Zhang's eyes reflected the items on the table like a display window of a luxurious store, a huge two-handed axe with a beautiful black handle that took up most of his master's table, was what caught his attention at first glance. But there was something there that somehow magically attracted Zhang as if it were a delicious meal that he could not refuse.
The most absurd thing of all was that this item was nothing more than a black, non-human skull. Zhang couldn't understand why something like this would attract him as if it were something delicious, Stygai must have been messing with his mind little by little...
Of course, Zhang didn't understand that this attraction came directly from his soul and confused it with his gluttony, which hadn't left him even after he lost weight...
Besides the huge axe and the black non-human skull. There was also a black cloak, two strange boxes made of bones, and a arboreal bag.
Zhang greeted his master and sat down on the chair in front of him after he nodded, and waited for his explanation in silence. Zha'Thik continued to stand behind him stoically, almost as if he were a statue.
"Little Zhang, as you can see, the Eternal King has learned of your arrival in Stygai and has sent you many gifts. I must say that some of these items are things that many Necromancers in the city would kill you to obtain…"
Zhang swallowed, and his master continued, this time calming him down a little.
"…As you can see, while these items are of great value to some, they are not worth much when compared to someone of my status or the Eternal King's… This axe, for example, its entire head is made of Valyrian Steel, and the handle is made of an incredibly tough magical alloy that only the Eternal King and his Senior Lichs know how to create. It is called Shadowsteel."
Zhang touched the cold, black handle and immediately felt satisfied with the axe. He remembered that Vitarys had a "Valyrian Steel" spear, but only the tip of the spear had a small amount of the valuable metal. Barely qualifying as a Relic. But now looking at the huge double axe head, there should have been at least two small swords melted together to make such a grand weapon…
His master then pushed the two small bone boxes towards him. While adding, "Inside these boxes are a Soul Primordial Item and a Body Primordial Item. Both are gifts to increase your strength rapidly, allowing you to create two crucial innate spells that all Necromancers of our special physique must have. Inside the boxes is also a scroll detailing how to use the Primordial Items, and a step-by-step guide on how to create your first two innate spells."
This time Zhang was frozen on the spot, breathing heavily and not daring to touch the two boxes. This was too generous a handout, he should refuse… He should! But the words wouldn't come out of his mouth...
Immortal, seeing the frozen boy with the Primordial items, took the opportunity to explain the details of the black cape: "This cape is a Relic called "Velo Mortis", it grants the user the advanced soul-type spell "Fly". In addition to this great spell, it also has an additional effect that every necromancer appreciates: it can store up to 50 souls inside it. Which allows the use of soul-type spells learned by its owner, its flight time is also based on the consumption of these stored souls...
…Lastly, this black skull belongs to the ancient Reaper of Stygai, who was killed by me and the Eternal King. It is an extremely valuable ingredient used in a ritual we created. The ritual will greatly strengthen your soul, equivalent to dozens of years of meditation. Something you urgently need to improve as a Necromancer..."
Still looking at his master, Zhang, who had a serious look, ignored all his worries and doubts he had about the Eternal King's motives, broke into a huge smile and, brazenly, as he quickly packed all the items into his arboreal bag.
"Thank you very much, master! Please send my sincere thanks to the Eternal King, he is a very generous and great man… This humble Zhang is eager to work with Your Majesty, even if he asks me to face the Reaper of Stygai… Hahaha!"
Immortal felt a bit of relief after seeing his new disciple's greed take over. He was worried that the young man would refuse the gifts… Saying no to the Ruler of Stygai was a stupid way to get into trouble, not even he dared to do that…
"Good, good… I will send your words to the Eternal King. Besides, know that these gifts are just something small, as soon as we accomplish the task he needs, we will receive even more valuable items… Oh, I almost forgot, this bag here is a gift from me to you, inside there are enough ingredients for you to create 3 soul affinity totems, to store the 3 spells you learned yesterday…"
"… About the ritual using the reaper's skull, let's wait a little longer before using it; there are still other ways for you to strengthen yourself, and the ritual will take a long time to learn."
"Alright, master!" Zhang then hung the last bag next to his current bag and began to ask questions about the many items he had received. He was also asking questions about Necromancy by taking advantage of the limited time he had with his master each day. His previous worries had completely disappeared, and Zhang even made sure to no longer remember the words of the friendly Valyrian old beggar…
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Special thanks to the Patreons:
Sage's Supporter: Jan, Vinnie, frimorigo, Leery Falcon, Parsa, Scott Robertson, and Pato Senalima!
Magic Apprentice: Axel Bour, Gabriele Sulpizio, Takatchi, mandeep singh, Austin, Kobe Robertson, Paul Gaslac, Niteo akuma, and 704Corleon!
Senior Magic Apprentice: Cole Bromley and Avacus!