Chapter 701: Titan's Circlet
Charles only managed to recall the first word, as the remaining ones appeared strange and hard to pronounce.
As the three-eyed titan was about to respond, it suddenly sensed a gaze from behind and turned around.
At the same time, the Sun Titan also shifted its gaze and directly looked in the direction where Charles was standing.
A moment later, Charles felt his whole body get electrocuted by lightning and felt the whole surroundings start to shatter.
Not only that, but he felt an unbearable burning sensation in his mind and almost shouted in shock.
The next instant, Charles opened his eyes in reality and felt a sense of dizziness.
'What the hell was that? Those two titans managed to see me looking at them?' But it wasn't Charles's first encounter with such a situation, so he calmed down quickly.
Only then did he notice Epialos trying to pull his consciousness somewhere.
"Astrape," Charles said a single word with the same pronunciation as the Sun Titan, causing Epialos to stop its action abruptly.
"Where did you hear that word? Who are you?" A powerful, bloodthirsty aura came from the ring, as Epialos asked.
A smile crept on Charles's face.
At the same time, he cast the 'Inspect' skill on the artifact and stared at its abilities.
[Artifact Name: Titan's Circlet, Epialos
Title: Stormheart Whisper
Rank: Intellectual Artifact
Nickname: S-13 (Astrape's Ring)
Definition:
It was one of the seven intellectual artifacts created by an Elder Dwarf to give his only friend Astrape, and has been infused with the power of Life, Wind, and Lightning in the beginning. But, due to the sudden death of Elder Dwarf, Elder Dwarf's only disciple took the job of completing the artifact and even tried to steal it for himself. But this action gave birth to the seed of wickedness within the newly born intellectual artifact, forming a new ability trait.
(Set Intellectual Artifact 1/7)
Rumors say that gathering and fusing all seven artifacts will give birth to a powerful ******* artifact.
Restriction:
This artifact will only accept a Titan or a bloodline descendant of a Titan as its owner and even has the stubborn trait of the Elder Dwarf.
Abilities:
1. Extraordinary Vitality (Lifeforce Resonance):
Stormheart Whisper possesses a unique ability to channel and infuse its possessor with extraordinary vitality. This vitality enhances physical and mental resilience and can permanently extend the bearer's lifespan for around 100 years. It taps into the elemental essence of life itself, allowing the wielder to swiftly recover from any injuries or curses and maintain a peak state of well-being. (Cooldown: 1/Year.)
2. Thunderbolt Fury:
S-13 wields a fearsome attack ability known as "Thunderbolt Fury." This lightning-infused power allows the possessor to unleash devastating electrical strikes upon their foes. The lightning element not only delivers powerful and precise attacks but also has the potential to paralyze or disrupt the energy systems of adversaries.
3. Zephyr Dance:
Stormheart Whisper allows the wielder to control and manipulate the winds with finesse. "Zephyr Dance" enables the possessor to move swiftly and gracefully, even amid battle. This wind manipulation can be used defensively to deflect attacks or offensively to create razor-sharp wind blades that cut through obstacles and enemies.
4. Tempest's Embrace:
The artifact provides a powerful defensive ability known as "Tempest's Embrace." This ability creates a protective shield of swirling winds and charged particles, forming an impenetrable barrier against physical and magical attacks. The shield adapts to the intensity of the threat, offering a versatile defense mechanism.
5. Whispers of Malevolence:
Stormheart Whisper harbors a dark and mysterious power known as "Whispers of Malevolence." It allows the possessor to manipulate the masses during his speech and invoke a sense of absolute loyalty or hatred within the people's minds. This power can be used strategically during large-scale wars, disrupt the opponent's focus, and create an aura of wickedness that weakens their resolve.]
...
'Whispers of Malevolence... This ability is almost like the 'Sacred Oath' spell. And although this artifact looks powerful on its own, I don't think it will stay in my hand even if I force it to.'
"If you want to know the answer, follow me quietly. As long as you fulfill a promise of mine, I'll let you go on your own and search for choosing your new owner." Charles said coldly.
"Kekeke, interesting. You are not the descendant of this trashy Lockwood family but a human with the power to see through things, huh? Humph, even if you didn't come here to release me, my new owner will be here in a decade or two and take me in." Epialos said calmly and started to shrink on its own to the size of a normal ring before hovering before him.
"Well, I'll help you once anyway. I have a strange feeling that you will meet my new master shortly." Epialos said in a mysterious tone, causing him to furrow his brows.
Then, Charles casually extended his hand, caught the ring, and turned around.
At that time, Epialos suddenly made a sniffing noise and muttered.
"Strange... Why do I smell the scent of my owner's enemy's blood on you? Hmm, did you encounter any Sun Titan in the past?" The artifact's words caused Charles to widen his eyes.
"You can tell just by sniffing?" He couldn't help but ask.
"Well, we share some strange bonding. Anyway, let's get out before those filthy fake believers come after us." Epialos said in an irritated tone.
Charles shook his head and started walking towards the Royal Treasury entrance door. Although he could take more artifacts with him, that would expose his real identity.
It's not a big deal to kill three Legend Rank Powerhouses. But I don't know what other restrictive arrays are placed all over the Royal Palace. I shouldn't be too greedy.' He muttered inwardly and continued to walk.
A few seconds later, he arrived before the tall door and soon heard a creaking noise.
The heavy door swung open slowly, revealing a dimly lit corridor before his eyes.
Charles also saw the guard staring at him wide-eyed and calmly stepped out.
"You came back, Your Highness? It hasn't been even two minutes passed, though." He asked with a dubious look.
"Unlike others, I don't usually take time to decide." Saying so, Charles showed the golden ring to the guard and added.
"I picked up a powerful artifact with a defensive spell engraved inside. Tell Elder Finley I'll stay in my room and familiarize myself with this artifact."
As Charles spoke, he walked towards the metallic box, opened it with both hands, and started equipping his other artifacts.
"But it's better for you to report it to Elder Finley before you go, Your Highness. Antony will bring Elder here quickly if you wait a few minutes." The guard tried to stop him, but Charles waved his hand and started walking in the opposite direction while saying.
"It's not a big deal. Tell him I'll come on my own and report it back."
Although the guard wanted to stop him, he couldn't due to his lowly status.
Meanwhile, Charles quietly returned to the Crown Prince's chamber while walking past many people and changed himself back to Cyrus.
Then, he hurriedly left the Crown Prince's chamber, walked on the labyrinth corridor, and soon reached the palace entrance gate.
Thankfully, Jay hadn't left the place and was in the middle of talking with Royal guards.
Upon noticing his arrival, he hurriedly ran towards him and bowed before inquiring.
"Sir Cyrus, why did you come back?"
Charles kept his face stern and spoke with a thoughtful look.
"His Royal Highness wants to send a banquet invitation letter to Duke Eldrakar. Let's go, Jay."
Although Jay didn't understand why the Crown Prince was suddenly inviting Duke Eldrakar to a banquet, he didn't dare to ask and hurriedly nodded.
The Royal Guards also overheard the conversation and started discussing it among themselves. Although they didn't know the relationship between the Crown Prince and Hallie, they had already guessed something was happening between the Crown Prince and the Duke's Household.
Unbothered by their curious looks, Charles hurriedly walked towards the golden curtained carriage and entered inside.
On the other hand, Jay went to the driver's seat and started driving the carriage towards the outer courtyard. After a simple checkup, the carriage moved out of the courtyard and quietly left the Royal Palace.
Before long, the carriage entered the main road and quietly moved through the Central Borough.
But all of a sudden, Jay suddenly noticed the eerie silence within the carriage and stopped the horses.
"Sir Cyrus? Are you there?" He asked as he slowly parked the carriage on the roadside.
But no reply came from inside, causing him to furrow.
He instantly jumped down from the driver's seat, walked towards the carriage door, and knocked on it twice.
"Sir Cyrus? Are you alright?" He asked in anxiety and soon opened it.
The next instant, he couldn't help but get startled as he noticed that Cyrus was nowhere to be seen!
"Strange... Where did he go?" Without knowing what to do next, Jay stood on the road momentarily and decided to return to the Royal Palace.
"Should I inform the Royal Guards and let them handle this matter? Could it be that the Crown Prince sent a secret order to him? It's possible."
Jay thought to himself and fell into a dilemma.
