episode_0072

In the original work, the player’s activity range covered the entire map of Earth.

If the character wanted, they could move to any part of the map.

Of course, the main stage of Part 1 was the Siyolam.

This was not just a recommendation but a necessity, not blocking the player’s escape through the system.

However, the problem with rushing out of Siyolam is that the growth graph gets stuck in the abyss.

In the 7th round, unable to suppress curiosity, I tried to escape Siyolam and failed miserably, almost as bad as the first round.

The growth was painfully slow, to the point where I had to deal with assassins and bounty hunters just to make a name for myself as a special admission student.

With no support to back me up, suspected defectors targeting my life, trying to recover and heal my wounds only slowed down my already slow growth even further.

Whether it’s dung or soybean paste, you have to taste it to know.

The result of not being able to suppress curiosity could only be obtained after investing one round.

Therefore, Part 1 was firmly attached to Siyolam.

To achieve the fastest growth theoretically, I had to stick to Siyolam for four years and absorb the blessings of growth.

In Part 2, after graduating from Siyolam, the player can wander around the map.

By then, the world will be covered in dark clouds, but regardless, movement is still possible.

However, there are occasionally places where you cannot move.

To be precise, there were hardly any places that the system forcibly blocked.

Most of the time, it was because the character’s conditions or specs were insufficient.

For example, in previous rounds, the Golden Warrior forcibly broke through the floating island that was inaccessible before, and could bring it down.

If the conditions are met, almost any map can be thoroughly explored.

– Deolkeok

My body flinched for a moment. It was a slight twitch. Normally, I wouldn’t feel such a subtle discord, but it rang clearly in my ears.

I glanced around discreetly.

Information about the luxurious train interior was transmitted. Unlike the usual structure, each seat was divided like rooms.

It was a luxurious seat that was expensive enough to be intimidating. However, the feel of the handle in my hand didn’t feel too awkward.

It was similar to the sensation in the dormitory. Have I become accustomed to such luxury items?

After leaving the Edinburgh Gate Terminal, I boarded a train heading north.

Since Hidden Pith near Edinburgh was not found in the original work, and there was no sightseeing purpose, I quickly scanned the spatial perception and departed.

It was around 4 a.m. local time.

It was a time when the sunlight was hidden. Siyolam, located in the middle of the North Pacific and the Scotland region, had a time difference.

Although a day had already passed in terms of date, there was no problem returning to Siyolam according to Siyolam time.

‘…It’s vast.’

The information outside the train was changing endlessly.

Passing through areas that looked like cities, and passing through a natural spectacle of green leaves.

Even though the train kept moving without stopping, the incoming information was endless. It seemed similar at first glance, but there were differences in detail.

Continuously receiving such information, I couldn’t help but think once again how vast the world is.

It was a feeling similar to when I first stepped out of the orphanage.

The difference now was that I couldn’t see the sky. There were no clouds covering the sky, and there was no sun, moon, or stars in sight.

Back then, it was fascinating to realize that concrete structures were not the entirety of the world, and it was strange that no matter how much I walked, there was no wall.

Also, the fact that there were so many people in the world, and that most of them seemed happier than me, made me feel so jealous…

– Pair

Just before the unnecessary sentimentalism continued, a slap on the cheek brought back the dazed mind with a sting.

Startled, I shook my head.

“Should I really go to a mental hospital?”

As I rubbed my heated cheek, worries flooded in.

Warning signs for my mental health were felt.

Of course, I wasn’t originally a mentally healthy person.

I knew that my mental state was somewhat unstable, but recently it seemed to have worsened.

Since using the Fear skill, emotions would suddenly burst out, and sometimes tears would flow uncontrollably when practicing alone at night.

“…Is it dangerous?”

The results of the psychological test I took with Professor Liana a few days ago hadn’t come out yet.

After seeing the results, I would have to decide whether to go to the mental hospital or not.

Although I felt resistance to going to the mental hospital, it would be much better than suddenly going insane and causing harm.

For a superhuman… or rather, for an active hero, mental health was an important issue to be handled carefully.

Superhumans were not like ordinary people. The power they possessed was on a different level, and if their minds went haywire and they started causing havoc, the damage wouldn’t just end with a little harm.

If they went completely off the rails, they could become a full-fledged villain causing significant harm. So, for heroes, managing mental health was an essential virtue.

As I pressed my cheek with the water bottle I had, the transition from nature to the city felt like a spatial perception.

I had arrived at my first destination.

My final destination was Sifnaha.

The goal was to obtain the Confession Necklace that could be acquired in the dungeon near there.

But to come all the way here just for one Confession Necklace on a weekend seemed like a waste of time.

Moreover, there were things to be gained on the way to Sifnaha.

I had planned to spend the weekend gathering a few Hidden Pieces that could easily be obtained here.

Hidden Piece, high-grade artifact “Lake’s Jewel”

An artifact in the form of a blue jewel that transforms absorbed magic into water vapor.

This vapor possessed properties of purification and healing, essentially functioning as a semi-permanent healing potion.

When sticking to a solo strategy, healing-type artifacts like this were crucial, and the Lake’s Jewel was a frequently sought-after artifact even in the later stages.

I remembered the location. It was sold at a miscellaneous shop in northern Scotland—

“Lake’s Jewel? Those crafts have been sold out for a few years now. They were taking up space because there was no demand, so we barely managed to sell them off as trinkets.”

…Huh.

Hidden Piece, high-grade artifact “Spear of Vengeance”

An heirloom of a hero who once roamed the battlefield during a chaotic era.

The armor that clung to the hero seeking revenge on monsters became imbued with a curse-like uniqueness due to several coincidences overlapping.

When the spear caused a wound, the malevolent energy seeped into the wound, hindering recovery and worsening the injury.

Excessive contamination by the malevolent energy could even lead to life-threatening complications.

Despite the gruesome description, the effect when killing something was excellent. Most monsters, once pierced and slashed, suffered permanent losses.

Similarly, it was stuck in a corner of a small weapon shop in the Scottish map terrain. People had not yet discovered the function of the armor that had lost its light due to the curse.

Frequently found after the 9th round—

“Oh, I see. About ten years ago, this place used to be a forge that also sold armor. They didn’t do well, so they disposed of the stock and moved elsewhere.”

Ugh…

Hidden Piece, material item “Bycon’s Horn”

A rare fantasy material derived from the horn of a Baikon, it contains a unique energy that makes it a difficult material to handle.

It may be difficult, but with the skill of the creator, it can be used effectively.

Although my crafting skills are mediocre at best, I have plans to learn from someone who can pass down their crafting skills to me.

If I ask that person for help, they could make a decent weapon for me. Or I could keep it and sell it later.

Acquisition method—

“I’ll sell it for this much, what do you think? While it may only be used for decorative purposes on your end, it could be quite useful material for you, so isn’t this price reasonable?”

‘Oh.’

I didn’t have high expectations. Before thinking about the two previous failures, the Baikon horn was a type of hidden piece that was hard to obtain even if I wanted it.

I nodded my head and took out some bills from my pocket. Even as my skills improved, cash was still preferred in the market.

“Good deal.”

– Nod

It was the same on my end. The price was a bit, well, quite expensive from my perspective, but compared to the armor that could be made from this horn, it was a reasonable price.

I nodded my head and reached out my hand. I grabbed the horn with a distinctive jet-black color—

– Huh!?

The moment it touched my hand, the Baikon’s horn emitted a startling vibration, as if it had touched something that should never be touched. It was a deadly vibration, as if it had touched something fundamentally forbidden.

I felt the same way. Suppressing a strange revulsion, I tried to hold on, but something fundamental rejected that horn.

The horn clashed with my energy several times. The horn trembled precariously, then suddenly turned into powder and crumbled down.

“……”

“……”

The dense powder piled up in the seller’s hand scattered in the wind.

An unexpected silence settled.

The seller’s eyebrows trembled as well. He brushed off the dust remaining on his hand, then spoke in a timid voice.

“…There was no issue with the product.”

Damn it. So, is the issue on my end then?

My head throbbed.

I hate this world…

* * *

[“The Curse of the Beauty Park” brings misfortune and unhappiness]

[“The Curse of the Beauty Park” consumes one’s life force]