Chapter 52: Preparations for the Newbie.

There was a small bandage right under Arcos’ eye as he sat before a big presentation screen with Andrew and the others standing before him.

There were different items placed around them right now as well. Different items that he was going to need for the place they were going to, as well as the missions that they will take him to after this.

He had calmed down and learned his lesson. He knew now what he had signed up for. He knew some truth about a thing.

So he set there and watched them as a picture of a giant mechanical city, a city of metallic buildings and flying ships and all things alien, floated behind them.

"You must have noticed by now but we have a ton of devices and items on us all the time, right?" There were five things each and every core member of parliament must carry with them at all times.

The first of these things were practically a part of their body, a device that allowed them to communicate over long distances almost telepathically. A device that not only protected them from several mental attacks but also things like the worm that the Elision used on Lily.

"Firstly, we will implant this inside of you." A light appeared around a glass case, illuminating what seemed like a complicated device which, though thin as wires, was making the shape of both his ears and head.

These wires were connected on several points with what seemed like dots, but to those who could analyse and appraise these kind of devices, this thing was far more advanced than the glass bottle that he was playing with.

"We call this Helix. It is an artificial organ that will not only allow you to communicate with us, it might save your life on various occasions as well."

He had heard about this device from Beth but as he listened to Andrew and his explanation of the device’s features, he couldn’t believe his ears.

"It analyses your physical and mental body in real time, keeps your vital information connected to a special satellite that we have in space, and keeps track of your movements in four dimensions."

He looked at Andrew with stunned eyes the moment he heard the mention of ’space’ and ’four dimensions’.

He thought this thing was merely a device which allowed them to talk with each other, but it was only now that he realised just how important it was to each one of them.

"Next, the ring." A new device was illuminated with the spotlight as the glass case around it lifted to reveal the rings that each of them were wearing even right now.

This ring was different from the disguise item that they gave him earlier.

In normal circumstances, he wouldn’t have gotten his hands on this before he was ready for his first mission, but things were different right now. If they were going in that place, they would need these.

"This is a contradiction ring." This artifact, one of the only six that they possessed, was the reason they couldn’t be recognised or remembered by anyone even if they saw them.

The rings worked on the simple perception of existence: as a three dimensional mortal being, we can only perceive what our senses register and what our minds, not brains but the spiritual inner minds, can perceive.

There are several means to trick the brain but few things could trick the mind which observes everything.

"This ring plays with the very concept of identity, but you must always be cautious when activating it: to give up your existence even for a moment means carrying the risk of the world forgetting you forever."

This was a double edged sword. The ring wasn’t an omnipotent artifact. At the end of the day, it was made by a transcendent mortal who willingly gave his life in the creation of these artifacts.

It’s one of its kind. And while there were many downsides of using this item, they have learned the effective use.

"Look, I know it’s a dangerous item, but you don’t have to worry. As long as someone knows about you, you will be fine."

Even if that someone isn’t one of them.

"Anyways, you must always have it."

They had implanted an enchantment on it so that it won’t fall off or get lost so he will be fine even if something happens to it.

"Next, you must know what a storage device is already. We all have a different kind, but they are all much more advanced than what is commercially available."

Andrew pointed at a small ring that’s wrapped around his red dagger, Lily pointed at her hair accessory, and Sammy pointed at an artificial nail on her finger.

These things were spatial storage devices, a kind far more advanced than the boxes or large metallic objects that are found in auction houses which still go for hundreds or millions.

"You will have your pick of a storage device. But remember, choose something that’s easy for you to keep around."

That was very important. If he chose the wrong kind of item, getting used to it will be difficult for him. On the spiritual level, it would be difficult for him to bond with his storage device as well.

"Additionally, you’ll keep this bag inside of your storage device."

Just as Andrew spoke, another glass case was illuminated with a spotlight.

This time, it wasn’t a ring or something complicated. It was a simple mechanical box, one with a different colored side for each side.

"There’s no need for you to know what this is, but you can think of it like a lifeline. It will be activated and used the moment your life is in danger. It will save you once, whatever kind of danger it may be."

It was one of the most important items that they have on them.

Much like the Contradiction rings, these cubes are also a creation of an ancient personality, someone who was known throughout the world.

It wasn’t their last work though, so the existence of this item was known to the big organizations of the world as one of the (War Armaments) which breaks the balance of the worldly powers.

No one knows how many of them are there, but everyone knows all of them are different in every possible way.

This is the last one that they have in their arsenal. But since it’s not enough, they will have to look for more once this thing is over.

It was sadly a one time use item, but it was powerful enough to change the tide of a war, meaning it was powerful enough to save someone.

"Lastly, you will go to the Armament room. There, an artifact will choose you."

This was the most important thing here.

"What?"

But the young prince who had only known artifacts to be godly items of unfathomable power couldn’t believe how they also had a ’room’ full of these items.

A room where the items would choose him... and not the other way around.

"We have explored several, perhaps tens of ancient ruins. And in the process, we have uncovered over twenty four relic-grade ancient artifacts. You’ve already seen some of them."

Lily’s unique sword that can change form and channel various kinds of weapon techniques, Beth’s special bracelet that isn’t like any storage device that might ever exist now, and Andrew’s red dagger.

These are some of the unfathomable things that they possess, but that’s not all.

Sammy had two such unfathomable artifacts, things that chose her instead of the other way around.

These things possess a unique will gained over centuries of history, a <Material soul> that are unique to the artifacts of their ranks.

The Red Artifact stands out as the god killing weapon, however, even if they don’t consider it, the rest of the members have items that even the gods would fight for.

And now that Arcos also needs one such artifact, he’d have to be chosen by it.

He cannot have something just because he desires it. Even if he does, the thing won’t work to begin with.

These picky things are worse than divine or mythical beasts. One cannot tame them just because they are strong.

They know more than a moral ever will, they have a personality, requirements, boundaries and Truths that only those that they choose can use.

"You’re not ready for an Artifact, Arcos. I’ll say this first." Andrew said with a heavy heart. "I do not know if any of them will choose you. Maybe if we had a little longer, we could have worked on your potential. But..."

He was sad.

He wanted him to have a weapon or friend that can be with him in a way that the rest of them never will.

The bond that each one of them have with their Relics is unique and personal, something beyond the relationship that they share with each other.

It’s a kind of friendship that transcends all realms. That bond is what gives them the meaning and level that they have.

It’s fundamentally powerful. So, if there is an item that does choose him, then it’s a good thing.

But it will all come down to him and the strength of his will.

"Are you ready? Once you go in there, you won’t be able to go there again for a while. It’s not a place even we can enter casually."

This place was their base but the place where these artifacts are stored isn’t here. They’ll be going there first.

Actually, they will be teleporting there...