episode_0077

“Seems like there aren’t any others up here.”

Glasses B let out a sigh of relief as he spoke.

As he said, no bone worms existed on the other floors.

Unlike our expectations, it appeared that all the bone monsters had been mobilized on our floor.

‘Luckily, our fighting power is far stronger than anticipated.’

Even if we were surrounded by the monsters of the 4th floor, we could still escape safely.

Carrying Cheong Yurang on my back, I leaped forward.

“So, what are you going to do?” “About what?” “About Cheong Yurang, my lady.” “…….”

At Glasses B’s words, I blinked slightly.

By forming a master-servant bond, she awakened the blood of her lineage. Through that, Cheong Yurang became Fenrir and saved us.

‘But, no matter how I think about it—’

This doesn’t seem like just an ordinary ritual.

I might be slow, but—

Usually, if we categorize this—

‘King and subject.’

No, more accurately—

Or if we consider this world’s standards—

‘King and knight.’

That’s closer to the position we’re in, isn’t it?

If so, I suppose I’ve gotten tangled up in something extremely troublesome.

‘……But.’

I can’t really complain about it.

More than anything, I owe her a debt of my life.

Truthfully, with my current strength, escaping that place would’ve been impossible.

I had to overpower all those beings, and later, something akin to Rotbone or the Dark Knight showed up.

‘Admittedly, they were weak.’

But they were only weak relative to me—they aren’t pushovers.

And if I had exhausted myself killing all the bone monsters, there’s a high chance I would’ve lost.

“Well, you’ll figure it out. You’re that kind of guy.” “We’ve only known each other for a day, haven’t we?” “But it’s been the most intense day of my life. Honestly, back then, I even thought I was going to die.” “Is that so?” “Somehow… I feel like even if Cheong Yurang hadn’t been there, you might’ve found a way to survive.” “That wouldn’t have happened.”

—It would have.

When I denied it, the Holy Sword retorted.

—Of course, only if you handed over your body to me and got lucky.

‘Meaning you still needed my body anyway.’

—Even then, it would’ve been temporary. Due to the covenant… Hmph, I’ve said more than I should have.

‘Nonsense.’

The Holy Sword shuddered slightly.

Then, after a pause, it spoke in a somber tone.

—By the way, that Gift of yours… Do you plan on nurturing it?

‘Of course.’

—……Just in case, I’ll warn you—if that Gift grows and starts feeling too convenient at some point, be careful.

‘……Why?’

—That’s undoubtedly a technique fit for a devil… No one would deny its usefulness, but that power is also incredibly dangerous.

Come to think of it, even Lisihel mentioned it.

The Gift I possess, Plunder, is no different from a devil’s technique.

—It’s too useful, too strong. And too bizarre, too grotesque. That “stealing” you do—you steal space, and you steal souls.

‘…….’

—No Gift should wield that level of utility. The more you use it, the closer you grow to its original owner.

‘Is that also related to the [Fate] you mentioned earlier?’

But I have doubts.

The Gift’s owner? Does such a thing exist?

—Gifts are blessings bestowed upon humanity by the gods. But the gods vanished at some point, and what they left behind took the form of Gifts. Though, even I don’t know the finer details.

‘……I feel like I just heard something monumental.’

—And their so-called S-rank Gifts… They’re also the minimal condition for becoming a god.

‘Should you really be telling me this?’

—You say you don’t want to be a hero, but… You’re more qualified than anyone. Even before a month has passed, your presence is already this overwhelming. Who knows what kind of presence you’ll have a year from now? I can vaguely guess. So, it’s good for you to know these things.

Is that so?

I tucked away the knowledge the Holy Sword shared and glanced around.

Glasses B and Mayu, both visibly exhausted.

And Cheong Yurang, still asleep on my back.

Still, there was something bothering me.

Seeing how everyone who witnesses this skill calls it the technique of devils…

‘Guess it really is dangerous.’

Worst comes to worst, maybe I can fuse it during synthesis if the chance arises.

Lost in thought, we ascended to the upper floors.

As we moved up, sparse crowds of people came into view.

And every time we encountered them—

“Don’t go any further. It’d be best to head back for today.” “Huh? Who the hell do you think you are, ordering us—” Gulp—“S-Sorry, Lord Darrensel! This fool doesn’t know any better! We’ll turn back right away!” “Spread the word to anyone you meet on your way.”

And so, we kept circling back.

“Sorry for dragging you into all this.” “Ah, it’s nothing.”

Honestly, I don’t consider it a big deal.

They’ll either become Cheong Yurang’s subordinates or contribute their taxes to fatten her coffers.

Compared to how she saved my life, it’s nothing.

And then—

“……Seems the casualties were worse than expected.”

The Beast King sighed as he surveyed the survivors.

“……At least you all made it out alive.”

The Beast King’s gaze settled on us. He exhaled in relief before approaching.

“……Cheong Yurang must’ve worn herself out. Darrensel, come inside so we can talk.” “Understood. I’ll explain everything in detail.” “And you…”

The Beast King’s eyes turned toward me.

Tiger-like amber pupils scrutinized me intently.

“Darrensel. What do you think I should reward this one with?”

Darrensel briefly wore a thoughtful expression before answering.

“I believe a treasure from our people would suffice.” “No way! To a mere human—!”

Mayu interjected at Darrensel’s words. The Beast King’s gaze shifted to her.

Utterly indifferent.

“……Seems I’ve made a mistake. Perhaps I’ve been too lax with her upbringing, given how close she is to Cheong Yurang.”

With those words, something radiated from the Beast King.

Overwhelming fighting spirit.

Fighting spirit was inherently intangible, yet his was so dense it felt visible.

—Watch closely. This is the fighting spirit wielded by a nation’s apex.

‘……Good grief. That’s all fighting spirit?’

—You know it, yet you can’t quite believe it. His willpower amplifies it. At his level… That beastkin wouldn’t dare step foot in the labyrinth for at least three years, don’t you think?

‘……What kind of nonsense.’

—Fighting spirit fused with willpower shatters the enemy’s resolve. And if blended with killing intent, reducing someone to a vegetative state is child’s play.

The Holy Sword muttered gleefully.

Whether it was true or not, Mayu rolled her eyes, foamed at the mouth, and collapsed on the spot.

“Take her away. My apologies. I’ve been too lenient with her.” “……Not at all.”

It’s nothing serious.

He likely demonstrated his strength intentionally—his way of proving his worth.

—Hoh, you caught onto that huh?

‘……Showing the disparity in power outright is the quickest way to make a point… And she did blatantly cross the line.’

As I conversed with the Holy Sword, the Beast King smirked and spoke to Darrensel.

“So, is he worthy?” “Yes. While Cheong Yurang contributed greatly to this operation, it began with him saving our lives.” “Anything you need?”

The Beast King turned to me.

I froze momentarily.

I was supposed to receive two elixirs, but now he’s offering more rewards?

—Hoh, this era’s Beast King is quite impressive.

‘Because the reward is bigger than expected?’

—That, and the fact he didn’t discriminate against you for being human. He didn’t even shortchange you on rewards.

‘…….’

I’m just glad the Beast King truly lives up to his title.

In any case, I deliberated on what to request.

—Armor! Or perhaps shoes with superior mobility.

‘My shoes already have runes though.’

—Tch, those scrap runes are useless. Honestly, those aren’t even artifact-grade—just cheap tricks to inflate the price.

‘…….’

Diago, that bastard.

He gave me those things under the pretense of goodwill?

‘I’ll collect interest later.’

I looked at the Beast King.

“Do you have any shoes?” “Looking to enhance mobility? Mm, wind-affinity would suit you.”

After muttering to himself, he turned to his aide nearby.

“Very well. I’ll grant your reward now. You’re free to leave—fatigue from the labyrinth should be rested off immediately. Mel, give him one of those.” “Understood.”

At the Beast King’s words, the beastkin man resembling a secretary handed me a small box.

“I hope you find them to your liking.”

The steward named Mel flashed a confident smile.

‘……Appraisal.’

Shoes That Swallow the Wind (B) Shoes that grow faster the more wind they consume. ◇Generates wind upon equipping. ◇Consumed wind grants momentary bursts of speed.

—Wait, you have Appraisal too?

‘Huh? Isn’t that standard?’

—What are you, an onion? Just how many layers do you have?

Ignoring the bewildered Holy Sword, I checked the remaining items.

[Elixir] Dragon Vein’s Essence ◇Greatly enhances the user’s stats and mana upon consumption.

[Elixir] Elixir of Purification ◇Expels impurities from the user’s body.

—Both are solid. The Dragon Vein’s Essence boosts mana, and the Elixir of Purification clears bodily impurities, allowing faster mana circulation. The Beast King chose well for you.

Since the Holy Sword approved, they must be decent.

With a grin, I accepted them.

—

[Mana increased by 10.] [Impurities cleansed. Strength, Agility, and Stamina increased by 3.]

—

Strange rumors circulated through the village.

I first sensed it that evening while drinking at the tavern.

“Hey, you hear? Lady Cheong Yurang is marrying a human man.” “What?! But that guy looked pretty strong.”

Gossip like this filled every corner.

Criminal’s Ultimate Art let me gather more intel: the entire beastkin kingdom was abuzz with such rumors.

‘Unavoidable.’

As comfortable as this place was—

It could never be my true resting place.

‘Time to head back soon.’

I bought a new home, hired cleaners, and should be able to move in shortly.

The clan likely replenished its members too—soon, I’ll return to the [Cradle].

I strode toward Diago.

“Hey there, Hero. Quite the impressive showing this time. Even if your mouth denies it, your body clearly—” “We’re bailing.” “This punk’s gotten way too casual.”

What’s it to you?

Right now, fleeing is more important.