Cursed Sentience

Spilling out of the mundane box and dumped onto the table was a heavy blue crystal, about the size and shape of a human heart. Within it, the outline of a fractured snake skull glowed whitish-blue. 

Though it appeared like the sealed skull had some significance-- it was a visual illusion created and powered by the stone, itself. Ultimately, Maximus' treasure was a mana rock... one that radiated high-purity frost mana. 

"Eep!" Athena jumped up, wide-eyed in wonder, "H-how did you open that?! W-we never found a key for it!"

Tycon grimaced, "It wasn't locked."

"O... oh," Athena sat down on the floor quietly, her face glowing a deep shade of red. 

Tanamar dared to scowl at Tycon as if the young lady's embarrassment was his fault. 

Tycon shut his eyes and briefly consulted his System. The stone was cursed. No surprise. It had minor sentience, as well.