Hunters had roughly three ways to obtain a high-quality Talisman.
The most common and straightforward method was to spend a great deal of time digging. Ruins left behind by the Ancient Civilization were scattered throughout the world, and anyone willing to put in the time and effort could eventually find a decent Talisman. How long it would take, how much effort it would demand, and how good the Talisman would be were all matters of luck.
The second method relied on the mysterious Alchemy practiced by the Wyverians. High-quality Monster materials could be used as ingredients, but the most likely result was a heap of worthless slag. There was only a small chance of refining a high-quality Talisman. The return was as dreadful as buying a lottery ticket, which was why the practice was also known as "gambling for Talismans."
The third method was the most direct: simply buy one. With enough money, anyone could get their hands on a first-rate Talisman, though a Legend Talisman was another matter entirely.
Altaïr considered himself a practical man. In his view, the time spent digging for Talismans would be better used for serious training and a few more Hunts. Was that not a more direct path to improvement than swinging an Iron Pickaxe all day?
He had no interest whatsoever in gambling for Talismans. During his time with the Loc Lac Rangers, he had encountered more than a few criminals who had lost everything to gambling, leaving him with a deep-seated hatred for the very word.
As for buying one, he did not come from a wealthy family like Francesca's. The foolish idea of bankrupting himself for a Talisman had never even crossed his mind.
That was how Altaïr had reached High Rank while still owning only two Talismans, the ones his teachers, Karin and Haifa, had given him.
Now that he had a chance to acquire a high-grade Talisman, he certainly was not going to let it pass.
Urged on by his precious daughter, the Troverian Village Chief reluctantly led Altaïr to his item box. With a pained expression, he took out several exquisite, sturdy jewelry cases.
Gemma crossed her arms and began explaining things to Altaïr. "Ted told me your Manti Ticket probably isn't worth seven figures.
"You don't need to bother with anything below a King Talisman. Dad doesn't even own a Creator Talisman, and asking him for a Legend Talisman would be no different from asking for his life.
"So let's focus on the Dragon Talismans. At this price, a Hero Talisman would probably come with a... strange mix of blessings. See which one suits you best."
She carefully inspected the cases her father had brought out. "Oh, Dad, didn't I tell you? Don't bother bringing out middle-of-the-road pieces like King and Queen Talismans!"
The Troverian Village Chief's beard bristled with anger. "What do you mean, 'middle-of-the-road'?! A Queen Talisman is only one step below the High Rank Talismans! Do you think these are pebbles you can pick up by the roadside?!"
For a moment, Altaïr felt like nodding along with him.
The Earplugs Talisman he had received from Haifa was a Rook Talisman, one full rank below a Queen Talisman, and he had always found it extremely useful.
The treasured Divine Blessing Talisman Karin had given him was a King Talisman. In his eyes, that already qualified as an unquestionably high-grade Talisman.
According to his original plan, he would have been more than satisfied with a King Talisman.
Yet Gemma spoke of King Talismans as though they were neither here nor there...
Noticing Altaïr's embarrassed expression, Gemma pursed her lips. "Fine, fine. Let's look at the King Talismans too.
"We can't let the old man shortchange us too badly. Isis will need to pick one when she gets here, so don't you dare hide the good ones and refuse to bring them out.
"I'll take care of forging the equipment. Those precious tickets are better spent on Talismans."
The Troverian Village Chief's beard quivered wildly. After a moment, he said weakly, "...Fine. Young man, tell me about your fighting style and what you want from a Talisman. I'll help you narrow down the choices first."
Altaïr quickly replied, "I mainly use the Long Sword, though I sometimes use the Great Sword, Dual Blades, and Sword and Shield. I specialize in offense.
"As for Talismans... To be honest, I don't know much about them. I already have two that my teachers gave me, one with Earplugs and the other with Divine Blessing.
"Personally, I think I'd prefer an offensive Talisman."
"A Divine Blessing Talisman? What rank is it? May I see it?"
Altaïr hesitated for a moment but handed over the Divine Blessing Talisman.
Holding the Talisman in a palm far larger than an ordinary human's, the Troverian Village Chief's eyes lit up. "Ohhh! This blessing is remarkably strong, and most importantly, it has no negative effects at all. This is among the finest King Talismans!
"Young man, would you be interested in selling it to me? I could also trade you another Talisman of the same rank."
"Hey!" Gemma cried indignantly.
She had brought Altaïr there to choose a Talisman; how could her father turn around and try to buy one from him instead?!
Altaïr shook his head without hesitation. "My teacher gave me this Talisman. I have no intention of selling it."
"Very well." The Troverian Village Chief looked disappointed, but after such a clear refusal, he did not press the matter.
Still reluctant, he opened the cases, rummaged through them, and gently arranged several Talismans on a table covered with velvet.
"You're an offensive Blademaster, and you already have a versatile defensive Talisman with Divine Blessing. Choose from these offensive options.
"First, number one. This is a King Talisman that can considerably increase your strength (Attack). Straightforward, isn't it?"
Altaïr's eyes lit up.
A blessing that increased strength sounded ordinary, but it was the most versatile offensive blessing of all. No Blademaster would turn it down.
"Unfortunately, it has a side effect. It weakens your body (Health -). Without that drawback, this would qualify as a Dragon Talisman."
"Uh..."
Gemma's eyebrows shot up. "Why even show us something with such a serious drawback? Hurry up and move on to the next one!"
Altaïr smiled awkwardly. He had no intention of using a Talisman with such an obvious side effect either.
"Fine. Number two is a Dragon Talisman. Its core blessing is Handicraft, which increases your weapon's sharpness. That is important for both Long Swords and Dual Blades."
"It also has Cold Res as a minor bonus. You can't accuse me of being stingy now, can you?"
Altaïr's gaze settled on the amethyst-like Talisman. Its effects were tempting, and even Gemma had no objection.
"Number three is also a Dragon Talisman. It has only one blessing: while you remain in good health, it increases your power (Peak Performance).
"The increase is not as great as the one provided by number one, but this Talisman has no side effects. As long as you keep yourself in good condition, it will continuously strengthen you."
This Talisman was every bit as valuable as number two, but Altaïr doubted he would choose it. He often traded blows during combat, so its effect did not suit his fighting style.
Seeing through Altaïr's thoughts, the Troverian Village Chief picked up the final Talisman.
"Number four. This is a Hero Talisman. To be honest, your ticket isn't valuable enough to match it. Price isn't the issue. I simply don't want to part with it."
Altaïr was speechless.
The old man certainly did not mince words.
The corner of Gemma's eye twitched, but she said nothing.
She knew her father meant it. In fact, she had never expected him to bring out this Talisman in the first place.
Had he only brought it out to show off?
"This Talisman's core blessing sharpens the user's mental focus and grants greater control over the body. That makes each attack more precise and concentrates its power (Critical Boost).
"You're a Long Sword user who values precision. You should understand what that is worth."
Altaïr's eyes widened.
More precise attacks? That alone made this Talisman more valuable to him than all the others.
Its effect on mental focus did more than improve the user's accuracy. It also increased the rate at which they gathered strength and fighting spirit (Focus).
"May I try it? Half a minute is all I need," Altaïr asked tentatively.
The Troverian Village Chief did not refuse and gestured for him to go ahead.
Altaïr fastened the Talisman around his wrist, drew his weapon, practiced several charging motions, and finally settled into his charging stance.
He soon opened his eyes and asked without hesitation, "What else would I have to pay to obtain this Talisman?"
Just as he had expected, the Talisman helped him focus faster. It shortened not only his charge times but even the preparation required for Instant Slash.
The improvement was considerable.
"Well, I wasn't actually planning to give this Talisman to you. I only brought it out to show off," the Troverian Village Chief admitted as he stroked his beard.
Beside him, Gemma rolled her eyes. Of course.
"Is there really no way?" Altaïr removed the Hero Talisman from his wrist and returned it to the table, but his gaze never left it.
"If there is a particular Monster you want Hunted or some specific materials you need, I can do my best to obtain them.
"Although I only reached High Rank recently..." Altaïr's confidence faltered as he spoke.
With the chief's skill and connections, it would not be difficult for him to call upon Hunters stronger than Altaïr.
Altaïr was reluctant to let the Talisman go, but returning it immediately earned him some goodwill from the Troverian Village Chief.
The Village Chief stroked his great beard and hesitated for a moment. At last, he snatched up the Talisman and pressed it into Altaïr's hand.
"Forget it. My daughter has a point. A Talisman is worth more in the hands of someone who needs it than locked away in a cabinet. Just give me the Manti Ticket."
Overjoyed, Altaïr accepted the Talisman and quickly handed over his ticket.
As he took the ticket, the Troverian Village Chief looked up at Altaïr.
"But as I said, this Manti Ticket alone isn't enough. Consider the difference an investment in you. A High Rank Hunter your age is a rare sight.
"Think of it as a favor you owe me. If nothing happens, so be it. But if Harth ever needs your help, you must come and lend me a hand."
P.S. For this story, Mind's Eye makes attacks more accurate, while Critical Boost makes them both more accurate and more powerful. Rather than describe the two separately, they will be treated as a combined effect.
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Warhammer: Stars and Ants is also available here on Webnovel. Thank you for reading.