episode_0058

I couldn’t move for a while.

Because Mijeong was hugging me and wouldn’t let go.

In the end, I gave up.

I decided to give up and continue stroking Mijeong’s head.

This way, I can quickly fill up my mana so she can wake up soon.

“Now, let go.”

“…No mana.”

“Don’t lie. I’ve been stroking for over 10 minutes, why is there no mana?”

“…”

Mijeong’s mouth closes, as if she has no more excuses.

As I subtly let go, Mijeong no longer clings to me and stands on her own two feet.

Finally, I get to see her face.

She didn’t shed tears, but her face is a mess.

It seems like she thought I wouldn’t come to save her.

Of course, that’s not true.

How much money have I invested in Mijeong?

Even if it’s a waste, I have to save her.

[Achievement Unlocked]

[Hunt Druid Kali!]

[Four Kings Assassination Progress: 1/4]

At that moment, a system window appears before my eyes.

It’s the first time I’ve hunted a Four King.

[You can loot 2 characteristics of the hunted Four King.]

What?

Surprised, I rub my eyes and the screen changes before I can look again.

[Please select the characteristics to loot.]

[1. Characteristic: Sturdy Spider Web]

[2. Characteristic: Night Vision]

[3. Characteristic: Nutrient Absorption]

…

As expected, the Four King has more than one or two characteristics.

The system window displays a total of 40 numbers lined up.

At first glance, it looks like a luxurious buffet, but it’s not quite like that.

Most of them are tailored to Kali’s body, so there are things I can’t use.

Even if I could use them, the efficiency would be low.

I checked each one just in case, but there’s nothing that catches my eye.

I scroll down to the last window.

And there it is, number 40.

[Characteristic: Celestial Gauntlet]

[Deploys a spherical gauntlet that reflects all external impacts. Mana is consumed for deployment and maintenance.]

I need this.

The ultimate defense characteristic in the game.

It’s not just about being tough.

It provides perfect protection against all physical forces.

Of course, the Celestial Gauntlet is not invincible.

It consumes mana quickly, making it difficult to maintain.

And it can be removed by specific magic, as I just did.

Of course, such exceptions are rare.

Considering that most magical attacks ultimately deal damage through physical force, it’s unlikely to be bypassed easily.

[Loot ‘Characteristic: Celestial Gauntlet’ from Four King Kali.]

Good.

Actually, this alone is enough.

[You can loot 2 characteristics of the hunted Four King.]

You can choose 2.

Apart from the Celestial Gauntlet, everything else is mediocre, but if I find the most useful one…

[17. Characteristic: Disguise]

[Disguises the appearance of an object.]

This one.

It’s useful in a subtle way.

You can carry a sword where you need to disarm, for example.

Of course, until the proficiency rises enough, the available usage time is short and there are many restrictions.

As soon as I finish my selection, I check my status window.

[Initial Characteristic: Guardian Knight]

[Stats are amplified when protecting someone. If not activated, there is a penalty of 5 to basic stats.]

[Characteristic: Analysis]

[Discovers information about items.]

[Characteristic: Dakia Style (lv.10)]

[Masters the forgotten ancient one-handed swordsmanship. Understanding of one-handed swords increases.]

[Characteristic: Merida Style (lv.9)]

[Accepts the swordsmanship of the Elven tribe and improves the traditional one-handed swordsmanship. Understanding of one-handed swords increases.]

[Characteristic: Frost Style (lv.9)]

[Masters the swordsmanship of the Frost royal family. Understanding of two-handed swords increases.]

[Characteristic: Fame]

[Checks one’s fame value.]

[Characteristic: Weak Point]

[Can see the weaknesses of monsters. Effective against all types of monsters.]

[Characteristic: Celestial Gauntlet]

[Deploying a spherical glove plate that reflects all external shocks. Magic is consumed in deployment and maintenance.]

[Trait: Camouflage]

[Disguises the appearance of objects.]

Hmm. Satisfactory.

It’s not a particularly special trait, but it’s all top-notch without any unnecessary extras.

Filled only with A-grade traits discovered through repeated regressions.

Considering it’s only been 4 months since the last regression, the progress is tremendous.

Not to mention preventing the corruption of the World Tree and eliminating one of the Four Heavenly Kings.

It’s hard to imagine a better early situation.

“Even the Four Heavenly Kings don’t know my name yet.”

Of course, they’ve had a proper run-in with the Four Heavenly Kings.

I destroyed Belphagor’s avatar and killed Cali, so they won’t treat me like a pushover anymore.

They’ll do everything in their power to eliminate me.

But that’s a story for when they can find me.

How can those who don’t even know my name find me?

If even the trio of main heroines who know me well couldn’t find me, those guys have no chance.

“What’s this dark thing? It seems to be made up of black energy…”

A black bead rolling next to Cali’s corpse.

Alicia cautiously approaches and asks, poking the bead with a twig, “Oh, that’s a mana stone.”

“Huh? This? Then, does that mean the black mana stone you had…”

“Yeah, it’s the same thing.”

“…?”

Alicia alternates between the black bead on the ground and the black mana stone in my hand.

“Ugh!”

She quickly turns around and vomits.

She probably never imagined that this stone was made from such disgusting dark magic.

Ignorance is bliss.

“Another top-grade mana stone has been acquired.”

Of course, I don’t care about the quality.

I’m just satisfied with having another high-end mana stone.

But where should I use this?

It’s not like I’ll get significantly stronger by hanging mana stones all over my body.

I’ll have to process it first and decide whether to use it or sell it based on the additional effects it provides.

“Alicia, keep your back turned.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

“It might be a sight you don’t want to see.”

“Ugh!”

Thud.

As soon as I stab a dagger into Cali’s corpse and split her back, I hear her vomiting from behind again.

That’s why I told her not to look.

Typically, the core of a dungeon is located in the last room.

However, in the case of a unique dungeon created by the Four Heavenly Kings, the core cannot be found no matter where you look.

Because the core of a unique dungeon is the heart of the Four Heavenly Kings.

“Mijung, can you open this up a bit?”

“Sure.”

“Gosh, why is it so deep? How far do I have to go?”

“Shh! You’re being too loud!”

“Then maybe you should cover your ears.”

“My ears are too long to be covered! That’s why we’re called long-eared!”

“What do you want me to do?”

Squelch. Splat.

After struggling with the disgusting spider body for a while, I finally find the heart.

As soon as I cut out the heart.

Thump…!

A strong vibration echoes throughout the dungeon.

The core of the dungeon has disappeared, signaling its imminent collapse.

We need to get out quickly.

“Ifrit, go up and bring a ladder.”

“Do I look like your servant? Oh! More importantly! The ladder is broken!”

“Wait a moment!”

At that moment, the shells crackle and crackle.

Ifrit reflexively tries to throw fire, but Alicia shouts to stop him.

She had a reason to stop him.

“A person…?”

What came out from inside the shell was none other than people.

Elves.

A commotion broke out.

Dozens of elves were discovered in the middle of the dungeon.

They were none other than the elves who had entered this dungeon a long time ago.

It seems that Cali had kept them captive to feed the baby spiders.

Unfortunately, some were already eaten by the spiderlings and died, but some survived.

As the dungeon seemed like it would collapse at any moment.

There were many people to evacuate, but there was no major problem.

Because there was a shortcut from the last room to the door.

The elves quickly brought ladders, and the evacuation was done in an instant.

All the rescued people were safe.

The remains of the deceased were also collected as much as possible.

As soon as I climbed up and crossed the door, the dungeon collapsed and crumbled.

I almost died.

“You are…”

“Remember. You have never seen me before. Understand?”

“Yes…”

Covering the mouths of the rescued elves.

When we came out to the surface, the fresh wind and sunlight greeted us.

Of course, there were no welcoming crowds.

Since the dungeon itself was confidential, located underground.

It would be troublesome if the fact that the dungeon was destroyed was made public.

I’m more comfortable not having my name known.

“I am always filled with remorse, Lord Michael Jackson. You have achieved such a great feat, but there is no one to acknowledge it…”

However, it seemed that the elders did not think the same way, as they continued to fidget in front of me.

We had decided to receive the rewards for clearing the dungeon separately.

If I do well on this, I might be able to ask for one more favor.

“Dad! Why are you coming so late!”

“Haha… I’m sorry.”

I turned around at the choked voice.

I saw a male elf staggering towards me, and an elf boy wearing a baseball cap running towards him.

The boy ran so fast that his hat almost flew off, and he collided with his father as he hugged him.

‘I believed you would be alive.’

They say if you believe strongly enough, it becomes reality.

I was relieved.

I turned away from the dramatic reunion and walked away.

I probably don’t need to ask for the baseball cap back.

I’ll just keep it as a memento.

After the commotion passed.

We washed ourselves, ate, and rested to soothe our minds and bodies.

Alicia was exhausted as this was her first experience of such a dirty and brutal battlefield.

I had too many minor injuries.

I could easily fix the broken bones and heal the wounds with potions, only minor injuries remained, and there were no major ones.

“But why can’t I use magic?! Wasn’t I supposed to master it?”

However, the problem lay elsewhere.

I was sure I had awakened to magic in that dungeon.

I even managed to break the heavenly gauntlets that were indestructible by physical force.

So why can’t I even use 1st-tier magic yet?

“Um. Are you sure you concentrated properly?”

“I did, right? Look at this! I can use telekinesis perfectly fine!”

“Um…”

With a quick and light movement of my hand, a cup from a distance flew and landed perfectly in my hand.

Now, using telekinesis had become as easy as breathing, a simple 5th-tier magic.

Watching this scene, Alicia made a puzzled expression.

“You awakened telekinesis, a 5th-tier magic, and yet you can’t even do basic magic… This is truly unprecedented. Would you like to come with me to the Tower of Magic? If I make you my research subject, we could produce a tremendous amount of research papers.”

“Don’t scare me. I don’t want to be dissected.”

“It’s just a joke. All the magic you’ve learned so far has been non-attribute, right? Maybe you are only suited for non-attribute magic?”

“That could be…”

Unbelievable.

Why are there so many weirdos like this?

I also want to shoot fireballs and wield lightning whips without any trouble.

Elemental magic is easier to progress in, starting from basic magic and gradually advancing, not only is it easier for those who have learned it, but there are also many opportunities to receive separate teachings.

But non-attribute magic has none of that.

I can only pray to stumble upon an enlightenment on my own, or accidentally meet a hidden master of non-attribute magic.

I don’t know what this is all about, it’s not even a martial arts novel.

“Ha. I don’t know. Where did I learn to use Yeomdong?”

“Hey, Eugene.”

“Yeah? Why?”

“But are you going to let me keep biting you?”

Alicia asks with a slightly awkward expression.

Ah. Is she talking about the unknown person hanging on my back?

I had forgotten that the sensation of being bitten had become so familiar.

“Meow.”

“What’s wrong? It’s not even wearing out.”

“It’s just a bit weird to see.”

“Why does it matter? Maybe you think it’s a common habit for younger siblings to bite a lot.”

“You mean biting the back of your neck…? Did I come from a different world than you?”

Alicia furrows her brow in disdain.

There’s nothing to say because she’s right.

I did actually come from a different world.

“More importantly, it’s about time.”

“What time?”

“It’s a secret.”

After letting go of the drooling Mijeong, I get ready to leave my seat.

Mijeong looks at me with a slightly disappointed expression.

“I’ll be back soon. I’ll be exploring Elvengard with Alicia, practicing magic, and so on.”

“Yeah. I’ll wait.”

Mijeong now has a strong, trusting gaze.

A look that seems to be filled with strong confidence in me.

I chuckle, pat her head roughly, and then head outside.

“It’s over there.”

I take out a small note from my pocket.

It’s an invitation.

Although the address is written here, I seemed to have wandered around for a while because the geography and address system of Elvengard were unfamiliar.

It would have been much faster if I had asked for directions.

I stubbornly insisted on finding my own way and ended up getting lost in the dark.

“Welcome. The road must have been complicated.”

“Hahaha. It was a bit of a struggle.”

As the door opens, the priestess, Mia, greets me warmly with a smile.

I’ve never seen such a smile before.

Just looking at her smile makes me feel good and smile back.

“Come in quickly.”

“Excuse me. Do you live alone?”

“Yes, that’s right. No one can come into the priestess’s house.”

“What about me?”

“You’re an exception. I invited you myself. Eugene is my first guest.”

Mia promised to buy me a meal, but she decided to cook for me instead.

I didn’t expect to end up coming into Mia’s house alone like this.

“Oh…”

The house smells nice.

The pleasant scent of wood and Mia’s scent mix subtly, making it a scent that makes you want to keep smelling it.

“Let me pour you a drink first.”

“Is the food not ready yet?”

“Actually, I’ve already prepared everything, just need to heat it up.”

“Then why…”

“I just wanted to chat. I didn’t invite you over just to feed you, you know.”

“Of course not.”

Mia brings a bottle of wine and places it on the table.

A 30-year-old Trivium.

She remembered that it’s a wine I like.

Then Mia, sitting with her chin in her hands, looks at me intently.

So intently that it’s a bit uncomfortable.

“I really owe you a lot this time.”

“Listening to the prophecy of the World Tree for a lifetime is payment enough. It’s sufficient.”

“We could just pay that and keep quiet. But that would make me uncomfortable. So… if you have any questions, please ask! After all, we’ve seen all the flaws of Elvengard, right? I can tell you everything.”

She has a conscience.

Mia is truly the best.

If it were the conscience-stricken High Elf elders, they would have tried to evade the question by looking around and saying, “Isn’t this enough?” But Mia is different.

I have so many questions I want to ask Mia at this opportunity.

First of all, starting with what I was curious about on the first day.

“The reason why Ifrit went on a rampage was because he found out about the dungeon.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“How did Ifrit find out in the first place?”

I had been curious about this all along.

During the previous 12 chapters, Ifrit had never gone wild and set the World Tree on fire even once.

It was clear that a new variable had appeared in Chapter 13.

But I still didn’t know what it was.

I had to find out in order to ease my unease.

“That guy would definitely go crazy as soon as he heard about it. Who on earth told him?”

“Oh, that person… Actually, she’s not from Elvengard.”

“Are there other people besides those from Elvengard who know about the dungeon?”

Given Elvengard’s reputation, they would have gone to great lengths to keep it hidden.

But if there was someone outside Elvengard who knew about the dungeon?

Who could it be?

“Outside of Elvengard, there’s only one person. A woman named Yuria Petenbourg knows about the dungeon.”

“…”

What?

Why did Yuria’s name suddenly come up?

My heart sank.

Cold sweat poured down my face.

“That woman came to Elvengard a week ago and left. She probably mentioned it to the Fire Elemental Lord at that time. Oh, and this wine was a gift from Yuria when she visited.”

“Oh…”

Mia pointed at the wine bottle.

30-year-old Trium.

It’s a wine I enjoy drinking, thanks to Yuria teaching me about it.

Yuria, who pretended to have no connection with Elvengard and never showed any interest in this place, had changed her behavior.

There was only one reason that came to mind.

‘Yuria has also regained her memories…’

It was now certain.

All three main heroines had regained all of their memories.