You really think I can defeat a wyvern?
"It's..." Raven's voice trailed off, laden with suspense. Her hand glowed, and within a few seconds, a box materialized in her grasp. She opened it to reveal two stunning bracelets. The first was a delicate bangle, wrought from shimmering sterling silver, its intricate filigree pattern wrapping around the wrist like a metallic lace. From it dangled a single, exquisite charm—a dragonfly, its wingspan set with tiny sapphires that captured and reflected every flicker of light.
The second bracelet was a perfect complement to the first, crafted from the same radiant silver. It was slightly thicker, with a braided design that gave it a tactile, organic feel. Suspended from it was a pendant, a flawless circle with a tree of life motif at its heart, its branches reaching outwards, each leaf a vibrant emerald.
"Choose one, Jade. The other is for me," Raven said, extending the box towards me.
I was initially taken aback; such gifts seemed far too precious, and I hesitated to accept them.
"I'm sorry, Raven, but I can't accept this. It's too valuable," I said without a moment's delay.
But Raven and my mother didn't share my view.
"Don't worry about it, Jade. It's nothing to me. I could buy hundreds of necklaces like this, and besides, it's to celebrate our friendship. After all, you are my first friend," Raven said, her cheeks tinted with a blush.
"Yes, she's right, Jade. And besides, she's your first friend too, so you can accept the gift without any problem," my mother added, her smile carrying a hint of mischief. "Yes, Jade, accept this gift, and it will become even harder for you to part with Raven," Lily thought, her smile strange and knowing.
Feeling the pressure from both my mother and Raven, I felt I had no choice.
"Alright, I accept the bracelet," I said, picking the first bracelet from the box and sliding it onto my wrist. Raven took the second and did the same, her expression radiating contentment.
[Favorability increased by 15 with Raven]
So, during the days I spent with her, the favorability hadn't increased, but just by accepting her gift, it had. It was indeed strange.
Raven's smile was a rare sight, and as it stretched across her face, I bit back my words. After all, her happiness was a shield for my own life. The gift had barely left her hands before she offered us a brisk nod and vanished into the shadows.
"Come on, Jade, have your breakfast. We'll resume your magic training afterward," my mother said, her smile a warm beacon in the cool morning light.
I obeyed, sitting down to a modest meal. As I ate, my gaze drifted to the bracelet on my wrist.
"Inspection" I thought
[Sapphire Dragonfly Bangle - "Azure Guardian": This enchanting bangle, christened the Azure Guardian, transcended mere ornamentation. Rumored to be steeped in ancient magic, it could conjure a protective dome, shielding its bearer from any onslaught below Rank A. ]
The revelation made me choke on my food, a curse slipping from my lips. The bracelet's value far exceeded my wildest guesses. What was Raven thinking, bestowing such a treasure upon me? I resolved to return it come Monday.
After finishing my breakfast, I joined my mother in the living room. She waited, a silent sentinel. I slipped on my shoes, and we stepped outside. The physical training that followed was routine, yet my body had adapted, muscles remembering the familiar strain.
[Congratulations to the host for completing the daily quest. You have obtained 5 free attribute points to use.]
It had been days since I last heard that notification. During the week, my mother forbade any training. School consumed my mornings, and afternoons were spent under Raven's watchful eye, revising lessons. Any attempt to sneak away for training was met with a firm "no" and a reminder that it was for my own good.
"You've grown accustomed to the physical training, that's good. Next time, I'll increase the difficulty," my mother remarked, her smile sending a shiver of fear down my spine.
As was our custom, she teleported us to the forest. The once-menacing woods now felt like a second home, familiarity having dulled the edges of my fear.
"What's on the agenda for today, Mom?" I asked, curiosity lacing my voice.
"Oh, today you'll face a monster in this forest alone, without me," she replied, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.
"It's incredible," I breathed, the realization dawning on me that this could be the key to completing the second quest of the system. "Though it all hinges on the monster I'll face."
"Alright, Mom," I said, my voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
"I didn't think you'd accept so easily, but I admire your bravery," she said.
Before I could react further, Mom snapped her fingers, and a blinding white light enveloped me. I was forced to shut my eyes against its intensity. When I dared to open them again, I was met with the sight of a wyvern, its scales a dazzling mosaic of emeralds and sapphires, gleaming under the harsh glare of an unseen sun. Its wings, vast and mighty, stretched out with a sound that echoed like thunder rolling across the ocean's expanse. The creature's eyes, twin orbs of molten gold, bore into me with a depth of intelligence that hinted at a wisdom far surpassing my own.
"Mom, you're joking, right?" I stammered, a hint of fear creeping into my voice. "You really think I can defeat a wyvern?"
"But you're the one who said you were ready," she replied, her smile unwavering. "And don't worry, with Raven's bracelet, everything should go smoothly. After all, it cancels out all attacks below level A, and this is a rank B wyvern."
So she knew about the bracelet all along. Another reason to return it, I thought.
"Jade, don't even consider returning the bracelet. Just give her a gift of equal value in return. Besides, it's incredibly rude to return a gift," Mom said sternly.
How does she do it? It's as if she's reading my thoughts. But that's not the issue at hand. The real problem is figuring out how to defeat this wyvern.
"Oh, and just so you know," my mother said, her voice laced with a sadistic glee, "this wyvern has an affinity with water."