Chapter 147
Chapter 147
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 147
Chapter Title: Chapter 4. Uruun, the Land of Entertainment and Culture
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"…What’s that supposed to mean?"
Judah asked in a flustered voice. The count toyed with the ring on his finger and let out a scoffing laugh. Come to think of it, I’ve been in your shoes before. A faint trace of nostalgia softened the count’s stern expression ever so slightly.
“I’m saying I’ll hand over the fragment I possess to you.”
The count spoke in a congratulatory tone. When something you desperately wanted fell into your lap so easily and unexpectedly, it was only natural to feel suspicious rather than joyful. Especially since this wasn’t some item dropped from hunting beasts or monsters—and it was something no one would ever give away for free. Judah eyed the count warily, wondering what his angle was.
“No need to be so guarded. There are no ulterior motives. Unfortunately, no one has the right to refuse this. Well, the fragment’s original owner, the liege, might be an exception—but you’re certainly not him. So whether you want it or not, since the fragment has chosen you, its owner is now you. No matter what anyone says.”
“……”
“Hard to believe, isn’t it? That such fortune has come your way? I felt the same.”
The count gazed out the window with a distant look as he continued.
“That’s how it was for me when I received the fragment. Looking back now, I think I finally understand why its previous owner—her—was so consumed by madness, her mind unraveling. She told me the same thing: that the fragment had chosen me. She said it with a voice like she’d been saved, looking at me. Back then, I had no idea what she meant.”
“Her?”
Judah’s eyes widened with curiosity at the mention of the fragment’s previous owner, a story he’d never heard before.
“Yes. Her… Why am I only remembering her now? She said she was haunted by nightmares every day. That her only peace was when she was with me. That’s right. How could I have forgotten? I thought it was the greatest regret of my life, yet I must have been so happy that I let it slip my mind.”
He let out a hollow, self-deprecating chuckle.
“I doubted her just like you’re doing now when she offered to pass the fragment to me. How could I not? She was handing over something everyone coveted, with no strings attached.”
The count sighed softly.
“I couldn’t believe her and foolishly refused. She didn’t force it. But not long after, I learned she’d been ambushed by a group coveting the fragment. When I rushed to her side, hoping against hope, I found her—the woman I thought could never die—standing amid unrecognizable corpses, gravely wounded. She should have died long before, but she clung to life, waiting for me, and passed me the ring. She said I was its owner from then on.”
That’s how it was. The count murmured to himself, then stared straight into Judah’s eyes.
“You were the trigger. From the moment the ring resonated, the fragment I held had already chosen you as its next owner. The nightmares I’ve had were threats—warnings that it would make them real if I didn’t pass it on.”
“What if I refuse, like you did in the past?”
“Then I’d be consumed by madness, just like her. I might even kill those around me… And like her tragic end, I’d meet a tragic one too.”
He said it so matter-of-factly. The count pinched the ring between his index finger and thumb. He tried to pull it off but hesitated. His hand trembled slightly as if he were lost in thought with his eyes closed. Then, as if he’d made up his mind, he slowly removed the ring, gripped it tightly, and held it out to Judah.
“Take it. From now on, you are the ring’s master.”
Just like that?
Judah stared down at the ring resting in the count’s palm. An antique band that looked priceless—and truly was beyond monetary value—lay there. The count, seeming utterly sincere, extended his hand further as if urging him to take it.
Judah glanced at the count’s closed eyes, then picked up the ring.
A mix of emotions washed over him: the thrill of acquiring a priceless item like in a game, relief at not having to kill the count, unease that it was all too easy and something must be wrong. He let out a long breath.
──────────────────────
[Name: Fifth Fragment - Valentine]
[Grade: Legend]
[Equipment: Ring]
[Effects]
Magic Power +3, Magic Resistance, Charisma, Charm +4
Magic Power Capacity +100%, Recovery Speed +300%
[Description]
The fifth piece of Perlnen’s Heart Fragment. The band is forged from meteorite iron, plated in gold, and embedded with the fragment. Its antique feel lends dignity just by wearing it, and a strange magic flows from it, enhancing the wearer’s charm. The authorities granted to the ring are 「Fate」 and 「Honor」, which alter the user’s destiny—especially granting tremendous efficiency in magic usage.
Those who obtain the ring become wealthy, gain a beautiful or handsome spouse, earn respect and honor from others, and awaken talent in sorcery or supernatural abilities.
However, this fate-altering power only works on those below a certain level of power; it has little effect on those with greater strength, even if worn.
That said, there is one caution with this ring. It tends to choose its own master. If it selects someone else, it inflicts nightmares on the current user and promises a miserable end.
For a fragment, it may seem frivolous, but it drastically reduces magic consumption for high-tier spells and can supply magic power in emergencies—which is why Perlnen treasured it.
-Magic Supply (Active): Absorbs magic power from the embedded fragment. Fully recovers expended magic power; usable five times per day.
-Dispel (Active): Cancels active spells or magic on specific items. May fail on 5th-grade or higher magic; success rate increases with user’s magic skill or knowledge. Magic consumption varies by spell grade.
-Lend (Hidden): If possessing Carpediem, can lend the fragment to a subordinate. Shares the fragment, but ownership remains with the user, who can reclaim it anytime. User and borrower cannot use the same fragment simultaneously.
-I’ll change your fate. (Passive)
└Allure of Shining Coin: Money will flock to you like a magnet. Probably.
└Efficient Experience: Gain bonus proficiency and experience acquisition rates.
└Radiant Glory: Your fame spreads farther, and those who value reputation will favor you.
└Charm and Charisma that Captivates Hearts: Elegance infuses your every action. Of course, if your base charm and charisma are low, the effect will be minimal.
-Awakening (Passive): Draws out and develops potential in magic or supernatural abilities.
-Efficient Magic Use (Passive): Reduces magic consumption for magic or magic-based skills by 50%.
-Magic Overload (Passive): Increases magic consumption for all magic or magic-based skills by 50%, amplifying power by 100%.
-1+1=5? (Passive): Additional magic consumption multiplies the number of activated spells or skills by 3~5 times. Some skills are ineligible.
-Absolute Magic Defense (Passive): Grants total immunity to 3rd-grade or lower magic; 30% defense vs. 4th-grade, 25% vs. 5th, 15% vs. 6th, and 5% vs. 7th-grade and above.
-Nightmares (Passive): A curse that inflicts nightmares on the user.
-Fifth of Perlnen’s Twenty-Four Hearts (Passive): The fifth heart’s power embodies “Fate” and “Honor.”
-Inheritance (Passive): Collect all 24 artifacts made from Perlnen’s Heart to inherit Demon King Perlnen’s power.
──────────────────────
“…Huh?”
A message even confirmed it was saved to his current status. The name and stats in the item description were all real. It couldn’t be fake. Forging something like this would be astonishing enough, but fooling the system? That would make the count a true powerhouse.
Judah couldn’t believe it. He’d collected the fourth fragment so smoothly—it was nothing short of miraculous.
“You’re really giving it to me? For real?”
“That’s right. You’re its master now. If anything, I’m grateful you accepted without suspicion.”
“…It doesn’t feel real.”
“I know the feeling.”
“Is there anything you want in return? For the fragment, I mean. If there’s something I can do, I’d be happy to help.”
The count let out a small chuckle.
“What could someone who just got a fragment possibly do for me? …Well, if I have one request, it’s to keep a low profile. At least until you leave Uruun. If word gets out that you have the fragment, it won’t end well.”
He already planned to poach elves from Uruun’s great nobles—staying quiet might be tricky. Judah shrugged uncertainly.
“I’ll try.”
Judah pondered where to wear the ring from Count Genauer. He slipped Carpediem onto his left index finger and Valentine onto his left ring finger. The moment he put it on, Valentine hummed briefly, as if pleased, resonating with a vibration.
Wooong—the quiet tremor echoed softly inside the carriage.
========== Author’s Note ==========
Hmm!
Oops!
Gotta get back to daily updates too. I’ll try after finishing this week’s presentation PPT!