Chapter 12: Underground Waterway #1

Chapter 12: Underground Waterway #1

A curry can.

It’s still not very stylish… but at least it’s better than a tissue box, right? It’s sturdier.

It’s definitely beneficial to replace it.

I took the tissue box out of the subspace within my cloak.

「Replacing the Reliquary now.」

「Your true body may become somewhat vulnerable during the soul transfer process, so please be cautious.」

Then, the world around me became hazy.

The world turned upside down and spun around.

Whether I was looking into the curry can,

or the curry can was looking at Estel-

All my senses became jumbled and mixed up…

Finally, I regained consciousness.

「Estel Frostwind’s Reliquary

-Unique Item

-Durability: 12/13

-This is the Reliquary containing the soul of the Lich Estel Frostwind. If this vessel is destroyed, the Lich can no longer revive.

-In the past, it was an iron can used to store curry powder. It emits a faint, unique exotic scent.

Made of sturdy iron, it is resistant to impact.

-Additional Options: “Ability Storage” “Ability Release”」

「Your soul has been transferred to a higher-grade Reliquary. New abilities have been bestowed upon the Reliquary.」

「-Ability Storage: You can preserve acquired abilities in the Reliquary instead of your body.

Abilities stored in the Reliquary will not be lost due to the “Immortality” penalty.

-Ability Release: Summon stored abilities from the Reliquary to temporarily enhance your body.」

What, this is…?

‘This is good.’

This is an unexpected stroke of luck.

This changes everything.

The major drawback of the “Immortality” trait is that it hinders growth because you lose ability points every time you revive.

However, with the new “Ability Storage” option of the Reliquary, I no longer have to fear losing ability points.

This means the foundation for my growth has been laid much more stably.

However, from now on, ability points gained from leveling up will not be constantly applied to me, but will have to be used like a short buff through “Ability Release,” so more strategic thinking will be required.

‘As expected, yoga power.’

It was a good Reliquary, worthy of containing my soul.

Of course, it’s still just a can, so the coolness factor is low…

But it’s a huge improvement compared to the tissue box.

‘If I look carefully, I might find even better Reliquarys.’

First a tissue box. Then a curry can.

What will be next?

As I felt a flicker of interest, I suddenly realized I was like a hermit crab.

A hermit crab that carries a seashell on its back and uses it as a home…

Wandering the sandy beach in search of a better shell…

That’s exactly my situation right now.

Where is the Lich in this?

***

The next morning.

While taking an early morning walk around the village.

I spotted a familiar face.

A robust Orc shaman, reminiscent of an Indian chief.

He had eagle feathers in his hair and his body was covered in traditional tattoos.

“Ah, there he’s!”

“Hmm? A young lady I’ve never seen before…? Have we met before? That’s strange. Why don’t I remember…”

As I unintentionally pointed and greeted him, the shaman tilted his head.

Well, he wouldn’t know me.

I only know him from the game, so it’s a one-sided acquaintance.

This Orc is an NPC who levels up magic stones for a small fee.

“Where did you get so many magic stones?”

When I took out 450 magic stones, the shaman’s eyes widened.

It would be obvious if I told them I defeated the field boss Golden Horn alone, so I made up a story.

“Please use all of them.”

There is an option to convert some magic stones into money, but…

In the long run, investing in improving my stats is more beneficial.

Because I can earn money in many other ways.

The shaman closed his eyes and rolled the animal tooth necklace he wore around his neck.

“Om Var Saha-“

After a strange incantation.

The magic stones emitted a dazzling light and then turned into hazy smoke, seeping into my body.

「Used magic stones to increase abilities.」

「Would you like to store the acquired abilities in your Reliquary instead of your body?」

‘Of course.’

As I had decided beforehand, I decided to store all the abilities gained from the magic stones in the Reliquary.

As a gamer who prioritizes extreme efficiency, I cannot tolerate even the slightest loss of ability points.

「New powers acquired will be stored in the Reliquary.」

「 Estel Frostwind

Health- 4 Mana- 14(+2)

Physical Composite- 4

Magical Composite- 4

Faith Composite- 4

Alignment- Neutral

Trait- Immortality

Skills- Cooking, Running 」

「-Abilities stored in the Reliquary:

Health- 4 Mana- 12

Physical Composite- 3

Magical Composite- 6

Faith Composite- 0 」

Thanks to pouring in 450 magic stones at once, my abilities have significantly increased.

On the physical side, endurance, agility, stamina, and strength were primarily increased.

It’s probably because I ran a lot while playing Golden Horn and American football.

What’s more noticeable is the magic stats.

‘I haven’t even used magic yet, but it’s increasing on its own.’

Is it because the Lich’s magical talent was already at an extraordinary level?

My choice is further solidified.

Yes, Estel taking the mage path is the right choice.

In addition, although these are skills gained from my experience regardless of magic stones, I have added lifestyle skills such as low-level “Cooking” and “Running.”

I’m satisfied. This is the thrill of RPGs.

I’m becoming stronger and more skilled.

The road ahead is still long…

I’m not impatient. Because I know the fastest way to reach my destination.

‘Just wait for me, Michael. I’ll catch up soon.’

While I was inwardly steeling my resolve.

“Wh-why? This shouldn’t be happening…”

The shaman looked flustered with a troubled expression.

“The ritual was performed correctly… Strange! Why do I feel no improvement in you? Even after offering as much as 450 magic stones…”

The shaman’s pupils shook violently.

He probably doesn’t know that all my ability points were stored in the Reliquary.

“Well, this happens sometimes! It’s a very rare occurrence…”

The shaman, sweating profusely, returned the money with trembling hands.

“The magic stones have already been used, but… please take this.”

An unexpected refund.

I received money I didn’t expect.

‘If I play my cards right, I might be able to squeeze more out of him…’

But I shouldn’t be too greedy. Orc shamans aren’t fools.

It would be a disaster if I ruined my relationship with the shamans and blocked the path to leveling up magic stones.

In the worst case, my identity as the notorious Lich could be revealed.

“It’s okay. Things like this happen in life.”

I gave him a merciful smile, as if it were no big deal.

In reality, I hadn’t lost anything; rather, I had gained.

The shaman looked extremely apologetic.

“You are generous. I’m truly sorry. I swear this won’t happen again next time.”

Rustle, rustle-

He fumbled with his large, pot-lid-like hands and put something in my mouth.

A fragrant lemon scent wafted to my nose.

It was a lollipop.

“Please keep this a secret from others.”

Look at this guy. He’s treating me like a child right to my face.

Just because I’m short, does he think I’m a real child?

But it’s too troublesome to clear up the misunderstanding,

and the candy tasted sweet, so I just nodded…

***

After finishing the magic stone leveling, I returned to the rest area tent.

Flora was still lost in dreamland.

“Senior, let’s get up.”

“Yes… Yes… I’ll get up…”

No matter how many times I tried to wake her, she would only answer and then collapse back into sleep.

Should I just kick her and get it over with?

I seriously considered it while shaking her shoulder.

“…”

Suddenly, Flora sat bolt upright.

Her hair was a mess, and she gazed at me with half-closed eyes.

…Is she awake?

“Senior?”

“…”

“Are you awake or what? You’re scaring me. Wake up properly.”

Suddenly, Flora pulled my face into her embrace.

I felt like I was suffocating.

Dark, warm, and soft.

“Ah, why are you doing this! It’s suffocating!”

“Mmm-“

“Get off me-“

“It smells nice…”

She held me like a doll and sniffed me for a long time.

She said it made her feel comfortable.

‘She has a bad habit of sleep-hugging. I’ll have to be careful from now on.’

It took a little longer for Flora to regain her senses.

After washing up and eating breakfast in the tent.

“I’m going to the underground waterway. You and I, the two of us.”

I clearly explained my future plans.

Of course, I didn’t omit the explanation of the dangers that awaited us.

The complex terrain of the underground waterway, the monsters that inhabit it.

Flora listened to my words with a serious expression, her lips pressed together.

“Do you have any more questions, senior?”

“Ah, yes! Estel, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“When do we leave?”

Flora’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“As soon as we’re ready. But senior, did you hear what I said? It could be dangerous. No, it’ll be dangerous. That’s why I’m telling you in advance. I don’t want to force you, so tell me now if you’re not interested.”

“Not interested? I want to leave right away! Finally, after all this time, I can have a real adventure.”

Flora said she left the magic tower with great dreams to see the world.

To experience the vast continent, to personally master the realm of great magic, to help those in need…

…That’s what she intended.

However, she said she hadn’t experienced any significant adventures here in the frontier, contrary to her expectations.

At most, she said she had only caught a few wild boars by following other parties.

‘So that’s why her head is in the clouds.’

I didn’t want to dampen Flora’s spirits.

After all, Flora will soon find out, whether she likes it or not.

How dangerous and cruel the world of “Nine Stars” is.

I wonder if she will still be undeterred after experiencing the reality of the ‘adventure’ she desired.

In any case, I wish her good luck.

“Let’s go! Estel, I’m all ready!”

Flora, full of enthusiasm, pulled my arm.

Well, if I had to choose, a positive party member is better than a indifferent one.

But I’m not ready yet.

It feels a bit off to go to the underground waterway with just a dagger.

I need to learn magic.