Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 494:Gifts
Previously on Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill...
The journey back to Blanks was notably smoother than anticipated.
By the time Ethan and his companions reached the domain, the anxieties of recent days had largely dissipated, yet the subtle glint of excitement in Ethan's eyes persisted. Blanks' imposing gates swung open promptly upon their arrival, and the familiar ambiance of the estate welcomed them back with a quiet sense of homecoming.
News traveled swiftly.
"Lord Ethan has returned!"
Within moments, a multitude of individuals congregated in the main hall.
Sophia, Diana, Lia, Mira, and Selena all appeared in succession. Their expressions conveyed a blend of curiosity, relief, and a touch of elation as they observed Ethan, who stood composed before them. A few cast fleeting glances at Rathlos and Paul, but their attention invariably returned to Ethan.
Ethan wasted no time.
A gentle smile graced his features as he subtly raised his hand.
"Since I ventured out, I've brought back a few things," he stated nonchalantly.
The subsequent instant…
Swoosh!
Several objects materialized one after another, arranged with precision across the long table before them. More followed. And still more.
The table was rapidly laden. It then began to overflow.
A small mound began to form beside it.
The collective gasp from everyone present upon witnessing the burgeoning collection of riches was palpable.
"…Did you just raid a tomb, or what?" Sophia inquired, her eyes wide as she surveyed the shimmering weapons, ancient scrolls, and formidable artifacts.
Diana blinked slowly, clearly astonished as she moved closer.
"This… this isn't typical," she whispered, her fingertips grazing a hovering scroll inscribed with arcane runes.
Lia circled the table, her gaze fixated on a radiant crystal.
"These are all high-tier items…" she uttered softly, tinged with disbelief.
Mira leaned forward slightly and lifted a weapon, scrutinizing its edge with care.
"You didn't simply purchase these," she remarked, her gaze narrowing at Ethan.
Selena folded her arms and regarded him with a prolonged, unwavering stare.
"…You've definitely engaged in some perilous activity again," she stated calmly.
Ethan emitted a soft chuckle but offered no denial.
Observing the stacks of items accumulating, Sophia adopted a look of profound shock and posed the question, "Tell me, Ethan… you didn't plunder a tomb or someone's residence, did you?"
"Just took what was necessary," he responded.
That reply only amplified their suspicions, yet none pressed the matter further. Instead, their focus reverted to the accumulated treasures.
Ethan commenced the distribution of items, one by one.
He presented Diana with several advanced magic scrolls and a meticulously crafted magical staff core.
"These should prove beneficial," he said.
Diana accepted them with caution, her expression growing serious.
"…This will indeed help greatly," she murmured, holding them close.
To Lia and Mira, he bestowed enchanted accessories and supportive artifacts designed to augment their capabilities. Both were visibly surprised, but their eyes conveyed a quiet sense of gratitude.
Selena received an assortment of defensive artifacts coupled with a keen blade suitable for swift engagements. She briefly tested its heft, her wrist moving with fluid grace, and then gave a subtle nod.
"Good," she stated concisely.
Sophia, meanwhile, surveyed the pile and then Ethan once more.
"…You truly went above and beyond," she observed.
Ethan offered a faint smile.
"Something to that effect."
He then turned his attention towards Amber. For a fleeting moment, his expression softened subtly.
From his spatial storage, he withdrew a magnificent greatsword.
The blade was both elegant and potent, with faint runic patterns flowing across its surface. A profound aura emanated from it, and the very air around it seemed to grow heavier under its presence.
"This one is for you," Ethan announced.
Amber gazed upon the sword.
For a brief instant, she remained motionless. Then, she stepped forward and clasping the hilt.
The moment her hand made contact, a subtle resonance occurred, and a soft hum echoed through the chamber.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"This…" she whispered.
The weight, the balance, the undeniable aura… every aspect felt perfectly attuned to her.
She lifted the sword slightly and executed a gentle swing. A faint wave of pressure expanded into the room, prompting the others to instinctively draw back a step.
Amber looked at Ethan.
A small smile curved her lips.
"I like it," she declared.
Ethan nodded.
"That is sufficient."
A warm atmosphere gradually permeated the room as everyone continued to admire their newfound items and test them quietly.
Despite the preceding chaos, danger, and inherent risks, Ethan appeared entirely content.
Then, Sophia's gaze shifted once more.
"However, what about the remainder?" she inquired, gesturing towards the accumulating mountain of treasures still present on and around the table.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she fixed her gaze upon Ethan.
That look caused Ethan to feel a touch of embarrassment. He lightly rubbed the back of his head.
He might have genuinely overindulged this time, having brought out practically everything.
Witnessing this, Sophia could only offer a soft sigh and a gentle shake of her head.
"For everyone else, we will deposit the treasures into the treasury," she stated with composure. "Our children will require these funds when they eventually venture out." Ethan agreed immediately. "That is a sound plan." The valuable items continued to emit a soft radiance beneath the hall's illumination, but their significance had transformed. They were no longer mere spoils of war but were destined to become the bedrock for the future. Several days later, within the hushed confines of a forging chamber at the Blanks estate, Ethan stood before an elongated stone table. He carefully arranged the necessary components one by one. Every action was executed with exacting precision, as though even the slightest misstep would irrevocably spoil the entire endeavor. At the very heart of the table rested the Star Dust Essence. It emanated a faint, ethereal glow of silver-blue light, and a subtle energy pulsed from its core like a tranquil heartbeat. Surrounding it were meticulously placed fragments of refined ore, polished metals, and other rare materials that Ethan had painstakingly collected over time. Mithril offered a gentle sheen. Adamantite exuded a heavy, dense presence. The essence of fire iron emitted a lingering warmth that subtly perfumed the air. The entire tableau appeared as a curated collection destined for something truly extraordinary. Ethan remained motionless, his gaze locked onto the assembled materials. A growing sense of anticipation quietly surged within him. He could already vividly envision it: the weapon and the immense power it would wield. The sheer presence it would exude once brought to completion. Merely contemplating it caused his chest to constrict slightly. His fingers drummed a light rhythm against the table's surface as a restless energy began to build within him. For an individual of his caliber, this was not simply a matter of forging; it was an act of creation. He was on the cusp of entering an entirely new realm of power. From behind him, Rina approached and surveyed the meticulously laid-out materials. Her eyes paused briefly on the Star Dust Essence before she inquired, "You still require a Draconic soul, correct?" Ethan inclined his head slowly. "Indeed." His gaze shifted subtly as he turned towards Amber, who was standing nearby. "Has Father-in-law any updates?" he asked. Amber responded with a gentle shake of her head. Her expression remained serene, yet a subtle hint of helplessness flickered in her eyes. "Acquiring a dragon is proving to be exceptionally challenging," she admitted. Though her voice was steady, the underlying reality was starkly evident. Dragons were not beings one could easily encounter. The majority had either vanished, retreated into deep seclusion, or no longer dwelled in places accessible to humankind. Ethan released a prolonged exhalation. "Haaa..." He leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting back to the components spread across the table. "It appears we must simply wait for the time being," he concluded. He fully grasped the monumental undertaking he was attempting. This was not a task that could be hurried. It was not something that could be forced into existence. His hand moved almost imperceptibly as he traced a finger across the Star Dust Essence. The faint luminescence was mirrored in his eyes. "Given that the weapon I intend to craft is of God-tier," he continued with measured calm, "there is no harm in proceeding with patience and deliberation." Rina offered a slight nod in agreement. "That is certainly true," she affirmed. Amber observed him quietly as well.