"Ring of Miracles?"
In my previous life, I spent several years working in the straightforward and honest Beihua City, so naturally, I was familiar with this "sacred text"—essentially a replica of the Inazuma characters.
After a quick read, Charles used a gun-shaped ignition magic item he had picked up to set the parchment alight. The paper charred and burned until it turned to ash.
He didn't hold excessive expectations for the magic he awakened. Whatever magic came forth would be forcibly converted by the "Pandora of the Second Dimension."
"Still, it gave me an unexpected surprise."
At the very least, even without refreshing the panel, there's a built-in power to protect oneself.
"It's great to have access to all magic types, but this randomness…"
He didn't want to plan a massive atomic bomb only to end up reaching into his pocket and pulling out a lighter. Or, when low on energy, aim to conjure a fireball but accidentally trigger an explosion spell instead.
There's no warning for insufficient magic points in this world. The consequence of mental exhaustion? Straight into a coma.
Of course, at critical moments, it might suddenly unleash a heroic, victory-defining attack. That might be the charm of miracles.
"Compared to this magic's extreme unpredictability, I'm more interested in this extra stat!"
The "Second Dimension Pandora" draws skills, and luck absolutely dominates the outcome.
"From my experience extracting skills twice now, the chance to get a powerful skill is much lower than drawing a weak, disappointing one. Or maybe there's a level cap? Like level 4 or level 6?"
"The higher your luck, the lower the chance of useless skills, and the easier it is to draw a big move."
The next ability refresh would be in six days. For now, the "Ring of Miracles" is a tool to practice magic power—or a last resort when facing impossible odds.
"But what exactly does a Luck 'E' mean? E, F, G, H, I? The fifth level is pretty high. If it's the Lancer's E… umm."
In a deserted dead-end, Charles folded the "Reversed Spirit Veil" and tucked it into the leather adventurer's waist bag borrowed from the Fels warehouse.
The waist bag itself was a magic item, made from special monster leather with terrifying elasticity and ductility, capable of holding vast amounts. Its pockets fit tight against the skin, making loss almost impossible.
Charles reviewed his haul.
"In addition to awakening magic and the 'Reversed Spirit Veil,' I picked up lots of miscellaneous magic items: 'Expandable Waist Bag,' 'Micro Igniter,' 'Holy Tree Phonograph,' 'Corrosion Fiber Potion,' 'Substitute Death Ring'..."
"Tsk, what have I taken..."
Not all of Fels's collection were combat props.
What annoyed Charles most was the lighter that looked like a toy gun.
He smiled bitterly. "I thought I could perform American-style Iai, but…"
Among Fels's research was something called the Magic Hand Cannon. Unfortunately, no finished product appeared in the emergency warehouse.
There was also a special Rubik's Cube made from the trunk of the Monkey King Tree. Expecting some amazing magic artifact, Charles found only a portable speaker.
"Who listens to music with the Great Sage Tree's branches? Be more careful, Great Sage!" Charles muttered.
Fortunately, there were props Charles could actually use—like the same "Substitute Death Ring" Syr gave Bell, capable of surviving a fatal blow.
Charles wasn't in a hurry to activate the ring. For now, the "Crispy College Student" skill seemed more attractive.
Remembering the excitement, Charles jumped up, as if out of habit, and aimed a "dunk" at a short branch sticking out of a nearby house. The moment he landed, his legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground.
"Shit, I forgot being a fragile college student has side effects."
He removed the hood of the "Sage's Shell" and checked his body. Somehow, the incurable curse that had plagued him had quietly vanished!
With the healing effect of [Go Wherever You Want], his near-fatal wounds had long since recovered, and the bony arms had regrown tender, white flesh.
"Is this... the effect of this antique clothing?" Charles stared in surprise at the "Sage's Shell."
He had no curse-breaking items on him, so if he had to pick a suspect, it would be this 5 million valis magic robe.
"I didn't expect you to be such a treasure!"
Judging by its effect, this cloak could at least resist curses. At 5 million valis, that's really not a loss.
Not losing money means making money!
Another day full of hope!
Feeling the road ahead was smooth, Charles raised his head, strode out of the alley, and swaggered onto the street.
The sunshine was warm. Elf sisters and animal-eared girls blinked their big eyes, frequently turning their heads to stare at Charles.
Ah, my charm with nowhere to go. Ah, this restless youth.
Before Charles could enjoy the moment, a loud shout came from behind:
"That's him! Hold him down!"
"Arrest him!"
What? Me? Exposed? Is justice in Orario really this fast?
"Wait, wait, I can explain! No, I want a lawyer!"
Before Charles could react, a huge force grabbed his neck. He felt his body topple, his face making close contact with the ground.
Snap...
A gray-haired girl grasped Charles's wrists with both hands, blinking in confusion:
"Hey, what was that noise?"
"Idiot, stupid, the bone's broken! It's a broken bone! This guy's not a criminal! What are you doing?! Adi!" exclaimed a companion wearing an elephant trunk mask.
"Waaah! Sorry! I just reacted instinctively... Are you okay?!"
Charles's face pressed to the ground twitched, the corners of his mouth twisting into a look of despair.
Just now, he thought Fels had discovered him. Turns out it was...
"Damn justice again."
"Sorry!"
"I'm sorry! If you're useful, why do we need guards?"
"Well... we are the guards," the Elephant Trunk Mask muttered softly.
"Yes, that's right! I am the upright and beloved younger sister of Sister Shakti, the level 3 Adi Farmada~! Clang clang!"
The gray-haired girl's eyes were clear like lake water. Unlike her companions who wore elephant trunk masks, she wore a dark blue, waist-baring combat uniform with a tight black inner garment outlining her unique, exquisite curves.
As she spoke, she unconsciously puffed out her chest. Based on his experience with his sister-in-law, she had to be at least a B-level expert!
A 15-year-old B-level warrior is terrifying!
How can someone be so righteous? Oh, she was talking about her sister, that's fine.
Tsk, this Madonna role is the one I'm worst at handling.
Charles squinted and muttered:
"…The guards are amazing!"
After saying this, Charles shrank his neck, fearing Adi might reply, "The guards are amazing!" How would this end?
"…Still, why won't you let me go?" Charles whispered.
"No way."
"Why?"
Adi's expression was serious: "Because of you, the whole city is on alert. Now you must come with me."
"What?" Charles blinked.
"Also, stop being afraid of injections. If you're sick, get treatment. Don't run around next time!" Adi tied Charles up with a smile.
Who's afraid of injections? You're slandering me!
Before Charles could argue, he was tucked under Adi's arm. The next second, the scenery around blurred, leaving an afterimage as they sped off near the speed of sound.
"You're committing murder! You're illegally restricting my freedom! I want to complain! Where's your leader? I want to complain!"
Charles's screams echoed through the streets.
An owl with strange patterns, head tilted, perched on a tall pillar, watching everything.
-End Chapter-
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