Bab 43: A New Treasure (1)

Armand and Skyler stared at Malcom with amusement. In their eyes, Malcom was always the serious type of boy.

Malcom could feel their gaze, but he was so happy to be bother with anything else. He was just so busy staring at the stone on his hand.

He felt fascinated with the glow and the sensation of warmth that was still surrounding his entire body. Malcom tried to control it, and just as he wanted, it did not take long for everything to go back to normal.

Malcom raised his head and then looked at Skyler with a grin, "I learned something, but it is not magic!"

Skyler smiled. She tilted her head while looking at him, intrigued.

"So, what is it?" She asked when she came closer.

Malcom paused before he looked at the stone on his hand again. He sigh, then shook his head.

"I'm not sure, but I know I will need a sword to try it," Malcom said with a satisfied smile. His gaze shifted towards Armand, "Thanks!"

Armand shook his hand to take the importance out of the situation and took out a small bracelet.

"This also belongs to you. This is what we refined from the treasure in the ruin," Armand said with a satisfied grin as he handed over the bracelet.

Malcom accepted the bracelet and then inspected it. He immediately noticed the familiar small gem that they had found from the ruins. It was now delicately embedded on the bracelet and it looked like a piece of extraordinary jewelry. When he paid attention, he would be able to feel the magic that radiated from it.

He continued to study it, as Armand explained.

"This stone has the ancient power of the civilization you found. It's interesting. It's a pretty intense shield, which can stop any magic attack," Armand spoke with fascination. His excitement was unmasked when he continued, "You just have to apply a little magic, and the shield will defend you!"

Malcom looked at him with a raised brow. He thought carefully for a moment before speaking, "I don't know how useful something like that can be for a person like me." As a Materializer, it was common sense to have his own shields for disposal anytime.

The other man laughed, then shook his head. "I know you have your own way to produce your shields, silly boy. This bracelet is at least nice to look at. You could give it to some―"

"My father was just returning the favor, Malcom since you gave me the Mantle of Fire. Maybe this treasure will help you," Skyler interrupted her father.

Malcolm shrugs his shoulders. He did not want a return gift because he still felt that he owed Skyler. However, his instinct told him that it was also not a good idea to refuse.

He just looked at the bracelet with a smile as if he had no complaints about it.

"And although it is not so useful, it is a reminder of our trip," Skyler continued with a wry smile. She had learned a lot of things during her dangerous trip with him. One of those things was to give more value to the one she owes her life to.

Malcom was silent for a moment. He then looked up and gratefully nodded at Armand.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Malcom asked curiously, Skyler.

Skyler stiffened. Her face got darker than normal. She nodded stiffly before speaking, "Yes, I am ready for tomorrow. But you…"

"What about me?" He frowned.

She cleared her throat before continuing, "I'm sorry about your friend, my brother told me," she suddenly hugged Malcom that startled the young man.

Malcom did not push her away but felt the sudden warmth and comfort he needed that time.

He remained silent. Skyler always made him feel in a pleasant way.

After separating from him, she looked at him with determination, "I also want to help capture them!"

He smiled gratefully but still shook his head. There was no way he would entertain her idea after what happened the last time.

Skyler looked at him with narrowed eyes. She clearly had read what was on his mind.

"I couldn't put you in that kind of danger again!"

Skyler snorted. Feeling exasperated, she responded, "I am not asking your permission, Malcom. Besides, if it is dangerous for me, then it is also dangerous for you!"

Malcom took a deep breath as he looked at the young woman, who was returning the gaze with determination and stubbornness.

He released a heavy sigh. Malcom knew perfectly well that she was right.

Her combat skills were enough to take care of herself, and if she could not face or defeat Nora's captors, he could not do so as well.

Malcom felt bitter, and that reflected when he looked at Skyler.

"I understand! I appreciate what you say, but to be honest, I hope I am the one who finds them..." He carefully spoke. His voice twisted a little from his usual tone. The anger he felt for that situation made him frustrated and desperate.

"Don't forget your promise, okay?" Skyler asked with her voice louder.

Malcom nodded with a forceful smile. He was reluctant to bring her to the fight, but she was still a mage and a very strong one.

The young woman smiled brightly, "You try to rest. Tomorrow we will both have the next match of the tournament."

Malcom smiled before nodding. He said goodbye to leave.

As he walked, Malcom thanked Armand again, and walking through the corridors of the hospital, he began to leave.

"Malcom!" Armand called him again, suddenly.

Hearing his name, the young man turned around to meet Armand, who was chasing him.

Armand stopped in front of him. He was still catching his breath, and between gasps, he said, "Sorry to stop you... I forgot to give you something," he then handed Malcom a necklace, "This is more like a favor than a gift."

Malcom smiled upon hearing him say that he said in a confused tone and looking at the necklace. "Thanks, I guess?"

Armand looked at him seriously and said, "The favor is for me..."