"My great-grandfather had an Amber Bug, and it has already been passed down to me." Velim Jinnali spread open his left hand.
A mark the size of a sesame seed flickered in his palm, transforming into a snail about the size of a coin.
Holding the little snail in his palm, Velim displayed it openly. "Its name is Round Shield. It has been with our family for many years. Back then, my great-grandfather relied on the defensive power Round Shield provided to survive a life-or-death crisis."
As he spoke,
he fixed Russell with a blazing gaze. "Lord Russell, do you think that with Round Shield, I have enough foundation to advance to Dragon Domain Lord?"
Looking at Velim's expectant eyes,
Russell did not know whether to call the boy honest or simply lacking in common sense. Such a precious thing as an Amber Bug had been displayed so casually before a stranger—and one with more than enough strength to snatch it away.
Fortunately, Russell had no greedy thoughts.
Instead, he carefully examined the snail Amber Bug.
Then he said, "If your great-grandfather could survive a life-and-death crisis with its protection, then you naturally have a chance as well. But all I can say is that nothing is certain. If you want to advance by courting death, then you will most likely truly die."
"To revive my family, what does death matter!" Velim said resolutely. He clenched his fist, and the snail Amber Bug turned back into a sesame-seed-sized mark.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure!"
"Mm." Everyone had their own ambitions, and Russell clearly had no obligation to make choices for others. "Very well. If you are truly prepared to die, write a letter home. Then I will teach you some of the experiences involved in advancing to Dragon Domain Lord."