Chapter 22: Spell Storing Ring
After Soradin’s reminder, Anse and the other two immediately realized the current situation and hurriedly went to procure adventure supplies.
It was unclear whether Soradin’s shout had an effect or Anse’s charisma was high enough, but shops that were originally out of stock sold them some inventory at a slight premium.
Waterproof backpack, tent, blanket, waterproof clothing, lantern, matches, medical kit, grappling hook, emergency rations, seasoning, compass… a whole bunch of stuff.
Anse procured three common healing potions at the potion shop, costing 390 gold coins, nearly three times the cheapest price, which was outrageous, but they had to buy them.
As for hill giant strength potion, it was unavailable, completely unavailable.
Most alchemists are wizards; without them, the markets for potions, scrolls, and magical items are on the verge of collapse.
Being able to buy anything now was already very lucky; many adventurers were directly turned away.
Going to the open-air trading market might be cheaper, but the time cost was too high, and it was easy to get scammed.
“Backpack 2 gold coins, blanket 6 silver coins, lantern 8 silver coins, medical kit 5 gold coins…” Brat checked the supply list and found that the three or four dozen gold coins in the team account weren’t enough.
“Everything is rising in price; food has more than doubled, and including potions, the team still owes you several hundred gold coins.” He smiled helplessly.
Anse patted his shoulder and teased, “Then work hard.”
In his view, these were all essential supplies that would be used on the road. After packing, they filled exactly three backpacks; all three were professionals, so the load wasn’t heavy.
He still had over a thousand gold coins left; carrying the heavy money bag, he felt it was better to spend it to enhance combat power than keep it.
“Let’s go, this way.”
He arrived at the magic curio shop next to the potion shop; this shop was large, probably quite prosperous before, but now it was somewhat deserted.
The shop owner was a female wizard wearing a pointed wizard hat, full of wrinkles, looking a bit creepy, making Anse unconsciously think of the old witch from fairy tales.
He focused his mind on the old mage, and the dice spun for a moment but detected no information.
Anse was puzzled inside but kept a calm expression.
“Cute little fellow, what do you want?” The old mage nudged her hat brim with her wand, revealing a pair of obsidian-like eyes; her voice was soft like a cat’s, with no trace of age.
“Uh, haven’t decided; is there anything I can use?” Anse was honest; he only had a staff on him and lacked everything else.
The old mage leaned half against the counter, elbow propped up, twirling her small wand elegantly, her posture graceful, making you unconsciously ignore that face:
“The magic net is changing; some magical items are losing their magical properties, especially those with spell effects. You… know about it?”
“I know.” Anse raised the staff in his hand.
The old mage sized Anse up and down a few times, then waved her hand, and several items appeared on the counter: cloak, shoes, ring, amulet.
“This is protective cloak, manta ray cloak, spider climb shoes, spell storing ring, health amulet… You don’t even have a proper robe; I suggest prioritizing survival.”
She briefly introduced the abilities of these items, then sat back down, watching Anse with interest.
“How much for the spell storing ring?” Anse focused on the ring; it was the only rare quality magical item there.
This ring could store multiple spells, with the total ring levels stored being 5, meaning it could hold 5 first ring spells or one fifth ring spell.
With the magic net disrupted now, the failure probability for stored spells was higher than normal spellcasting, but Anse used mana casting, so he had no such issue.
For others, this ring had greatly depreciated, which was probably why the old mage brought it out.
“Someone previously bid eight thousand gold coins, but I didn’t sell.” The old mage picked up the ring with her withered fingers, her expression distant. “Now… two thousand for you.”
Anse’s expression stiffened; he had only about twelve hundred gold coins left, far short. He turned to look at Brat and Finn, who both silently shook their heads.
Turns out everyone was broke; he felt helpless inside.
“Not enough money?” The old mage had anticipated it; she’d been observing him for a while. “Help me with something, and I’ll give it to you for free.”
Anse immediately shook his head. “I’m just a rookie professional; my abilities are limited; I’m afraid I can’t help you.”
“Caution is an excellent quality essential for spellcasters.” The old mage nodded approvingly, then pushed the protective cloak and spell storing ring toward him. “These plus one thousand gold coins; help me bring someone out from Sea Tower District.”
“Me?!” Anse pointed at his nose, stunned.
“Yes.” The old mage nodded naturally.
“Don’t you know the city is full of underground creatures now? Even Upper City has fallen; going in would be suicide!” Anse’s eyes widened, as if hearing a bad joke.
“Relax.” The old mage gently shook her wand. “Currently, Castle District, Manorborn District, Blonridge District, Sea Tower District, and parts of Temple District are still held by the sentries; they won’t fall in the short term.
Take a boat from Livington dock; the danger isn’t high.”
“Uh, you’re very thoughtful, but my abilities are limited; find someone else.” Anse firmly refused; he didn’t want to risk his life.
Taking a boat downstream from Livington could indeed reach Sea Tower District on the west side of Gray Harbor directly, but what if duergar guarded the sea route? What if he got surrounded right after landing in Sea Tower District? What if the ship lost control and crashed into the giant pit?
“No problem.” The old mage smiled faintly, not pressing, and placed a parchment on the cloak with a lift of her hand. “The items are still yours; they’re worthless in my hands.
When you have enough money or change your mind, come find me anytime.”
Anse was stunned; he hadn’t expected such a good deal.
He picked up the parchment, unfolded it, and saw it was an unsigned magic contract with the commission details; the client field read Dorothea Zaitkin, in elegant handwriting.
After hesitating a moment, he transferred 100 platinum coins to an empty money bag and placed it on the counter. “This is all I have for now; thank you for your generosity and trust; I won’t stand on ceremony.”
“Good luck.” The old mage brushed the white hair from her forehead with her wand, her gaze lingering on Anse’s face, not even glancing at the bag of platinum coins.
Anse gathered the items, nodded in thanks, and turned to leave.
Brat quickly caught up to Anse and whispered, “The stuff won’t have issues, right?”
“Back to the inn.” Anse didn’t know appraisal, but he had a more precise way to appraise.
The three returned to the room laden with bags and piles of stuff on the floor, all gathering around Anse.
“These two magical items are worth at least three thousand gold coins, and she’s not afraid we’ll run; weird.” Brat was still uneasy.
“Mm.” Finn agreed.
Anse closed his eyes slightly, pulled up the character card to check the two magical items; no curses or magic marks, everything normal.
“Probably not that complicated.” He opened his eyes, picked up the parchment thoughtfully. “Maybe just selling a favor.”
“What’s the use? We’re leaving anyway.” Brat waved it off and sat on the floor to sort supplies and backpacks.
Seeing this, Finn stepped forward to help.
“True.” Anse simply stopped thinking about it and focused on the two magical items.
The spell storing ring was a dark gold band, nearly one centimeter wide, covered in rings of blue magic patterns; it looked extraordinary.
He put the ring on his left index finger; it was slightly loose but wouldn’t fall off.
The protective cloak looked unremarkable from afar, but up close it wasn’t pure black but raven black, shimmering with purple-blue metallic sheen in the light.
This cloak was a fine grade magical item; when worn, it granted +1 armor class and saving throw, a slight boost to defense and resistance, simple and practical.
Especially this saving throw, effective against most attacks, outstanding against enchantment and psionics spells.
Anse put on the cloak and pulled up the hood; outsiders couldn’t see his face clearly, adding a sense of mystery, and he felt more secure inside.
Notes:
1. Staff: Generally very long. Some staves are smooth and uniform in diameter throughout, while others are knobby and twisted; some are made of wood, others of polished metal or crystal. Staves weigh between 2 and 7 pounds and also serve well as walking sticks or canes.
2. Wand: Refer to Harry Potter wands. Generally 12 to 15 inches long（30-38cm）, usually made of metal, wood, or bone.
3. Scepter: Scepter-type items are usually made of metal, wood, or bone, generally weighing 2 to 5 pounds.
4. City district names may vary due to translation issues: e.g., Manorborn District is Zhuangdan District, Blonridge District is Huaji District.
