Chapter 139
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 139
Chapter Title: Prophecy of Disaster, Preparations for the Hunt - 1
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Lee Hyun-wook sat across from Donald Harris inside Prydwen.
A bald, elderly white man who exuded a prickly aura...
In his past life, Lee Hyun-wook had only seen this man a couple of times.
Thus, he didn't know his exact personality.
'From what I know, he harbors a deep distrust of people and has almost no contact with the outside world.'
Like the Saintess, he was a hermit who shut himself away in a secret library within the World Tree, never venturing out… Whatever the reason for his personal visit to this distant land, it didn't seem to be a trivial matter.
Just then, the man took something out of his pocket.
It was a cigarette, but it was likely no ordinary one.
"Is smoking forbidden indoors?"
"Oh, it's fine."
"Care for one yourself?"
"I'm fine, thank you."
He then added that it was made from the young leaves of the World Tree and actually provided a good buff.
A healthy cigarette sounded nonsensical, but if it was a byproduct of the World Tree, it was possible.
Fwoosh—
A small spark ignited at his fingertip, lighting the end of the cigarette.
Then, a ball of water formed in his other hand, freezing into the shape of a cup.
*Trickle—*
Cold water filled it on its own.
At a glance, it might have seemed like a curious little magic trick, but it was, in fact, a broken ability.
'An S-rank Spirit User capable of commanding all four spirits…'
In other words, he could wield the powers of fire, water, earth, and wind. And not just by casting a few spells, but by reaching the highest level in every aspect… It was truly a cheat-like ability.
Immediately after, a wind spirit emerged from his shoulder and began to circle around the two of them.
Whoosh—
It spun rapidly, cutting off the flow of air—and sound. A type of Silence magic.
Then, without any unnecessary preamble, he got straight to the point.
"The war event has only just ended, but would you believe me if I said another big event is about to befall this land?"
He spoke the prophetic words with a calm expression.
'A big event?'
But in Lee Hyun-wook's memory, there were no major events scheduled for the near future.
Therefore, he couldn't help but doubt the truth of the man's words and his intentions.
"...How do you know that?"
Before asking what the big event was, the question of how he knew came first.
"When I say things like this, people usually just believe me outright. But not you, it seems."
"Is predicting events like that one of the World Tree's abilities?"
Donald Harris savored the cold water before a faint sneer touched his lips.
"Well, now. You look like you don't trust a word I'm saying. Am I right?"
"It's not that. I'm just being as cautious as possible."
"In that case, shall I explain in a bit more detail?"
Lee Hyun-wook nodded, and Donald Harris began his explanation.
"Fruit. The World Tree periodically bears various fruits. Among them is a black fruit, and if you swallow it, you can see events scheduled to occur within the World Tree's domain. Like a movie trailer."
Once a month, he had been eating that fruit to predict the number of gates that would appear in the Republic of Chad.
And as it happened, today was the day to harvest that fruit...
"I swallowed one this morning, and a rather unfamiliar scene unfolded before my eyes. It clearly wasn't Chad. After looking into it, what do you know? It was this land, Korea. There must be some connection between the divine trees."
"...So, what did you see?"
"A scene of a city somewhere in this country turning to ash and burning, with a being of immense wings passing over it... It will happen within the next thirty days, so you must prepare starting now."
He burned the cigarette butt completely, letting the wind carry away the ashes, and then spoke.
"Both you and I, this blessing we hold... it's actually a debt owed to disaster."
A blessing being a debt to disaster... It was by no means a common way of thinking.
As it had always been, it was the other way around: one had to stop a disaster to receive a blessing, a reward.
The World Tree, Laputa, the Shindansu—weren't they all the results of conquering immense disasters?
'But when I think about it, we'll eventually have to face another disaster.'
This is a game. And a fun game requires repeated conflicts, with the scale growing larger each time. In that sense, if the total amount of existing 'blessings' is high... the impending disaster must be proportionally large.
That is the concept of 'level design,' the game's balance.
'Could it be that the difficulty has skyrocketed because I've gotten too far ahead?'
Compared to his past life, the present was far too peaceful.
He had perfectly cleared the 4th Wave, stopping the corrosion.
And he had annihilated the Black Orc legion years ahead of schedule.
'The boss monster Stronox is still alive, but in terms of the event, it's considered cleared...'
Problems that had taken years to resolve in his past life were finished far too early.
Lee Hyun-wook nodded as if he understood and asked.
"In that case... do you know the specific details of this big event?"
Before answering, he took out another cigarette. A hobby for an old man living in solitude?
He'd said it would smell good, but it seemed the characteristic burnt smell of smoke was unavoidable.
"Hoo—"
The words that followed from his lips were more acrid than the cigarette smoke.
"...An army of Angra Mainyu will appear, along with a mature dragon named 'Azi Dahaka'."
At that, Lee Hyun-wook slowly drew in a breath.
'A dragon, and a mature one at that...'
At this point in time, a dragon had appeared only once.
But that one had been an adolescent, just past the hatchling stage.
Thus, the appearance of a mature dragon was the worst possible disaster.
But while surprised, Lee Hyun-wook also felt a strange sense of anticipation.
'...Azi Dahaka. I've killed that one before.'
The black dragon and its legion that would appear in Suwon several years later...
All the Players in this land had to come together to raid it.
And Lee Hyun-wook had been the one to kill it by driving Moglay into its head.
Of course, simply dropping Moglay from a low altitude wasn't enough to kill it instantly.
To make that possible, they had to whittle down the dragon's mana shield, which was no easy task.
'In any case, since I've taken it down once, can I call this a blessing in disguise?'
Lee Hyun-wook knew the strategy for that level 199 super-sized boss monster... very well.
Just then, Donald Harris smiled faintly and leaned forward.
"And if you're willing to confront that disaster, I thought I might be able to offer some support."
The manager of the World Tree himself, offering support...
Until now, he had only indirectly used the power of the World Tree through the Saintess.
But if Donald Harris offered his help directly... it would be on a completely different level.
However, Lee Hyun-wook wasn't entirely pleased by the offer.
'But why is he so willing to help?'
As far as he knew, Donald Harris was not the type to so easily extend goodwill to someone.
He remembered his past life, when he was a Guardian and had gone to Harris to ask for help.
Hadn't the man rejected him, claiming that all Guardians were black-hearted bastards?
'In the end, he was right, but...'
In any case, it was certain he wasn't someone who would help without an ulterior motive.
And just as he expected...
"Of course, there is one condition."
Lee Hyun-wook nodded as if he'd been waiting for it.
"In my World Tree, Yggdrasil, there's also a dragon. A beast called Níðhöggr..."
Níðhöggr, the dragon from Norse mythology that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil.
For now, Donald Harris must have it trapped, preventing it from getting out.
But in the future, the Dark Elf legion would release Níðhöggr right after conquering the Republic of Chad.
And that beast would devour Donald Harris, who had resisted to the very end, remaining with the World Tree.
"I'm suppressing it with the World Tree's power for now, but it requires more and more strength as time goes on."
"...So that's what's limiting the World Tree's growth?"
"Yes. So I must eliminate it as soon as possible. Only then can I prepare for my retirement, wouldn't you say?"
The World Tree, which had expanded explosively right after its birth, had at some point stopped growing.
The world had assumed it had reached its complete form, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
"Once you kill Azi Dahaka and become a Dragon Slayer, you will help me."
Killing a dragon once grants the 'Achievement' of Dragon Slayer.
And the weapon that killed the dragon also gains the 'Option' of Dragon Slayer.
From then on, hunting dragons would become much easier.
"So, what do you say? Can you not only stop the coming big event but also become a Dragon Slayer?"
Lee Hyun-wook nodded without hesitation.
"I can't very well move the entire country, so I have no choice but to kill it."
"Interesting, indeed. Seeing that your expression hasn't changed one bit, it's not a bluff. Quite reliable."
For this man, who had trusted no one and acted alone until the very end, to say such a thing...
'Does he think highly of me or something?'
No matter how he thought about it, it was surprising in many ways.
But regardless of that unsettling feeling, Lee Hyun-wook intended to get what he could out of this conversation.
"Ah, but I have a condition as well."
"Hmm? A condition? What more could you possibly need?"
"I'm sorry, but I haven't agreed to the deal yet."
At that, Donald Harris let out a disbelieving chuckle.
"I've offered my personal support, and you want to bargain?"
The support of the World Tree's manager, while the extent hadn't been discussed, was by no means a loss.
Yet, to demand more here was like the act of a clueless rookie.
However...
"It's just that... frankly, I'm confident I can do it even without your support, Mr. Harris."
It was a way of showing he had nothing to lose, that he was confident enough to overturn the deal itself.
'Regardless of who holds the better hand, the one who initiates the deal is always the more desperate one.'
A faint smile spread across Donald Harris's face at those words.
"Alright, what's your condition?"
Lee Hyun-wook took an item from his coat, one he had obtained during the 4th Wave.
[Item Information]
- Name: Seed of Mistilteinn (Unknown)
- Effect: None
It was the god-slaying weapon, 'Mistilteinn'.
Still in its seed stage, like the mistletoe it was, it could grow by parasitizing a divine tree.
"Could I borrow some of the World Tree's power?"
He had obtained the Shindansu, but it would be even better to use the power of Yggdrasil as nourishment.
***
After their conversation, the two men stepped out of Prydwen and stood before the Shindansu.
Voom—
As they approached, the 'Paljuryeong' he had tucked away in his coat reacted.
- The Divine Tree 'Shindansu' is taking root. (31%)
* Currently available 'Master Authorities' are as follows:
1) Deploy Sacred Barrier (Radius 3km)
2) Enhance Blessing of Life (60 minutes)
'Taking root, huh? It seems not all its functions are active yet.'
Just then, Donald Harris placed a hand on the Shindansu.
"Shindansu. I've seen it mentioned while researching divine tree worship. It's from this country's founding myth, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's right. But in your eyes, Mr. Harris, is it definitely weaker than the World Tree?"
"Hmm... its power is fainter than the World Tree's when it first appeared, but a divine tree is still a divine tree. Whatever you expect from it, it will become a blessing greater than that. But you'll also make just as many enemies..."
After saying that, he approached the giant bird, Hræsvelgr, which was perched behind him.
He took something from a large leather pouch fastened around its neck.
"What is that?"
A wooden bird carving was attached to the end of a long wooden pole.
'A Sotdae?'
Just then, wind spirits appeared, lifted it high into the air, and then plunged it into the ground.
*Crack—!*
The moment the Sotdae struck the ground, a bright light erupted.
Voom—
- 'Guardian Spirit's Yard' has been activated in this area. (Time remaining: 15 days)
"There. For the next fifteen days, monsters and dark-aligned Players will be blocked from approaching."
This would prevent those wary of the divine tree from trying to target it in its early stages.
"I hope you appreciate that this Sotdae is a very precious gift. I can only make one or two a year."
His gifts didn't end there.
"And this. Installing this will be helpful in many ways."
He held out a transparent glass box.
Inside was something... none other than a beehive.
[Object Information]
- Name: Divine Beehive
- Effect: When this object is 'Installed', the following effects will be applied.
1) Habitat Defense: When an 'Adversary' approaches within a certain radius (3km), it launches a group attack.
2) Sacred Honey Production: Produces honey imbued with sacred power at regular intervals (1 day).
* This object can only be installed on a 'Divine Tree'.
Should this be called a kind of security system?
Lee Hyun-wook installed the object on the thickest branch of the Shindansu.
"As you already know, the divine tree's master authority includes a barrier function, so make use of that as well."
Lee Hyun-wook nodded and selected 'Deploy Dome' from the 'Master Authority' menu he'd seen earlier.
Whoosh—
A translucent dome spread out from the top of the Shindansu, covering a 3km radius around it.
"Good. In a few months, this island will become the most expensive island in the world, won't it?"
Within days, the power of the Shindansu would envelop all of Ganghwa Island, transforming it into a mana ecosystem. Accordingly, fresh mana would permeate every corner of the island, causing rare herbs to bloom and water to turn sacred.
'When the time comes to properly utilize this power... I'll be able to subdue the Necromancer.'
Of course, the Villains' side had also noticed the appearance of the second divine tree and had properly confirmed the Saintess's presence.
'Naturally, they'll also be preparing something with all their might in response.'
And... the side that prepared more thoroughly would be the final victor.
***
The reinforcements from the Republic of Chad opened a 'World Bridge' and returned.
Lee Hyun-wook once again entrusted the security of the Shindansu to Team Leader Lee Kyo-jun and returned to Laputa.
Lee Hyun-wook sat in the Order Tower and began to deal with his backlog of work.
First, the quest details had been updated after he killed the dimensional traveler, William Bernard.
[Main Quest]
- A Second Chance at Life, Duty, Destiny...
1) Track the 'Black Gate' that has opened somewhere in this world.
2) Eliminate the 'Dimensional Travelers' who will arrive from your past life—the first world. (1/3)
3) Encounter '■■■', who knows the truth of this world.
'One out of three... that means I have to catch a total of three of them, right?'
Among the future Villains, William Bernard was a relatively easy opponent.
But the other names that immediately came to mind were all tricky.
And especially...
'The Necromancer... if he comes, that's a different story.'
He had been pushed back in his confrontation with the present-day Necromancer.
But if the Necromancer from eight years in the future were to come...
'...I'll lose, no matter what.'
However, the 'trigger' for the dimensional travelers' appearance was the encounter with the current William Bernard.
'Don't tell me... just encountering them is enough to start the dimensional transfer?'
Perhaps it was a stroke of immense luck that he hadn't directly faced the Necromancer in the last battle. And until he was sufficiently prepared, it was best not to clash with the Necromancer.
And one of the things William Bernard had said when he appeared kept echoing in his mind.
'The words he muttered over and over, Transcendence Quest... what on earth is that?'
That must be the reason they were crossing over to this place...
He had no leads for now.
But the moment to lift that veil would eventually come.
'For that time, I must constantly grow stronger.'
And the easiest way to grow stronger was, as always, with good items.
*Snap—*
Lee Hyun-wook snapped his fingers, and a metal box flew in from somewhere.
Inside was none other than the skeleton of William Bernard.
'This feels like I'm robbing a grave.'
Lee Hyun-wook checked the items draped over the body one by one.
- Obtained Black Drake Leather Armor (Expert).
- Obtained Adamant Full Plate Armor Set (Expert).
- Obtained Dark Elf Assassin Leader's Treasured Sword: Red Shadow (Heroic).
Every time he touched it, Expert or Heroic grade items appeared one after another.
'As expected, there's a lot of useful stuff.'
And finally, he found a Legendary grade item.
- You have obtained Draupnir (Legendary).
'This was mine, too...'
It seemed this bastard had taken most of the things he owned in his past life.
This bracelet, Draupnir, was one of the treasures of the chief god of Norse mythology, 'Odin', and was said to replicate itself eight times every nine days. However, in this game, it was configured with a slightly different ability.
[Item Information]
- Name: Draupnir (Legendary)
- Effect
1) Creation: Every 9 days, creates a total of 8 'Random Magical Metals' weighing 100-200g each.
2) Storage: Can store up to 81 created magical metals in its own subspace.
Like this, instead of replicating the golden bracelet, it had been changed to produce magical metals.
'Probably because things like gold are pretty much useless in this game.'
The item's function was focused on production rather than combat.
'For me, it was a sort of snack pouch...'
In his past life, besides this bracelet's function, there was no easy way to obtain high-quality metals.
Back then, because he had grown strong late, he had no choice but to rely on the Guardians' support.
So, even though this bracelet was also metal, he couldn't bring himself to swallow it because it was too precious.
'But this life is different.'
*Gulp—*
He boldly swallowed 'Draupnir'.
Lee Hyun-wook was also curious about what kind of skill would emerge from eating this.
Just then, the Mana Messenger rang.
- Sir, I've looked into what you requested. It seems about 2 tons of flight stones are currently available.
It was Kang Jeong-du's voice.
- By the way, what did you say you were using this for? I didn't get the message from my staff.
"I'd like to make the Iron Golems and Living Armors fly."
- ......
A brief silence followed his words. It seemed to be a rather unreasonable idea.
Just then, Talos's ball-shaped speaker descended from above.
「(°><°) Can I finally fly too?」
He seemed to recall this guy saying he wanted to fly someday.
- That, uh, won't be easy. It would require a lot of flight stones, and the mana supply is also an issue...
Kang Jeong-du had recently been learning airship construction techniques through his exchanges with the Gray Dwarves.
However, making Living Armor fly seemed to be an entirely different context.
- But, if you could tell me why you need a flight function, I can try to adjust accordingly.
"Flying monsters... that is, I need to hunt something that flies soon."
- Ah, the wyvern we hunted last time? Are you trying to catch something like that?
"This time, I'll be catching something a little bigger than that."
- I see. Then I'll run some experiments with the staff and get back to you.
Lee Hyun-wook ended the communication with Kang Jeong-du and stood up from his seat.
There was still one more thing to take care of.
"Now then, for the last thing... shall I check the Colossus Research Lab?"
After the victory in the war against the Black Orc legion, the add-on <Colossus Research Lab> had merged with Laputa.
The massive airship had become a building, attached to the right side of Laputa.
"Talos, can we enter the Colossus Research Lab?"
「Ah! I haven't supplied power to it yet, but it's possible right away!」
A moment later, when they arrived there, they discovered something incredible.
"......Huh?"
And the moment he witnessed it, Talos became far more excited than Lee Hyun-wook.
「Q(°0°)Q Oooooh—I, I never dreamed that would be here!」