The Erratum-Chapter 41: Ivory.
"What are the Zeal Weapons in supply?"
Replying in a monotonous tone, the individual wearing a black mask clutched her hands, "Today, we have 5 items that may pique your interests."
Below the desk, the individual brought out 5 golden boxes, each radiating and pulsating a unique sense of Zeal.
She laid them down one by one in a linear position, "What we have here are recently crafted by our expert in imbuement of Zeal. Coming from different Zealots, Dreadspawns, and Leviathans, the Weapons in front of me are superior in terms of quality."
"First."
The black-masked individual grasped the golden box all the way to the left and opened it slowly. Revealed inside was a small brown satchel, pulsating with chatter and noises.
Upon opening the satchel and reaching inside, the black-masked individual revealed an amulet resembling a human ear in shape, made out of black metal strands.
"This is the Amulet of Hearing. Made from the Zeal Essence of a Dreadspawn possessing a mastery in Physique Zeal, the Amulet of Hearing enhances an individual’s audio-sensory perception. Ranging as far as a kilometer wide, once you wear this, you can automatically hear everything around you."
"Can be useful for information gathering, scouting, hunting animals, and much more."
"Ranked Blundered I, the Amulet doesn’t have any requirements for proper storage. It’s price could be bargained between 20 to 30 Solaris"
Hearing this, Elishia’s face turned curious, "Blundered I? What does that mean?"
Cetas, too, seems eager to know.
Reid faced the two and answered, "It’s similar to the stratas of Zealots - Unblemished, Low-Level Acumen, Mid-Level Acumen, and so on.. Whereas, the rankings of the Zeal Weapon corresponds to the rank that a Zealot had when they have been felled."
"For example, a Mid-Level Acumen were to die in a battlefield, releasing their Zeal Essence to be gathered and formed into a Zeal Weapon, this particular Weapon would then be ranked as Blundered II as it corresponds to the specific rank that the Zealot had when they were alive."
"The Amulet right there is a Blundered I. Hence, it reflects a Zeal that is on the same power as a Low-Level Acumen."
"Oh right! The rankings are as follows: (1) Blemished I; (2) Blundered I to III; and (3) Wayfinder I and II. So far these are the only recorded Zeal Weapons that were briefed to me, it is unknown whether an Empyrean had already fallen and was turned to a Zeal Weapon. The chances of that happening is highly unlikely."
Cetas pondered for a while, digesting the familiar information revealed to him.
Zeal Weapon’s rankings reflect a Zealot’s ranking when they were alive. So, that means that Blemished I would fall under the strata of Unblemished which is the rank I’m currently in - Spark.
Additionally, Blundered I to III would be the Seeker, Bringer, and Spire. Meanwhile, Wayfinder I and II would correspond to the Pathfinder strata being Sage and Paragon.
I wonder what the class of Skadi’s Windslinger is? Due to its strength I’d guess that it would be around the ranks of Wayfinder I and II, perhaps even higher!
Furthermore, if an Empyrean were to be felled, what would the rank be called? Since the words used in rankings are somehow related to the Stratas, then would the Exalted strata be described by the words of Menial when converted to a Zeal Weapon?
Or perhaps.. since it corresponds to a being beyond comprehension, wouldn’t the rank also be equal to such?
Then.. A felled Empyrean turned into a Zeal Weapon..
Cetas racked his head for a while, squinting his eyes as he struggled to think of a word.
He couldn’t come up with a word in the Heliosian language since his understanding of it was not quite perfect yet.
However, he moved perspectives and thought of a word in his mother tongue, coming across the familiarities that are within his range of vocabulary.
Exalted... In the language of Depth-Dwellers it would mean something as revered, high-status, or on the brink of godhood. Its opposite would be something akin on the edges to attaining the profane..
That’s it!
"Blasphemous.." Speaking in the depth-dweller tongue, Elishia and Reid couldn’t quite hear what he said.
"What was that?" Elishia asked.
"Oh, I was trying to come up with names for when an Empyrean would turn into a Zeal Weapon. It seems that I have thought out loud," Cetas immediately switched languages, his tongue rambling in the enunciated words of the Heliosian language.
Reid and Elishia stared at him with shock on their faces, their thoughts ringing the same words.
’He’s been only a Zealot for less than a week? Why is he thinking of what happens to an Empyrean when they turn into a Zeal Weapon?’
Simultaneously, the two of them shook their heads, both of their long hairs bouncing as per their movement.
Moving on, Reid signaled for the black-masked individual to continue briefing them about the weapons.
Opening the second golden box, this time with a refined delicate touch, a pearlescent red ring was unveiled.
"This is the Ring of Flames, made from the Zeal Essence of a Fire Elemental Zeal Dreadspawn, the Ring of Flames emanates mild to strong fire out of the ring, burning everything in its path."
"Useful for dealing high-damage to Leviathans, protection from the cold, and skills related to culinary."
"Ranked Blundered II, the Ring needs to absorb a Zealot’s conjured flames. The price is anchored to 32 Solaris."
From within the box, Cetas could feel a warm sensation extending out of the ring. By the second, the heat turned warmer and filled Cetas with a soothing feeling.
However, the black-masked individual closed the golden box, "If this box were to stay open for a little longer, then this entire basement would be as hot as the deserts of Reverie."
Moving on, the third box was opened, revealing a flintlock made out of sharp bones. It had the constitution of the gun, however, it looked very natural to the point that Cetas didn’t think that any bullets could make it out of the muzzle.
"This.. is Ivory Flintlock, capable of shooting out loaded bones as ammunition and shooting towards a distance of 50 or so meters. It is made from the essence of a Physique Zeal Dreadspawn."
"Ranked at Blundered I, the weapon doesn’t have any requirements for storage. However, the bullets utilized will depend on the ammunition fed to it. The Ivory Flintlock’s price range is within 10-20 Solaris."
Next, the fourth box opened, revealing a skull-shaped brooch inside.
An intimidating sensation arose from within Cetas’ heart, basking his eyes in fear and terror.
The black-masked individual’s words slurred, a different tone swaying out of their mouth seeming as if fear had struck their hearts too.
"This is an intimidation charm.. developed from the Zeal of a Zealot with mastery over Physique Zeal. It.. could.. prove to be useful.. in crowded fights.. or-"
The black-masked individual lost their composure, breathing heavily as the seconds passed by. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
"Gah.. My apologies," They hurriedly closed the box, decreasing the sense of fear in the air. "Going forth, the charm can be used to strike fear in the hearts of your opponents. It is a one-time use though, so take this to note when utilizing it."
"As you all have already experienced, the intimidation charm is quite brutal to those surrounding it. Ranked Blundered II, it requires proper storage in a still container, at least 20 meters away from people. Its price range can go for about 15-20 Solaris."
Lastly, the fifth box opened.
The golden box looked gleaming however, what was inside radiated a tremendous amount of light that has the ability to blind those that stared at it for over 10 seconds.
"This is Luminosity, capable of bringing light into the world and illuminating hundreds of meters of darkness, made from the Zeal Essence of an Elemental Zeal Dreadspawn."
"Ranked Blundered III, Luminosity requires storing in a dark container, stopping it from exuding its light in order for the quality to preserve its radiance. Its price ranges from 50-70 Solaris."
Finishing the descriptions of the Zeal Weapons, Cetas couldn’t help but be bewildered.
Why were the prices so expensive?!
Based on the statements made by Skadi, it was revealed that 10 Solaris is enough to buy 2 carriages, let alone the gold coins weren’t something that most people don’t carry!
Now, the boxes in front of him and the weapons contained within, costs tremendously higher than what Skadi proclaimed to be enough for the 5 crew members!
70 Solaris for a torch?!
His mouth couldn’t help but be widened at the luxurious costs of the Zeal Weapons.
Even if Reid, Elishia, and I, were to gather all of our Solaris, we wouldn’t be able to purchase this..
There were still some that were within Cetas’ price range though. Particularly, the Ivory Flintlock.
Cetas moved his gaze towards the third box, looking at the gun with eagerness.
I have 10 Solaris right now, I can purchase it.. however, that black-masked individual said that the price range is 10-20..
Clearly locked in the third box, Cetas opened his mouth and asked, "How much for the third?"
His voice muffled due to the white mask made Cetas’ presence seem even more eerie..
"15 Solaris, including bullets gathered from the deceased Dreadspawn," said the black-masked individual in a monotonous tone, bringing out a pouch filled to the brim with bone ammunition.
"Without the bullets?"
"14 Solaris.."
Cetas was lost in thought.
Bone bullets cost 1 Solari? Makes sense, they are made from the bones of the Dreadspawn after all..
Cetas reached inside his cloak, revealing a pouch filled with Soli coins. Inside, there were exactly 10 Solaris as he had not spent them yet.
I don’t have enough..
Cetas, crestfallen by his lack of Solari, put the pouch back inside his coat. However, before he could even do so, Elishia stopped him and offered her pouch to him.
"Here.. Pay me back when you have the coins."
Cetas gazed at her direction, looking straight at the blank white mask hiding her face. Behind it, Cetas knew that the edges of her lips were curled upwards.
He softly accepted her pouch and gathered silver coins and counted them to have the same amount as 5 Solaris.
Afterwards, Cetas offered the entirety of 15 Solaris to the black-masked individual.
Taking a mere glance of the Solaris in Cetas’ hands, the individual behind the desk shook their head upwards, "15 Solaris confirmed."
Grabbing the Ivory Flintlock and wrapping it inside a small durable fiber pack, the individual handed Cetas’ purchase to him along with an extra pouch of bone bullets.
"I hope you appreciate our services, please do check other black masks for a variety of Zeal Weapons that you may find.."
With those words, Cetas, Reid, and Elishia took off to see what the other merchants had in stock.
Each of them eager to see what items were to be sold by the small market in the basement.
