Chapter 320 Chapter319-The Equipment with Limitless Growth
The moment he laid eyes on the Flame Surge, John's pupils flashed with brilliance.
Though it was merely an epic-grade equipment, the phrase 'limitless growth' in its description instantly elevated its value manifold.
What did 'limitless growth' truly entail?
It implied that as long as one possessed enough fire energy gems, this equipment could continuously evolve.
Ultimately, it might even transcend to become a Divine robe.
Yet for some unknown reason, Saphir seemed to have never used this equipment, keeping it stowed away in his backpack.
Lifting his gaze, John was about to question Saphir about it.
However, as if sensing John's intentions, Saphir casually remarked, "Captain, have you taken a fancy to that Flame Surge? I'd advise you against it. While it has the potential for boundless growth, it's akin to a bottomless pit."
John raised an eyebrow in puzzlement.
Saphir continued, explaining, "I discovered the Flame Surge a few years back during an unexpected exploration. It was amidst the ruins of a church, burnt to ashes by fierce flames."
"At first, it was nothing more than a lowly gray-colored poor-grade equipment. But when I glimpsed its attributes, my elation was probably much like what you're feeling now."
"That's why, for a period, I was relentlessly collecting all kinds of fire energy gems, feeding them all to this equipment."
"You've seen the outcome," Saphir sighed, "During that time, I scrimped and saved. Everything that could be sold was auctioned off. And with all that, I barely managed to elevate it to its current status."
"But to further enhance it? It's like scaling a sheer cliff! When it's at the epic-grade, to progress, it needs to consume energy gems of a higher grade than itself, and not just a handful, but at least a hundred of them."
"In other words, if I were to uplift it from epic to legendary-grade, it would require a hundred legendary fire energy gems. Who could possibly afford that?"
With a wry smile, Saphir concluded his tale.
John was left somewhat speechless.
Indeed, gathering a hundred legendary fire energy gems was a task of monumental proportions.
The value of these gems had already far surpassed that of a legendary equipment, despite the potential for limitless growth.
Who truly had the capacity to see it rise to a Divine status?
If what Saphir said held true, wouldn't the Flame Surge require a hundred Divine-grade fire energy gems to elevate from legendary to Divine?
How could that be?
Even if one scoured the entire Godslayer Continent for all the Divine energy gems, would there even be a hundred of them?
Let alone with the specified attribute requirements.
"It's a gold-devouring beast," Saphir declared. "Limitless growth might sound enticing, but it's practically impossible to achieve."
However, John didn't share this sentiment.
His gaze remained fixed on the Flame Surge.
Frankly, John couldn't believe it was merely a white elephant of an equipment.
The conditions seemed too stringent, or rather, impossible to fulfill.
The Godslayer Continent couldn't possibly produce a hundred Divine fire energy gems.
And the system, more than anyone, would be aware of this.
Yet the label of "limitless growth" still adorned the "Flame Surge" robe.
This suggested there must be an alternative to fire energy gems; it's just that no one currently knows what it might be.
Seeing John's growing interest, Saphir paused his beer-drinking.
With a hint of puzzlement, he asked, "Captain, do you not believe my words?"
John slowly shook his head, "It's your possession. I believe you have no reason to deceive me. And the fact that you've kept such a premium, infinitely-growing equipment in your collection without ever using it indicates you truly have given up on it..."
"However, I still wish to choose this as my first reward. I want to see if there's another way to replace the fire energy gem..."
A somewhat speechless Saphir shook his head. "If you desire it, Captain, take it. To me, it holds no real value. Its epic-grade properties are just that, providing me no real advantage in battle..."
Thus, Flame Surge became the first reward John chose.
He caressed the crimson robe in his hands, a peculiar glint flashing in his eyes.
There was something John hadn't mentioned.
He had detected traces of ORDER residue on the robe.
It made sense, considering the ability to condense the elemental fire of the world, materializing and weaving it into a robe would inevitably involve the power of ORDER.
This implies that it might have been crafted by a deity wielding the authority of flames.
This realization further cemented the robe's value in John's mind.
Should it evolve another grade and be wielded by young Emma, it would undoubtedly be the perfect equipment for her!
Stowing the Flame Surge into his bag, John continued his selection.
It wasn't long before he fixed his gaze on two more desired rewards: a gem radiating a crimson light and a ring shaped like two intertwined swans.
[Heart of Flame (epic item)]: Originating from the heart of a scorching volcano, this gem is imbued with the power of the flame realm, offering boundless fire elemental energy. When embedded into equipment, it amplifies the potency of fire magic, quickens casting speed, and enhances the effects of fire spells.
[Level: No level requirement]
[Attributes: +200 mana, +25% casting speed, +20% fire magic damage...]
[Additional Skill 1: Flame Burst (active) – Unleash a scorching explosion of fire, inflicting widespread flame damage to enemies. This can melt metals and cause continuous burn damage, with the range and potency scaling with the caster's magic power.]
[Additional Skill 2: Flame Shield (passive) – When subjected to any flame damage, a shield forms around the user, absorbing a portion of the damage and converting it to the caster's mana.]
[Class: Magus, Spellblade, and others]
...
[Fire Ring (epic equipment)]: Legends speak of a unique creature residing in the heart of endless volcanoes, as beautiful as a swan. Upon their death, their hearts magically transform into rings resembling their graceful form, brimming with potent fire power. When worn, this ring accelerates casting speed, strengthens fire spells, and increases the accuracy of fire magic.
[Level: 200 or divine power of at least 450]
[Attributes: +500 mana, +10% Elemental Affinity, +50 magical resistance, +10% accuracy, +24% fire magic damage...]
[Additional Skill 1: Flame Focus (passive) – When casting fire magic, improves accuracy, rendering the flames more precise and potent.]
[Additional Skill 2: Burning Blaze (passive) – In combat, every instance of inflicting fire damage releases a searing blaze, dealing extra burn damage to surrounding foes and reducing their fire resistance.]
[Additional Skill 3: Flame Devour (active) – In dire moments, draw upon the power of flames to absorb surrounding fire elemental energy, regenerating a portion of health and boosting mana recovery rate, with the duration extending based on the user's magical strength.]
[Class: Magus, Spellblade, and others]
After reviewing the attributes and skills of the gem and ring, John couldn't help but flash a satisfied smile.
Beside him, Saphir's face turned peculiar, even slowing the pace of his drinking.
"Captain, are you certain these three items are your final choice?"
As John tucked the three pieces of equipment and items into his bag, he nonchalantly retorted, "Why? Is there an issue?"
The color on Saphir's face grew even stranger.
After hesitating for a moment, he finally said, "Well, there's no real issue. However, these are items and equipment suited for a fire magus or a fire Spellblade. What use will they be to you?"
"You see, I have a lot of equipment here that would suit you better, like this legendary sword, and this set of epic-grade armor. All with outstanding attributes. Why not choose them?"
John gave him a fleeting glance, casually responding, "Do you believe, at my current level, I need these pieces of equipment to boost my strength?"
Saphir was left speechless. After a moment, he playfully teased with a wink, "Don't tell me, Captain, you have a partner with a fire magus class? Are these for her?"
John's face remained impassive as he dryly retorted, "None of your business."
Saphir chuckled, a mischievous expression that seemed out of place on the stern-looking fire Grand Archmage.
...
The two large barrels of beer were quickly emptied.
A tipsy Saphir stood up, patting his belly in satisfaction.
"At last, I've fulfilled my greatest wish from the past decade. Captain, I'll be heading back to the Mercenary Hall. I need to sort out all my affairs before departing."
John rose to his feet, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Alright then, may victory always favor you on the battlefield."
Saphir replied with a beaming smile, "Your words are a bit premature, Captain. Even if I leave the Mercenary Guild, I won't be rushing to the battlefield. Don't forget we still have many of 'The Devil' beasts to hunt..."
John rolled his eyes, responding with slight annoyance, "I'm well aware. I'm just setting the stage for your future exploits, that's all."
Saphir: "..."
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