How about your son who is next in line to be the King of the Elves? What will he say if he learns that his father - the Elven King give the family heirloom to a random stranger who he only met once and on top of that it was their first day of meeting each other but he gave the family heirloom anyway? I don't think you deserve that kind of prejudice. So, I should respectfully decline your gift, Ray. But thank you."
Ash handed back the black box to Ray.
"Ash, haven't I told you earlier that I never take back the things I've given already? That's a gift for you, Ash. I'm sure Vale will understand, and even if he won't. What can he do in order to weild the power of that item when even I who's stronger and more experienced than him couldn't? Just take it, okay?"
"Alright, but Ray. You should never underestimate your son like that, and never doubt his capabilities. As a father, you should show more support and encouragement to your children. The future of the children wasn't defined in their youth, but rather in their passion and resolve to face the future no matter what they face along the way."
Hearing Ash's words, Ray couldn't help but get disappointed in himself. He was so old that he should know better, but the fact that a kid opened up his eyes about these things, it is the most embarrassing thing he had ever experienced in his life.
"You are right, Ash. I should've never said that, nor thought about it. He is my son, my flesh and blood. How can I ever say those things behind his back? I should be more supportive towards my children instead of being like this. I have never felt so humiliated in my life. Thank you for opening my eyes, Ash. And don't worry, I have a separate gift intended for my son if ever he replaced me on my throne."
Ray said happily.
Ray never thought that he and Ash would be friends, let alone have a deeper conversation as he deemed him an insignificantly weak foollish human who dares to lay its hands on his daughter. But now, he was considering everything that Ash was saying to him. Ray never knew what happened but something changed inside him the more he get to spend time with Ash.
"Why is this kid changing my views on everything? He has the same charisma as Arthur, I will definitely be taking a closer look at this kid. Maybe someday he will need my help, or vice versa."
Ray thought as he watch Ash turning the black box upside down to scan it.
"Thank you for this gift, Ray. So, shall I open it?"
Ash didn't order his system to scan the gift as he wanted to be surprised about what's inside. Asking this question, Ash was so excited but he never let it show to Ray.
"Yes, go ahead and tell me what do you think."
Ray responded with a smile.
Opening up the black box, Ash could see a sparkling large ring and the first thing he noticed was that, the ring has a weird maskings inscribed around it and how large it is.
"Uhh, Ray? I know it would be an offensive remark but... Don't you think this ring is larger for my fingers? I think I could fit two of my fingers inside the ring."
Ash worriedly say, showing to Ray that the ring is indeed big for Ash's fingers.
Ray just smiled towards Ash before saying.
"Try to put a single finger in it."
Confused by the Elven King's words, Ash followed Ray's words.
"Like this?"
Said Ash, putting tge ring in his middle finger.
Immediately after putting it in, the ring shrunken its size automatically and now it fits his finger.
"Whoa! Awesome! I was worried for nothing. Haha."
Ash jokingly said.
[Ding!]
"What?"
[Congratulations!]
[You have acquired the Ring of Destruction.]
[Ring of Destruction - The First ever ring of the Elves. Wielding it's power is like bringing a pistol in a swordfight.]
"Ring of Destruction? Bringing a Pistol in a swordfight? So basically, having this ring on I am pretty much invincible, and the strongest at the same time. What a convenient item to have.]
[Although, this ring has its perks, it also has a downside. Mana use per minute is 30 with 1% hp reduction per second of usage.]
"What? That much? So, at my current state, I can only use this ring for less than a minute, and anything beyond that is either incapacitated or worst, death?"
[It grants the user a sudden boost of strength to 500%, an impenetrable body, and a sonic speed. However, using this item doesn't mean you are invulnerable to a spell that attacks the internal part of your body. This item also gives you a plus 20 points of charm.]
[Nothing follows.]
"That's awesome! This ring is clearly the best gift I have ever received from Ray. But I think, I need to be careful in using this item, as it may harm me if I misuse or overuse it's power."
Snapping back to reality after a few moments of silence, Ash offered a bow to Ray, showing his great appreciation to his gift.
"Thank you so much for this wonderful gift, Ray. I will cherish everything that you've given to me, especially this ring and necklace. Thank you so much!"
"I'm sure you will, Ash. I'm sure you will. So, shall we go back to the dining hall? I'm sure you're already hungry."
Ray said.
"Yeah sure. Thank you!"
Ash happily replied.
On their way back to the dining hall, Ray was pondering in his mind about something.
"What's with the sudden silence from earlier, Ash? You know it's kind of weird for someone to become silent after making a joke. What is it that you were hiding? Wait, now that I think about it. He was acting like Arthur. Arthur has a weird tendency to be silent all of a sudden just like Ash. Who exactly are you, Ash Magnus?"
-End of Chapter-