The craftsmanship was exceptional, with the gems expertly attached to the staves. Their presence hinted at the powerful forces that could be channeled through these weapons. It was evident that George had poured his skill and knowledge into their creation, blending the nature of monsters with arcane magic.

"I figured out that it would be better to bring all types," George said. "The gems are parts of Gemstone Cyclops. A beast that is like a cyclops and has gems for eyes."

Towering in size and covered in rugged scales, the creature’s most striking feature was the radiant, pulsating gem embedded in its eye.

The gem was a mesmerizing spectacle—a swirling kaleidoscope of vibrant colors that seemed to dance with an otherworldly glow. Its surface was smooth yet seemed to hold countless depths, as if containing an entire universe within its crystalline structure. It radiated a potent aura of magic, drawing the attention of all who laid eyes upon it.

The Gemstone Cyclops possessed an innate connection to the gem, utilizing its mystical properties to devastating effect. With each beat of its colossal heart, the gem pulsed with power, enabling the creature to unleash potent spells and enchantments. From bolts of energy that crackled through the air to protective barriers that shielded its massive form, the gem’s magic was a force to be reckoned with.

"Well, thank you very much for the gift; I will be sure to use them well for many years to come," Terry said with a smile on his face."

"... I thought that it would only be a loan," George froze on the spot.

"It can be if you decide to split the magic stones with us," Terry said while smiling.

Between thousands of magic stones and some staves with gems, the answer was obvious. Apparently, George had a monopoly over those gems; that was why he didn’t want to spread them around.

Fiery Staff Lv 0 (0/10) (Magic)

Magic Power: 06 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Durability: 03/03

Fire Damage: + 20%

Frost Staff Lv 0 (0/10) (Magic)

Magic Power: 06

Durability: 03/03

Ice Damage: + 20%

Thunder Staff Lv 0 (0/10) (Magic)

Magic Power: 06

Durability: 03/03

Electric Damage: + 20%

It was a pity for Rebecca, but none of the staves would enhance her magic. In any case, it was about time for her to learn some other spells. She probably didn’t learn them before because she was struggling with money, but that wasn’t the case anymore. After all, she was the second person who made the most money in the guild.

"Magic rank... this is pretty good," Terry nodded to himself in satisfaction. "Maybe with this... I need to get more of those gems."

Terry will have to negotiate with George later for that. His guild was the strongest because of those gems, and he knew what he could do to get a bunch of them.

Once the group left the town again, alongside some people that were supposed to take the materials from the trolls, it didn’t take long for them to find some of the beasts.

"This was fast..." Terry furrowed his eyebrows and then attacked the monsters and killed them by burning them to a crisp while holding two of the magic staves. "Your town is protected by a magic barrier; how come they can’t detect it but can detect ten people this fast?"

"We can’t say for sure; we can only assume that they can detect the mana of living life forms and barriers, isn’t that," George replied.

To keep a barrier that useful, they must either need a shit ton of mana or a shit ton of magic stones... that was why George wanted them.

As everyone watched in stunned silence, Terry effortlessly unleashed his newfound power upon the trolls. The group stood frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief, as Terry’s fire-filled attacks engulfed the monstrous creatures. The trolls, once fearsome foes, were now reduced to mere smoldering piles of ash.

The transformation was astounding. Terry’s abilities, combined with the enchanted magic staves, had turned him into an unstoppable force. With each swing of his fiery weapon, the trolls were incinerated, their bodies torn apart by the explosive heat. It was a sight that left the onlookers in awe, their mouths hanging open in disbelief.

The ease with which Terry dispatched the trolls was both captivating and terrifying. His power, amplified by the magic staves, allowed him to unleash devastating attacks that obliterated his enemies. Their upper halves were torn asunder by fiery explosions, leaving nothing but charred remnants in their wake.

Although the number of enemies coming increased as soon as they left, it soon decreased as well... it was taking longer for them to come from all directions.

"It is time to check the enemy’s base," Terry declared and then passed the Thunder Staff to Vanessa.

"While I can move an earth platform pretty fast, with our luggage and with the number of people, I won’t be able to outspeed the trolls," George explained.

As Terry contemplated their next move, a question weighed heavily on his mind. Should they continue to diminish their numbers by engaging the trolls head-on, or would gathering information and planning a strategic strike on their base be wiser? The thought of infiltrating the enemy’s stronghold under cover of darkness held its appeal. Still, there was one significant hurdle they had to consider—the biting cold.

Terry’s gaze wandered over the frozen landscape, the relentless grip of winter evident in every gust of icy wind. The extreme temperatures that had plagued their journey thus far were a constant reminder of the harsh reality they faced. The idea of venturing out into the frigid night, battling not only the trolls but also the numbing cold, gave Terry pause.

"We will spend just one more hour here, and then we will split; half of us will escort your guild members, and the rest of us will check the enemy’s base," Terry declared. "That will grant us the chance to outspeed them if they notice us."