บท 80: Seraphim's Embrace II
The Seraphim's Embrace, an Ancient-grade artifact, bore the legend of being the eyes of a fallen angel. Whether this tale was true or not was irrelevant; the story itself had, over centuries, transformed the artifact into something extraordinary.
Stories had power, especially when shared and believed by many. The legend of the Seraphim's Embrace, whispered and reinforced through the ages, had imbued the artifact with a potency that elevated it to its current status. It wasn't just a relic; it was a manifestation of collective belief, a testament to the power of myth and memory.
The artifact's ascension to Ancient-grade wasn't due to any inherent flaw or limitation but rather the extent of its renown. Had more people known and believed in its legend, it might have reached Legendary-grade. This process couldn't be forced or replicated; it required the natural passage of time and the organic spread of belief.
Artifacts like the Seraphim's Embrace couldn't be mass-produced or artificially aged, not even with the aid of time magic. Their power was a culmination of countless stories, beliefs, and reverence accumulated over centuries. It was this unique blend of history and myth that made such artifacts truly exceptional and irreplaceable.
This scarcity made Legendary-grade artifacts exceedingly rare. Only about twenty to thirty of these existed, and currently, only eleven were in active use.
Each of the ten <Radiant>-ranks possessed a Legendary-grade artifact, as did Jack Blazespout, whose artifact was a unique exception. The rest lay dormant in the vaults of major powers, awaiting a worthy wielder.
Unlike Mythical-grade artifacts, which could spontaneously bond with a suitable person, Legendary-grade artifacts required their potential wielders to seek them out and prove themselves worthy. This process allowed the major powers to control access to these formidable items, ensuring that only those they deemed worthy could attempt to claim them.
This method of control maintained the balance of power. Legendary-grade artifacts were not merely handed out; they had to be earned.
The Windward vault held a Legendary-grade artifact of immense value, destined to be wielded by Lucifer upon reaching <Immortal>-rank. Beating Lucifer and gaining access to the treasury might grant me an Ancient-grade artifact at best, but even that would be a significant boost.
"Don't push yourself too hard, Arthur," Luna's warning echoed in my mind.
Bonding with an Ancient-grade artifact was typically reserved for those of <White>-rank or higher due to their immense power. These artifacts usually deemed only those of sufficient rank worthy. Yet, here I was, an exception.
Legendary-grade artifacts, on the other hand, only chose <Immortal>-rank individuals and above.
Seraphim's Embrace, with its lore of being the eyes of a fallen angel, promised incredible abilities. Now bonded, its power was mine.
As I sat on the edge of the bed, I marveled at the newfound clarity of my vision. The room seemed to pulse with a subtle energy, every detail crisp and vibrant. I could see the faintest currents of mana in the air, tracing intricate patterns that had been invisible before.
'This is incredible,' I thought, slowly standing up and testing my enhanced perception. I could feel the artifact's power humming through my veins, heightening my senses and expanding my awareness.
I focused on the window, seeing beyond the glass with an almost supernatural clarity. The city stretched out before me, every movement, every flicker of light, registering with perfect precision. I could see people moving in the distance, their forms outlined by the subtle glow of their mana signatures.
"This artifact is more powerful than I imagined," I mused, feeling a sense of exhilaration. "With this, I can gain the edge I need."
With a thought, I felt a surge of power flooding my veins as I activated Lucent Harmony. The familiar rush of energy intensified, merging with the newfound potency of Seraphim's Embrace.
"Arthur," Luna warned me, but I ignored her.
Lucent Harmony had always enhanced my ocular abilities, and I was eager to see how it meshed with Seraphim's Embrace.
The world around me shifted. Colors became more vibrant, and details I had never noticed before sprang into sharp focus. I could see the individual threads in the fabric of the curtains, the slight imperfections in the wood grain of the floor, and even the tiny particles of dust suspended in the air.
But it was more than just visual clarity. I could see the flow of mana more distinctly now, tracing the intricate patterns that wove through the room. It was like seeing the lifeblood of the world itself, pulsing and vibrant.
I focused my enhanced vision outward, beyond the confines of the room. The cityscape that stretched out before me was alive with activity. I could see the mana signatures of people moving about, their forms glowing with a subtle, otherworldly light. Every flicker, every shift of energy was laid bare before my eyes.
This was incredible.
My gaze shifted to a distant rooftop where two figures stood talking. With a slight effort, I could make out their features and even hear snippets of their conversation carried on the wind.
'This is more than just enhanced vision,' I realized, 'This is true perception.'
I turned my attention back to the room, my mind racing with possibilities. With this level of awareness, I could anticipate movements, detect hidden threats, and navigate complex situations with unparalleled ease.
Luna's voice broke through my thoughts. "Arthur, be careful. The power of the artifact is immense, but it's also draining."
I could feel it too. The exhilaration was tinged with a sense of strain, as if my body and mind were struggling to keep up with the demands of the artifact.
I took a deep breath, reigning in the power. The heightened perception dulled slightly, but the clarity remained. This was a tool, a powerful one, but I had to use it wisely.
"Thank you, Luna," I murmured, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over me. "I'll be careful."
'I wonder, is this what Ren feels when he activates his Gift?' I thought. God's Eyes obviously transcended the power of Seraphim's Embrace by a good margin, but combining Seraphim's Embrace with Lucent Harmony might bring it close to the level of God's Eyes.
Of course, I also knew that this was a borrowed power.
A power that could be easily replicated.
The entire main cast was going to bond with an Ancient-grade artifact over the vacation, and these artifacts were not allowed during the Academy's official exams to ensure fairness.
Nevertheless, this would help me with my future plans during the summer break.
'I can see my own power more clearly now, or rather, I can perceive it better,' I thought.
I could now feel my mana core properly.
The silver layer was going to start chipping away.
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