Mutation #4

 

“The Sage’s Transformation Stone

—Other items

—A magical stone created through the experiments and research of ancient wizards. Formed by chance in the chaotic environment of a polluted sedimentary deposit, it cannot be recreated by any means.

—「Wish Realization」: Converts to the most helpful item at the current time.

—Number of uses remaining: 3 times

The transformation stone began to emit a mysterious light.

I don’t know what this stone will turn into.

One thing is certain: whatever it is, it will definitely help me.

There was a time when I decided to seriously study the Sage’s Transformation Stone.

When is the best time to use this stone?

Early? Middle? Late?

The conclusion I’ve come to is that the right thing to do is to use it as soon as you learn it.

That’s right, the most efficient way to grow is to receive valuable items early on and use them to snowball your growth.

Even if you use a conversion stone to get a valuable item in the later stages, it will be a little less fun.

By then, you’ve become strong enough to gather enough artifacts on your own, even without the Transmutation Stone.

It’s easy to understand if you compare giving 100 million won in cash to a poor student living alone who can’t even pay rent with giving 100 million won to Bill Gates.

‘I wonder what will come out.’

By the way, what does Richie get when he uses the Transformation Stone?

Surely you’re not giving me a pretty dress for a girl to wear?

I wait with anticipation, curiosity, and a hint of anxiety…

“The Sage’s Transmutation Stone has been transformed into a Blood Magic Book.”

“The Transformation Stone is waiting for your next wish to come true. Current wish: 0%.”

“Number of uses remaining: 2”

The light from the transformation stone faded, and it turned back into a shabby stone.

And then, a book with a cover as red as blood appeared in my hand.

Blood Magic Book

—Book items

“A cursed book of magic containing the fundamentals and advanced techniques of necromancy. It is considered forbidden, and even curiosity about it is met with severe punishment.

‘wow.’

They’re giving this to you.

The legendary magic book, of which there are only a few left in the world, the ‘Book of Blood’.

I didn’t expect it at all.

But, when I thought about it, it made sense.

Lich is the world’s greatest expert in cold magic and necromancy.

To regain my lost power, I must learn the magic of the shaman.

Indeed, the wise man’s judgment on the transformation stone was appropriate.

‘Besides, this book is incredibly hard to come by.’

A necromancy book that raises the dead and casts all kinds of blood and curse magic.

Even if you decide to get it, you will have to pass the mid-game point to acquire it no matter how fast you try.

If only I had gotten that bloody magic book at this time…

The calculator in my head started spinning.

“This would be a completely different story. It would be like giving wings to growth.”

I carefully packed the magic book and the transmutation stone into my bosom.

The Transformation Stone will bestow upon me two more suitable gifts in the future.

And, if you use them all the number of times, a fantastic event will occur at the end.

I’m already looking forward to it.

“Hey kid, do you look happy?”

Mitchell tilted his head, studying my face carefully.

“What good is it?”

“The dungeon exploration has ended safely, so that’s good.”

“Well… it’s dirty and smelly here, but the loot is pretty good, right?”

Mitchell also smiled with satisfaction.

Wagner’s bag is now even more stuffed than before he first entered the dungeon.

Although they used the food ingredients and consumables they brought without sparing any effort, the loot they collected was even greater.

The subspace was so full that I had to stuff everything into the empty spaces in my bag.

That’s all money. The sight of gold coins glittering beautifully was already vivid in my eyes.

Especially this time, it’s filled with byproducts of monsters that are far more expensive than rat tails or whiskers, so you can expect a big profit.

“So, Estelle, are you returning to Garden now?”

“Hmm. We’ve reached the last section of the dungeon, so let’s head back.”

Nod.

Wagner slung his shield and mace behind him and adjusted the straps of his heavy backpack.

In some ways, this guy is an essential member of our party.

Without him, that heavy burden would have had to be shared between me, Flora, and Mitchell.

‘Okay, I should go back.’

I’ve pretty much got everything I need to get here.

Yeah, I’ve done enough.

I packed everything I needed to pack.

However, I hesitated in place for a moment, unable to take a step forward.

I know why.

‘There’s one thing I missed, though…’

Although I cleaned up the polluted area, I only collected the rewards that I could have gotten if I had played normally.

If you really play to the extreme, there is still ‘that boss’ left.

A hidden boss that only appears under certain conditions.

However, for now, it’s just a pipe dream.

Since I hadn’t even considered it from the beginning, I wasn’t prepared.

Above all, it is not a boss that you can catch if you want to catch it, and you need luck to meet it.

‘I don’t know if the vigilantes will come here.’

I licked my lips with regret.

“Estelle, hurry up and go-“

“Oh, yeah.”

Flora, who had been waiting, ran over and grabbed my hand.

There’s nothing I can do.

I gave up my foolish thoughts and left the boss room.

***

The atmosphere on the way back after the adventure was peaceful and friendly.

It’s still a stinking underground sewer with fluorescent wastewater, but now it feels familiar.

“We’ve conquered this vast territory. Seems pretty impressive, huh?”

Flora ran ahead alone like an excited child, and sometimes hung on Wagner’s shoulder for no reason.

No, he’s more like an excited puppy than a child…

Mitchell and Wagner, now relaxed, also watched Flora affectionately.

“Senior, walk forward and look ahead. You’ll fall into the shit again.”

“yes-“

Flora, who was swaying with her braided hair, came up to me.

“Ms. Estelle, by the way, I heard that a new cafe opened in Garden. Have you heard about it?”

“⋯No. It’s the first time I’ve heard of it.”

“That’s amazing—the magician from Nirvana himself is giving us a ride. When we get back, would you like to go with me? How about it?”

Indeed, it’s almost that time.

The cafe is a place where there are only small, fun events with no special rewards, but this information is still important.

If the cafe is opening at this time, it means that the main event of the Garden Settlement, Dawson’s “Rebellion” event, is also coming soon.

When I get back, I should start preparing for the next quest.

“Mr. Mitchell, what do you think? Mr. Mitchell, you’re coming too. Okay?”

“What kind of car is that? I don’t really like it.”

“Huh? Don’t elves naturally like tea? I heard they have a keen sense of smell, so they can enjoy the rich aroma even more…”

“I don’t really know. It just feels rough and dull.”

Mitchell waved his hands and shuddered.

This particular elf just seems to like alcohol the most.

“I’m telling you, this time I’m going to hit it big. I have a good feeling about this. The dungeon exploration went smoothly—maybe I’ll even get ten or twenty times that.”

Ukya-kya—

A laughter full of desire, not at all like an elf.

If you look at his characteristics, he definitely has a gambling addiction. Absolutely.

“I want to buy some new exercise equipment⋯.”

No one asked, but Wagner muttered to himself behind his back.

Light conversation, comfortable atmosphere.

Everyone feels more familiar with each other than before they first came to the dungeon.

My first unnamed party in my “Nine Stars” playthrough, which I came across by chance.

Neither the wizard, nor the warrior, nor the martial artist has any particularly outstanding abilities.

There is no guarantee of rapid growth in the future.

They are common and ordinary adventurers that can be seen anywhere in this world.

But, I didn’t hate them.

It’s okay to be ordinary.

I liked it because it was ordinary.

‘I wish we could hang out a little longer.’

I want to at least lay the foundation for growth.

So that you can continue to do well even without me.

“You guys, I mean.”

I made up my mind and opened my mouth.

My colleagues, who had been talking about their own things, turned to look at me.

“By any chance, would you like to join the Adventurer’s Guild?”

“Adventurer’s Guild?”

Flora asked back with a puzzled expression.

“Huh? I thought there wasn’t an adventurer’s guild in Garden-“

“Senior, it doesn’t have to be now, but later. You never know what might happen. Who knows if the opportunity will ever come?”

“That’s true.”

Living as a day-to-day adventurer in Garden, the future is not bright.

Ultimately, to take one more step up, you have to play in big waters.

I need to leave the garden and go out into the wide world.

The quickest way to do that is to join a guild.

I’m preparing to do that too.

As Flora said, the poor western Garden frontier doesn’t have any proper infrastructure, let alone an adventurer’s guild.

I am sure.

Just once.

Even in this gloomy sky and gray earth, a rope of salvation is lowered.

This is an opportunity you absolutely cannot miss.

“If I sign up for that, will I make a lot of money?”

Mitchell said, picking his nose nonchalantly.

Miss⋯.

People are trying to be serious and talk about it.

Stop using your pretty face so carelessly.

The round, clumped-up booger was flung out and fell into the sewage.

“Someone once asked me to join. It was complicated, so I said, ‘Oh, man,’ but—well, I might change my mind.”

“If Mr. Mitchell does it, I’ll do it too! All four of us will join, okay?”

Flora circled us with sparkling eyes and said:

If this guy were a dog, he’d be wagging his tail excitedly by now.

“Mr. Wagner too – do it together, do it together -”

“I don’t know if I’m qualified….”

Wagner seemed a little hesitant, as if he lacked confidence.

In some ways, this is a more realistic reaction.

That’s understandable, since the Adventurer’s Guild isn’t a neighborhood social club that just anyone can join.

These guys are by no means useless pieces of trash, but they need to improve their skills more than they are now.

Even Mitchell, who is considered an ace, is in a precarious position. Flora, in particular… will have to work very hard.

However, if you really want to join the Adventurer’s Guild.

It’s better not to regret that decision later.

I will grit my teeth and force myself to get to the level where you can join.

No matter how much you cry and beg, that moment will never be turned back.

I’m the type of person who doesn’t compromise once I set a goal.

“If the opportunity comes, I too-”

“Shh, Bear!”

Suddenly, Mitchell’s ears perked up.

Mitchell covered Wagner’s mouth with his palm, his eyes wide, and stared into the darkness ahead.

The relaxed atmosphere from just a moment ago vanished in an instant, and a tense atmosphere, like a bow with its arms taut, enveloped Mitchell.

“It’s coming… What’s coming?”

“A monster or a human?”

“A person. He’s running… His footsteps are irregular. Is he staggering? Maybe he’s injured.”

thud.

Wagner put the heavy bag down on the floor.

Wagner didn’t ask any more questions and immediately took out his shield and mace.

Flora also kept her mouth shut with a tense look in her eyes.

“There are three of you. What are you going to do, kid?”

The party is ready to fight.

The final decision is mine, as the party leader.

“I’ll look and decide. If I give you a thumbs-up, I’ll wait and see. And if I give you a thumbs-down—”

I slit my throat with my thumb.

However, I only said this in words.

My thoughts are already pretty much set in stone.

The underground waterway is an area that cannot be entered without permission from the captain of the guard.

There shouldn’t be anyone else in this place other than our party.

If, despite that, someone else came in⋯

“Ugh, gasp- what the hell, what the hell are these guys!”

A rough roar, like that of a wounded animal, shook the waterway.

Soon, three men, drenched in blood and sweat from head to toe, suddenly appeared from the darkness.

As expected from you guys.

To think that we would encounter a vigilante search party against a one-fifth chance.

Is it good luck or bad luck?

“Let me ask you just one thing.”

A vigilante looked at me with eyes filled with desperate hatred.

“The trap behind there… Did you guys set it?”

“A trap? Was there something like that? Be careful.”

I deliberately smiled innocently.

Estelle is a baby.

Estelle doesn’t know anything.

“I guess so.”

The vigilante spat out blood-tinged saliva.

Judging by the way you look, it looks like you had a hard time because of the trap I laid.

I wish you could tell me more about that story.

Because I put a lot of effort into making it.

But, I don’t think we can afford that.

We’re not even close enough to sit down and have a friendly conversation.

Let’s start slowly.

“Hey guys.”

With a cool smile—

Swish.

I gave the party members a thumbs up.