Lorian asked Lucien to give him five minutes, and he would discuss how to proceed after that. Lucien agreed and left him alone, although he was a bit curious as well as surprised by what Lorian was going to do.
Lorian, realizing he couldn't find a way out, decided to use the power he obtained from the Demon Azal'gul- the Mystic Slot Machine. He checked how many Mystic Coins he had gathered- four. Four attempts would give him a fair opportunity to obtain 'Hidden Details'. And if he was lucky, he could gain it on the first attempt only.
Lorian made his first draw, hoping it would be 'Hidden Details'. But in front of him appeared a small, beautifully decorated wooden box rather, followed by the ornate blue floating window:
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- CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE OBTAINED: SOLARIUM BLOOM -
Tier: 1
Category: Resource
Description: A rare, luminous herb that thrives only in sun-drenched ruins. Its petals shimmer with captured starlight, granting temporary bursts of focused vitality and mental clarity. Known to sharpen senses and accelerate thought processes, though its effects are fleeting and intense.
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Lorian was surprised and mildly irritated. He had anticipated the Slot Machine would always deliver mystical objects only, like 'Hidden Details', and never had he imagined that he could receive material goods. However, by the description, it looked good and useful, although not for his immediate purpose.
However, he got another notification:
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- NEW ITEM: SOLARIUM BLOOM -
You have obtained a rare Solarium Bloom!
Would you like to:
Keep in Inventory: Hold onto the Solarium Bloom for immediate use. Deposit in Personal Locker (Auric Spire): Secure the Solarium Bloom in your personal storage at the Thorne Manor.
[Choose an option to proceed]
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Well, holding onto it right now would serve no good, and actually may create hassle, and someone might claim he stole it from the Bistro Household while raiding. He chose option 2, and the box vanished into thin air.
He had three more coins, and he would get what he wished for in the next three attempts for sure. He inserted another coin into the slot machine. The machine became active again and ding-
Another notification appeared accompanied by a holographic image of a strange plant.
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- CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE OBTAINED: CRIMSONHEART MOSS -
Tier: 1
Category: Resource
Description: A resilient, crimson-hued moss that clings to ancient stone, often found in deep, damp caverns. Prized by master alchemists for its unique binding properties and subtle, earthy aroma, it is a crucial component in high-grade poultices and tinctures, enhancing healing and stability.
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Lorian rolled his head and took a deep breath. Again, a good reward, but not what he was anticipating. It was followed by a similar notification asking whether to receive it right now or have it transported to his personal locker, and he again opted for the second option.
Two more chances left!
Lorian's heart was rushing. He had heard of the 'power of Manifesting' in his past life. He didn't believe in it that much. But this time, he decided to use this as well. He put the Mystic Coin on the Mystic Slot Machine and prayed for 'Hidden Detail' with fingers crossed.
The Slot Machine started vibrating, however Lorian felt his heart was vibrating in his ribcage. Lorian closed his eyes and opened them slowly after hearing the ding sound of the notification window appearing.
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- CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE OBTAINED: POCKET LINT OF PERSUASION -
Tier: 1
Category: Minor Utility Items (Temporary/Limited Use)
Description: This isn't actual lint, but a tiny, almost invisible shimmering dust that materializes in your hand. If you discreetly brush it onto your sleeve or near the person you're speaking to, it makes that person extraordinarily susceptible to a suggestion or idea you present, provided you can convince them it poses absolutely no harm or loss, and only guarantees profit or benefit. The target will be remarkably inclined to agree, even if it means momentarily setting aside their usual principles or strong convictions. Its effect is fleeting and works best on one-on-one interactions.
The power manifests thrice after consumption of the scroll and remains for the next 24 hours.
When you need to subtly sway a small interaction by promising clear gain, this power will manifest automatically!
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Lorian was taken aback. It was indeed a brilliant power. And it would help him a lot indeed-especially in convincing some of the conspirators he had selected to be their witness in the upcoming trial. But, it was not going to help him in this situation he was in right now. With all his belief and faith coagulated in his mind, he used the last of his mystic coins.
"Hidden Details, Hidden Details, Hidden Details,…." he kept mumbling.
And then appeared another notification window. He tried to open his eyes slowly, hoping it would be 'Hidden Details'. But it was not. Instead, it was a completely new 'Gift'-
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- CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE OBTAINED: ARCHITECT'S GLIMMER -
Tier: 1
Category: Temporary Buffs
Description: When you stand before a building or a construction site, for half an hour, you gain an intuitive understanding of its structure. You can quickly spot weak points, efficient layouts, or where an extension could be added. This is useful for planning defenses, understanding a rival's property, or optimizing your own construction projects.
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"WHAT?" He was going to shout but checked himself, "What the hell I am going to do with this, I am not going to build any building right now! What should I do with it? It is complete waste!"
Suddenly he felt a presence behind him. Someone was standing behind. He looked back to see it was Commander Lucien. His face was darkened. He had realized that Lorian had not come out with any plan.
"My Prince, sorry for disturbing you in your thoughts. Baron Bistro has requested your presence in his private chamber. He wants to thank the Prince for coming to his mansion by yourself and wants to treat you as a gracious host." Lucien informed.
"Hmmm" Lorian nodded and gestured at Lucien to guide him to Bistro's room.
"My Prince, I should mention, although his invitation looks very benevolent, I am afraid..." Lucien paused, trying to find exact words to convey his feelings.
"He is just summoning me to gloat and mock me!" Lorian chuckled. He felt it was deserving of him, as he rushed raiding a powerful influential person without much prior info or preparation.
Lorian followed Lucien inside.