SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The silver badge the shop owner mentioned.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was like an identification card issued by the Adventurer Guild.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Not so much to prove one’s real identity, but more to prove one’s skill.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
They were divided into copper, bronze, silver, and gold.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I’d heard that you had to pass a test conducted by the Adventurer Guild to receive a badge matching your skill level.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Good thing I signed up for this and that.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I lifted my head and looked up at the massive building.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
[Adventurer Guild]
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A flag fluttered, emblazoned with a symbol of crossed boots and swords.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I opened the door and stepped inside.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The place was filled with adventurers equipped with all kinds of gear.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Swords, axes, and bows were basic.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
There were also crosses and maces.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
All kinds.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
In the huge hall, there was a bulletin board plastered with request notices all over it.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Shall we take this one?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Doesn’t look bad.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Isn’t this too dangerous? To raise my rank this time, I have to take down this guy.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Passing by them, I moved deeper inside and found a space dedicated to new adventurers.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The New Adventurer Reception.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“No, that crazy lunatic just came out of nowhere and beat us up like that.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“He’s a mage. He used magic.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“He even took all our money. Sucked the life out of us. That damn bastard…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I spotted the same trio of thugs I had met earlier.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
In front of them was a woman who looked like a receptionist of the Adventurer Guild.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Th-That guy…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That guy is the one who did this to us.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Give me back my money, you bastard! I let it slide before, but not anymore.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The receptionist ignored the trio and gave me a bright smile.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Welcome. Is this your first time visiting the Adventurer Guild?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’ll help guide you. Could you please step aside for a moment?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
She gave a sharp smile toward the trio.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I got a sense of their standing here from that.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A chuckle escaped me.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I moved forward lightly, and they tensed up, backing away cautiously.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What brings you here?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I came to register as an adventurer.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“This is your first time, right?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What rank do you want?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Silver.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The silver badge is only issued to those with over a year of adventuring experience. For now, you’d have to start at the bronze rank…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I don’t have time for that. Isn’t there any way to get a silver badge immediately?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“…There is a way, but it’s very dangerous.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That’s fine.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The receptionist pulled something out.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A face was drawn on it.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Underneath were listed crimes they had committed in detail.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Murder, arson, rape, and more.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Almost human scum.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“These are criminals who once held silver badges. If you capture one of them, we issue a silver badge.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I think I’ve seen this guy before.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“He was in the Labyrinth Third Floor Residential Area, right? The one who caused trouble for you.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That guy had blond hair and wore glasses… Huh? This face is exactly the same?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The trio of thugs who had approached my side started acting like they knew the criminal list.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The silver-haired man they pointed to.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Six months ago, he’d received a silver badge and had murdered three party members who entered the Labyrinth with him.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You know where he is?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“No.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I don’t know.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Who’s that guy anyway?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Too bad. If I knew, I’d give you half the bounty.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The thugs grabbed the wanted poster and strode ahead.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What are you waiting for? Hurry up!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“At this rate, he’ll get away.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“With that slow pace, how do you expect to catch him?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
We left the Adventurer Guild together and headed toward the Labyrinth.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“But you really can catch him, right?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The bearded thug’s question made me curious too.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“How strong is a silver badge holder?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You’re going to hunt him without knowing how strong he is?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The ones walking ahead all stopped.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Keep walking as you are.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yes.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Alright.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Explain how strong they are. There must be some criteria.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Then the bearded thug came beside me and matched his pace.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Those who hold silver badges are usually intermediate Sword Experts—meaning people who can emit Aura.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“And mages?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“5 Circle.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“What level is that?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“…Not really sure. Silver badge mages are rare, so there’s not much info. I’ve only heard they’re 5 Circle.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Then how strong is a gold badge? Are there gold badge mages?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Rudmil is one. I’ve heard he’s 7 Circle. A strong enough force to move alone through the Labyrinth’s depths.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Listening to their explanations, I grew curious about my own strength.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
How strong am I right now?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I have S-rank skills, and enough mana to use those skills multiple times.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I should at least be A-rank.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Including the Guardians, my overall combat power is above S-rank, but personally, I didn’t feel like I was S-rank yet.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘I should check when I get back.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
General Yi Sun-sin also said: “If you know your enemy and yourself, you will never be defeated.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Not only knowing the enemy’s situation but also understanding myself was necessary. Because many enemies would come.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“This is the entrance to the Labyrinth.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Let’s go.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You’re sure about this, right?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’ll do the capturing. Just guide me. If it feels too dangerous, run away.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I followed the trio of thugs down into the Labyrinth.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Following their directions, we took stairs descending downward.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Repeating this, we came to a place where quite a few people had gathered.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Tents were set up here and there, each with a campfire in front.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Boss, that’s him.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The thugs pointed to a man with blond hair and glasses.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I went to where he was and sat opposite him.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Kron?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Who’s that?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“If you don’t know who he is, why are you fiddling with your sword?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“There are weird people here. If I slip up, my neck’s the first to go.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
His voice didn’t tremble, his acting was so good I almost believed it.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I judged it was an act because of detection magic.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I could see distortions of mana from him.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He was using magical tools or magic to change his appearance.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
There were also little habits I noticed.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘You said no need to spare him, right?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I pulled mana from the Dragon Heart and cast a spell.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Gravity Hand.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Kwang!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Kron slammed to the ground and passed out instantly.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I clicked my tongue watching him.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“If that’s the case… he must be at least 5 Circle.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I handed over the unconscious Kron and received the silver badge.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“How did you do it in just an hour…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“A trade secret.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The receptionist’s eyes went wide as I left.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I split the bounty exactly in half and handed it over to the trio of thugs.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“If you try to shake down the wrong person again, be prepared.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Yeon!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“I’ll follow your orders, boss!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“My lord! I obey your command!”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Leaving the noisy thugs behind, I returned to where the shop was.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Opening the door, the shop owner let out a deep sigh.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Why such a reaction?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I had expressed my willingness to help with revenge, so why the sigh? I looked at the shop owner curiously.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Like you said, I brought the silver badge. Is there anything else you need?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Close the door and come in.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I did as he said, closed the door, and sat where I had eaten earlier.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The shop owner brought over a warm cup of tea.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Plunk.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He set it down in front of me and sat across.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“You’re the fifteenth.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Huh?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“The fifteenth Successor of the Lord to come persuade me.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
So I wasn’t the first?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I was a little surprised by the shop owner’s unexpected answer, but it made sense.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was well known that I wasn’t the only Successor of the Lord.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“So, being the fifteenth means all those who came before failed?”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Ten of them couldn’t get the silver badge and left. The other five left because they couldn’t help me get revenge.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The shop owner’s expression caught my eye.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Not a trace of hope.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Now I understood why he sighed and told me to come back only after getting the silver badge.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘He’s already thinking they’ll all fail.’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
All hope had vanished for those 14 before me, and barely any expectation remained.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Nothing will change anyway. Don’t waste your time and go back.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“That just makes me more determined.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Well, I did what I had to. Do as you please.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The shop owner pulled something out and placed it on the table.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
A black scale.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was about the size of a palm.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I grabbed it and felt something on its surface.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Come back once you’re able to pierce a hole through this scale. There’s an empty field on the outskirts of the village for practice.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Rrrr!
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He pushed back his chair and stood up.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
He placed the bounty money earned on the table and turned around.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“First, prepare just 30 servings of the special Labyrinth meal.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Wait.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
The shop owner entered the kitchen and came out carrying a picnic bag. A delicious smell wafted from inside.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Had it been prepared in advance?
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Seeing this, I thought he hadn’t completely given up yet.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“It’s rice balls. Eat them, and if you’re not full, come back for more.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Then I’ll come again.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Grabbing the bag filled with rice balls, I headed to the empty field the shop owner had told me about.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Since the shop itself was near the outskirts, finding the clearing wasn’t hard.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Calling this a clearing…”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
It was more like a complete ruin.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Full of traces of someone having unleashed a barrage of magic.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Blackened scorches, cratered earth.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Land where no living thing could survive.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I stood in the middle, put down a rice ball, and lifted the black scale with my left hand.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
“Fire.”
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I tried to light a small flame, but the scale showed no reaction.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
‘Should I try using the strongest thing I can?’
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I formed a pillar out of earth and fixed the black scale atop it.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I took a step back and stretched out my arm.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
Flames erupted, taking the form of a bow. I pulled my right hand back to form an arrow.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I imbued it with the laws I knew.
SpecialCharactersAndSymbols!@#$%^&*()_-+=[]{}|;:\"'<>,.?/
I poured all the mana in the Dragon Heart to create a Blue Flame Arrow blazing with azure fire.
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This was the strongest attack I could currently use.
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Hoo!
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The Blue Flame Arrow left my hand, stirring hot wind as it rushed toward the black scale.
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Kagagagak!
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The arrow couldn’t pierce the black scale and vanished after consuming all the mana.
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Watching the disappearing flames sparked a determination inside me.
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“This is fun.”
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Gurgle!
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A strong signal from my stomach made me pull out a rice ball and eat it.
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Even one was satisfying enough to fill me up.
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With this, I could practice magic to my heart’s content, something I couldn’t normally do.
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“Let’s see who wins.”
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After filling the Dragon Heart with mana through Meditation, I raised mana again and cast magic.
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Woooong!
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Kwaaaaang!
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How much time had passed?
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When my eyes were open, I cast magic; when hungry, I ate; when sleepy, I slept, losing all sense of time.
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And for good reason.
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“This is fun.”
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The mystery and subtlety magic brought was so entertaining.
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Above all, I loved being able to freely wield magic.
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Like being possessed, I plunged deeply into it.
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I wildly cast spells with both hands, mixed magics of different elements, and tried all I could.
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Getting used to magic like that.
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As I learned about mana, I felt clear changes happening in my body.
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‘My physical abilities are improving.’
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In the process of constantly pouring out what I had and accepting the new, my body grew very fast.
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Normally, I would have been hungry, but I wasn’t.
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The power behind my magic was stronger, too.
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Even the same magic had completely different power.
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Above all else.
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I saw a new path to magic.
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A new world I reached through enlightenment.
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In that world, I found an answer.
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“Hoo.”
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I exhaled lightly and focused my mind.
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I felt the mana floating around clearly.
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I observed the mana.
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I observed my body.
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Pumping mana in the Dragon Heart, I actively activated the mana to temporarily raise my physical abilities.
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Done.
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‘Let’s finish this and go back.’
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Slowly, I sketched in my mind a strong spear that could pierce through the black scale’s nullifying power.
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I shaped it and imbued it with laws.
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On the firm and harmoniously established laws, I blended the special traits of the element I understood.
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Not just from what I gained on the status screen, but from the senses I’d derived by looking directly.
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Ssssss.
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Slowly opening my eyes, a spear made of pure white wind floated in the air.
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It spun endlessly but remained completely calm.
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Like the calm before a storm.
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“Hoo.”
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The completion of a spell was to give a name to that form. I had already thought of one while envisioning the spell.
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The dragon’s fang that would tear everything to pieces.
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“Dragon Fang Spiral Spear.”
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The completed spear surged toward the black scale according to my will.
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As the spear lightly struck the black scale, it created a fierce storm, shredding everything apart.
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Kwaggaggaggagang!
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The raging wind spread in all directions.
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Jjeojeok.
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Jjeojeojok.
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The black scale, unable to withstand the spell’s power, cracked and crumbled into dust.
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With it, the Dragon Fang Spiral Spear charged on.
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Beyond swallowing the black scale, it devoured everything in front of me.
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Kwaaang!
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A massive wind burst, creating a huge hole.
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A hole so huge and long that it stretched out of sight.
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Done.
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“…What is this…”
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The shop owner, who had just come to bring food, appeared.
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I saw Balak’s face and smiled.
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“Let’s go get your revenge.”
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