Chapter 278: The Firewood Gatherer's Sheep Horn Relic

Chapter 278: Chapter 186: The Firewood Gatherer’s Sheep Horn Relic

Pushing aside the cold coffin lid, Ryan looked out upon a shattered world, a strange Sheep Horn Relic clutched tightly in his hand.

From his Witch, he had learned of his destiny and the path he must walk.

Though he didn’t know if other Firewood Gatherers were the same, Ryan’s Land of Awakening was more spacious and contained an ancient passage leading to an unknown destination.

The Witch had said it was a place deeply entangled with his destiny, perhaps connected to his former life and the Sheep Horn Relic in his hand.

But a powerful Giant Monster at the end of the passage always barred his entry.

Left with no choice, Ryan could only leave the ancient passage and continue exploring, seeking the strength to defeat the Giant Monster…

“Can I see it?” the Storyteller asked, his curiosity piqued.

Ryan hesitated for a moment before taking the Sheep Horn Relic from his clothes and handing it to the Storyteller.

After taking the Sheep Horn Relic and examining it for a moment, the Storyteller stroked his chin.

“Brother Ryan, I might be able to ask the Candlekeeper to help you uncover the Arcane Mystery of the Sheep Horn Relic… but only if you trust me.”

The Storyteller handed the Sheep Horn Relic back first, smiling as he spoke.

“If you agree, just wait here for a while. I can give you something for collateral. If that’s not enough, we can go to Luo Di’s shop and buy a contract,” he suggested.

Of course, he had no intention of stealing Ryan’s Sheep Horn Relic; he was just curious about its secrets.

But Ryan probably wouldn’t see it that way. As a native of this world, most people were filled with caution and vigilance.

‘Although this Ryan seems friendly enough, he’s clearly not as defenseless as the Klemo the Candlekeeper mentioned.’

‘The only reason he’s talking to me so freely is probably because of Li Miao and Shore.’

Sure enough, upon hearing the Storyteller’s words, Ryan’s brow furrowed unconsciously.

‘This Sheep Horn Relic revived along with me; its importance is self-evident. If I just hand it over to the Storyteller…’

Ryan was lost in thought, silent for a moment.

Seeing this, the Storyteller assumed Ryan was having trouble refusing directly and was about to change the subject. But before he could speak, Ryan once again pulled two ancient sheets of paper from his clothes.

“…In that case, you should be able to find those two Heroes, right?”

“When you go back, please give them my thanks.”

Ryan said earnestly, handing the Sheep Horn Relic and the two sheets of paper to the Storyteller.

The two sheets of paper looked like they were for Combat Skills or Prayers.

The Storyteller froze for a second. He glanced at Ryan, whose gaze was earnest and resolute.

‘Looks like he’s already braced himself for the possibility of me scamming him.’

“…Alright. Thank you for your trust. I’ll make sure they get these.”

The Storyteller nodded earnestly and gave a kind smile.

‘It seems the NPCs in the Spirit Candle World aren’t all cold and ruthless.’

“Wait here.”

After a brief farewell, the Storyteller left the Shadow Cave.

Seeing him go, Ryan also stood up and began to wander through the Shadow Cave.

Most of the stall owners sitting in the shadows were silent, their expressions indifferent.

…

[Firewood Gatherer’s Sheep Horn Relic (Unknown)]

[Type: Special Item/Token]

[Effect: ① Inactive, requires specific energy. ② Holding this item may fulfill certain specific requirements.]

[Explanation: A relic buried with the Firewood Gatherer in their sarcophagus. Though untouched by the stench of death, it has faded with time. Its awaited mission is yet unknown.]

“There.”

After carefully inspecting the item, Luo Ge handed it back to the Storyteller.

‘I have to say, sending that kid to the Shadow Cave was the right call. The Sheep Horn Relic he brought back this time has given me some more useful information about the Firewood Gatherers.’

The Storyteller thanked him and took the Sheep Horn Relic. Luo Ge gave a slight nod and vanished on the spot.

“Hmm… Quality unknown, needs specific conditions to activate… This doesn’t look simple.”

The Storyteller mused for a moment before stowing it in his inventory.

‘This trip was worth it. At least now I know Ryan’s little trinket needs to be activated before it can be used.’

Of course, aside from the Sheep Horn Relic, there were also the two “Heroes.”

“What’s that? What Firewood Gatherer?”

Li Miao, who had been called over, scratched the back of his head. He didn’t immediately think of Ryan; after all, it had been a while.

Unless you were someone like the Storyteller, who followed the game’s lore all day, you wouldn’t necessarily remember it right away.

Seeing this, the Storyteller was speechless and had to give him a few hints. Once Li Miao finally had a moment of realization, the Storyteller pulled the two sheets of paper from his pocket and handed them over.

“To be honest, I thought that side quest was over and done with. I can’t believe you stumbled into a follow-up, and he even sent you a special reward.”

The Storyteller clicked his tongue in amazement. ‘I can definitely get another video out of this,’ he thought.

“Hahaha, this is what they call getting rewarded for good deeds.” Li Miao grinned, accepting the two sheets of paper.

Shore, that bastard, had to log off for something, so it was only natural for Li Miao to accept it on his “son’s” behalf.

[Acquired: Battle Ash·Elbow Claw Combo]

[Acquired: Battle Ash·Hardened Hide]

Although they were just two Ember Quality Combat Skills, they were still pretty practical.

‘Not exactly essential.’

Li Miao glanced at them, shrugged, and stored them in his inventory.

Seeing his reaction, the Storyteller couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “You don’t realize how valuable these are, do you?”

“Huh?” Li Miao was surprised. ‘They’re just a couple of Ember Quality Combat Skills, right? I’m already at the Scorching Charcoal level, what’s so precious about them?’