Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Welcome to Kramis
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Blinking again, I saw the same brilliant purple light. It was unmistakable.
[You have used 2x Mount Summon Ticket (200 summons). Would you like to open all at once? Y/N]
I tapped ‘Y’ immediately.
[You have acquired 173 Normal mounts, including the Old Donkey.]
[You have acquired 19 Magic mounts, including the Swift Brown Horse.]
[You have acquired 7 Rare mounts, including the Knight's White Steed.]
Only Normal, Magic, and Rare mounts. Not a single Unique one appeared, but I wasn't flustered.
I knew that anything Legendary or higher had to be opened manually.
I approached the purple card, still radiating a brilliant light, and placed my hand on it.
The purple light burst, revealing a small, five-meter-long creature with golden fur. A dragon?
No, it had four legs, so it wasn't a dragon.
The horns on its head looked more like a deer's antlers than a dragon's.
It had a tail, too. What was this thing?
“Are you the one who called me? I look forward to working with you.”
It... it could talk.
“Are you mute?”
“N-no. My name is Oh Hyeon-ung. It's a pleasure.”
“A fine name. I am a Kirin.”
[You have acquired the Mythic mount, Kirin, the Divine Beast of the Center.]
This is a Kirin?
The giraffes I saw at the zoo when I was a kid didn't look like this...
“May I touch you?”
“Be my guest.”
I placed my hand on its neck to check its abilities.
[Kirin (Mythic)
A divine beast of the five cardinal directions of the East, ruling over the center along with the Yellow Dragon.
Movement Speed +5000, All Stats +300
Special Skills
—Misfortune Nullification (Passive)
Removes any ill fortune directed at the owner of the Kirin, a symbol of auspiciousness.
—Power of the Divine Beast (Passive)
Imbues all of the owner's attacks with divinity. +500% additional damage to Dark-attribute monsters.
—King of All Beasts (Passive)
When riding the Kirin, you will not be preemptively attacked by any monster of a lower or equal class to the Kirin.]
Its abilities were jaw-dropping.
Red Hare was fast, but this thing had ten times its movement speed and a +300 bonus to all stats.
Red Hare was great, but it couldn't compare to a Mythic-grade mount.
It was large enough for all my companions to ride together.
“You carry a familiar scent.”
“A familiar scent?”
I sniffed my clothes, but I couldn't smell anything...
My companions were probably waiting, so I unsummoned the Kirin and left the Summoner's Shop.
Back in the familiar room at Kabisa.
My heart pounding with excitement, I called out.
“Milli Bright, the Master Archer with the eyes of a Seven-Colored Falcon; Timi Elise, the Sorceress of White Flames; and Elaine, the Succubus Princess.”
Just like in the Labyrinth, a red light flared, and three people—no, two people and one demon—were summoned.
“Hyeon-ung, you finally called for us!”
“Are we really outside the Labyrinth?”
“Wow, Hyeon-ung, this room is huge! I think it's even bigger than my room!”
They all looked around, fascinated by their new surroundings.
“Something came up, so I'm a bit late. Sorry. And how is everyone feeling?”
“Feeling? Ah, all my mana is gone.”
“My mana and strength are gone, too...”
So, just as the helper said, they're restricted...?
“I don't feel any different.”
Dark mana swirled from Elaine's fingertips.
It seemed being a demon made her an exception.
“It might be a bit inconvenient, but this was the best I could do, so I hope you all understand.”
“It's fine. You'll protect the two of us, won't you, Hyeon-ung?”
Timi suddenly came closer, grabbing my arm and clinging to me.
“Of course I will, but could you let go...”
“I'm fine, too. You said the city is safe, right, Hyeon-ung?”
“Well, there are some dangerous areas, but I have no intention of going there. As long as you're with me, you'll be fine.”
I wasn't planning on visiting places like the slums.
Besides, this visit was going to be short anyway.
“Oh, I think I'm suddenly feeling weak, too.”
She didn't look weak at all, but I decided to play along.
*Grumble—*
That wasn't my stomach.
It didn't seem to be Timi, and seeing the red face, it must have been Milli.
“Huh? Why is this...”
“When you're summoned, your companion traits—or something like that—disappear, so you need to sleep and eat. I'll order some food. We can go sightseeing after we eat.”
I was a bit tired, but I couldn't keep my companions cooped up in the room on their first time outside.
As I used the communication crystal to order room service, I wondered if Elaine ate human food.
In games and novels, succubi usually live on men's life force, but that didn't seem to be the case here.
Should I order a rare steak or some raw meat?
“Um, Elaine?”
“Yes?”
“What do demons eat? Do you eat things like raw meat...?”
I was genuinely curious, but Elaine frowned.
“Hyeon-ung, we demons aren't beasts. Raw meat... We eat bread and cooked meat, too...”
“I see.”
“We eat fish, vegetables, and fruit, too.”
“Right. Sorry. I'll order for four, then.”
After a short wait while we talked, there was a knock on the door.
“Hyeon-ung, your meal...?”
That guy Luke looked shocked.
Then again, I'd always been alone, so it was understandable he'd find this surprising.
“Where did you bring these beautiful ladies from...?”
“Don't get the wrong idea. They're my companions. Thanks for your work.”
I handed him a silver coin, and he beamed.
“Ah, yes. Thank you. Please let me know if you need anything else. Enjoy your time.”
“Will do.”
After sending Luke on his way, I brought the cart inside.
Lifting the silver food cover revealed a well-cooked steak and fried fish drizzled with an orange sauce.
Beside them were salad, french fries, and a steaming cream soup.
There was also a crustacean that looked like lobster, and perfectly grilled lamb chops, trimmed for easy eating.
Since this was their first meal outside, I'd asked for something special, but it was far more luxurious than I'd expected.
The price didn't seem to be more than four times the usual, so I made a mental note to tip the kitchen staff separately later.
“Wow, Hyeon-ung, it smells amazing!”
“It's not just the room; the food looks high-class, too.”
Both Timi and Elaine were practically drooling.
“Even the plates look incredibly expensive. Is it really okay for us to eat this?”
Milli looked a little worried.
“Milli.”
“Yes?”
“You don't have to worry about the money. We hunt hard together, don't we?”
Though, to be honest, the attendance rewards were far more lucrative than our hunting profits.
“Come on, let's eat before it gets cold.”
The kitchen must have taken special care, because every single dish was warm and delicious.
The food wasn't bad when I ate alone, but it seemed to taste even better with my companions.
“Hyeon-ung, I can't eat another bite...”
“I think my stomach's going to burst.”
Everyone but Milli patted their stomachs and set down their utensils, but our Milli was still scraping her plate clean.
“Should I order more?”
“No, that's alright. I think I've had enough, too.”
They all ate so well, much more than I expected, that I had to order more food midway through.
“It's fine to order more, you don't need to hold back.”
“No, really. It's been a while since I had such delicious food. It was wonderful. Thank you.”
“Don't thank me. Think of all you've done for me.”
It was nice to see Milli eat so heartily.
They say just watching something like this can make you feel full... but that wasn't it. I'd eaten a lot, too.
I was stuffed, but I stayed at the table so Milli wouldn't feel awkward eating alone.
I planned to go out right after the meal, but everyone seemed to have fallen in love with the bed and refused to move.
“Aren't you going out? We have to go back to the Labyrinth the day after tomorrow.”
“It's not good to move right after eating.”
Lying down right away isn't good either, though.
“Hyeon-ung, can't we just skip the Labyrinth this once?”
Timi cooed, trying to sweet-talk me.
“Uh... that's a bit...”
It wasn't like I had a life-or-death goal to reach the 100th floor, so honestly, it wouldn't matter, but Hanna and Rina would never let me hear the end of it.
“I have places to go, and I'll give you a tour of the city.”
I'd already sold the junk items at the general store, but I still needed to visit the Magic Tower. It felt like a waste to spend the whole time in the room, so I took my companions out.
Given my companions' looks, we drew a lot of attention when leaving Kabisa, and it was the same outside.
Most of the stares were envious, and I couldn't help but puff out my chest a little.
There were quite a few men who got an earful from their own companions for staring too openly at mine.
“There are so many people in the city.”
“Today's the day everyone returns from the Labyrinth.”
On the return day, the Summoners spend a lot of money, so it's practically a small festival.
Many places, including Kabisa, throw parties.
I considered taking them to a party, but I wanted to show them the city more.
“Everyone looks so happy.”
“The lord must be a good person.”
“He is. The lord is a former Summoner himself.”
Chatting amicably, we soon arrived at the Magic Tower.
“This is the Magic Tower. Timi, you said you were in one too, right? What do you think?”
“It's similar, but a bit smaller than the one I was at.”
“Oh, really? Let's head up.”
We went inside and up to the second floor. It was evening, so it was quiet.
“Closing time is soon... Oh, isn't it the Pioneer? Wait, a demon?”
The mage at the shop entrance was startled upon seeing Elaine.
Elaine was startled too and hid behind me.
I heard the lord didn't mind demons, but maybe the Magic Tower was different?
But there hadn't been any problems on the first floor...
“She's my companion. Is being a demon a problem?”
“Not at all. It's just rare to see demons in Kramis... I was rude. My apologies.”
“See? There's nothing to be afraid of.”
“I-I'm not afraid.”
She said that while gripping my arm tightly.
For a succubus, Elaine seemed awfully scared of men.
“I'd like to use the VIP shop. Is it alright if my companions come with me?”
“Ah, of course. Please follow me.”
We took the elevator and arrived at the VIP shop.
“Wow, this thing moves?”
“How fascinating.”
Milli and Elaine were amazed by the elevator.
Timi, being a sorceress, must have used one before.
“Don’t embarrass Hyeon-ung by acting like country bumpkins.”
I'm not embarrassed. It's fine.
The shop hadn't been restocked with much, so I only bought some Trait Orb Fragments and a few consumables.
Ah, that's right.
White Zero, was it?
I'd bought a bow for Milli before but had completely forgotten about it.
After leaving the shop, I took it out of my inventory and handed it to her.
“Hyeon-ung, this is...”
“A gift. I bought it at the shop just now but forgot about it.”
“Uh... it looks incredible. I'm not sure if I can accept a bow like this...”
“Should I go sell it back, then?”
“N-no! Thank you.”
She bowed her head repeatedly in thanks, then held up the bow, examining it from all angles with a wide grin.
Her strength was restricted now, so she'd probably have a hard time even drawing the string...
“This is a really great bow. I think it's three—no, five times better than the one I was using.”
If I'd known she'd like it this much, I would have given it to her sooner.
“Hyeon-ung, isn't there anything for me?”
“A gift for Elaine, too...”
...Maybe I should have given it to her when we were alone.
“Equipment might be too much, but how about we buy some clothes?”
Even though our break is short this time, we'll be here for about two days—tomorrow and the morning after—and they don't have any clothes.
They don't have to change right away; they can wear them next time.
Besides, what woman doesn't like shopping?
“I love the idea of buying clothes!”
“Shopping! Shopping!”
“The bow is more than enough for me, but...”
“Nonsense. Milli, you get an outfit too. No, all of you can buy whatever you want.”
“Oh? Really? Hyeon-ung, you're the best!”
Can't take it with you when you die. You have to spend it when you can.
Especially since these weren't just any people, but the companions who had been through thick and thin with me in the Labyrinth.
****
Nephelia, the most luxurious boutique in Kramis.
I was willing to buy my companions not just clothes, but the entire store, but money wasn't the problem.
“Hey, guys? It's getting really late...”
“We're almost done. Oh? Milli, that would look pretty on you, too. Elaine, you should try this on.”
It felt like it had been over two hours, but my companions' shopping spree showed no signs of stopping.
I'd offered to buy out the whole store if they wanted that much, but Timi said it was too wasteful and wouldn't let me spend the money.
The other two felt the same.
Still, it was almost closing time, so it had to end soon.
Overcome with fatigue, I lowered my head and started dozing off when I heard footsteps approaching.
“Hyeon-ung! What about this as a gift for Hanna and Rina?”
Oh, she's even thinking about the other companions. Timi really is the mature one, I thought as I lifted my head...?
Good grief. What Timi brought over was a bra.
An enormous red one, contrasted with a tiny blue one.
For the record, both were made of a see-through mesh material...
“Are you trying to get me killed?”
“...Surely they wouldn't kill you, would they?”
They might not kill me, but I'd probably be half-dead, I thought, as Timi leaned in close and whispered.
“I bought a purple one for myself. Milli's is white, and Elaine's is...”
“H-hey, Timi? You don't really need to tell me that.”
Just as Rina said, Timi really was a vixen.
The shopping spree finally ended only when the store was closing.
Surprisingly, it didn't cost that much.
I tipped the hardworking staff 3 silvers each, and even though the four of us bought enough to fill both our hands, the total came out to less than 50 gold.
When we returned to Kabisa, Luke, who was on guard duty, bowed his head.
“Welcome back, Hyeon-ung. You have a visitor.”
A visitor?