"If there's a barrier constantly surrounding the village, then how did the demons manage to infiltrate?"
"Well, technically," Feng began, addressing Daisuke's question, "it's not a barrier as much as it is a concealment spell. In other words, we can only hide our presence from the world but can't prevent unwanted intruders."
Without a word, Daisuke shifted his gaze to the staff and used the Eye of Verity.
[Warden's Embrace]
[Rank: Rare
Type: Staff
Melee Attack Power: 2 | Magical Attack Power: 72~81 | Durability: 21/42 | Accuracy: 37 | Mana Remaining: 32%
The Warden's Embrace is a rare staff crowned with a mystical orb harvested from the Titanic Hermit Clam. This orb serves both as a reservoir of energy and an amplifier, containing a finite charge in the form of mana.
The staff possesses a unique concealment spell, allowing the wielder to perfectly cloak themselves or a small area. However, this ability is limited, tied to the remaining energy in the orb. The orb's energy can be replenished by infusing mana into it, but each infusion permanently decreases the staff's durability by 1 until the orb eventually shatters.
▪︎ Int +5
▪︎ Mana Consumption -88%
▪︎ Unlocks the «Seamless Camouflage» skill.
Conditions of Use: Lvl 8+ | Strength 1+ | Stamina 2+ | Intelligence 4]
[Seamless Camouflage]
[A spell that empowers the caster to shroud themselves, another individual, or a designated area, rendering them invisible and inaudible to the senses of onlookers. Activation of this spell consumes a fixed amount of mana, providing a potent veil of concealment.]
"From what I can tell," declared Daisuke with a confident tone, "the staff is essentially responsible for the concealment spell. But it looks like the orb is on the verge of running out of energy."
"Wait... how did you?"
Feng looked from the flabbergasted chief to Daisuke with an amused smirk. "Heh. Looks like you've undergone quite a transformation since the last time I saw you."
Mia didn't seem entirely thrilled about that fact; she got a glimpse of Daisuke's power and couldn't help but think about the sacrifices he had to endure to attain it.
"You should hand the staff to Elena," instructed Daisuke with a commanding air. "She has the ability to recharge its power by infusing mana into it—a power you clearly lack as a mage."
At the astonishment of the group, Timartha clutched the staff closer, a defensive frown creasing her forehead. "This staff has been a treasured heirloom for many generations; it's strictly forbidden for anyone to possess it other than the village chief."
Daisuke's frown deepened, yet his discontent couldn't match the outrage emanating from Sylvia. Before her anger could reach critical mass, Elena stepped forward, wearing an empathetic smile as she addressed the elder.
"Then keep the staff," she suggested compassionately. "Simply allow me a moment to touch it so that I can infuse it with my mana. The concealment spell is the lifeblood of the village; without its power, we all risk perishing at the hands of the demons."
The old woman, her wizened visage strained by paranoia, glanced at the orb atop the staff, now a mere echo of its former luster. "Forgive me," she apologized, her raccoon ears sagging with shame. "This staff belonged to my late daughter; after losing her, it became not only a means to protect the village... but also a way for me to remember her."
YOU ARE READING
Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended
FantasyWhat would you do if you found yourself trapped in a video game as an NPC with seemingly no hope of returning to the real world? Having grown up without parents, Daisuke finds himself in a perpetual cycle of poverty as he tries to survive in the bot...
