Chapter 549 - 539: The Magic Cube and the Stolen National Treasure

As he spoke, the cube in Kai York’s hands began to transform from the simplest two-by-two version.

Three-by-three, four-by-four... seven-by-seven, and even more complex variations. Moira Lynch watched, completely dazzled.

"It can grant any wish? Doesn’t that mean whoever has this cube is basically invincible?" Moira Lynch said, joking.

’If the item was really that powerful, how could its owner, the pirate Seafury, be just a third-in-command? He probably would’ve conquered the entire galaxy by now.’

"That’s what the item description says, but it has a drawback. Once you start, you have to solve it within the time limit. Otherwise, the cube will turn into a bomb and blow the user and everything around them to smithereens."

Just then, Shane Rhodes and Hugh Finch walked over.

They had heard what Kai York just said.

Hugh Finch took the scrambled two-by-two cube from Kai York’s hands. His fingers barely moved, and the scrambled cube was instantly solved.

Shane Rhodes and Kai York seemed accustomed to Hugh Finch’s flashy display, but Moira Lynch was utterly stunned. It was just so incredibly fast.

Seeing her reaction, Kai York explained, "You probably don’t know this, Moira, but our Hugh Finch is a genius with these cubes. He’s even been in competitions. Never mind this simple one—even the most complex puzzles are nothing to him."

The moment Kai York finished speaking, a white orb of light materialized before them. A moment later, a bottled drink with a straw stuck in it dropped out.

"Hey, hey, hey! Hugh Finch, what a waste! You solved it and only wished for a drink for everyone? You should’ve at least gone for a massive feast!"

Hugh Finch said nothing, only glancing at Kai York.

"I can practically read the word ’idiot’ in his eyes. He’s calling you one," Moira Lynch chimed in, happy to stir the pot.

Only then did Hugh Finch explain, "This is the limit for a two-by-two cube. To wish for anything else, you have to solve a more complex one."

Seeing his grave expression, Moira Lynch asked, "This cube isn’t as simple as it looks, is it?"

’Just like Kai York said, Hugh Finch can easily solve the most complex cubes. Even if there aren’t many people like that on Caelus, there are still a fair number of them.’

’So, that raises the question: the galactic population is countless times larger than Caelus’s. Is it really possible that no one out there can solve a complex cube?’

’If there are people who can, then why did it end up in Seafury’s treasury?’

’After all, according to its description, it can grant any wish.’

’If I were Seafury, I’d carry such a powerful item with me at all times.’

’Even if I couldn’t solve it myself, I’d find and train someone who could to work for me.’

’That way, I might have conquered the entire galaxy by now.’

’But Seafury didn’t do that. In fact, he did the opposite, stashing it away. What does that imply? The conditions for solving this cube must not be as simple as they seem.’

Drawing on the rules he learned from solving the cube, Hugh Finch explained, "The cube has a one-hour cooldown after each use. But that’s just for the simplest two-by-two. Each level up increases the difficulty tenfold, and the cooldown is multiplied by ten as well."

In other words, the item became progressively harder, and not just difficult in a way they could anticipate, but difficult on a scale they couldn’t even imagine.

Hugh Finch said, "Does anyone want this? If not, I’m taking it."

Moira and the other two shook their heads, showing no interest in the cube.

They hadn’t studied it, so it would be useless to them. Worse, one mistake could get them killed.

And just like that, the cube ended up with Hugh Finch.

Having claimed the cube, Hugh Finch lost all interest in the other items and began studying it intently.

Just then, amidst the pile of items, Moira Lynch spotted a cylindrical object. It looked like an Arrow Tube, the kind an ancient archer would carry on their back.

She picked it up and twisted off the lid. Inside the Arrow Tube, which was as wide as a bowl, lay a mere four arrows.

However, although the Arrow Tube itself looked dusty and unremarkable, the four arrows inside were beautiful, each a different color: red, yellow, blue, and cyan.

They looked less like arrows and more like works of art crafted from different gemstones. Their shafts were translucent and warm to the touch.

’These arrows must be items, too.’

Moira Lynch had handled enough items to know the difference between a magical one and a regular arrow.

Without Moira Lynch even having to ask, Patience pulled up information on the arrows.

Elemental Arrow: Forged from the four different elements—water, fire, earth, and wind. When fired, they produce various effects according to the user’s will.

This top-tier item was forged by the second emperor of The Federation at the cost of four different planets. Its power is immense, and it helped The Federation defeat invaders on numerous occasions.

However, with the advancement of technology, archaic weapons were gradually abandoned. The Elemental Arrows went from being a National Treasure to a mere mascot for The Royal Court.

Three years ago, the item was stolen by the great thief Voidhand, and its whereabouts have been unknown ever since.

After hearing Patience’s report, Moira Lynch felt as if the arrows in her hand were burning hot, but she couldn’t bear to let them go.

’A National Treasure forged at the cost of four entire planets... Even knowing it was stolen, I have no intention of returning it.’

’I don’t care who it belonged to before. It’s in my hands now, so it’s mine.’

Moira Lynch released Snowy from her personal storage space.

Snowy, who had been having the time of its life teasing the other critters in the storage space, emerged with a dazed look on its face.

Without a word, Moira Lynch placed the four arrows in front of it. "See if you can eat these?"

Snowy was able to consume items, allowing them to manifest as a Spiritual Body for Moira to use—like her Flying Wheel, White Wings, and White Feather Bow.

But Snowy didn’t eat just any item.

It wouldn’t touch low-level items and was picky even with high-level ones.

’To this day, Moira still hadn’t figured out the pattern, but one thing was certain: it definitely ate archaic weapons.’

Sure enough, the moment Snowy saw the four arrows in Moira’s hand, its vacant gaze sharpened instantly, its eyes glinting with golden light. Its little white body pounced forward excitedly, a string of what looked like drool hanging from its mouth.

Snowy then opened its mouth, revealing snow-white teeth. With a loud CHOMP, it bit off and swallowed a fifth of one arrow.

As Snowy swallowed the piece of the arrow, its master, Moira Lynch, involuntarily shivered.