## Chapter 320: The Second Runeword Equipment
Lut Gholein, in someone's Small Villa, inside the Study Room.
"Hmph~ hmhm~~~ hmph~~..."
A series of strange melodies echoed within. While not as off-key as Brother Ji An, every single note was out of tune, enough to make listeners break out in goosebumps.
"Haaachoo..."
I let out a loud Sneeze, rubbing my itchy nose—I felt like someone was talking bad about me, was it just my imagination? Oh, speaking of this Song, there's a past event I must mention. Back in my university days, I was a god-like Existence in karaoke, hailed as the man who had truly mastered the art, possessing a voice like Conan!
Huh? Who is Conan, by the way? He must be a great God of Song.
I sat on the Beast Hide Chair, continuing to hum a Melody while wiping the Magic Grade Helmet in my hand over and over until it was spotless, only then tossing it aside. If any Adventurer were to walk in and see the scene inside, they would probably be so scared their buttcheeks would clench shut—to my left was a mountain of Magic Grade Equipment polished to a dazzling shine, and to my right was even more outrageous, dozens of dazzling Golden Equipment. In a place like Lut Gholein, where Quasi-Newbies gathered, most Adventurers only had a set of Normal Equipment, and having a few Magic Grade Equipment was already quite impressive. If an entire Party had a piece of Golden Equipment, their Party Name would be prefixed with High-Level or Elite.
According to this logic, what title should be prefixed to mine? Universe's Number One Super Invincible Elite Expert Expert Expert? Forget it, although it's a Fact, I prefer to be low-key and have great depth. I wouldn't admit to such a flashy Name. Please call me the man with a god-like throat—or simply God of Song.
Speaking of which, it's been three days since I arrived in Lut Gholein. Meshif's Fleet won't be back for over a month. This period of over a month is too long for a single Trial, yet too short. In this World without Electrical Appliances, it feels quite boring. It's truly frustrating.
"Knock knock..."
A knocking sound rang out, and I stopped humming. I glanced out the window through the Cloth Cap. It should be around Lunchtime by now, which means the one knocking outside should be the Three-No Princess who prepared my Lunch.
"Please..."
Just as I started speaking, with a soft "creak," the Door opened, and the knocker walked in.
Indeed, it was the Three-No Princess holding a Silver Plate. But seriously, couldn't you wait until I finished responding before coming in? Doesn't that make your knocking meaningless? What if I was having a sudden impulse and was running around naked in the Study Room?
"Master, please eat."
Mechanically placing the Silver Plate In Front of me, the Three-No Princess said in a stiff tone, looking like a beautiful, lifeless doll.
Again... is it these things again? I looked speechlessly at the Food on the Silver Plate: a few Vegetables floating in Vegetable Soup, and two Bran Cakes, the mainstream Food of Poor People. How should I describe the Feeling of these Poor People's Food placed on a shiny, exquisite Porcelain Plate? A Fresh Flower stuck in Cow Dung... no, it should be a pile of Cow Dung on a Fresh Flower!
Wuwu~~ At least it's cleaner than real Poor People's Food, and tastes a bit better (probably). I comforted myself like this, picked up a Bran Cake and stuffed it into my mouth, biting down hard. A "crunch crunch" sound rang out. I chewed mechanically, unable to tell if the sound was coming from the Bran Cake or my own Teeth. Then I took a sip of Vegetable Soup. Thankfully, although no seasoning was added, at least there were no Insects. It was already much more generous than the university canteen back in my era.
As for why this Situation occurred, I'm not very clear. In my Memory, about a month ago, I returned from the Rogue Encampment with the Three-No Princess and Aunt Shali. I spanked the Three-No Princess's butt a few times because she insisted on going with me, locked her in the Villa, and then set off on a journey to find the Horadrim. After returning, it became like this.
Recalling it carefully, there seems to be nothing wrong? Why is she so angry? That gloomy, pretty Face, those bright yellow, cartoon-like big Eyes, are all emitting a strong telepathic message towards me: "Hurry up and make me happy, or you'll regret it."
Reluctantly finishing one cake, I wiped my mouth and pushed the Plate away, indicating I was done. Hmm, it seems I'll have to go freeload Lunch at Aunt Shali's later, otherwise I'll become the first Adventurer in Diablo to die from malnutrition.
Looking at such a wooden Master, Marissa's beautiful Eyes narrowed. Her brand new pink Princess Shoes kicked the Ground hard.
"Dong—"
"Huh? An earthquake?"
I stood up in a panic, looking left and right. Doesn't seem like it.
The Three-No Princess had already packed the Utensils and walked out. Just as she was about to close the Door, she suddenly stopped, turned her Head ninety degrees, and glanced at me from the Corner of her Eye.
"Cough cough, hmm?! Is there anything else?"
I was planning to jump out the window to freeload food after Marissa left, but I didn't expect her to make a sudden return. I could only retract my Movement and cough pretending to be serious.
"Song, very bad."
After spitting out these four short and powerful words, Marissa ignored the already petrified person and slammed the Study Room Door shut with a bang.
Very bad, very bad, very bad, very bad, very bad...
These three words echoed in my ears infinitely, then transformed into a bottomless Abyss, mercilessly sucking in my pale Body. A moment later, I unfrozen, knelt weakly on the Ground, and muttered with teary tiger Eyes.
"Little Molly!! Why would a good child like you... why would you... lie! If you want to learn to sing, I'll teach you. Even if one day you surpass me and stand on the stage in my place, I will only silently applaud for you from below. Why would you be a child who lies?"
After being Dejected and sad for a while, I went to Aunt Shali's place for a meal, then came back to continue working.
During the time I was with the Horadrim, my Level had risen to Level, and my Stats had also increased significantly due to the Horadric Cube I obtained earlier. Uh, I'm afraid people won't believe it if I say it, but I haven't checked my Stats for quite some time.
Strength: 74 (±)
Dexterity: 54 (±)
Vitality: 79 (±)
Energy: 57 (±)
Life: 377; Mana: 0.
Remaining Attribute Points: 39+7=46
Remaining Skill Points: 7+2+5=14 (Book of Cain, Horadric Cube)
Sweat, if I were to also equip a full set of Golden Equipment, these Stats would increase by more than just a little bit. Even I think it's abnormal when I look at it. It's just that the remaining Attribute Points and Skill Points seem somewhat excessive, which makes me feel conflicted.
First, let's talk about Attribute Points. At this stage, there seems to be no Equipment I can't wear. If I only add a dozen points, the effect doesn't seem too obvious. If I add all of them, I'm reluctant. This is one point of conflict.
What makes me even more conflicted are the Skill Points. According to the setting of this World, the Power of Skills takes a small leap every ten Levels, a big leap every twenty Levels, and a flying leap every thirty Levels. With the bonus from the Bugged Amulet, all the Skills I can learn have reached Level 8 (except Ghost Wolf and Poison Creeper). This means that by adding just 2 more points to any Skill, that Skill will have a qualitative improvement. Just as I was excitedly thinking of splurging, I discovered a Fact.
Not needed.
Yes, I don't need to rush to raise my Skill Points to Level 10 right now. Think about my Experience since I came to Diablo. Either the Enemy is too weak, such as Normal Chieftains, Elites, or even Mini-Bosses. Even without adding to Level 10, I can easily handle them. Or the Enemy is too strong, such as Angelic Beast and Carlos. Even adding to Level 10 would be useless.
Thinking of this, my thought process, which is ostensibly careful calculation but actually stingy and miserly, acted up again—let's wait a bit longer. Accumulate Skill Points. The more, the better. Maybe they'll be of great use later.
Thus, under the Interference of various factors, it turned into this Attribute and Skill point allocation method that would shock all Adventurers on Sanctuary. Good children, please do not imitate this.
"Ding—"
A crisp sound interrupted my thinking. Looking at the Table, the Horadric Cube, which made a sound similar to a Microwave Oven finishing its work—okay, that Name is too long and awkward. Let's just call it Microwave Oven from now on. The Microwave Oven made a sound, and I quickly took out the Item inside—a Perfect Gem. Success again! I excitedly raised my Fist.
As the number of times I used the Microwave Oven increased, I found that the Success Rate also seemed to have a slight increase. Maybe someday I'll be able to make Flawless Gems or even Rejuvenation Potions.
Putting three Flawed Gems inside, I continued my sorting work. This time, besides doing a major cleanup of my Inventory, I had another purpose—to find a suitable Helmet with Sockets.
It was only yesterday when I was sorting Golden Equipment that I realized I didn't have a single decent Helmet?! The Wolf Head and a Golden Tier Cloth Cap that dropped back at the Camp were both pretty much Junk. In Lut Gholein, I only got a Golden Tier Skull Cap, and its Stats were terribly Commoner-like. Therefore, I decided to take matters into my own hands and be self-sufficient. Making a good Hat myself is the way to go.
Speaking of making it myself, I naturally have to rely on Runewords. After flipping through Cain's Book for a while, I finally found two suitable Runewords:
Runeword Hat - Lore.
Runeword Hat - Nadir.
Lore Hat (Any Type)
+1 All Skills
+10 Energy
+0.2 Mana per Kill
Lightning Resistance +30%
Damage Reduced by 2
+2 Light Radius
+5- Attribute Points
Nadir Hat (Any Type)
+100% Enhanced Defense
+ Defense
+30 Defense vs. Missile
Level 13 Shadow Cloak (9 Charges)
+10 Strength
-33% Gold Find
-3 Light Radius.
+5-10 Attribute Points
Both pieces of Runeword Equipment are very abnormal, no less than the Runeword I currently have - Leaf. Judging from the additional Attribute Points, Runeword - Lore should be slightly higher Level.
Runeword - Lore, the +1 All Skills Stat doesn't need me to say more, does it? +10 Energy, 0.2 Mana bonus. Uh... well, I'm actually not lacking Energy anymore, so let's skip that. A high 30% Lightning Resistance, Damage Reduced by 2, and +2 Light Radius. I've already mentioned these before. They are all abnormal Stats.
As for Runeword - Nadir, the most abnormal Stat in it should be the included "Level 13 Shadow Cloak." Shadow Cloak, the Assassin's Tier 3 Shadow Disciplines Skill, functions like an Invisibility effect. A Level 13 Shadow Cloak, I presume, even an Amazon twenty Levels higher than me might not be able to immediately detect. Furthermore, this Runeword also has High Defense Stats. +30 Defense vs. Missile has a good effect against ranged Defense, especially for frail Sorceresses. If they had to choose between these two, they would likely give up the temptation of "+1 All Skills" and Energy bonus and choose Runeword - Nadir.
However, for me, I still prefer Runeword - Lore. Of course, I covet the "+1 All Skills" and "Damage Reduced by 2" Stats. As for Runeword - Nadir, although Shadow Cloak is indeed very abnormal, it has Limited Uses. The Gems needed to replenish Energy after using it up can make you collapse. The very awkward "-33% Gold Find" Stat is also a heartache for a Miser like me, and the "-3 Light Radius" Stat will definitely let you Experience the thrill of "the world turning dark." If it were an Assassin or an Amazon, they would rather wear a Normal Cloth Cap than choose this Hat.
Runeword - Lore requires Rune #2 Ort and Rune #12 Sol. I have Ort, which I happened to get from killing Horazon last time, but I don't have Sol.
And Runeword - Nadir requires Rune #3 Tir and Rune #4 Nef. Similarly, I have Rune #3 Tir, but not Rune #4 Nef. I can go buy the ones I don't have, but Rune #12 is much more expensive than Rune #4, not just 3 times more expensive.
Forget it, regardless of which is more expensive, let's go take a look at Adventurer's Paradise first. Rare items like Runes aren't something you can buy just because you want to.
Thus, the Mysterious S-Rank Hidden Merchant appeared again in the remote Streets and Alleys of Lut Gholein. Immediately, word spread like wildfire, and Adventurers throughout the Western Kingdoms were in an uproar.
"Shhh—"
Poking my Head out from a pile of Junk, I looked at the swarming Adventurers and let out a long sigh. Didn't they see the Sign on my Chest? "Selling Body, Not Skill"... wrong, wrong, wrong!!! I misspoke because I saw too many Meat Slices. It should be "Trade Only, Not Sell." When did Adventurers become so fanatical?
Just as I raised my Head, a delicate Loli Face appeared above me.
It was the Loli Assassin who swindled a Perfect Gem and a Rejuvenation Potion from me last time!!!
I immediately retreated sharply, watching her vigilantly, assuming a Combat Defense stance: "You, you, you... what do you want to do? Let me state beforehand, I'm not here to sell my Body. Even for someone like you, if the price isn't enough, there's no room for negotiation."
Saying this, I remembered the Wooden Sign hanging on my Chest. I felt for it, but found it was missing. It turned out I had thrown it behind me when I fled. Sweat. I quickly straightened the Sign.
"Pfft—"
The female Assassin chuckled lightly. The foxy charm she exuded, combined with that Loli Face, was simply enticing Creepy Uncles to commit crimes. She took something out of her Inventory and dangled it In Front of me.
Rune #12 Sol?
I swallowed, my Gaze shifting from her Chest to her hand.
"First, tell me the price?" Staying vigilant at all times is the way to go.
The Assassin held up three little fingers.
"Three Cracked Grade Gems?" I asked hopefully.
She chuckled, shaking her Head.
"Three Flawed Grade Gems!" I put on the Face of a serious Merchant and stated definitively.
She giggled, shaking her Head again.
"Alright, you win. I'll trade with my Body."
"..."
"Damn it, you miser, you vixen, don't let me meet you again." I held the Rune in one hand and clutched my deflated Moneybag in the other, wanting to cry but having no tears.
Finally, the second piece of Runeword Equipment was born. For the Hat, I chose a 2-Socket Advanced Helmet.
Advanced Helmet
Defense 25
Durability: 30/30
Required Strength: 41
Sockets (2)
What a pity, it's not a Superior Advanced Helmet, otherwise the Defense could have increased even more, thought someone greedily.
So, in the end, the Stats of this Runeword Hat became:
Lore Advanced Helmet
Defense: 40
Durability: 30/30
Required Strength: 41
Required Level: Level
+1 All Skills
+10 Energy
+0.2 Mana per Kill
Lightning Resistance +30%
Damage Reduced by 2
+2 Light Radius
+15 Attribute Points
Uh, my Luck isn't great. The additional Attribute Points didn't reach the maximum value. I sighed for a while, then immediately put it on happily. OMG, +1 All Skills is indeed abnormal. Now all my Skills have become Level 9. If I find another piece of Equipment with the "+1 All Skills" Stat someday (as if it were that easy), then without consuming any more Skill Points, all my Skills can reach Level 10.
However, after a few days, my excitement faded. There was nothing to do all day, it was so boring. Lying on the Beast Hide Chair, I thought of the gentle and Kind Velas, the pure and beautiful Sarah, the valiant Sister Sharna, the delicate and lovely Lin Ya, and uh, those Twin Little Lolis. I wonder if they are doing well at the Priest Training Camp?
Oh, speaking of the Twin Little Lolis, I also remembered the Old Village Chief who painstakingly sent them to the Rogue Encampment. Should I visit him and convey the Twins' current Situation, so their Parents can rest assured?
Since I had nothing to do anyway, I immediately packed my belongings. Uh, I remember the Twins' Village was in Stony Field. Hmm, in Stony Field...
I'm sorry, I can't remember it at all.
In my Helplessness, I had to consult our sharp-eyed Little Ghost Highness. She had been sleeping a lot recently and seemed to be sulking because of the slight warmth Tia showed towards me. Waking up groggily at this Moment, her tone was very unfriendly.
"Go ask your Tia. I'm just a Passerby anyway," she puffed out her little cheeks.
"What do you mean 'my Tia'!!" I was instantly dumbfounded, pressing down on Little Ghost's shoulders and saying solemnly.
"Little Squirt, don't you know? People with different Skin colors absolutely cannot get married."
"Wow!!" Little Ghost looked at my yellow Skin in confusion, then at her own fair little hands.
"Then we can't get married either?"
"That doesn't matter," I immediately replied.
"Ultimately, you just have an opinion about Tia's Skin color, right?"
Little Ghost truly lived up to her title of sharp-eyed. Actually, Tia's Skin color wasn't ugly. Her Skin was a shiny wheat color, full of a Maiden's health and elasticity. One could even say that in the Eyes of men who liked lively and cute girls, Tia was more attractive than slender and fair girls. But unfortunately, I'm not interested in that type.
"The weather is really nice today," I said, shielding my Eyes with my hand and looking into the distance.
"Wow!! What a low-level way to change the subject." Little Ghost was still pouting, but there was a hint of a smile in her Eyes.
Let me share a little piece of common knowledge: 80% of Lolicons like Skin that looks like Milk.
Under Little Ghost's guidance, it took us three days to reach the Ancient Tomb Entrance where I obtained the Divine Armor. From here, it wasn't far from the Village. I quickly changed into a pure white Priest Robe, put on the pose of a Divine Emissary in a pretentious manner, spread my hands slightly, palms facing upwards, and revealed infinite pity in my Gaze.
"Those who believe in me shall have eternal Life. Those who love me can be resurrected with full Health on the spot."
"Woo~~"
At this Moment, Saintess Little Ghost, who was formerly a proper God's Spokesperson, looked at my current Face, full of nonsensical rambling, with a troubled expression.