episode_0117

“Is that so?”

[People of the world! Look here! Please help defeat the wicked group that kidnaps poor monsters!]

“······Noisy.”

[Thwack!]

Mi-jeong swung the bat.

The fox’s screams echoed through the gloomy forest.

“Guiho. I have a favor to ask.”

[Is that how you ask for a favor! Stop this blood-sucking vampire from hitting my head with a bat!]

Guiho growled and resisted, clinging to my side.

He had been struggling and causing a scene, trying to escape, but every time he did, Mi-jeong would hit him on the head, so now he was much calmer.

It seems like his will to escape has disappeared.

“If you behave, he won’t hit you. But more importantly, do you know where we are?”

[Isn’t this Sanchung Forest? The aura flowing here seems even more sinister than it was a hundred years ago.]

“From now on, we will teach you sorcery here.”

“What? Me? What do I gain from this?”

“I won’t reveal your true identity to people.”

“How is that a merit! Isn’t it just a simple threat!”

As Guiho raged, Mi-jeong raised Blin’s wooden bat (enhanced +1), and Guiho calmed down again.

It seems that the whip is effective on beasts.

“And.”

“And?”

“Now you can roam freely outside.”

“What does that mean!”

As Guiho was about to protest, he bit his tongue again.

Guiho’s gaze turned to the side.

He caught the first rays of sunlight peeking through the trees.

Despite being a forest full of eerie energy, at sunrise, it presented a beautiful sight like no other forest.

Guiho stood still, overwhelmed until the sun rose completely, then opened his mouth.

“I haven’t seen the sunrise in a long time.”

“I’m sorry for breaking the sorcery. I was just trying to absorb the magic of the sorcery. I didn’t know you couldn’t replenish that massive amount of magic.”

“No, I had a feeling. No matter how much I trained and focused on recovery within the sorcery, I couldn’t regain my former strength. It’s a natural consequence of being injured. I’ve been deceiving the entire northern region for hundreds of years, relying on vague hopes without seeing reality.”

Guiho started to confess weakly.

Now he didn’t even try to escape, just sat there.

Not in his distorted space within the sorcery, but on the open land under the blue sky.

Guiho’s intuition was correct.

Even if he stuck to the sorcery from now on, the chances of regaining his former power were slim.

In fact, in the story, Guiho was defeated by the final boss who appeared about a year from now.

If he continued to be stuck in the sorcery without meaningful power, it would be better to bring him out now and use him, in my opinion.

“I’ve been stubborn because of my pride. Being led by others to come out makes me feel relieved. Thank you. If teaching sorcery can repay that favor, I will teach as much as you want!”

Guiho looked back with a strong cry.

Whether he made the choice himself or not, his expression was full of determination, devoid of any resentment.

“Alright. Let’s get started then.”

Great.

Shall we begin?

Prepare to face Ye-rina…

“Um, sir! Is this really your first time handling magic?”

“Is that so?”

I’ve never seen such a genius before! The concept of numerology is not an easy one! Numerology is a method of invoking magic by infusing space itself with mana! It’s a completely different level of difficulty compared to using totems, talismans, or cursed dolls as mediums. Just carving mana into space alone requires at least five years of training, so how can a newbie like this…!

Gyuho, who marvels at me as I effortlessly draw numerology.

Is it really that difficult?

I just wave my fingers with magic flowing like ink, and it comes out the way I want it to, right?

“Confess the truth! Where did you learn this from? If you’re from the shaman faction, I know everything, so if you lie, I’ll catch you right away!”

“Really, it’s my first time doing this.”

“I can’t believe it! I’ve never been so excited! Among all the children I’ve seen in over 2000 years, you have the greatest talent! It’s as if you were born to become a shaman!”

“Um… Master Taesu. I’m stuck right now, can you teach me a bit-”

“Be quiet! There’s no time to waste on insignificant bugs like you with such precious talent! Instead, sit here and continue your training! I can see that this spot gathers spiritual energy, replenishes mana, and is the best place to draw numerology! Hurry!”

After scolding the girl who raised her hand, Gyuho waves his tail at me again.

I follow Gyuho, who leads me by the sleeve, and continue my training on the rock.

In an instant, mana from all directions rushes towards me, making it slightly difficult to breathe, while I feel power building up in my fingertips.

‘Is this talent that only comes once every 2000 years?’

It seemed strange.

My talent in swordsmanship is decent.

My talent in magic is considered trash by Alicia.

So, where does my talent lie?

It seems to be in numerology.

It’s unreasonable for a person to have no talent at all.

‘Luck was on my side.’

Most people with talent in numerology go their whole lives without knowing.

But thanks to knowing the information in this game and going through regressions, I was able to learn numerology from Master Taesu and be recognized for my talent.

It’s a relief.

I see hope.

After mastering the Darkia-style numerology, I was worried about not seeing a clear path for growth.

Now, it seems like I just need to build my skills through numerology.

Numerology is the most minor yet highest-scoring magic among shamans.

Mastering it will allow me to stand shoulder to shoulder with superhumans.

‘Rumors have reached the south that a Banibanigirl resembling the daughter of Yevgenia has appeared. It will take a week for Yerina to arrive here. Master numerology within that time!’

With my talent, it should be more than possible.

And so, I firmly believed.

Three days have passed.

“Frustrating! How can there be no progress at all in three days! Let’s move forward! Move forward!”

“You said it was easy, right?”

“It is easy! If you know how to draw numerology, progressing to the next level is a piece of cake! Why can’t you do it? With that genius talent of yours? Oh, forget it. I might as well go teach a bug. He’s about to advance from the 2nd level of numerology to the 3rd level after just three days.”

“…”

Surprisingly.

I haven’t taken a single step from the starting point in three days!

‘Basic 0-level numerology. Form of a square pyramid. Infuse mana and shape it!’

I follow the instructions I received.

In my mind, I visualize the form of the 1st level of numerology, a cube.

I twist the numerology to progress to the next level.

“Push back! Push back! Push back! Push back! Push back! Push······!”

“Hahaha! Well done, Taesoo! Level 3!”

[Well done!]

“······Level 1. Complete.”

[Oh? An unexpected bloodkin at Level 1. Quite impressive.]

“······.”

It seems like Oggi has caused quite a stir.

After almost giving up, I pick up the young magi with trembling hands.

It seems like it’s time to make a decision now.

“A once-in-a-millennium genius talent is a load of crap.”

I scoff at Guiho’s flattery.

It was only natural for me to know how to draw the basics of numerology, starting from Level 0.

I forced my way through the basics of spellcraft through my attribute.

That’s as far as it went.

I had no exceptional talent.

I couldn’t surpass the basics I gained through my attribute.

It’s just a simple fact.

[You sensed the magi two days ago and already reached Level 1 in just one day. You’re not an ordinary person.]

“······Hmph.”

In the midst of this, it’s somewhat comforting to see that Mijeong seems to have a decent talent for spellcraft.

Even though Mijeong and I may drift apart in the future.

Becoming a skilled spellcaster would be a tremendous merit.

“Tsk. It’s not working out.”

“Well, I expected that. You, with your pathetic magic skills, think you can excel in spellcraft? People like us, with no talent, just watch future gloomy spellcasters practice.”

“True. Let’s just do that.”

Alicia, who has now sat beside me, leans her head on my shoulder.

The long rabbit ear that was tickling my ear and hitting my cheek now wraps around my neck like a scarf.

“What are you doing?”

“Masking the scent.”

“Why are you masking your scent on me? Are you trying to advertise that I’m your mate? If you’re going to do that, it’s better to mark your territory with urine-”

“Hey?! That’s not it! I’m not masking my scent on you, I’m masking your scent on me! So that when my sister finds me, she can be sure that I was kidnapped by you.”

“I see.”

Alicia glares at me, her face flushed with anger or maybe arousal.

Oh right. It was always me who was in heat.

“I don’t think you need to worry. It seems like it will be Mijeong or Bugle who will send you back to my sister, not me. If things don’t work out, I can lend you my magi, and Guiho can draw it.”

“I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I’m most worried about you, who keeps raising the stakes. Acting as if you can overturn all the evil in the world alone.”

“Don’t exaggerate. I’m just breaking Yerina’s illusions. You know that. Yerina is blinded by her own fantasies.”

“It’s not just that. You try to solve everything on your own. Without explaining to anyone. Just heading towards something alone, making people around you explode.”

“That’s······.”

“Something you can’t explain? Something that explaining won’t make any difference? I know. Vaguely. I can feel what you’re fighting against. Even if you explain it to me, I won’t be able to understand it at all. How much more difficult would it be for others.”

“······.”

Tightly.

Alicia holds my hand.

She interlaces her fingers and rubs the spaces between my knuckles, masking the scent.

Having fought alongside Alicia in Elvengarde, it wouldn’t have been too difficult for her to guess my goal.

She must have realized that I am moving to capture a formidable opponent from another dimension that this world cannot handle.

That’s why she understands.

The fact that explaining to others is futile.

Actually, I tried my best to warn of the impending danger over the past 12 rounds.

Do not enter any dungeon that is about to become the Black Star Dungeon.

Evacuate as Four Heavenly Kings with such abilities are expected to appear.

I repeated such recommendations, warnings, and threats many times.

Some succeeded, but most failed.

Even if you know future information, it is not easy to move people’s hearts without evidence.

So, until the true identity of the final boss is completely revealed.

I have no choice but to break the dungeon alone, defeat the Four Heavenly Kings, and cause chaos.

“But please understand this. You are not alone.”

“That’s a bit… touching.”

“And. Perhaps your sister can understand you.”

“Ridiculous. No way.”

“You. You have something hidden, right? Isn’t that so?”

After climbing onto my thigh and poking my chest with her index finger, Alicia whispered.

I think I know what she’s talking about.

Is she talking about my transmigration and return?

She probably doesn’t know and said it, but now I have no choice but to deceive Alicia.

“I think your sister will accept you even after hearing all those secrets.”

“Impossible. That’s a serious delusion?”

“It’s just a suspicion, I can cure it.”

Alicia laughs slyly with the method of madness in her hand.

“Your sister can be your true confidant. I can’t, but…”

“Why do you think that?”

“The difference in fate is too great. You can tell just by looking. Women have sharp senses.”

“…”.

“Right now, you should probably avoid your sister. But please, when your sister has mastered this method and understands everything about you, can you face her again?”

Alicia whispers quietly in my ear.

For some reason, her voice is trembling.

Even at a time like this, Alicia only thinks of my well-being.

I smile enviously at Alicia, who has such a loyal follower.

“Okay. I’ll do as you ask. When that time comes, I’ll face my sister and settle our fate.”

“Okay. Just hearing that answer is enough…”

Alicia starts to shiver as she clings tightly to me.

It seems like her body temperature is rising.

“Can you let go now?”

“Hehe. But isn’t it strange? The person who kidnapped a woman, enchanted her, and treated her as a slave, is now treating that slave with care. Shouldn’t I treat you a little more roughly to make it natural? Shouldn’t I leave some marks on my body?”

“…”.

Swoosh.

Alicia turns her head away from my ear.

She breathes heavily as if her lips are about to touch mine at any moment.

Marks on the body.

Certainly, a wicked sorcerer would have hit or left signs of punishment.

But…

“No.”

“Huh?!”

“I can’t do that. I’m not that wicked. Yerina will notice. I’m not the type to act like that.”

I grab Alicia’s wrist and lift it up.

Then, I lightly brush my thumb over her thick makeup, revealing the scar underneath.

Even though I may deviate slightly from conventional morality, it is not barbaric to touch a child who has been injured.

No matter how corrupt I may be, I will not stoop to that level.

I believe that, and Yerina will too.

So, seducing Alicia here or using a dagger is out of the question.

“Or was that just a temptation? The constant heat mode of a rabbit-like creature?”

“Excuse me?! No! What a strange imagination…”

[Stop doing embarrassing things in front of others. Have humans these days lost their sense of shame? Well, rabbit beastmen are originally that kind of species, so I guess it’s understandable.]

At that moment, from afar, Guiho shook his head while sticking out his tongue.

It was just a simple task of masking the smell, but it seemed quite embarrassing.

Nevertheless, it should be enough to cover it up.

“Anyway, thank you. Now, step aside.”

“Eek?! I-I can’t······.”

“Oh, right.”

Swooosh······

Finding a suitable handle, he turned and pushed Alicia aside.

As Alicia let out a melting voice, warm steam rose up from below.

Ah······.