Chapter 66

“Is this…a magical tool? It looks like I can use Appraise 2 on it.” “All right,” I said. “Be careful, Madoka.” “Okay, I’ll try my best!” Using her magnifying lens and being careful not to touch anything, Madoka closely inspected what looked like a metal utensil. What exactly was it? I couldn’t even begin to imagine just by looking at it. That said, its frame did look somewhat similar to an umbrella. “…I…I got it…!” ♦Magical Bonnet Canopy♦ > Produces a magic-powered bonnet canopy. Durability depends on the party’s level. > Increases interior storage capacity. > If destroyed and reverted to normal capacity, any overflow items will be ejected. > Once destroyed, 180 seconds must pass before the bonnet canopy can be redeployed. “A bonnet canopy… Like the kinds on covered prairie wagons?” I asked. “If so, would that mean we could set up a tent wherever we like?” wondered Igarashi. She was probably right, but Seraphina seemed to have another idea. “I believe I’ve thought of another use for it. If we affix it to the top of the wagon and deploy it, then…” “The wagon’s storage capacity would increase… Plus, the canopy itself would provide some protection…!” If used efficiently, the canopy could help those of our members who needed to ride on the wagon. And as long as we kept a close eye on its condition, we could probably use it as a tent for camping out in labyrinths, too. “Let’s get this attached to our wagon,” I told the group. “Thank you, Falma. You’ve helped us uncover another helpful treasure.” “My pleasure. Ever since you’ve permitted me to purchase your extra armaments, my shop has gained quite the favorable reputation in District Eight… I do, however, ask the Guild to sell them for me to ensure they reach a wide audience.” Falma risked drawing too much attention to her shop if she sold everything on her own, since all the weapons we wound up not needing were far stronger than the equipment available to newcomers in the district. “As for the rusty weapon and plate mail…,” Madoka began. “I’m sorry—it looks like we’ll need to use a High-Grade Appraisal Scroll. That, or I’d need to acquire Appraise 3.” “High-grade, huh…? I guess we can’t just sand away the rust to find out what these items are,” I said. “That leaves this protective charm and cloak,” added Suzuna. “The one that looks like a cape.” Moving on, Madoka appraised the two items Suzuna had mentioned. We could always use more charms—this one most was likely a type of ankh, given its shape—since we benefited simply by having them on hand. ♦Guardian Angel Ankh♦ > Slightly augments defense from physical attacks > Slightly augments defense from magical attacks > Nullifies certain status ailments with a set probability > Reduces power behind enemy breath-type attribute attacks > Can at times restore nearby party members’ stamina corresponding to damage taken from enemy ♦Dhampir Cape♦ > Augments defense from physical attacks > Provides Metal Resistance 1 > Provides Charm Resistance 2 > Can inflict Impulsive status on enemy > Inflicts Craving status on women who lose vitality with it equipped > Possesses a hidden power That Guardian Angel Ankh should go to one of our defensive frontliners, either Seraphina or Cion. Is it called a Dhampir Cape because it’s black? Given how devastating the Passion status ailment is, this Craving status must be really dangerous. I wonder why it doesn’t affect men? “Dhampir… Those are half-vampire/half-humans, right?” Misaki asked. “I mean, if vampires even exist in the Labyrinth Country…” “Would that then mean that this Craving status makes you want to drink blood?” Igarashi wondered aloud. “Either way, it can’t be good,” said Elitia. “We could look into it more at the Archive, but I think it’s best if Arihito takes it since he won’t be at risk of getting this status.” “Ooh, I bet Ari-poo looks amaaazing in a cape. Especially since he totally had that dark, shadowy vibe going for him at the beginning.” I probably just looked like a haggard corporate grunt…, I thought, but I tried the cape on anyway. I planned to take it off immediately if that hidden power felt unsafe, but nothing really came up. It was actually surprisingly comfortable, lighter and more breathable than it looked. “…Hard to know what to say when it fits him so perfectly, isn’t it?” Igarashi admitted. “Forget half-bloodsucker/half-human, though—he looks exactly like one of those monster hunters! Don’t ya think?” “It looks lovely on you, Arihito,” Suzuna told me. “I-in any case…I think either Seraphina or Cion should use this ankh, since they need to protect us more often.” After everyone agreed, I decided the Guardian Angel Ankh would go to Seraphina, who at times had to cover us all from our enemies’ most powerful attacks. “Then all we’ve got left is… Doesn’t this look kinda like the thingamabob Commander Dylan gave us?” “A Mystrium Medallion… Those are more valuable than a Magistite Medallion,” Seraphina noted. Meaning those Seekers who’d achieved such great heights fell before Alphecca. I don’t know how this medallion came to be locked away in this Black Box, but we should try to return it to its rightful owner. Even if that’s not possible, we have to handle it with proper respect. Our chest cracking done, we set off for another labyrinth expedition in search of Holy Stones. Falma and Madoka stayed behind, taking care of all the items we’d acquired from the box. “I’ll switch places with Melissa and stay in town today,” Madoka said. “Please be very careful, Arihito—and the rest of you…” “Don’t worry, we’ll be back—I promise. Thank you so much again, Falma.” “I should be thanking you. I look forward to hearing all about your further exploits this evening.” With that, we left the special chest cracking room. A thin curtain of clouds had covered the skies before we went in. Now, however, we could see the brilliant sun peeking through pockets in the veil.