Leon placed his hands on the chest, the intricate golden markings on its surface glowing faintly. With a low creak, the lid opened, and a burst of radiant light shot into the air. As the brilliance subsided, several items materialized, each exuding a powerful aura.

    [ You have opened the SSS Treasure Chest ]

    [ The following items and abilities have been granted: ]

    1. Queen''s Wail Armor

    Rank: Legendary

    Description: The enchanted armor worn by the Banshee Queen herself. Forged from ethereal materials, it provides unmatched protection against spiritual and magical attacks.

    Abilities:

    Soul Barrier: Absorbs 50% of incoming magical damage and converts it into mana regeneration.

    Wail Resonance: Reflects 20% of damage from soul-based attacks back to the attacker.

    Phantom Veil: Grants invisibility for 15 seconds, can be activated once every 2 minutes.

    2. Banshee''s Lament Scythe@@@@

    Rank: Mythical

    Description: A weapon formed from the Banshee Queen''s sorrow, capable of devastating both physical and spiritual entities.

    Abilities: Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire

    Soul Cleave: Deals 350% bonus damage to enemies with spiritual or undead traits, bypassing their defenses.

    Sorrowful Requiem: Unleashes a wave of despair, causing enemies within a 30-meter radius to experience a significant 30% debuff to speed and accuracy.

    Life Drain: Heals the wielder for 10% of the damage dealt.

    3. Skill: Piercing Cry

    Rank: SSS

    Description: A terrifying sonic attack that pierces through all defenses, damaging enemies and disrupting their concentration. There is 60% chance of causing Stun Status effect, while 40% chance of causing fear effect.

    Effect:

    Damage: Deals massive 100% physical and magical AoE damage, ignoring armor and magic resistance.

    Cooldown: 60 seconds.

    Extra: Deals additional damage to soul-based or undead enemies.

    4. Queen''s Crown

    Rank: Artifact

    Description: A fragment of the Banshee Queen''s legacy, symbolizing her dominion over despair.

    Effects:

    Grants a 30% increase in intelligence and wisdom.

    Enhances the user''s control over soul-based magic.

    By the witness of all spirits,

    By the witness of my own soul,

    I, Roman Gravis, pledge the vow of knighthood to..."

    He hesitated, looking up at Leon for guidance.

    "Just Leon," Leon said with a shrug. "I''m an orphan. I have no surname."

    Roman nodded, continuing solemnly.

    "I, Roman Gravis, pledge the vow of knighthood to Lord Leon. May my sword slay his enemies, may my body shield his body. By the gods who watch over this tower, I swear unwavering loyalty to Lord Leon."

    As Roman finished, he slammed his sword into the ground. A surge of magic erupted around them, forming a bright, ethereal sword in Leon''s hands.

    [ Place the sword in the knight''s hand to complete the ceremony ]

    The Tower System''s notification echoed in Leon''s mind.

    Leon gazed at the sword, feeling its immense power.

    [ First Knight''s Sword ]

    Grade: ????

    Description: A sword that materializes whenever a knight pledges a vow of absolute loyalty and devotion. It is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between lord and knight.

    Abilities: ...

    "Damn, this is powerful," Leon muttered, though he knew the sword would vanish once he gave it to Roman. Suppressing his greed, he handed the sword to Roman.

    [ Now accept the vow ]

    The Tower System prompted Leon, who nodded.

    "I, Leon, accept your vow and welcome you as my knight. May your sword slay my enemies,

    May your body shield my body,

    And may you be my friend, guiding me away from the wrong path."

    Roman looked up at Leon, surprised by the last line, as it wasn''t part of the formal pledge. He smiled and chuckled. "As you wish, my lord."

    The sword in Roman''s hand shone brightly before fading, signifying the bond''s completion.

    [ Congratulations, Ascender Leon, on gaining a Knight. ]

    [ Knight Roman''s status screen is now available for viewing. ]

    Leon nodded but didn''t need the Tower''s assistance. Using his own system''s appraisal, he could easily check Roman''s status.

    "Okay, now that the ceremony is complete, take these," Leon said as he began handing items to Roman.

    He started by taking out various treasures from his inventory. Roman stood there, stunned by the sheer number and quality of the items being given to him. He was already wearing the legendary-grade armor gifted earlier, and now Leon was giving him even more.

    "Here''s the sword," Leon said, handing over a Legendary Sword.

    "And these," Leon added, handing over several skills, potions, and high-grade items.