Chapter 223 Chapter222-The Terrified Treasure Thief Rat (2nd update, Cheer me with Power Stones!)
John's threat unmistakably struck right at the Treasure Thief Rat's Achilles' heel.
Throughout the Godslayer Continent, this creature plundered treasures, relying on his unparalleled speed and various escape tactics – a velocity many deities couldn't match.
This was fundamentally why the Treasure Thief Rat managed to steal so much without ever getting caught.
Every victim, whose treasure had been stolen, yearned to seize him, flay him alive, and grind his bones to dust to quench their burning vengeance.
If John truly decided to hand him over to the authorities of Storm City, the Treasure Thief Rat's fate would undoubtedly be sealed.
Even though he had unmatched escape abilities, he possessed no offensive capabilities whatsoever.
Even a common man, wielding a blade, could easily strike him down.
"How can you, a mere human, resort to such despicable tactics?" the Treasure Thief Rat protested, quite agitated and furious.
"We've already concluded two deals! I never said you couldn't choose your final trade item."
Yet, John remained undeterred, his smile ever-present as he gazed at the creature.
But to the Treasure Thief Rat, John's smile lacked warmth.
It appeared more like the malicious grin of a demon from the abyss...
Just then, Blue Sea and Adam, who had been spectating from the sidelines, approached.
They had been engrossed in studying the Abyssal Prison space John had constructed.
However, their levels were too low to access this realm of energy.
No matter what investigative methods they employed, they couldn't perceive the fundamental power of this dark space.
Soon, they abandoned their quest for understanding, diverting their attention to the transaction unfolding between John and the Treasure Thief Rat.
Observing the Treasure Thief Rat's enraged outburst, both Blue Sea and Adam instantly became more intrigued. n--o))V(-e/-L--b-)I-)n
Following John's gaze, their eyes were immediately drawn to the most attention-grabbing item among the tradeable goods: "Son of the Storm."
They both inhaled sharply in surprise.
Even if they couldn't understand the full extent of what this item represented, the prominently displayed word "Divine" in the description was enough to astonish them profoundly.
This seemingly sleazy, rotund Treasure Thief Rat actually possessed a Divine item?
After meticulously reading through the properties of the "Son of the Storm," both Blue Sea and Adam exchanged puzzled glances.
Their faces mirrored a shared sense of bewilderment.
Was this so-called "Son of the Storm" Divine item genuinely from Storm City?
Both Adam and Blue Sea headed two of the top ten elite guilds worldwide.
Through countless battles and struggles, they had ascended to their current statuses as revered top-tier players, so their sharpness of wit was a given.
Almost instantly, they deduced that the Treasure Thief Rat before them was undoubtedly the mastermind behind the heist at the Storm City mansion.
Yet, from the vehement words of the Treasure Thief Rat, it seemed that Galewind – another name for John – was interested in trading for this Divine item?
The duo once again turned their gaze to John, their eyes filled with deep curiosity.
Even though the item appeared to be of the highest quality, would it hold any significant value for a formidable individual like John?
After all, John wasn't a mage specializing in wind or lightning attributes.
With his seemingly endless array of skills, he was already eerily exceptional and likely had no need for an item like the "Son of the Storm" that could shape an entire realm.
Though Blue Sea and Adam were brimming with questions, they both tacitly chose to remain silent, knowing that John must have his reasons.
On the other hand, John seemed indifferent to the gaze of his companions.
His smile remained unchanged as he lightly remarked, "A thief who pilfers treasures and hoards them, and you dare accuse me of being underhanded?"
"According to the rules you established, any displayed item is up for trade. Why is it that this item becomes non-negotiable when it comes to you?"
The Treasure Thief Rat grew even more enraged, roaring back, "You have the audacity to bring up my trading rules? According to those rules, after our first trade, you should have released me, not trapped me in this dark, malevolent realm!"
John, undeterred by the rat's mounting fury, maintained his placid smile, "Regardless, we agreed on three trade items. I've chosen two, and now I desire the Son of the Storm as my third."
Realizing that neither his outbursts nor his pleas would move the devilishly unyielding human before him, the rat decided on a tactical shift.
After a moment of contemplation, his demeanor suddenly grew calm.
"If you truly desire this item, it's not impossible... But given its Divine status and your evident strength, you should know its worth."
" Do you genuinely possess equipment or items of equal value to offer in exchange?"
John fell silent for a moment.
The rat's statement indeed highlighted the crux of his current predicament.
To fairly acquire the Divine item, Son of the Storm, John would need to present an item or equipment of matching caliber.
He did possess Divine equipment.
Whether it was the "Divine Palace" sword he currently wielded, the Asura mask on his face, or the tattered cloak on his back, all were of Divine quality.
In terms of value alone, the Divine Palace was at least on par with the Son of the Storm. The properties of the Asura mask and the tattered cloak he wore were even more exceptional than those of the Son of the Storm. However, these three Divine equipment pieces were invaluable to John, making them non-negotiable for trade.
The Treasure Thief Rat gave a sly smirk, revealing a lecherous expression, "If you genuinely wish to trade for the Son of the Storm, perhaps you'd consider exchanging that mask on your face, or the cloak you wear?"
John raised an eyebrow. Clearly, the Treasure Thief Rat's innate ability to sniff out treasures and his seasoned discernment from years of treasure hunting had identified the worth of John's Asura mask and his worn cloak.
John responded with a slight smile, dismissively stating, "Dream on. Even if I were to consider trading these two items for your Son of the Storm, you're not worthy of owning either of them. Excessive greed can only bring you boundless misfortune."
The Treasure Thief Rat didn't press further.
Though he coveted John's mask and cloak, his keen senses hinted at a dark history of blood and sin associated with them, indicating they were potentially dangerous possessions.
Otherwise, the rat would've been enticed by them upon their first meeting.
Feigning disappointment, the Treasure Thief Rat spread his hands in a gesture of resignation.
"It's a pity then. Clearly, without any other Divine equipment or items to offer, you lack the means to trade for the Son of the Storm."
Seemingly struck with a sudden realization, John chuckled, casually remarking, "Not necessarily..."
With a gentle flick of his right hand, a deep purple gem silently materialized in his grasp.
The gem emitted a faint glow that seemed to possess a unique magic, rendering it nearly impossible to look upon directly.
Blue Sea and Adam stole a mere glance, instantly feeling dizziness wash over them.
They swiftly turned their heads away to avoid its entrancing allure.
Yet, for reasons unknown, the Treasure Thief Rat remained wholly unaffected.
Upon laying eyes on the dark purple gem, an intense fervor blazed in its gaze.
[Fallen Angel's Heart (Divine item): Transformed from the energy core of the Fallen Angel Leviathan tainted by Dark Erosion, it embodies both the dark and Holy Light attributes. This gem can be embedded into weapons, significantly enhancing their properties. However, due to its high tier and immense energy, the embedding process is extremely intricate and can only be accomplished by a master craftsman...]
[Enhancement Attributes: +1000 Attack, +1200 Stamina, +1500 Magic Power, +50% Magic Damage, +50% Physical Damage, +50% Holy Light Affinity, +50% Dark Affinity...]
[Additional Skill: Light-Dark Alternation (Divine Passive Skill), granting the equipment's user an additional 10% Holy Light and 12% Dark attribute magic damage on each attack, with a 5% chance to annihilate enemies of these attributes...]
Indeed, this dark purple gem was one of the trophies John had acquired after vanquishing the Fallen Angel Leviathan.
An energy gem transformed from a deity's core, harnessing a power truly befitting of the gods— the divine ORDER.
"My heavens... What am I witnessing? Oh my! Is this? Is this a divine status discarded after a deity's demise?"
The Treasure Thief Rat's words were an excited jumble.
Had John not been watchfully eyeing him, the rat might have already leaped forward to seize the gem for himself.
Even its round little eyes now seemed wider, staring at John in disbelief.
"You managed to acquire something like this... Surely you didn't actually slay a deity?"
John replied with a slight smile, neither confirming nor denying the speculation.
Though he remained silent, his expression seemed to say it all.
The Treasure Thief Rat swayed momentarily, a look of reverence overtaking its features.
Who exactly was this human?
Having the audacity and might to vanquish a deity, could he possibly be a royal demon of the abyss in human guise?
Such an outlandish theory arose in the Treasure Thief Rat's mind, its face deepening with awe, eventually transforming into sheer terror.