Chapter 19: The Royal Treasury [1]

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Chapter 19: The Royal Treasury [1] (Pre-Author’s Note: Hehe, It’s been a while.... I got sick once again, I apologize but no worries, I’ll post two Chapters tomorrow, I just got back from my final treatment so I’m a bit tired but I did the Chapter I owe, Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy) The next morning, Azel rose feeling well-rested and energized. His body had adapted surprisingly well to the comfort of silk sheets and feathered pillows, a stark contrast from the stiff wooden cot back in his forest cottage. Compared to this place, that cottage was — well, a cottage. No poetic metaphor needed. He stretched, yawned, and trudged into the massive bathroom that he had freshened up in yesterday. And when he said massive, he meant the kind of bathtub that looked like it needed a lifeguard stationed at one end. One wrong step and he might just need to swim for his life, that was how large it was. The soaps were fragrant — jasmine, cedar, something floral that made him feel like a noble’s pet cat. There were wooden containers filled with thick creams, oils, and things he didn’t even know how to pronounce. ’In my last life, I had to fight acne and dry skin like a mini-boss every morning... Now I’m effortlessly hot. I don’t need cream — I am the cream!’ he shouted internally as he rubbed himself down with a fluffy towel. Humans here didn’t need cosmetics for dry skin, the energy in the air refreshed them at every time, it made their lives far more easier but all his pain and suffering was in the past. Gone were the days of his bloated belly, zero skincare routine, and internet-induced posture problems. Now, he had abs. And cheekbones. And height. Just yesterday, one of the castle maids actually blushed at him when he looked at her — he wasn’t even doing anything. Still feeling mildly overwhelmed by how surreal it all was, he stepped out of the bathroom with a towel slung around his waist — and immediately heard three polite knocks. They were gentle, definitely not from a knight. "Yes?" he called out, drying his hair. "Young master—" a soft voice began. "Just call me Azel, no need for the ’young master’ thing," he said, already regretting how noble that sounded. There was a pause, then the maid adjusted. "Sir Azel, Captain Mira has asked me to escort you to the Royal Treasury. She said it’s regarding the request you made during dinner last night." ’Ah, right. Treasure Time.’ "I’ll be out shortly. Just give me a minute to get dressed," he responded, his voice polite but warm. He walked over to the wardrobe and threw on a deep-blue robe lined with gold thread. It shimmered lightly under the morning sun that seeped through the wide windows. He ran his hand through his messy silver hair and stepped out with a confident smile. His mind, however, was focused. The [Ever Bracelet]. That was his goal today. A relic from the era of the First Emperor. It was capable of increasing gravity on the user — or the area around them — depending on how much aura you channeled into it. A hidden gem that the royal family never figured out how to use properly. That meant it just sat there, untouched, collecting dust... until today. Why did he want it? Simple. Gravity training. It made normal training feel like lifting a house underwater while also dodging fireballs. It was brutal — but effective. And what if one day he had to fight an entity that manipulated gravity? There were creatures like that. His game knowledge assured him of it. The maid led him through the corridors. Every time Azel thought he’d gotten used to how big the castle was, it humbled him all over again. The lower levels felt even more extravagant, with marble floors, golden wall trims, and enchanted torches that flickered with soft blue light. Finally, they arrived at the Treasury entrance. And there she was —Captain Mira. Now that he was seeing her up close in proper lighting, he had to admit: Mira was the definition of badass beauty. She had sharp purple eyes, shoulder-length purple hair that matched, and light armor that couldn’t completely hide the curves underneath. Her arms were folded as she leaned casually against the door. She was young for a knight commander — one of the youngest ever appointed — and her reputation in the game was no joke. "Good morning, Azel," she said, smiling. "The Emperor has granted me permission to escort you personally. He’s also decided to be generous — he’s letting you pick two items. Just not anything world-ending, obviously." Azel kept his expression calm, but inside? ’Hahahahaha... You gave me two picks? Old man, you’ve just played yourself.’ "I understand," he said with a light nod. "I’m grateful for the Emperor’s generosity." Mira chuckled and patted him on the back with the kind of hearty slap that almost made Azel stumble forward. "Relax, kid. No need to talk like we’re at a banquet. It’s just us down here." She walked up to the massive twin doors, cracking her knuckles. Then, placing her palms against the surface, she gathered a touch of aura and pushed. The doors groaned open like ancient giants stretching from a thousand-year nap. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂 Inside... Was glory. Weapons, armors, tomes, glowing stones, scrolls sealed in crystal, even a dragon’s skull hanging off a pedestal like a war trophy. The room itself stretched far beyond what physics should allow — it had to be spatially enhanced. Rows upon rows of shelves stacked with priceless artifacts, humming with dormant power. Mira gestured with a grin. "Welcome to the Empire’s Treasury." Azel stepped in slowly, his smile subtle but alive with excitement. ’It’s finally time to shine.’

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