Jack stared at the system prompt. The familiar block of text hovering in his vision.
[DETECTED THE HOST POSSESSING 8 SEEDS]
[AVAILABLE CONVERSION OF 8 SEEDS TO A PERSONAL ARTIFACT] CHOOSE ONE:
[SHIELD OF DUAT]
[CHAIN OF VENGEANCE]
[GANJIANG-MOYE DUAL SWORDS]
Eight seeds. Three choices. As usual, the system offered names and nothing else. Information was a luxury it rarely provided in this case.
He had to guess. To connect the dots of vague titles to the vast, fragmented knowledge gleaned from his previous life.
The first option, [Shield of Duat], was an old acquaintance. It had appeared on a previous list of potential artifacts. A choice he hadn't taken then. Duat. Egyptian underworld. A shield. It implied defense, resistance.
His Black Buto form, Judge Jack, wore the formidable Naraka Armor. The Shield of Duat could be a powerful addition. Besides, Duat and Naraka both refer to the underworld. Just, from different civilizations.
Then there was [Chain of Vengeance]. The name immediately conjured an image from his old world... Ghost Rider. The flaming skull. The blazing vehicles. The ethereal chains. Was it an homage? A direct power transfer?
Both Jack Night and Judge Jack could make use of this. Jack Mystery? Perhaps... depending on whether the chain could turn spectral or not.
Jack often found himself in close-quarters combat. But he also preferred mid-ranged weapons like his shotgun and handguns. Chains, if they functioned like a whip or grappling hook, could add versatility to his combat style.
They could bind, disarm, or yank enemies closer for a shotgun blast. The 'Vengeance' aspect resonated with his core purpose. His self-appointed role as a harbinger of vengeance. It felt right. Fitting his philosophy.
And, for the final, [Ganjiang-Moye Dual Swords]. The names struck a chord. Echoing from ancient Chinese legends.
They were a pair of cursed, legendary blades. Forged by a couple of husband and wife. Both were master swordsmiths. And both sacrificed themselves to perfect their creations.
Dual weapons. Jack Night could wield a sword. But it wasn't his primary style. He was a shotgun and pistol man. Or war hammer in his rakshasa form.
However, the mention of "dual" sparked an idea. Reina was proficient in both mystic arts and direct combat. A powerful magical blade might give her a tangible advantage.
One for him, one for her. It was two for one deal. It was a tempting thought. A way to further empower two of them with one choice.
But cursed weapons carried risks. He had seen enough esoteric power to know that 'cursed' usually meant a price. A lingering malevolence. It caused unnecessary complications that were a waste of time.
He weighed the options. The shield offered pure defense. One that might synchronize well with Naraka Armor.
The chains felt like a natural extension of Jack Night's persona and mission. It might offer versatility and control for a man who metes out vengeance. Like him.
The swords offered dual utility. Potentially empowering Reina and him. Two for one. But they likely came with a drawback.
"Chain of Vengeance." Jack muttered. More to himself than the hovering system panel.
The prompt shimmered. The other two options fading. A moment later, a faint glow enveloped his wrists.
When it subsided, a pair of heavy, blackened steel chain bracers rested there. Seamless and solid against his skin.
They looked unassuming. Almost decorative. But he could feel the great weight of power within them. They felt like a part of him. Custom-made to fit his human form.
He accessed his status panel and navigated to his equipment. A familiar flicker of light appeared in his mind.
[Chain of Vengeance. An artifact forged from crystallized desire of retribution and bound by the weight of unfulfilled justice. The chains can retract into bracer form, appearing as simple, unassuming wrist guards. These bracers can manifest as fiery chains capable of ensnaring the targets' physical body, restraining their supernatural abilities, and delivering karmic damage. A personal artifact attuned to the wielder's intent.]
Jack nodded slowly. A grim satisfaction settling in his chest. It was better than he had imagined. The explicit connection to his judgment of guilt was perfect.
It wasn't just a weapon. It was an extension of his philosophy, a tool explicitly designed for his specific brand of justice.
And the three abilities: ensnaring the targets' physical body, restraining their supernatural abilities, and delivering karmic damage... Nice!
"Got a nice thing. Look!" Jack said. Extending his wrists for Reina to see the new bracers.
Reina, ever curious and attentive, leaned in. Her long black hair cascaded over his arm as she examined the gleaming metal.
"They are… elegant, Dear. But they feel like they hold a quiet fury." She touched one with a slender finger. A jolt of electricity and faint shiver running through her. "Ouch! A powerful artifact, indeed."
Jack grinned. "Your karma was still dark, Love. We needed to work on that. Come! Let's see if this island has anything else worth our time."
They spent the next few hours meticulously exploring the drifting Turtleback Island. Jack's [Eyes of Judgement] scanned every crevice. Every tide pool. Every ancient, gnarled tree.
But, he found nothing else of note. The island was a small, natural wonder. But its secrets, save for the single shell, seemed already exhausted.
The sun was beginning its slow descent. Painting the sky in fiery hues. Jack decided it was time to move on.
He brought out his hoverbike. He and Reina mounted on it. The engines started with quiet hum as they glided away from the island.
...
The remaining journey across the open sea was uneventful. The hoverbike sliced through the gentle waves. Leaving a faint, shimmering trail.
Reina sat close behind Jack. Her arms were wrapped around his waist. Her head was resting against his back. The sea breeze played with her dark hair. Carrying the scent of salt and distant lands.
They talked little. Content in each other's presence. The vast expanse of the ocean a silent witness to their strange bond.
A few days later, the distant shimmer of buildings on the horizon grew clearer. Finally resolving into the picturesque coastline of Calmcoast Town.
The town was a vibrant sight of colorful villas. Pristine white beaches. And lush, green hills. Even from a distance, the air felt cleaner. Lighter. A testament to its unique prohibition on steam engines.
It seemed to have regained its vitality. After the pirate attacks of the previous year. The scars seemed to fade away due to the relentless march of time.
As they approached the outskirts, Jack located a secluded cove. Hidden by a cluster of rocky outcrops. He brought the hoverbike to a gentle stop.
"Time to go on a vacation, Love." He said to Reina.
As Reina dismounted on the sand, Jack activated his [Mysterious Mirror World] and touched the sparkling waves. He, along with the hoverbike, shimmered and vanished. Entering his personal Mirror Space.
A few seconds later, Jack was back. Without his hoverbike.
"Ready for a peaceful stay, Dear?" Reina asked. A playful glint in her eyes.
"As peaceful as we can make it." Jack replied. Offering her his hand. He looked at the distant town. The gentle rhythm of the sea waves. And the bright sky.
"We've been working hard these six months. A little rest and recreation before the next… whatever comes next, is in order." He said.
They entered Calmcoast Town on foot. Blending seamlessly with the casual flow of tourists and locals.
Jack, in his current Jack Night form, looked like any other well-built traveler. His gear was minimal and discreet.
Reina, with her striking beauty, should draw many glances. But she used subtle glamour illusions to ensured that they wouldn't be overly conspicuous.
They found a charming, attractive inn near the coastline. Boasting a balcony with a perfect view of the sunrise over the serene ocean.
It was precisely what Jack had in mind. A temporary sanctuary. A chance to enjoy the quiet rhythm of a resort town for a little while.
...
Their days in Calmcoast Town unfolded in a comfortable routine.
Mornings were spent lounging on the beach. The sun was warm on their skin. Afternoons involved leisurely strolls through the town's charming markets. Indulging in local delicacies. Or exploring the scenic coastal paths.
Evenings were for quiet dinners. Watching the stars emerge over the ocean. And then returning to their inn for more intimate pursuits.
Reina, in particular, blossomed in the relaxed atmosphere. Her usual evil and mischievous demeanor had been softened a lot by Jack's affection.
And now, in this relaxed vacation, he got even better. Her laughter was more frequent. Her touches more overtly tender. She became even more devoted, affectionate, and utterly radiant.
And every night, after Reina was utterly exhausted, her beautiful body sated and her senses dulled by their 'night activities', Jack would slip away.
He would wait until her breathing deepened. Signaling her descent into deep slumber. Then, with a quiet, practiced ease, he would use his [Incarnation Shift].
The dense, powerful form of Jack Night would ripple. Fading into nothingness. As Jack Mystery, the masked specter, flickered into existence.
He then turned invisible. Becoming a silent, unseen observer. The transition was seamless. A part of his very being.
As Jack Mystery, he would drift through the sleeping town. An unseen phantom of judgement. He had abandoned his self imposed tasks for more than half a year. It was time to start it again. Delivering fitting judgement.
Calmcoast was a peaceful place. But still, beneath its idyllic front, a few of the usual grimes of human nature festered.
He sought them out. His primary targets were those who preyed on the innocent. The ones who exploited trust. Or wielded petty power to inflict misery. His nightmare was the prize he gave to these kinds of people.
Not all his tasks involved punishment though. Jack's unique morality also extended to rewarding the worthy. Jack provided them with a beautiful dream of tranquility. Or, meaningful yet practical suggestions in dream.
His specter form allowed him to slip through walls. Observe unseen. Identifying the threads of guilt and innocence through his [Eyes of Judgement]. And deliver suitable illusions into the sleeping minds of the town's inhabitants.
He was a silent, selective force. A nightmare for the corrupt. A sweet dream for the pure of heart. He moved without sound. Without trace. A phantom punisher and a secret benefactor.
Each night, he would return to the inn just before dawn. Shimmering back into his Jack Night form beside Reina.
He would often lie awake for a few minutes. Listening to her soft breathing. The warmth of her body was a soothing anchor after his nocturnal duties.
This was his version of a honeymoon. A blend of earthly pleasure and spectral judgement. And it was exactly what he needed. Before whatever grand, chaotic adventure awaited them on the capital of Elrush Kingdom, Lonestone City.