Chapter 205: First come

Chapter 205: First come

Sofia contemplated her options without asking anything for a bit. Well, before I even know all the details, two of them seem strong enough that I would pick them anyway, now its all about choosing the third one. Unless my instincts are wrong.

What do you have in mind? Sen asked.

Arent you reading my thoughts?

Just like I wouldnt read Dragon Masks thoughts, it feels like a lack of respect to casually read the mind of someone who ranked higher than I did, doesnt it?

Thats Yeah I could see that. The trio sat in silence, the calm of the platform only disturbed by Sofias tapping fingernails on the table, What I am thinking so far is that I should take the [Diamond Prism] and the [Citrinitas] gems. Doubling the filter stats is the craziest effect out of the bunch by a wide margin in my opinion, and three classless slots is an enormous reward considering how strong each classless skill has the potential to be, just look at [Sanctity].

Sen nodded at Sofias explanation, Hmm, let me give you the details on the [Diamond Prism], I personally agree that you should take it, especially considering you get the VIP saint privileges to allocate those stats yourself. How it works exactly is a bit different than you might think, though. It doesnt actually double all the filter stats, your stats from the first trial will remain as they are now. But, you would get doubled points to allocate from now on, and those actually stay even if you took off the crown for whatever reason.

Does the doubled health one work the same way?

To an extent, yes. Theres a bit of cheating on the systems part with this one, but the end result is almost the same. But say you get a new skill which gives 10% health, you would still lose the bonus 10% from the crown if you take it off, while doubled health from levels and filters will stay even without the crown. And the doubled regeneration part is linked to wearing the crown too.

I get it. So far my choice hasnt changed, but I still need to know more about the other gems. Can you explain what [Spell Decay] does?

The special skill from [Nigredo] will be usable as long as you wear the crown, its an utility and defensive skill. That would be all I am allowed to say about this one, sorry.

Dont worry about it [Albedo] and [Chaos stone] are the same, I suppose?

Yes. [Albedo] gives a random immunity, think Aliths complete heat immunity. [Chaos stone] is a bit special, even I do not know what you could get, it is completely random, but you can expect it to be at least as strong as the angelic lightning youve been throwing around.

I am not so sure I need another skill for mass destruction

I think these three skill-giving gems arent worth the risk. Though [Spell Decay] does really make me imagine a strong defensive skill like something to dispel any magic maybe, but in the end I can only know for sure by taking it. And is now really the time to take a gamble?

Sofia returned to looking at the [Adamian Core] and the [Diamond Prism], pointing at them she asked Sen, Would my health quadruple if I took these two together?

It should Sen confirmed while he was busy adjusting his toga, looking a bit uncomfortable with the question.

Four times is a lot But theres also the shield from the [Mithrium Glass]. These are about the same, are they not? For someone with a lot of mana like me, the shield might even be better.

Sofia felt that the choice shouldnt be too hard, but having the stoic God of Victory observing her every move was actually unnerving. Simple Incarnation or not, a God was a God. She could gloss over that fact while fighting Him, but the end result was the same. To think that two years ago she was an unremarkable orphan and now she was there, casually sitting at a Gods table, it didnt feel real. Then she remembered why she needed to get so strong so fast in the first place, and that kind of made that whole line of thought irrelevant. I have to thank scripture for allowing me to get this far, Ill pay him back in kind.

Hes currently busy managing the trial while I deal with you, but I can quickly go ask him if you want. My personal opinion is the same as Victory. All choices are correct, its up to you.

I would appreciate it if you could ask him, yes.

Ill be right back, the Seraph said before disappearing. That was when Victory decided to speak.

Too much thinking, Champion. You already know the answer.

I know, I I cannot help but overthink when I remember where I am headed.

Victory closed his eyes, He seemed to be the one lost in thought after that. Before Sen could come back, He calmly shared some of His wisdom.

Scripture used you and Sorrow to enter this plane. For us to come here, the price is great, and he bypassed that. Me and my ilk cannot help you. But now, he will be stuck in this physical plane of yours for a long time. It is up to you now, Champion.

Victory opened His eyes, His intense gaze locking with Sofias. Are you stuck with Scripture? Or is Scripture stuck with you?

Sen reappeared on his chair, and Victory returned to his neutral self, as if nothing happened.

So, old breeze congratulates you on your unbelievable win, says he invites you to come drink with him at his dojo when he retires from the trial and so on and so forth. His opinion on the gems was this: You know better, student. You succeeded where I failed; trust in your own judgment.

Sofia nodded with a weak smile, this answer was pretty much what she expected from the old Elf, but it felt nice knowing that so many strong people all thought her own opinion mattered more than theirs.

Thank you for telling me, and thank him for me when you can.

Sure. Made your choice?

Yes. Double filter stats, three classless slots, ten percent mana regeneration. Ill take the [Diamond Prism], [Citrinitas] and [Rubedo].

Victory spoke up again, Champion Sofia, is your choice final?

Yes.

Then so be it. Take your prize, and be proud of your accomplishments. You may now, and forever, be known as the first mortal to have equaled Victory itself!

The six gems Sofia hadnt picked shot toward Victory and disappeared inside of his torso, leaving only the clear, the red and the yellow gem behind.