CHAPTER 65: RULES

As its name suggested, this was no ordinary place. The Sanctuary was a vast treasury vault, containing tens of thousands of items the Silvervein Clan had gathered since the day it was founded.

It was said that 30% of the collection came from the very first Clan Head, Lady Anastasia Silvervein, while another 20% had been donated directly by Lord Siamelumis. The remaining 50% had been gathered over generations by the clan’s descendants, through countless quests, battles, and expeditions.

The purpose of the Sanctuary was clear: to help the clan grow. It provided members with the tools they needed, so long as they proved themselves worthy.

From potions to weapons, armor to skill stones, the Sanctuary had it all.

But there was one unshakable rule: if you wanted to take something from the treasury, you had to follow the system. This was to keep things fair and to ensure that strength and effort were properly rewarded.

First rule: Contribution Points.

Nothing inside the Sanctuary could be exchanged for gold, jewels, or any kind of worldly currency. Only contribution points mattered here.

Every clan member, upon officially beginning their path of service, received a small enchanted medal. This medal served as both storage and ledger, keeping track of all the contribution points they earned. Points were awarded for successfully completing missions and quests posted on the clan board. These quests could range from simple errands for lower-ranked members—such as gathering herbs or assisting craftsmen—to grand, life-threatening tasks, like slaying beasts, recovering lost relics, or escorting caravans across dangerous lands.

For those who had grown strong enough, there was also another way to earn points: standing guard at the borders of Arventia. These assignments were far more dangerous, as they often meant direct conflict with invaders or forces of Abyssia, but they were also the most rewarding.

The points earned this way could then be used to trade for items and rewards within the clan’s treasure vaults.

The Silvervein Clan possessed several vaults, each divided by rank and rarity of items. Lower vaults held practical goods and common resources, while higher vaults stored legendary treasures.

Only those who sought something truly exceptional would ever approach the Sanctuary of Ten Thousand Stars, for this was where the rarest and most divine artifacts were kept.

And then, there’s the second rule: One person at a time.

The Sanctuary was not a place for crowds. Only one person was ever allowed to enter the vault at once.

This rule existed for several reasons. The most obvious was security. It would prevent fights or theft from breaking out inside.

But there was also something far deeper at play. The vault itself was enchanted with high level magic, a system that could peer into the heart of an individual, sense their desires, and guide them toward the item they were thinking of.

If too many people entered at the same time, those enchantments would clash and tangle, unable to distinguish between the wants of different individuals.

Third rule, also the last rule: Beware of dangerous items.

The Sanctuary was a treasury, yes, but not every treasure within was safe to touch.

Many items carried with them powers that were volatile or hostile, sometimes even cursed. Some radiated a deadly aura that could slip past a person’s defenses, invading their mind and warping their thoughts with hallucinations, despair, or violent impulses. Some others were imbued with protective enchantments so fierce that simply reaching for them could cause burns, frostbite, or even poison.

For example: weapons of fire that scorched the air around them, shields coated in venomous mists... such things were commonplace here.

And then, there were also the far darker relics. Some treasures were not born of Arventia at all, but had originated from Abyssia itself, collected from the battlefield at the border, or during expedition missions into Abyssia. These were ancient, twisted artifacts, were steeped in corruption and hatred. There might even be demons hiding within the items themselves.

Of course, those items are kept in separate chambers from the rest. So, if you don’t need them, it’s best not to wander into those areas at all.

And finally, not a rule, but how to get out or call for help.

Every person who enters the Sanctuary would be given an enchanted crystal. If danger arises, or if they simply wish to leave after selecting their chosen item, all they need to do is crush the crystal. The moment it shatters, the Guardian will be alerted and will immediately teleport inside to assist them.

****.

"So, Emilia and Mimi—you two understand all the rules?" Zephyrona asked, her golden eyes gleaming.

"Yes," Emilia nodded firmly.

Mimi gave a soft, cheerful meow in response.

"Very good." Zephyrona smiled, satisfied. With a wave of her hand, a soft ripple of lightning flickered in the air, and two tiny crystals appeared in her palm. Each one was no bigger than a marble, glowing faintly with a silver-blue light.

"These," she explained, holding them out, "are Guardian Summoning Crystals. You heard about them in the rules just now. If you face danger, or if you wish to leave once you’ve chosen your item, simply crush one of these crystals. The moment you do, I will sense it and teleport to your side instantly."

Emilia accepted hers with both hands, treating it as though it were the most precious treasure she had ever received. "Yes! Thank you so much, Zephie!" she said earnestly.

"Heheh," Zephyrona chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Emilia’s hair until it stuck up in little tufts. Sparks danced harmlessly through her strands. "Well then, normally the rule says only one person may enter the vault at a time. But since Mimi is your contracted companion, I’ll make an exception just for you." She winked playfully.

Emilia’s eyes lit up, her excitement bubbling over. "R-really? Thank you!" she exclaimed.

With that, Zephyrona turned toward the colossal silver gate before them. Arcane symbols shimmered faintly across its surface. Raising her hand, she pressed her palm to the door, and with a deep rumble, the gate slowly began to part. A cold, starry light spilled out from the widening gap, washing over Emilia and Mimi.

Emilia held her breath, her heart pounding.

Step by step, she moved forward, clutching Mimi close to her chest. Together, they crossed the threshold, into the Sanctuary of Ten Thousand Stars.