Rain was surprised about the offer, but . . . "Thank you for your generosity, Lord Izumi. However, I can't take them all with me. I plan for Druger and the others to rebuild my village, and I don't think they'd feel safe knowing there are armies of Ebizos around my home."
"Hmm, you have a point. They would also be suspicious about their victory of reclaiming their town," Izumi added.
Rain nodded firmly. "Exactly. There's also the fact that I don't have any resources to feed these large armies of Ebizos. Besides, I'm sure everyone wants to return home, right?"
Lord Izumi laughed and tapped Rain's shoulder. "You're quite something, lad. Other players would have seized the opportunity without hesitation. They see us as expendable soldiers disregarding our feelings. But you . .
. you're the first to truly consider the inhabitants of this realm."
"N-no . . . I'm sure I'm not the only one . . .
I-I don't really . . ." Rain stammered, unsure how to accept the compliment.
Izumi's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with mirth. "Your humility is refreshing, Rain. It's what sets you apart. Remember, true strength comes from more than just power; it comes from compassion and understanding.
"But even so, I still want to repay you. Defeating the Hobgoblins doesn't do justice to what you've done for saving our entire clan. As the leader of the Ebizo and Zuwais, I have my pride, so let me at least give you this."
Lord Izumi handed an azure orb to Rain.
"This is called an Aqualume. It dispenses potable water and could sustain a few hundred creatures for one year. It's a cherished heirloom of our ancestors, meant to safeguard my lineage during extreme droughts or times without water.
"I only have two of this, one I left home and the other I carried around. I want you to have this one as a token of my appreciation."
"Eh? Are you sure? It seems quite valuable."
"It is, but it's been gathering dust in my armory. We don't really need it, given that the ocean won't be drying up anytime soon. Ahahaha! Besides, I believe you need it far more than we do." He pointed out the wasteland.
Rain didn't hesitate and accepted it with a big smile. "I'm honored to accept this. Thank you very much!"
Rain was ecstatic. Now they had another source of drinking water, which would undoubtedly speed up construction until they found an Aquifer!
"That's not all. I will also give you these." Izumi handed another two orbs to Rain, smaller and intricately crafted. "These are the keys required to power up the two warships that I have."
Rain's eyes widened. "Eh? You're just going to give me those warships?! Aren't they precious and expensive?!"
"They are," Lord Izumi chuckled lightly. "However, I only had those ships built for our journey to these lands, to protect ourselves from land invaders. But now, we have no need for them underwater."
"W-well . . . I see your point, but still . . ."
"Take it. We don't really need it. A thousand of my soldiers alone are equal to one warship, and we're much faster than those heavy pieces of steel and wood in the water. Ahahaha!" Izumi boasted.
Seeing that Izumi was insistent on giving the warships to him, and realizing it wouldn't hurt to accept, Rain took the two orbs with a grateful heart.
Spear
- Could equip Spears
Shield
- Could equip Shield
Mount
- Could ride any mount, best are Seasteeders
|| E N D ||
'Oh! It has its own unique skill and a mount!' Rain thought, but then he vehemently shook his head.
Wait. Wait. WAIT!
This isn't the time for that! Rain thought to himself, staring at Izumi with a gaping mouth.
Izumi was cunning; giving him the soldiers and having them immediately pledge their servitude, making it impossible for him to refuse.
"I . . . I've been had!"
Izumi smirked. "Don't be too surprised, young Rain. I still have my final gift for you."
"Egh?! There's more?!"
"The greatest gift that I could offer you . . ." Izumi bowed, and the rest of the soldiers bowed with him.
Rain was astounded to see thousands of thousands of Ebizo bowing their heads at him.
"To you, our savior, we pledge our unwavering allegiance, now and forever, until our very last breath!" Izumi declared, his voice resonating like thunder.
[CONGRATULATIONS! Lord Izumi, of the clan OCEANUS, has pledged their allegiance to you!]
|| REWARDS! ||
100 L Soul Elixirs
100 000 EP
|| E N D ||