Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1600 - 552: Hidden Divine Artifact (Part 3)

Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...

Rein bid farewell to the group after the rescue, assuring Anna that Aunt Delana's gratitude was unnecessary. As the colossal Black Dragon Metheus descended, its Extremely Old Dragon power awed Anna, Elder Nasha, and Lady Daryn, who marveled at its obedience to Rein. He escorted Anna aboard for a swift flight to Ferdinand Forest, leaving the others to follow by airship, where Daryn and Nasha expressed relief at the genuine bond between Rein and Anna. Upon arrival, Rein was welcomed by the Elf Clan's elders and delved into ancient library texts, confirming the ancient war's toll on races like the Elves and Human Celestials, and the fractured alliances among Fiend Demons and Evil Gods. This knowledge stirred Rein's hopes for navigating the Floating City Ruins.

"Regarding that divine artifact, it isn't worth worrying about just yet. Maybe once I ascend to demigod level, I'll start hunting for some leads."

Now that he had the details he sought, Rein felt elated and eagerly used his scarce free moments to linger longer with Anna.

Yet, watching Anna in the garden's secluded spot deftly shifting into a Golden Eagle and then a Giant Bear, Rein abruptly recalled an idea and grinned faintly.

Shortly afterward.

Rein approached Anna carrying a full ensemble of leather equipment named 'Eagle’s Feather.'

Unlike the earlier Thorny Wood Coat or Moonlight Coat, this one ranked as Witch Artifact level leather armor complete with unique abilities.

The outfit includes three parts—shoulder guards, torso protection, and leg guards—and demands chiefly two Broken Wind Owl Feathers, a single Eagle’s Feather, plus eight treated leather sheets as key components.

Its standout feature lies in the lofty Broken Wind Owl Feather atop the shoulder guards, which boosts the Golden Eagle shape-shift by greatly expanding size and endurance.

Because of that, it suits only seasoned druids skilled in the Golden Eagle form. For typical druids, it could prove more hindrance than help.

Without his shift to the Elf leatherworking craft, Rein couldn't have crafted this at all. And lacking the essential technique 'Elemental Leather Making,' the resulting 'Eagle’s Feather' wouldn't have turned out so potent.

Naturally, this three-part 'Eagle’s Feather' fits Anna ideally right now.

"Wow! Rein... this is the 'Eagle’s Feather' set, it looks amazing! Is it mine?" Anna cried out in delight.

Even though Anna's position in the Elf Clan meant she could easily obtain an 'Eagle’s Feather' if she asked, regardless of Rein's effort—what the young woman truly craved was a piece handmade by her beloved.

Still, aware of how packed Rein's schedule remained, she had never dared voice such a minor wish.

So, this surprise gift touched Anna to her core.

"Of course, if you love it, go ahead and put it on."

"Mm!" Anna bobbed her head enthusiastically.

Moments later, clad in the 'Eagle’s Feather' outfit, Anna glided toward Rein with elegant steps, radiating a distinct druid essence.

"You look stunning..."

His words trailed off as Rein sensed soft lips pressing against his, and suddenly, his arms held a flushed, boldly affectionate elf maiden...

(A thousand words omitted here...)

At the same time, Olena's Sword Bearer swift airship had just neared Ferdinand Forest.

"Hold on, Daryn, don't seek out Anna in the garden yet." As Daryn stepped off the ship, ready to track down Anna, Elder Naiser halted him nearby.

"Huh? What for?" Daryn appeared confused.

"The youngsters are enjoying their private time. We shouldn't interrupt," Elder Naiser remarked with a sly grin.

Daryn Yueling froze for a second, then grasped the implication, her cheeks turning red as she murmured, "This... right there in the garden..."

...

The following dawn.

Rein and Anna parted with heavy hearts, climbing aboard Black Dragon Metheus's back as it soared northward across the sky.

Right then, something clicked in Rein's mind, prompting him to pull out a confidential missive from Olena's royal court tucked in his pocket.

The document showed a map of Casweis Province, with a bold red mark in the southern central area—the spot Menia had pinpointed as a potential Steel Dragon lair.

"Hmm? That place... it's not far from the Beverly Mountains."

Rein's thoughts drifted to the Wind Roc Queen—'Lightning Walker' Trist—who had once posed a serious threat to him. Without Imperial Guardian Walkmas's aid, disaster might have struck.

"That said, my power has grown enough now. Though she's famed as 'Lightning Walker' with blinding speed, even if she can't beat me, fleeing would come easily to her."

"Plus, reports indicate she's stayed unusually quiet these days, holding back without Walkmas Crown around."

"Half a year has flown by; one more month won't drag on forever. I'll hold off until I hit Full Moon Wizard rank..." Rein mused briefly, then chuckled and shook his head.

"First things first, I should scout that Steel Dragon location."

...