C17 Summon!

This Black Iron Defensive Gear set was initially intended for Diaochan, but she found the equipment too unsightly. Besides, her formidable strength made such gear unnecessary. Thus, Zhou Yan decided to keep it for himself.

In addition to the gear, he acquired several stone axes.

The axes could fell trees, and even without formal logging skills, Zhou Yan could manage the task. It would, however, drain a considerable amount of his energy and time.

Naturally, a high Strength attribute would quicken the process.

Currently pressed for time, Zhou Yan planned to sell the surplus equipment after setting aside a complete set for himself.

"Chan, that Wild Hare Set suits you beautifully," Zhou Yan remarked as he turned to see Diaochan dressed in the full ensemble, resembling an adorable bunny girl, complete with charmingly pointed ears on the helmet.

Without delay, Diaochan stowed the gear. They could easily store their equipment with a mere thought and summon it when necessary—a truly convenient feature.

Each person could don six pieces of basic Defensive Gear, wield one weapon, and wear two rings.

The six basic pieces included a helmet, gauntlets, armor, a belt, leg guards, and shoes. Belts, however, were not typically part of a gear set, with some exceptions.

Certain weapons were dual; their full power unleashed only when paired. Additional rings beyond the first two wouldn't boost attributes, special rings being the exception.

Female heroes had unique gear: an earring, a necklace, and a bracelet. Male heroes, in contrast, could enhance their attributes with shoulder armor, a cape, and a pendant.

The territory world was replete with innumerable pieces of equipment, including many special items that could augment one's attributes.

The greater the heroes' base attributes, the more formidable their strength.

As night deepened, the territory's structures emitted a soft glow, warding off total darkness. Zhou Yan produced a crystal ball-like lamp, its brightness adjustable, for illumination.

"Chan, let's head to the Bronze Bird Terrace," Zhou Yan suggested.

"Are we going to summon new sisters?" inquired Diaochan.

"Yes. The upcoming battles will be grueling, and with such an expansive territory, we need more allies to join the fight," Zhou Yan explained.

"Okay," Diaochan replied with a smile, following him.

The Bronze Bird Terrace had evolved to Level 10, its size now doubled from a single-story building to a two-story one, though still unfurnished. Decorating would require spirit coins, which Zhou Yan couldn't spare during the Beginner Trials.

At the summoning platform, which now resembled a stage bathed in white light, Zhou Yan faced a dilemma. With only two thousand Soul Coins, he couldn't afford an Advanced Summon and had to settle for a Low-level one.

"Would you like to spend 100 Soul Coins for a hero summon?" prompted the Bronze Bird Terrace.

"Yes!"

"Soul Coins decreased by 100."

A flash of light on the platform revealed a wooden table.

Zhou Yan nearly wept. If not for the restriction that only he could perform the summon, he would have let Diaochan try her luck.

"The table's not too shabby. It gives us a place to put things," Diaochan consoled him.

Zhou Yan knew well that the more exceptional the item, the more elusive it was.

Item: Wooden Table

Quality: F

Description: A simple wooden table for placing items or dining for the Lord and heroes.

He stored the table and initiated another summon.

"Soul Coins decreased by 100."

"Congratulations, you've received a female bra," announced the Bronze Bird Terrace.

Zhou Yan felt a pang of frustration.

"Chan, you keep this," he said, too embarrassed to take it himself with Diaochan present.

Item: Female Bra

Quality: D

Description: Favored by women, it boasts a chest-enhancing effect.

"Sure," Diaochan murmured, her cheeks burning as she quickly tucked away the bra and stepped aside, head bowed.

Zhou Yan couldn't help but notice, "Don't bow your head so much; you're nearly touching your chest with it."

Indeed, Diaochan was a vision of perfection, one of the legendary four great beauties, with a figure to match.

Zhou Yan composed himself, determined not to lose face before such beauty.

"People claim the Lottery can yield treasures, but that's a sham," he muttered.

"I'll go for ten consecutive summons on the platform."

With resolve, Zhou Yan spent a thousand Soul Coins in a flurry of summoning.

The Bronze Bird Terrace chimed in: "Congratulations, you've received a light bulb."

Another prompt from the Bronze Bird Terrace: "Congratulations, you've acquired a set of silk bedding."

The Terrace's announcement continued: "Congratulations, you've obtained a royal pillow."

And then the Bronze Bird Terrace declared, "Congratulations, you've snagged a set of lingerie."

"I've lost all faith in lotteries yielding anything worthwhile."

Sure enough, the unlucky never strike it rich in lotteries.

After ten consecutive tries, all he ended up with were trivial items.

"All I want is a girl, is that too much to ask? Why is it so hard?"

"What's this?" Diaochan gazed at the lingerie with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.

"It's essentially similar to the earlier brassiere."

Diaochan was truly a girl from ancient times, completely unacquainted with modern innovations.

To put it simply, she was as innocent as a blank sheet of paper.

"And that's why it takes a masterful painter like myself to make a mark on this canvas."

Hearing this, Diaochan's eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed once more. She grabbed the lingerie and stepped out of the Bronze Bird Terrace.

"Is there something wrong with being truthful?"

"Or would you rather I play the charlatan?"

Even though the Bronze Bird Terrace had the power to conjure a beauty like Diaochan, Zhou Yan had come to the realization that the summoning process was nothing short of a sham.

Yet, it was a necessity he couldn't avoid.

"Should I keep summoning or upgrade?"

He pondered this dilemma.

"Let's give Intermediate Summoning a shot. Elementary Summoning just doesn't cut it!"

He had just enough Soul Coins for one Intermediate Summoning attempt.

Soul Coin balance: -500

The Bronze Bird Terrace announced: "Congratulations, you've earned a Seven-star Sword Technique skill book."

"Excellent, skill books are indeed valuable treasures!"