Even Isabella found herself tempted upon seeing the attributes of this staff.
Beyond its skills, it offered an impressive 50% damage boost to fire-based spells!
That 50% was enough to excite anyone, and in critical moments, it could potentially deliver a devastating blow to an opponent.
Not to mention its first skill, which had a 30% chance to leech health.
While a 30% probability didn't guarantee activation, it still meant possessing that slice of power.
If triggered successfully, it could save on the use of health restoration potions.
At critical times, this could turn her into a perpetual motion machine, a veritable artillery unit!
Especially if situations like the recent one recurred, they wouldn't need to worry about running out of supplies.
A 30% chance was quite significant!
After taking a deep breath to steady her emotions, Isabella continued reading.
[Skill Three] Summon(Active)
[Description]: Can summon the Vampire Bat King to fight for the caster! The attributes of the Vampire Bat King depend on the caster's own attributes. The Vampire Bat King lasts for five minutes and has a chance to summon Vampire Bats as its shield and supporters when attacked. Skill cooldown: 24 hours.
Even Isabella was somewhat unsettled upon seeing this skill.
Her previously stabilized emotions began to fluctuate once again.
A summoning ability?!
And not just any summoning, but of the Vampire Bat King, which even had a chance to call forth lesser bats.
This was simply a game-changing effect.
Whether in personal combat or when facing bosses solo, this could be an immensely powerful ally.
Once successfully summoned, it was like having several assistants to help in her battles.
Isabella's grip tightened on the staff, reluctant to let it go.
She lingered lovingly over the staff for a moment before checking the other items that had dropped.
[Equipment] Bat Bracers
[Equipment] Bat Belt
[Equipment] Bat Boots
[Equipment] Bat Armor
[Equipment] Bat Cap
These were ordinary pieces of a set, with nothing particularly extraordinary about them, except for a bonus feature when four pieces were combined: blood sanctuary, which provided immunity to 10% of psychic damage, a minor advantage.
Silence.
John stood there in silence, unsure of what to say next.
The joys and sorrows of people do not necessarily resonate with each other, much like Isabella possibly couldn't understand why he was now silent.
Meanwhile, John also checked his private messages.
Archibald had arranged for people to gather herbs; it turned out the area was rich with a variety of herbs in significant quantities.
If all were collected, it would suffice for their fortress's needs for a while, but to last through 15 days, it still wasn't enough.
"Since you won't use the staff, you probably won't need these other pieces of equipment either. I'll buy them all and transfer the money to you once we're out," Isabella said, glancing indifferently at the loot that had dropped.
Considering John hadn't spared a second glance at such an excellent staff, it was natural to assume he wouldn't be interested in the other items either.
John nodded noncommittally.
"What's the situation like at your fortress now?"
John asked, not out of a desire to meddle, but because some things indeed needed careful consideration.
With only 15 days, the three fortresses must cooperate closely; if one were breached, the remaining two would be caught in a pincer attack.
Isabella pursed her lips and was about to speak when John quickly added, "I'm not trying to pry into your affairs or planning anything against you. I just want to emphasize that in the coming days, cooperation is essential. Otherwise, how could you possibly handle the imminent massive demon army facing the three fortresses alone?"
Isabella, of course, understood this logic, but she hadn't expected John to be the one to bring it up first.
"The damage to our city walls has reached 76%, and the drawbridge of the moat has also suffered 73% damage. However, we're still quite stocked up on supplies; we're not short on medicinal herbs and black iron ore."
"We have a small amount of energy stones left in the warehouse, enough to fire the energy cannon once. After repairing the walls, the black iron ore and borax should still be sufficient to produce a batch of weapons, but we are still continuing to replenish."
"The monsters at the resource points are extremely strong; we must eradicate them as soon as possible."
"Also, I've noticed something that doesn't quite add up."
Isabella hesitated as she said this, seemingly torn about whether to share certain information with John.
John smiled openly, "If this matter benefits me but not you, then you don't have to tell me. After all, although we are allies, we are also competitors."
Although they both had already confirmed that they would likely be on the list of those recruited, if one were to die in the meantime, it would all be for naught.
Thus, while they were allies, they were undoubtedly also competitors.
John's words deeply moved Isabella, prompting a light chuckle from her.
Normally so aloof, her sudden smile was as striking as a snow lotus blooming instantly on a mountain.
John was momentarily stunned.
This girl, usually so icy and seemingly superior with a fiery temper, was actually quite beautiful when she smiled.
"I've noticed... the speed at which people turn into white light and disappear after dying has slowed down significantly," she revealed.
"When we first entered this secret realm, if someone died in a brawl, they turned into white light and vanished almost instantly. But after I stabilized the fortress, those who went out and were killed by minor creatures took up to five minutes to disappear as white light."