episode_0102

As you know, I removed 3 Shield cards from the Elementalist’s Deck.

The cards left to remove from the Elementalist’s Deck are now the low-tier cards.

Given the characteristic that the requirement increases the more you remove, it’s a loss from those cards onwards.

That’s why I wondered if it might be safe after a long time? So I changed my deck and came inside.

『Current Deck: Rogue’s Deck』

The Rogue’s Deck, which brought amazing results this time.

Unlike the non-attribute Elementalist deck with powerful attack power, it’s a deck armed with utility.

Unfortunately, proper farming hasn’t been done, so seeing various cards or relics in this way is also an option.

However, before looking around.

“I’ll buy all 3 potions.”

First, a full purchase of 3 potions.

Unlike cards and relics, they directly affect my physical abilities, making them the most versatile.

In fact, my physical specs are also insufficient to move to higher floors.

If there’s a reason why Noah, the Apostle of the Evil God, has such a sturdy body, while I am weak. Maybe it’s telling me to raise my physical specs with this.

Since realizing that, I’ve been making full purchases of potions.

Moreover, these are status potions that feel like they permanently raise stats.

I consume them immediately.

Gulp, gulp.

As expected, they tasted terrible, making it difficult to swallow even one whole.

After managing to drink two, then all three, I could definitely feel a change in my body… is what wouldn’t happen.

Maybe it felt a little easier to breathe? That much?

But hoping that each one of these accumulates and I can someday become as steel-bodied as Noah, I scrape up every last drop.

“…You drink well.”

“I’m getting used to this too.”

After feeling a strange smell in my mouth and waving my hand to clear it away.

I started looking at the rest.

And I immediately noticed a difference.

“As expected, it changes depending on the deck I’m currently using?”

“Yes.”

The contents of the bundle had clearly changed.

When I went from the low floors to the mid floors, the card pool and relic pool also changed.

It seems the reward table is different depending on the hand I have and the floor reached.

First, I check the cards.

[Blind (0)] – Instantly obscures the sight of 1 person.

[Mutilate (3)] – Attacks an enemy with numerous slashes.

[Decisive Blow (2)] – Upon defeating an enemy with this, re-enter [Stealth] state.

Nothing that really grabs me.

The 2 and 3 cost attack cards [Decisive Blow] and [Mutilate] are too bad.

As for [Blind], I already have the [Stealth] state to hide myself from many people, and using up 1 card slot feels too much like a chicken rib (something not worth much but hard to discard).

Besides, since I now have 5 energy, wouldn’t it be okay to include slightly heavier cards?

Look at the Elementalist’s Deck, which was a trash bin with useless low-tier cards. Didn’t the deck sometimes get clogged?

Therefore, I skipped the cards again.

Now, what was left was a relic.

[Old Bag] – Draw 1 more card only on the first turn.

[Probability Dice] – A random effect occurs every turn.

[Red Frog] – Gain a Fire Jump card every turn.

It finally appeared.

[Old Bag].

The god of relics that appeared once at the beginning and then never showed up no matter how much I searched through relics.

Usually, there are so many relics that help with supporting or acquiring useless low-tier cards, making shop relics full of traps; this is one of the few versatile relics there.

My initial hand size was already a bit small. If I get this, I’ll be able to start with 5 cards for the first time in a while.

Without hesitation, I paid the price.

As soon as I drew my hand, 5 cards were drawn.

It was truly moving.

How long had it been since it was reduced to 3 cards?

“Then, what’s left is this, right?”

Khaman pointed at the card removal box.

And I immediately put one [Stab] card in.

It was a matter of course.

Another basic card in the Rogue’s Deck, [Dodge], was surprisingly useful. But [Stab] was utterly terrible.

Immediately feeling a sense of relief.

“Then, see you next time.”

“Go on in.”

I had thought I would return without picking up anything special.

But since I got the [Old Bag], this time it was a great success.

I hope my luck continues like this.

Flare.

As the bonfire slightly flared up, my consciousness faded.

When I came to, I was once again on the table, looking outside.

Looking at the bright moonlight with a pleasant feeling, I lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

Perhaps because it was a bed for receiving distinguished guests, it was incredibly comfortable.

*

I spent time enjoying sightseeing, purchasing a few strange-looking magical items, and visiting the Magus Tower branch in the Empire.

True to being the Imperial capital, there was more to enjoy and see than I expected.

And the treatment was also extremely good, so it felt like I had taken a vacation.

Of course, in between, I also trained with Cailic at the state-of-the-art training ground in the Imperial capital.

Since I need to loosen up my body sometimes, it wasn’t too bad.

Time passed, and finally, the moment arrived.

Wearing a tuxedo and dress that I would never normally wear, I headed to the party venue.

Luca fiddling with her dress, looking awkward.

The other clan members didn’t seem particularly uncomfortable.

Surprisingly, even Cailic.

But seeing his body stiffen. He seemed a little nervous.

Well, I found it wearable.

Which was natural, considering I bought it yesterday.

“Then…”

I parted ways with the clan members.

From now on, I have to act not as the leader of the Blue Sun Clan, but in the position of the Magus Tower Master’s disciple.

I immediately headed towards where the Magus Tower’s mages were gathered, and went towards my Master.

“You look much brighter dressed like that. How nice it would be if you wore clothes like that, not just dark robes all the time.”

“Haha. The robe I always wear has defensive functions.”

“Well, it’s about time you changed that too. For the Magus Tower Master’s disciple to still be wearing a robe used by low-floor explorers every day.”

To be precise, I had spent a good amount of money back then and bought something decent enough for the 4th floor.

If the Magus Tower Master’s disciple uses gear only effective on the 4th floor, it could certainly hurt his pride.

“Sit down for now.”

“Yes.”

I sat down next to my Master.

That seat which even the heads of each school of the Magus Tower could not easily sit in.

Receiving envious looks from a few young mages, I appropriately ate and drank.

The definitely extravagant dishes that gave the feeling of being treated.

Using fresh and good ingredients, it was truly high class.

While I was having a windfall after a long time and chatting appropriately with my Master.

Someone approached this way.

“Oh! Guild Master!!”

“…Is your health a bit better?”

Guild Master Razan naturally sat down in front of my Master.

Moreover, his voice, though respectful, felt friendly.

Are they connected?

“The Guild Master’s grandfather was my close friend. I saw him since he was just a tiny little thing. How he trembled when he first entered the labyrinth.”

“Haha, that’s right. It was quite a long time ago.”

The Guild Master seemed used to the Master bringing up such stories.

And when old people like this gather, they immediately start talking about the past.

“Haha, it was truly amazing back then. If you hadn’t stopped it, thousands of explorers could have died, you know?”

“What about the Magus Tower Master who had a showdown with the Empire? Seeing how quiet you are now, it’s sometimes surprising.”

“I was indeed fiery in my youth!!”

Well, actually, his personality is still quite something, but hearing the stories, it seems he was truly the rascal type. Of course, that was almost 50 to 60 years ago, but.

Listening intently to the two old men’s past tales, time passed, and the event began.

Whether I should call it fortunate or not, the Emperor is not attending this party.

Apparently, this party is like the eve of the main event in the first place.

The main event tomorrow is a short audience directly with the Emperor.

However, whether that would be considered impolite, or perhaps hurt their pride. They held such a large party before the event.

And usually, the Crown Prince would step up and be the figurehead for such occasions.

This time, the Crown Prince is a no-show.

Therefore, the Imperial Chancellor led the party.

“Heroes who thwarted the wicked plans of the black mages spread throughout the 11th District of the Labyrinth City. Please drink and enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content today.”

After that, a short address continued before the party began.

Drinking, eating, chatting.

It was a time to meet nobles and various connections who had come to build relationships.

Of course, some people did come over this way.

But with the Guild Master and the Magus Tower Master present simultaneously, it seemed difficult to approach casually.

Indeed, the Magus Tower Master was originally famous for his eccentric and fiery personality. And the Guild Master gave off a feeling of being difficult to approach.

‘Rather, I thought they would be more daring when faced with this.’

Seeing that, the Guild Master gave a clearing of his throat for no reason.

Perhaps there is something I don’t know.

I had thought there would be eccentric aspects to choosing the profession of Guild Master, which only the strongest explorers can do.

Think about it.

They say they are chosen from high or deep floor explorers at a minimum. Such people would have already accumulated enough money to live comfortably for a lifetime.

Why would they bother doing the job of a Guild Master which doesn’t even pay much?

Of course, there is power.

If they wanted power, it would be much better to join as a knight somewhere.

In other words, only people burning with a sense of mission become Guild Masters.

Of course, excluding the elected Guild Master, they don’t need to be strong explorers, so perhaps people like Vice Guild Masters are different.

Anyway, I had nothing to do.

While wasting time with these thoughts and others.

My Master struck my back hard!

“Go on down now.”

“Yes?”

“Shouldn’t you meet people too?!”

“…Yes.”

Since my Master, who was already unconsciously releasing mana to check everything around, said this, my safety was probably guaranteed.

I immediately bowed to my Master and the Guild Master and went down below.

As soon as I did, after a light small talk with the school heads who were visible.

I came down to the main stage.

“Oh!! Isn’t that the Savior of the 11th District?!”

“…Yes?”

Suddenly, someone called me by a strange nickname and extended a handshake.

For now, I accepted the handshake.

“Savior of the 11th District, Witch Slayer, Magus Tower Master’s Disciple, etc. It is an honor to meet Ivan Arcana, whose stock is high these days.”

“…Thank you.”

“I am Count Entrio.”

He was a Count. A noble rarely seen in the Labyrinth City.

Count Entrio, with fluent speech typical of nobles whose primary activity is social interaction, poured words onto me.

I just smiled and nodded.

While doing so, I saw Grace and Luca approaching from afar.

Just as I was about to speak to escape this conversational swamp with the excuse that acquaintances were waiting.

“How about it? Wouldn’t you marry my youngest daughter?!”

At Count Entrio’s sudden declaration, all eyes around us converged.

And Grace, who was next to me, gaped.

Luca’s ears perked up towards the sky.

What on earth is this person talking about?