Ascension from Dual Professions

Chapter 130: Chapter 129: Rare Accessory: Sunlight Talisman, Standoff in the Shadows

[Sunlight Talisman (Rare - Accessory)]

[Attribute 1: Life Recovery Bonus +10%]

[Attribute 2: Negative Energy Damage Reduction 10%]

[Divine Skill Inscription: ”Sun’s Blessing LV.3.” On active use, grants the buff effect of the same name. One use is restored each day at sunrise.]

”My Lord Po Ao, may your light shine eternal—A young, devout Monk”

—

This golden talisman was, to his surprise, a rare accessory, and its effects were extremely practical!

The Life Recovery Bonus was self-evidently useful. Jon previously only had a 20% bonus from the Blood of the Earth, and now with the extra 10% from this talisman, the balance between his Magic Power and Life tipped even further.

As for the Negative Energy Damage Reduction, it worked against all energies antithetical to the concept of the ”Sun,” such as darkness, shadow, filth, and cold.

The Eternal Frost Sect, which he would very likely be facing next, had many members who specialized in such arts.

As for [Sun’s Blessing], not much needed to be said. As the signature buff Skill of an Official Level Priest of the Solar Domain, Jon had experienced its powerful effects more than once.

If he hadn’t had this buff, which allowed him to maintain Dragon Flame Dance for an extended period, he never would have managed the incredible feats of slaying the Evil Mage, clearing out the wolf pack, and subjugating Big Mimi.

Although the blessing from this talisman was only Level 3, far from being as powerful as the max-level blessing cast by Ingram himself, Jon had the [Gaze of Po Ao] blessing, which could make up for some of the missing stats.

Ingram had probably given him this talisman in part because he’d noticed something from Jon’s earlier request for a blessing.

’Favors are hard to repay...’

After bidding farewell to Ingram, Jon walked down the corridor of the Sun Church, sighing to himself.

But as he reached the entrance of the church, he saw an enchanting, shadowy figure, deep as the night itself, teasing Big Mimi.

It was Ivory. The spineless big cat lay on its side without a shred of dignity, exposing its soft belly and letting the woman do as she pleased.

Annoyed by the scene, Jon walked over to greet her.

”Lady Ivory, what brings you here?”

”What brings me here?”

The black-haired woman rubbed Big Mimi’s belly, then turned to Jon with a strange expression.

”Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

”Storming the Lord’s Mansion, kidnapping the Lord’s vassal... Reya nearly went mad with worry when she heard what you did!”

”Ahem...”

Jon looked away, avoiding Ivory’s gaze.

”Let’s talk about this after we get back. This isn’t the place.”

”I’ve made a new discovery about the enemy we’re facing. It’s something I need to discuss with everyone.”

Ivory let out a noncommittal hum.

”It had better be. Let’s go. Back to the trading house?”

”Let’s go.”

...

「In a hidden underground chamber within Birch Town.」

The damp stone walls radiated a chill. A few eerie, blue Ice Crystal Lamps floated in the corners, casting an ominous, cold light.

Damien pushed open the heavy iron door and stepped into the territory of the Eternal Frost Sect.

In the center of the room, a man in a dark blue robe stood with his back to him, staring down at a shard of Ice Crystal floating in mid-air.

”Midia.”

Damien spoke in a cold voice, his tone thick with suppressed rage.

”You’d better explain what happened at the Lord’s Mansion!”

Midia slowly turned around, a faint, indifferent smile on his pale face.

His eyes were like frozen lakes, devoid of any warmth.

”Lord Damien, why such haste?”

He raised a hand, and the Ice Crystal dissipated.

”Everything is under the watch of the ’Eternal Frost Dragon.’ There will be no problems.”

Damien’s knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists.

”Don’t give me that nonsense!”

He lowered his voice, but couldn’t hide his fury.

”If that steward from the Lord’s Mansion is one of your men, and if he spills our plans—”

”He won’t.”

Midia cut him off, his tone still calm.

”Harir is just a pawn. Even if he says something, it won’t affect the grand scheme.”

”Won’t affect it?”

Damien sneered.

”The whole of Birch Town is now speculating that Viscount Paris’s disappearance is connected to the Eternal Frost Sect! If the Church and the Lord’s Mansion launch a joint investigation, how are we supposed to continue with our operation?!”

The corner of Midia’s mouth lifted slightly, a flash of contempt in his eyes.

”Damien, you’re too tense,” he said unhurriedly.

”The ’Eternal Frost Dragon’ has already foreseen all of this. Paris is merely bait, and your Blood Eye Association... you just need to follow the plan.”

Damien narrowed his eyes, the anger in his heart flaring hotter.

These people from the Eternal Frost Sect were always like this—so cryptic and mysterious, acting as if they had everything under control.

But reality didn’t bend to their whims; only decisive action could change the situation!

”Midia, I have no intention of criticizing your faith.”

”But our cooperation is built on mutual trust. If you won’t even share the most basic intelligence, then the Blood Eye Association has no reason to keep playing this game with you!”

As his words fell, the temperature in the room dropped abruptly.

Midia’s smile vanished. His already pale eyes sharpened, and the surrounding air seemed to freeze into frost.

”Damien, watch your tone.”

The tall, sturdy man instantly tensed his muscles, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

He could feel a chill spreading across the floor, slowly creeping up his boots.

”Are you threatening me?”

Midia slowly raised his hand, a wisp of ice-blue frigid energy gathering at his fingertip.

”I’m merely reminding you not to question the will of the ’Eternal Frost Dragon’.”

”Now, leave... or else—”

The frigid energy at his fingertip suddenly flared, transforming into a sharp Ice Cone that hovered before Damien’s throat.

”I wouldn’t mind if the Blood Eye Association got a new person in charge.”

Damien’s pupils contracted.

He knew Midia’s strength—the man was a Frost Mage. If they really came to blows, he might not come out on top.

Besides, fighting here would only hurt them both and jeopardize the grand scheme.

His chest heaved a few times as he forcibly suppressed his rage.

”...Fine. Since the Eternal Frost Sect is so confident, I’ll just wait and see what you’re capable of.”

He turned toward the door, tossing one last sentence over his shoulder before pushing it open to leave.

”But don’t forget, the Governor we’ve been waiting for is about to arrive in Birch Town. I hope you can still be this composed when he does.”

Midia didn’t respond, merely watching him leave in silence, a grim look flashing in his eyes.

The door slammed shut. Damien walked down the dim corridor, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles were white.

’These lunatics...’ he muttered through clenched teeth. ’If this whole thing fails because of them, I’d like to see if your precious Deities can save you...’

He strode away, his footsteps echoing down the deep, subterranean passage, carrying with them a sort of ruthless will.