Everyone filed into the hidden chamber, the magic crystal stones casting a soft glow over the treasure vault—

"Wow..." Mylora let out a soft gasp. It was her first time stepping into the dungeon lord’s treasure hoard.

The room wasn’t large, but packed tightly with items: earthenware and metal vessels, locked chests stacked shoulder to shoulder.

Ancient gold coins filled clay jars.

Dusty weapons hung along the walls.

Jewelry rested neatly in tiny individual boxes.

In the corner, piles of biological materials—clearly harvested from rare and bizarre creatures—lay heaped together.

"First come, first served," Torina announced briskly. "But no more than three items per person. Annawiel and I will handle the rest—decide whether to redistribute or turn them over to the treasury."

Truth be told, the reminder wasn’t really needed. Aside from Mylora and Ji Xue, everyone here came from noble houses. They had no need to hoard trinkets. What Torina truly valued was the honor of discovery and victory.

"...Then I won’t hold back."

Annawiel was the first to begin selecting.

"Eh? Wait—we can take anything? Even me?"

Mylora sounded flustered. In her mind, she was the one who’d caused trouble. She didn’t feel she deserved a reward.

"Just pick something. Don’t overthink it," Torina reassured her gently.

"Okay..."

And so, everyone started browsing.

Patti examined several rugged bows hanging on the wall—each taller than she was. After testing two, she shook her head and moved on.

Ranifi, by contrast, lit up at the sight of barbarian heavy weapons. Her family, though petite, brimmed with raw strength and masterful forging skill—rumored to carry ancient dwarf blood.

Lindas, whose unique profession required little gear, simply crouched and studied the metal compositions of nearby weapons.

Lachesis casually picked up a shamanic staff and a small amulet—clearly relics of ancient barbarian shamans.

Ji Xue showed no interest. She glanced around absently, lost in thought. No one could guess what occupied her mind.

Naji eagerly sifted through glittering jewelry. Not greedy for wealth, but deeply fond of beauty—a devout believer, yet unapologetically vain.

Torina had her own goal.

With her new skill awakened, she could now truly fight "hands and feet." Wouldn’t it be awesome to equip her feet like Sister Bei did?

But… what weapon would work?

Most powerful arms were designed solely for hands. Even fighters specializing in kicks only wore reinforced boots or trousers—not true weapons.

What if there existed something that perfectly conformed to her feet? Effortless to wear, powerful on demand, comfortable, and still let her walk barefoot?

While digging through rare materials, she spotted it: a full chest of transparent threads. More crystalline than any plastic from her past life—like spun glass, yet utterly weightless.

(*Heavenly Silkworm Thread?* ... Rumor said it was nearly extinct. To find it here...)

She studied the threads, then glanced at her bare feet. A clever idea sparked in her mind.

(*Hehehe… I’m a genius!*)

A smug grin spread across her face.

Honestly, the idea was brilliant. Too bad she hadn’t yet realized just how… *suggestive* it might look.

Nearby, Mylora’s gaze locked onto a greatsword leaning against the wall.

Less a blade, more a slab of iron—nearly her height. Its dark green, rough surface crawled with faint crimson fungal threads, etched with patterns like mushroom spots.

"Um… Miss Lachesis? You have appraisal skill, right? Could you check this for me?"

"This one? Let me see…"

At Mylora’s request, Lachesis activated the common mage ability: Appraisal Eye.

"Appraisal… Hmm. Named ‘Fungal King Greatsword.’ Boosts Strength. Attacks carry strong Corruption. Greatly increases resistance to Poison, Corruption, and Fear. Fungal threads absorb biomass on the blade as nutrients. Once charged, slashes trigger minor explosions… A seriously powerful weapon."

"Yeah… It looks so cool."

"But it’s clearly meant for greatsword wielders, berserkers, barbarians, or heavy knights. I’d advise caution."

"Mmmmm~"

Hearing that, Mylora’s protagonist stubbornness flared. She grabbed the hilt—*so heavy!* Seriously heavy! She could barely lift it with both hands!

After the selection settled—

"Everyone ready?"

"""Ready."""

Torina took all the Heavenly Silkworm Thread and plant fibers suitable for clothing or footwear.

Mylora claimed the Fungal King Greatsword and two accessories boosting abnormal status resistance.

Annawiel selected three rare gems—low combat value, high noble-market price.

Lachesis kept the shamanic staff, a tiny amulet, and a pouch of fungi.

Patti chose a poison-enchanted dagger, leather for upgrading her quiver, and another fungi pouch.

Naji picked a bracelet, necklace, and anklet—all exquisitely crafted with exotic flair.

Ranifi hauled away a full heavy armor set, a chest of rare metals, and the giant axe Gelailu used in her first phase.

Bored, Lindas scooped up two rhinoceros beetles.

Only Ji Xue stood empty-handed—or rather, hadn’t even tried.

"Ji Xue? You sure you don’t want anything?" Torina asked.

"………"

"If you don’t choose, I’ll pick for you. This refined iron’s top quality—forge a new sword?"

"…………"

"What’s got you spacing out?"

Torina tapped her shoulder. Suddenly, Ji Xue shouted:

"I—I’VE ATTAINED ENLIGHTENMENT!!! YES!!! I GET IT NOW!!! ONLY A TRUE LIFE-OR-DEATH CLASH CAN FORGE THE MOST PRECIOUS EXPERIENCE!!!"

"You mean nearly getting chopped by the dungeon lord the other day…?"

"That was *incredibly* valuable! M-My swordsmanship is finally breaking through!! I’ve been stuck for *so* long!!"

"So… want us to spar with you?"

"LEAVE ME HERE!!"

"Huh? Quitting the team?"

"Not quitting! Just… can’t adventure with you *right now*! I need solitude to meditate! Go on ahead—don’t wait! I’ll find you after my breakthrough!!!!"

"If you’re that determined… fine. We’ll stay in Zhiweidun City for a bit. Meet us there when you’re ready."