The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 718 Treasure Chamber
Previously on The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne...
Nolan, Evalyn, and Eira proceeded down the corridor in unison.
Eira turned her head towards Nolan, inquiring with evident curiosity, "Master, where are we headed?"
Nolan offered a slight smile in response, stating, "We are en route to the Lionheart family's vault."
"The treasure room?" Eira's eyes widened slightly in bewilderment. "Will there be chocolate to be found?"
Nolan: "..."
Before long, the trio reached the entrance of the extensive treasure chamber. Its imposing door loomed before them, stretching to an impressive height of nearly two meters.
Evalyn produced a specialized key, a gift from her father, and employed it to unlock the massive portal.
This particular chamber was known to be the most securely guarded location within the entire Lionheart lineage.
It served as the repository for the accumulated riches of the Lionheart clan. It was solely due to Nolan's commitment to aiding Evalyn in securing the ancestral legacy that he was granted entry into this hallowed space.
Clack!
The instant the lock disengaged, Evalyn acted swiftly, pushing the door inward to reveal a cavernous interior.
Within lay an astonishing abundance of valuables—gleaming suits of armor, formidable swords, and a multitude of other priceless artifacts.
Along the right wall, a substantial mound of gold coins rose impressively, potentially numbering in the hundreds of millions of Sharn, or perhaps even exceeding that sum upon careful enumeration.
"Hold on, let's not enter just yet," Evalyn cautioned, her voice firm. "This chamber is protected by ancient traps, laid over millennia. Allow me to disarm them first."
She advanced deliberately, commencing the intricate process of neutralizing the defensive mechanisms.
Nolan, meanwhile, meticulously surveyed the chamber's expanse, detecting the presence of potent magic circles embedded within the very floor. These circles were strategically positioned at intervals of approximately fifty centimeters.
Each circle pulsed with a lethal aura of destructive energy. Any unwary individual stepping within their confines would face immediate and fatal consequences.
Approximately five minutes later, Evalyn completed her task and rejoined the others.
"Now, we can proceed inside."
Nolan inclined his head and guided Eira into the chamber.
The young girl's attention remained captivated by the dazzling array of treasures.
Naturally, being a dragon, she possessed an innate affinity for all things that glittered.
"When we return, perhaps I can construct a special hoard for you?" Nolan proposed gently.
"A hoard?" Eira's expression shifted to one of surprise.
"Indeed," Nolan affirmed with a nod. "Later, I shall bestow upon you a wealth of precious items, all of which you may keep exclusively for yourself."
Eira's eyes instantly sparkled with delight. The mere imagery of resting upon a copious pile of gleaming possessions filled her with ineffable joy.
"I want one!" she declared with immediate enthusiasm.
Nolan let out a soft chuckle and offered a comforting pat to her head.
"We've arrived," Evalyn announced from the front.
Nolan lifted his gaze, directing it towards a tall, glass display case, standing nearly three meters in height.
The case, elegantly bordered with gold trim, was now conspicuously empty within its confines.
This was the very place where the legendary Divine Sword of Luminus had once been housed, prior to its acquisition by Evalyn.
Based on historical records, the sword had resided there for over a millennium.
That represented an immense span of time—sufficient for numerous empires or kingdoms to experience multiple shifts in governance.
"So, what is your plan now, Nolan?" Evalyn inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Folding her arms, she fixed her gaze intently upon him.
Earlier, Nolan had asserted his capability to assist her in mastering the ancestral combat technique.
Initially, Evalyn harbored reservations, but Nolan had reassured her that his words were not mere conjecture.
After all, Nolan had consistently been truthful with her, particularly concerning matters of such gravity.
This unwavering honesty was the bedrock of Evalyn's trust in him.
However, what remained a mystery to her was Nolan's insistence on first examining the display case that had once housed the Divine Sword of Luminus.
To Evalyn, this requirement lacked any discernible logic.
Nolan responded with a relaxed smile, replying casually, "Just observe—I intend to demonstrate something to you."
Under Evalyn's perplexed scrutiny, Nolan advanced and positioned himself directly before the glass enclosure.
He gently placed his palm upon the surface and serenely closed his eyes.
Whoosh!
A subtle undulation commenced, momentarily distorting the surface of the glass display.
Abruptly, the corner of Nolan's lips curved upward in a slight, knowing smile.
'Just as I suspected… my intuition proves correct,' he murmured, his eyes slowly reopening.
During his earlier, frequent visits to the Lionheart estate, Nolan had once detected a peculiar, faint anomaly within this very treasure chamber.
Initially, this anomaly was almost imperceptible. However, as time progressed, its presence became more pronounced, piquing Nolan's investigative curiosity.
Regrettably, he had never pursued further inquiry into it.
Gaining access to a family's treasure vault, particularly one as esteemed as the Lionhearts', was akin to acts of theft and betrayal.
Even in the absence of any intent to pilfer, such an action could still be construed as a transgression.
Nolan held the Lionheart family in high regard, which was precisely why he refrained from venturing too far.
"Evalyn, would you be so kind as to retrieve the Divine Sword of Luminus for me?" Nolan requested.
Evalyn found his request perplexing but did not hesitate to comply. She opened her palm, and the sword materialized within her grasp.
"Be cautious. This blade possesses a will of its own. Its affinity for you remains uncertain, and should it harbor dislike, peril could ensue—"
Before her caution could conclude, Nolan had already grasped the sword, his hand caressing its edge.
"A fine sword," he commented.
Evalyn: "..."
The very edge of her lips quivered, leaving her at a loss for words. The Divine Sword of Luminus notoriously disdained being handled by others, particularly men.
Yet, Nolan had merely taken it, and the sword had shown no reaction whatsoever.
This was utterly contrary to logic.
Unbeknownst to Evalyn, the instant Nolan’s fingers closed around the sword, the Divine Sword of Luminus perceived an overwhelming sense of threat emanating from him.
It believed that any display of resistance would spell its doom.
After satisfying himself by running his hand along the blade, Nolan returned the sword to its glass display and secured it with a lock.
"What are you doing?" Evalyn inquired, a hint of hesitation in her voice.
Forgoing a direct answer, Nolan pivoted to face her and posed a question: "Do you comprehend the reason behind your inability to claim your inheritance?"
"Why?" Evalyn responded instinctively.
"It is because you have not discovered the correct method," Nolan explained succinctly. "Observe. I shall guide you onto the ancestral path laid out for you."
With those words, Nolan brought his palms together. A subtle amethyst luminescence materialized between them, which he then pressed against the glass enclosure.
Whoosh!
A more vibrant violet light erupted. Eira and Evalyn instinctively raised their arms to shield their faces.
But abruptly, a strange, compelling force seized both of them. Their attempts to resist proved futile.
In the subsequent moment, they were enveloped by the light.
Nolan offered a smile and willingly yielded to the engulfing radiance.
Mere seconds later, the trio had vanished without a trace, as though they had never occupied that space at all.