Old Nick seemed troubled, but finally, with a sigh, he pulled a necklace from his pocket.
"If you really insist on going, then take this with you."
John curiously accepted the necklace.
[Name: Heart of Dwarf]
[Quality: Rare]
[Description: The dwarves possess an unwavering heart, enabling them to craft the finest, most perfect tools in the world—this necklace is a symbol of their steadfast spirit.]
[Skill: Mental Immunity (Active) – Provides immunity to one mental attack and seizing attacks. When attacked, a mental shield is activated, boosting mind power by 100%! Skill cooldown: one hour.]
[Supplement: Possession of the Heart of Dwarf will earn you the respect of the dwarves as a distinguished guest, sometimes bringing unexpected benefits. However, it may also attract animosity from certain races.]
Wow... what a find.
This necklace possessed only one skill—Mental Immunity!
But this skill alone was shockingly powerful! It provided immunity to one mental attack and even to seizing attacks!
When attacked, it also activated a mental shield, doubling mind power!
Although it appeared to have a cooldown of one hour, it was practically a divine skill!
After all, items granting immunity to mind power attacks were exceedingly rare.
If such an item appeared on the black market, it would fetch a sky-high price!
Moreover, the fact that it doubled mind power when attacked—what did that mean?
It meant that if the attacker's mind power was lower than his, there was even a chance of a counterstrike!
Mind power is a mysterious force, and severe damage to it could even render someone senseless.
This was truly a lifesaver and could catch an opponent completely off guard.
"You're really giving this to me?"
John looked at Old Nick in surprise, thinking such a precious item should be kept by him instead.
Old Nick laughed heartily, wiping the sweat that had formed on his forehead.
"I no longer have a use for this. My kinsmen are scattered and no longer as glorious as before. Since you need it, Commander, take it. It might just help you."
Old Nick seemed unconcerned, which touched John's heart.
They were merely acquaintances who had exchanged a few words, and John had only given him a couple of bottles of wine.
But now, Old Nick was...
Different from what he expected.
John smiled, reaching into his backpack and pulling out two more bottles of monkey wine to give to Old Nick.
"I've run out, so I'll find some more for you."
Holding his staff, he directed the Thorned Rock Serpent, speeding into the depths of the forest.
Those on the city wall watched John's retreating figure with a hint of envy in their eyes.
Is this what it means to be powerful?
Because of his strength, he acts as he pleases, doing whatever he wants without having to abide by any other rules.
John rode the Thorned Rock Serpent through the forest, and as he spent more time amidst the trees, he began to feel something was amiss.
A sense of fear seemed to well up from within him, an emotion that was utterly abnormal!
He keenly checked his mental state bar but found no negative buffs or any effects.
Yet, a creeping fear began to slowly spread within him, a sensation he had never experienced before, making it a foreign entity to him.
He looked around but saw no signs of any creatures that might be causing this feeling.
However, under the moonlight, there seemed to be an inexplicable, unclear emotion gathering around him.
This feeling slowly grew within him, taking shape by his side.
Could it be... that this so-called Shadow Slayer isn't a specific monster, but rather a manifestation of one's own fear?
John frowned slightly, but continued to urge the Thorned Rock Serpent onward, hastening towards the domain of the Treemonkey King.
He hadn't visited the Treemonkey King in recent days and wondered what might have transpired there.
The moonlight shone on John, as if draping him in a silver veil.
With a stern expression, John sped through the forest.
The Thorned Rock Serpent moved much faster than John could on foot, so it took just over ten minutes to reach the domain of the Treemonkey King.
John sensed something was amiss. Normally, this area, being the territory of the monkeys, should be bustling with noise, yet it was eerily quiet.
He walked slowly into the area, attempting to summon the Treemonkey King with the whistle given to him.
The sharp whistle pierced through the entire forest, yet not a single Treemonkey appeared.
What was going on?
John gripped his staff tighter, letting the serpent slow down as he moved cautiously forward, constantly observing his surroundings, ready to leave at any sign of trouble.
Soon, he noticed a mountain ahead, its caves sparkling with flecks of light, suggesting some activity.
He felt a slight relief, thinking the monkeys must gather there at night, which seemed smart.
He directed the serpent towards the mountain, and sure enough, as he approached the cave, he heard a variety of noises from inside.
Peering into the cave, he discovered the monkeys seemed to be holding a large meeting.
Numerous fruits were laid out at the front, and next to them, a small bottle exuded a strong aroma of alcohol.
It was all excellent monkey wine.
Upon seeing John, the Treemonkey King visibly smiled. "Come in!"