The Elemental Relics

Being behind bars wasn’t what Ali had in mind. The teenager had wisely surrendered to the woman because several soldiers joined her shortly after. With only two uses of his ability before his MP ran out, he would be lucky to take down the creature, let alone both of them and the soldiers. From a glance, he knew those two were strong, likely too strong for him to handle at his current strength. After his surrender, Ali was escorted into a cell on the airship. Except for a cloaked person who brought food and water to all the prisoners, no one else visited the cells.

“Kid!” Someone in the neighboring cell called out. “What are you here for? You seem too green to be a criminal.”

Ali initially ignored the guy but the individual didn’t know how to shut up. Eventually, he knew he had to say something.

“I’m innocent and am locked here for no good reason.”

The other prisoners all laughed at his comment, saying that none of them were locked up for a good reason. After a good laugh, the prisoners opened up about how they ended up in the airship. Many of them were petty criminals who were arrested when they crossed paths with the Warden and the officers under her. A few of them had bounties on their heads while the remaining two claimed to serve the Dark One. Ali was particularly interested in the Dark One so he asked the followers to elaborate.

“You have good judgment, boy. The Dark One will one day rule all the nations so you want to join early and rise through the ranks quickly before there is more competition.”

The speaker then tossed something into his cell. Ali held it up.

Is this an elemental relic?

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Incorrect!

You have in your hand a booster relic. Unlike elemental relics, booster relics only provide stat boosts to the user and don't provide the user with any abilities. Therefore, these relics are far more common. Booster relics tend to be an acceptable alternative to elemental relics when it comes to turning ordinary individuals into soldiers. However, there is a cost to using booster relics that can kill the user eventually.

Booster relics can enhance elemental relics when combined. The enhancements differ depending on what type of booster relic is used. While only one type of booster relic can be combined with an elemental relic, the booster relic can be leveled up like abilities. When a booster relic is used with this method, there is no cost to the user.

Booster relics come in many tiers. Most booster relics are D tier as they provide minimal stat boost and small enhancements. C tiers are uncommon while B tiers are rare. Both S tier and A tier booster relics are so rare that some believe those booster relics pick their owners. It is highly recommended to accept an A tier booster relic as the chances of finding an S tier one is nearly impossible.

Note: Once a booster relic is combined with an elemental relic, the action is permanent and cannot be undone.

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Ali reached into his pocket until he hand touched the elemental relic. He was pleasantly surprised when the guards didn’t search him before they tossed him into the cell. Yet, he wasn’t going to complain about still having a way to defend himself.

Guess I don’t look too dangerous. As for the booster relic, can I check what enhancement it can provide before combining it with my elemental relic?

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Scanning now….

Scanning results:

Relic: Booster

Type: Support

Subtype: Debuff

Tier: A

Level: 1 ( 0 / 26 XP to Level Up)

Cost (no Elemental Relic): -1 HP per minute whenever stat boost is used

Cost (with Elemental Relic): None

Stat Boost (no Elemental Relic): +3 Strength, +3 Constitution, +3 Intelligence, +3 Survival, +3 Wisdom

Enhancement (with Elemental Relic): Enemies hit by abilities will suffer -2 Strength for 10 minutes.

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How do I level up a booster relic?

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Booster relics gain XP when abilities that make use of the enhancement level up.

For example, the booster relic you possess affects abilities that hit enemies. Any abilities that deal damage or debuff the enemy will provide XP when they level up.

Do you wish to combine your elemental relic and the booster relic?

( Yes / No )

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Yes.

Ali couldn’t see a downside and the booster relic was already an A tier. The enhancement of his booster relic also invoked a question from him.

What if a debuff drops stat to a negative number?

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Once a stat is negative, the individual experiences a negative effect. If a Strength stat of 1 provides +1 damage to your abilities, then a Strength stat of -1 provides -1 damage to your abilities. It is possible to render an opponent helpless or even kill through debuffs, though such instances are reserved for the most powerful abilities and casters.

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A small glow then got Ali’s attention. The booster relic became ethereal as it merged into his elemental relic. Once the combination was completed, the teenager studied his elemental relic carefully.

<

You have combined your elemental relic with a booster relic.

( 15 / 26 XP to Level Up)

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Did it get bigger or is that my imagination?

When the prompt didn’t respond, Ali assumed it was the latter. After he placed the relic back into his pocket, the airship rocked heavily back and forth. Then, he heard an explosion before the airship rocked even harder.

“I can now fulfill the wishes of the Dark One. I am ready to serve his cause!”

Steel bars from the neighboring cell went flying as they clanged against the ground. Two men in black robes stepped out. Their dark masks concealed everything except for the big grins on their faces.One of them turned to face Ali.

“Tell me, boy. Are you ready to serve the Dark One?”

“Sound the alarm! The prisoners have broken out of their cells!”

The two men focused on the guards and ran down the hallway. Ali tried to see the fight but the bars made it impossible for him to even get a peek. Meanwhile, the man’s question echoed in his mind.