Back at the inn, I spread out my gear and really examined what I was working with. This was basically the most frustrating loot situation ever—I had legendary-tier equipment that was essentially cosmetic until I figured out how to unlock its actual functions.
The Starfall Robes looked incredible and felt impossibly light, but they were basically just expensive cloth until I could access their magical properties. The Circlet of Winter's Breath was doing something with its passive aura, but I could tell it had way more functionality locked behind some kind of progression system. Even Moonglaive, despite being forged from a literal fallen star, was just a really well-balanced blade until I could activate its true potential.
It was like having a full legendary set with all the abilities grayed out.
"You're overthinking this, child."
I nearly jumped out of my skin. The voice was smooth, feminine, and definitely not coming from anywhere in the room.
"Down here, little Sovereign. Your robes."
I looked down at the midnight silk of my outfit. "Okay, either I'm having a psychotic breakdown, or my equipment just talked to me."
"The latter would be more accurate. I am Nyx, the ego residing within your Starfall Robes. I've been waiting three years for you to finally address me properly."
"Ego?" I sat down hard on the bed. "Like, my gear has AI personalities?"
"Artificial... no, we are fragments of the original wielder's consciousness, preserved within the items themselves. Every piece of Ellolia's equipment contains a part of her essence. I govern stealth and shadow magic. The Circlet houses Astrid, who manages mental fortifications and telepathy. Your blade contains Selene, the battle-spirit who controls lunar combat techniques."
This was either the coolest or most terrifying loot system ever designed. "So you're all... parts of the real Ellolia?"
"Fragments, yes. Created as a failsafe should she ever fall in battle. We were meant to guide a successor, though we expected it would be another High Elf, not a displaced soul inhabiting her form."
"But you're okay with that?"
"You wear her face, carry her memories through your studies, and seek vengeance for her people. Close enough. Now, do you want to unlock your equipment's true potential, or would you prefer to continue swinging a really expensive stick?"
I couldn't help but grin. Even the AI in my gear had attitude. "What do I need to do?"
"For now, focus on me. Your infiltration mission will require stealth capabilities. Close your eyes and reach out with your consciousness. Try to feel the shadow magic woven into these robes."
I followed her instructions, closing my eyes and trying to sense... something. For a few minutes, nothing happened. Then, gradually, I began to feel it—a cool, fluid sensation, like liquid darkness flowing through the fabric.
"Good. Now, will yourself to become one with the shadows. Don't force it. Let it happen naturally."
I concentrated, imagining myself dissolving into the darkness of the room. Suddenly, I felt my body becoming lighter, more translucent. When I opened my eyes and looked down, I could see right through myself.
"Holy shit, I'm actually invisible!"
"Shadow Meld. One of my most useful abilities. You can move unseen for approximately ten minutes before the magic needs to recharge. Perfect for eliminating sentries and repositioning during combat."
"This is absolutely cracked. What else can you do?"
"Shadow Step allows short-range teleportation between dark areas. Whisper Walk muffles all sound from your movement. Dark Binding can temporarily immobilize enemies with shadow tentacles. But these abilities will unlock gradually as you strengthen your connection to the lunar magic."
I spent the next hour practicing with Nyx's guidance, learning to activate and deactivate the Shadow Meld at will. The sensation was incredible—like becoming a ghost with full agency.
"You're a natural at this. Most High Elves require weeks to master basic shadow manipulation."
"I've been grinding stealth mechanics in games for years. This is just the ultimate implementation."
"Games?"
"I'll explain later. Right now, I need to prep for tomorrow's mission briefing."