...

Following the party's initial celebration, Niflheim reminded everyone to keep their wits about them until they arrived safely outside the crusade. In the end, there was still not much known about crusades, and so, it was best to proceed with some caution.

However, even Niflheim himself could not hide the satisfaction on his face.

After having the first raid clear slip through his fingers, Niflheim always felt a sense of disappointment. It was not all the time opportunities such as being the first to clear a raid came along.

But, now that he played a part in conquering a crusade, the last of Niflheim's previous regrets had dissolved.

"Wait... If I remember correctly, didn't Izroth also claim the first clear achievement for dungeons?" Niflheim thought to himself as something suddenly dawned on him.

Dungeon, raid, crusade—Izroth had participated in the first clear of all three! This was a situation every top guild dreamed of as the bragging rights that accompanied it was huge! Not only that, but it would also assist in drawing new talented players to their side and significantly boost their chances of attracting bigger sponsorships.

Niflheim set his gaze on Izroth, who currently had a pale complexion. Although his wounds had been healed, Niflheim speculated that whatever move he performed at the end came with a serious set of consequences.

"I have to become stronger. Strong enough that I can properly become his shield." Niflheim internalized as a serious expression formed on his face.

...

A few moments later, the platform on the third stage had been completely repaired. And, currently, there were only two individuals present on the platform—Izroth, and Tal'Nis.

Tal'Nis wanted to speak with Izroth alone; therefore, she sent the others back to the waiting room.

"What will happen to this place now that we've cleared it?" Izroth asked.

Crusades were not like dungeons and raids that could be attempted multiple times. From what Izroth understood, whether it was cleared or not, after a single run, the crusade would no longer exist. But, since there was so little information surrounding crusades, perhaps it was different for this one.

"It will disappear from your world. But, it is only temporary. After a few centuries have passed, this crusade will be restored in hope of the future generation finding it." Tal'Nis explained unhurriedly.

She then continued, "Since my real body resides in the Divine Realm, it is difficult to interfere with anything in the lower realms. Maintaining the existence of a crusade is no simple task and consumes numerous resources. It is not a luxury every individual in the Divine Realm can afford."

'A few centuries?'

Even if it were just one century, with a real-world in-game time ratio of 1:3, that meant the crusade would not be available for a minimum of 33 years!

'With such a long cooldown period, I can see why it's considered to be a one attempt challenge.'

"The Divine Realm sounds like quite the restricting place," Izroth commented.

"It is for the best. In the beginning, countless eons before my ascension, there existed no boundary between the realms. During that time, there was endless chaos and suffering. It was not uncommon for realms to be destroyed and entire races massacred due to the broken structure of power and order." Tal'Nis revealed.

"What changed everything?" Izroth asked curiously.

"If you are able to one day reach that realm, you will receive the answer to your question. The way you are now—it is not yet time for you to concern yourself with matters beyond your control." Tal'Nis answered.

'I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised.'

Izroth did not know much when it came to the Divine Realm; however, he speculated that the situation there was complex. For all he knew, it could be that even if Tal'Nis wanted to tell him anything, she may not be able to because of the rules of that place. While it was unfortunate, Izroth decided not to pursue the matter.

"Now, shall we move on to the main topic?" Tal'Nis said as she held the palm of her hand towards Izroth as a gentle blue flame encompassed him before quickly dispersing.

〈System Alert: You have received the skill «Blessing of Tal'Nis»!〉

'This is...'

Skill Name: Blessing of Tal'Nis

Skill Level: MAXED

Skill Rank: S

Passive: +10% bonus damage for all sword-based skills, +2 Luck

Special Note: A blessing bestowed upon those deemed worthy by the Lady of the Everlasting Rain, Tal'Nis. Only a select few are lucky enough to receive this blessing!

As Izroth read over the information of his new blessing, a light smile appeared on his face.

'The 10% bonus damage for sword skills is useful. Unfortunately, it's overshadowed by what comes after it.'

The moment Izroth's eyes landed on the last bonus of the passive, he almost had to look twice to make sure he was not imagining things. Two—it was two points of luck!

With the addition of the luck from Tal'Nis' blessing, Izroth's luck stat jumped from four to six points—that was a 50% increase!

One had to know that even Sacred Blade, a former core member of Blue Oasis, had the highest luck in his guild along with six others. But, they all only had a single point of luck! Yet, Izroth's luck stat had reached a frightening six points!

'Since Sacred Blade is no longer a member of Blue Oasis, doesn't this mean my luck stat is now higher than all of Blue Oasis combined?'

Having more luck than the entirety of a top guild... If other players ever discovered this, they would think Izroth found some way to hack and change his luck stat. After all, one player having six points of luck to themselves was just too ridiculous of a notion to believe.

〈System Alert: You are the first player with a Luck stat that exceeds 5. A fortuitous encounter awaits you.〉

'Hm? There's nothing else?'

Izroth glanced over his system alerts; however, there was nothing after the mention of a fortuitous encounter.

He was unsure exactly what a fortuitous encounter entailed, but seeing as how it was a reward linked to his luck stat, Izroth believed that it could only be something beneficial.

"It is unusual for someone to receive the blessing of more than one individual from the Divine Realm; however, your case is somewhat unusual, Izroth. Just like the other blessings you have received, I have given you the same privilege of excluding divine power in exchange for foregoing the typical restrictions placed upon a follower."

"I will remember your generosity. You have my thanks." Izroth stated with a carefree smile.

Tal'Nis responded with a small nod and said, "Originally, I planned on gifting you my Nine Cycle Cloudburst as well. However, given the sword techniques you have displayed—I believe it would be a waste for you to stray from your current path."

"I understand. Regardless, I have witnessed your sincerity."

Izroth would not have minded learning the Nine Cycle Cloudburst from Tal'Nis. After all, another powerful skill in his arsenal was always welcome. But, having more of something was not always necessarily a good thing.

Izroth realized that the Nine Cycle Cloudburst was not compatible with his present sword style, and it was likely Tal'Nis noticed this as well.

"So? I doubt the only reason you wanted to talk to me alone was to give me your blessing. What is it that you want from me?" Izroth asked.

Tal'Nis shook her head and replied, "It is not what I want from you, but rather what I want of you."

Tal'Nis pressed the palm of her hands together before gradually drawing them apart. As she did so, a small wisp of blue and white flames formed in between her palms.

The next moment, a gorgeous silver necklace with a translucent gemstone appeared and sucked in the flames.

Once the final spark of flame was drawn into the necklace, it changed colors to match that of the flames it absorbed.

"As you are aware, I am unable to leave this place and directly interfere with matters of the realms below. However, since you have cleared my crusade, it is only natural I grant you a suitable reward. And, should you find it in your heart to do so, I hope you can gift it to my descendants of the Seventh Demon Clan. This is my personal request to you, Izroth." Tal'Nis said as the necklace drifted before Izroth.

Izroth took the necklace into his hands. Upon doing so, a warm sensation spread throughout his body as the flames danced within the gemstone.

Accessory Name: Seventh Origin Flames Necklace

Accessory Rank: Unique

Accessory Level: None

Requirements: Blessing of Tal'Nis

«Veil of the Seventh Origin Flames» - The user can summon protective flames that will automatically defend them. These protective flames can absorb up to [1,000,000] damage for a maximum duration of 10 minutes. [Limit: 2/2]

Cooldown: 72 hours

«???» - [Locked]

Description: A special necklace forged from the Lady of the Everlasting Rain, Tal'Nis, containing the lost Seventh Origin Flames of the Seventh Demon Clan. She has crafted this necklace in hopes that it one day reaches her descendants. The true effects of this necklace can only be unlocked by a member of the Seventh Demon Clan. This item cannot be traded or sold.