodlines to activate the White Phoenix bloodline and gain special abilities. The side effect is post-activation blood freezing, causing physical damage."
This weapon is incredible.
Skeletons have no blood and wouldn't fear freezing.
Wait, but skeletons don't count as having an elven bloodline!
After the introduction, Moya closed the notebook and stepped aside.
Sheila Grey beamed with joy as she examined her weapon.
She turned it over repeatedly, inspecting every detail.
Wu Heng was much calmer. He touched the fabric and then stored it in his spatial ring without further inspection.
Imiro said: "Check it later. First-class merit rare items are precious to the Guild. Even if you can't use them in the future, remember to return them to the Guild for merit rewards."
Sheila Grey nodded.
Wu Heng thought inwardly, Is that all?
"The island has been chaotic lately. Arrange your work properly and avoid leaving the island unless necessary," Imiro continued.
Both nodded again.
Wu Heng recalled the thoughts he had earlier in his study and asked, "Steward, the island's guard numbers have more than doubled. Isn't it unusual for someone newly pardoned?"
Imiro glanced at him, "That's part of the chaos I mentioned. This matter has been reported to the Guild headquarters, and they'll arrange a response soon."
So.
Imiro also found it odd.
Without evidence of intent or immediate plans, some arrangements required time.
"Understood, Steward. We'll keep it in mind."
"You may go. Report any discoveries immediately."
"Yes."
The two saluted and left the study.
Walking down the corridor back to their offices,
Sheila Grey said, "Thank you. I owe my first-class merit to following you."
"Everyone contributed."
"Without you, we wouldn't have defeated the Devil's Hand, no matter how much we tried," Sheila Grey said directly.
"It was teamwork," Wu Heng replied. "Be cautious as the Steward advised. The island's been unstable lately. Stay safe."
"You too. Come to me if you're in danger," Sheila Grey said, waving her sword.
"If you're in danger, just shout my name, and I'll save you," Wu Heng replied.
Sheila Grey smiled and nodded.
They parted ways, each returning to their study.
...…
Back in his study,
Andviel looked up. "Master, how was the reward?"
After all, it came from the Steward, so it couldn't be bad.
Wu Heng took out the robe. "Seems underwhelming, feels like a loss."
Andviel picked up the robe and examined it. "The design is nice. It'll look even better on you."
"Alright, let's try it."
Wu Heng removed his leather armor and inner robe. With Andviel's assistance, he donned the new robe.
The fabric and fit were very comfortable.
Once all the buttons were fastened,
"Andviel, step back. I'll test its effect."
Andviel stepped back.
Wu Heng focused his mind. His body blurred momentarily as if vibrating at high frequency.
In the next moment, six identical figures appeared in front of him.
They looked the same and wore identical outfits.
"You're not illusions?" the first Wu Heng asked.
The third Wu Heng stepped back. "You can talk?"
The second Wu Heng exclaimed, "The robe's ability creates entities."
The first said, "What abilities can you use?"
The second replied, "I only remember illusion spells."
The third said, "I remember necromancy spells."
"I know protective spells."
"I'm adept in conjuration."
"I specialize in divination."
"…"
For a moment, all the duplicates froze.
Andviel, watching from behind, widened her eyes in astonishment as she saw six identical masters chatting together.
"Let's cancel the ability and check the side effects," the sixth suggested.
"Agreed."
"No objections."
"…"
The ability was canceled, and the six figures blurred and merged back into one.
At the same time,
A sharp pain surged through his mind.
It felt like a split personality, with fragmented scenes and thoughts flashing in his brain.
Andviel rushed over, cradling Wu Heng's head anxiously. "Master, are you alright? Don't scare me."
After brief dizziness and a headache, the chaotic thoughts faded.
"I'm fine. The rare item's side effects just take some getting used to," he said, then asked, "How many of me did you see?"
"Six of you, Master."
"As expected."
Wu Heng felt a surge of excitement. It seemed the rare item's effect was truly powerful.
...…
On Barbary Island, atop the wooden platform,
Pirate traitors were being accused of betrayal.
They were then executed, their throats slit, blood spraying forward.
Without a reasonable explanation, they were killed without hesitation.
Finally, a dagger was placed against Philipa's neck. The cold, sharp blade sent chills through her.
"Philipa, spy for the Gold-Silver Island Guild. Her mother runs a tavern on Lighthouse Street, collecting intelligence for the Guild. You've betrayed the sea, betrayed pirates, and will be executed on Barbary Island," the Black Dragon Pirate Crew's captain announced loudly.
Murmurs arose below.
A Guild spy from Gold-Silver Island.
Her mother gathering intelligence for them—a family of traitors.
Worse than the previous ones.
Sweat soaked Philipa's back as she shouted, "I'm not a spy! My father was captain of the Iron Barrel Pirate Crew. I don't even know who my mother is. Besides, I received the Pirate King's letter. I'm a recognized pirate."
The Savage Lion Pirate Crew's captain hesitated. "I brought you here. What letter?"
The Black Dragon captain ordered, "Do it!"
"Wait! I have a witness," Philipa shouted, her gaze falling below.
The Flying Fish Pirate Crew's captain froze, trying to avoid her eyes but recalling her words.
I saved you.
He cleared his throat. "I'm not sure if it counts, but she did mention receiving a letter earlier."