Chapter 315
Chapter: 315
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>Translator: penny
>Chapter: 315
>Chapter Title: Undercurrents (6)
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>[Alright, everyone, open your status windows.]
>Seongjin drew the full attention of his party members.
>[The perk for being the first on the server to get a class change item has another bonus. Check the top part—there should be a temporary discount shop. You don't even have to go to a village shop; you can buy stuff right from your status window at cheap prices.]
>[What? I checked every detail earlier, but there was no... Gah!]
>The mole engineer rolled across the ground after getting his foot stomped hard by the baby goat.
>[So I picked the most expensive item there. The chance seems like a one-time thing, so choose carefully, everyone.]
>The Silent Villains hurriedly opened their status windows.
>[It's real! Just like Seongjin said! There's a shop!]
>[Rare items not sold in regular shops are listed too! I thought we'd never even see them outside of auction houses!]
>The Silent Villains cheered excitedly upon discovering the shop. Rare items that were hard to come by were gathered in one place, and at a tenth of the price—who could pass up an opportunity like this!
>Even Dexter was flipping through the shop while sprawled on the ground.
>Seongjin watched the scene with satisfaction.
>'Fussing over Justitia again was worth it, no shame about it.'
>Thanks to Owen tossing away this golden opportunity, now the entire party had received the same perk.
>Of course, the Dark Justitia, which had been the size of a pea moments ago, had now grown to the size of an adult's fist.
>"Here, take this, and open your status window already."
>Seongjin held out the blindfold, prodding Owen.
>Unlike the other Silent Villains, Owen wasn't even thinking of opening his status window. He was just staring at Seongjin with a strange expression.
>And why wouldn't he? It was quite the coincidence that the newbie had pulled out the exact item he needed most.
>"Newbie, why'd you buy this blindfold?"
>But Seongjin faced Owen's suspicion head-on.
>"It's on discount anyway, so the most expensive one has to be the best deal, right?"
>"...But why give it to me?"
>"I bought it on impulse, but turns out I don't really need it. I got it with the cash you gave me from the start, so just take it."
>"What? But..."
>"It boosts mental resistance and blocks nightmares too, apparently. So shut up and wear it when you sleep from now on. No more whining about rough dreams. Playing along with you is getting annoying."
>"Hmm..."
>Owen cautiously accepted the blindfold, then lowered his head to fiddle with the rabbit's black ears.
>"...I'll take it for now. Thanks a lot. I really needed this."
>No problem.
>Seongjin puffed up a bit, tilting his chin up.
>"It's cute no matter how I look at it. But why black of all colors?"
>"Huh? Just seemed the most plausible?"
>Truth be told, Seongjin hadn't put much thought into the design. He'd just picked the flashiest one.
>Maybe he'd subconsciously picked up on Amelia's tastes over time.
>"And black won't show dirt easily, right? Best color when you can't wash it often."
>"That's true. Somehow, I'm in a situation where I can't wash often either..."
>Owen trailed off awkwardly, then looked Seongjin over anew with fresh eyes.
>"All coincidences, I guess? No way you know about me, Newbie."
>"..."
>"Come to think of it, it's weird, right? The more I see you, the more familiar you feel somehow?"
>Seongjin startled a little and pretended not to notice, but Owen stared straight at him and asked in an uncharacteristically serious tone.
>"It's a bit late to ask now, but... Newbie. Have we met in Delcross before?"
>"..."
>Seongjin pondered for a moment.
>He hadn't meant to hide his identity, but revealing himself as Mores now felt awkward.
>From what he'd heard, they hadn't exactly been on friendly terms before.
>Mentioning Mores might make Owen suspicious of his intentions and refuse the blindfold out of stubbornness.
>"Who knows? Maybe we have. But I don't remember it, at least."
>So Seongjin smoothly dodged the question. It wasn't like he'd be seeing them long in Pangea Chronicle anyway.
>Well, it wasn't entirely a lie.
>"I see... Alright then..."
>Owen looked unconvinced but nodded anyway, finally opening his status window to browse the shop.
>Of course, the moment the item list appeared, his expression changed, and he let out a whistle.
>[Whoa! This is insane? Too many good ones—I can't decide!]
>[Indeed, Owen! These limited-edition potions would sustain our clan's land for years, no matter which you pick!]
>[Limited-edition weapons that sold out are here too! Our anti-Demon King power just skyrocketed! Courage surges!]
>Chaotic chatter!
>It was ironic that these guys chattering telepathically like this were called the Silent Villains.
>Seongjin, gazing contentedly at his companions, suddenly felt his field of vision shift backward.
>It was bizarre. Neither he nor the others had moved an inch.
>'This is...'
>At the same time, a strange lethargy washed over his body. The reins gripped tightly in one hand suddenly loosened.
>Seongjin sensed it immediately.
>'...Guess this is it for now.'
>The realization came naturally.
>He had done most of what he could for Owen and the Silent Villains. He no longer needed to tangle with them for a while.
>And his half-guided path would never lead him back here.
>'Well, doesn't matter much now?'
>All his goals in Pangea Chronicle were accomplished, really. He'd helped Owen complete the quest and successfully gotten him to the capital.
>'Watching their antics was pretty fun, though...'
>He'd be lying if he said he wasn't a little sad. But Seongjin knew well that everything had its time, and ending it when the moment felt right was best.
>The longer he stayed, the faster Dark Justitia would grow and meet a quick end.
>And he had no desire to face boss mobs that acted weird just because he was around.
>Pat.
>Seongjin took a step toward the group and spoke calmly.
>[Alright, everyone get your rewards? Then let's end the theme dungeon time challenge here. From now on, we stick to safe dungeons like before. Got it?]
>Perhaps sensing the odd undertone, the Silent Villains tore their eyes from the shop and looked at Seongjin gravely.
>[...]
>[No challenge today? Or from now on?]
>Despite their floppy appearance, the perceptive Grub asked seriously.
>[Seongjin, you leaving now?]
>[!]
>The question made the whole group jump in shock and rush to Seongjin.
>[What? For real? Newbie, why all of a sudden? Why? Why?]
>[What's wrong, Seongjin? Something big happen to you? Or is your status window guiding you down a whole new path?]
>[What the hell? You drag us into this game and now you're bailing? That make any sense? Huh?]
>Owen grabbed Seongjin's neck and shook it, while Grub wrapped his elongated hair around Seongjin's arm. Even the dignified Hatasu Titi clung tightly to one of Seongjin's hooves.
>[Newbie!]
>[Seongjin!]
>[Seongjin! Seongjin!]
>Far more frantic than when they'd been browsing the perk shop.
>Seeing their panicked faces, Seongjin realized anew that his role among them hadn't been insignificant.
>Hiding his awkward feelings, he replied curtly.
>[Hold on. Why the fuss? I'm not saying forever. We can meet again anytime.]
>[But...]
>[I just achieved my urgent goal for now. Time for me—and you guys—to focus on our own stuff. Don't worry. I'll come back when I get the chance.]
>It wasn't empty words. He felt it strongly.
>They'd part for now, but the strong bond they'd formed would continue.
>[So no dangerous stuff without me. Got it? If you need dungeon strategies, ask Dexter often.]
>[Seongjin...]
>Realizing his resolve was final, the group fell silent for a moment.
>How much time passed?
>[...Right! This isn't the end!]
>The beautiful ranger, who had been sniffling, suddenly lifted her head with sparkling eyes.
>[Seongjin is my friend forever! I believe it! A hero's guts never lie!]
>Grub's clear eyes brimmed with tears. Avatar or not, in his words, his guts were shedding hot tears right now.
>[We won't forget our leader who always shone in crises. Pure-blood Mashu tree, this Hatasu Titi will remember you forever, Seongjin.]
>The solemn shield warrior, resigned, clutched the baby goat's hoof and declared solemnly.
>[Newbie. No, Seongjin.]
>And Owen.
>With an uncharacteristically serious face, he repeated himself like a personal vow.
>[You said you live in the capital, right? Wait for me. Got it? When I get back to Delcross, I'll definitely find you!]
>Uh, well? Who knows...
>Seongjin thought with a wry expression.
>'No need to go searching the wrong places. I'll be in the palace anyway.'
>Of course, he had no intention of revealing himself even if they met.
>Owen's newbie hunt would probably remain a fruitless endeavor forever.
>[Then, Dexter, take good care of these guys from now on. You're the only one who can make proper strategies. I always trust yours.]
>[Uh, y-yeah...]
>After bidding farewell even to the dazed mole holding his goggles—
>Static.
>As if on cue, noise flooded his vision, and drowsiness poured in.
>The usual logout sensation. But this time felt different, Seongjin knew instinctively.
>The oracle's milestone must have decided to fully eject him from Pangea Chronicle.
>[Seongjin...!]
>The group's presence began to fade.
>No—perhaps it was just his senses. In reality, his own avatar was the one blurring.
>[Remember—no A- or S-rank challenges without me. Got it?]
>Seongjin gave one last reminder, smiling brightly at them.
>[It was fun. See you later!]
>Whoosh.
>His consciousness surged away, and the world of Pangea Chronicle receded into the distance.
>[Logout complete. Guest ID erased confirmed.]
>And then.
>A faint electronic tone whispered in his ear.
>[Native ID confirmed. Emergency protocol for 'Code Zero' invoked: ID temporarily frozen...]
>* * *
>〚Guest ID !N;3$$ti0m@. Logging out.〛
>Gulubpeoraguroop Bibbeoreub felt tears overflowing from his guts as he opened his eyes in reality.
>'...'
>Roll—
>He rolled his largest eye on the back of his head to survey his surroundings. His vision filled with the same wasteland home: the blood-red sky since the Demon King's descent, and the black land covered in murky mud.
>'I'll see Seongjin again someday. A hero's guts never lie.'
>Calming his emotional turmoil, he soon raised his massive body from its side-lying position.
>Rumble—
>Mud churned under hundreds of legs, stirring chaos in the humid air.
>'So I'll trust our fate and silently continue the hero's mission.'
>The mission of the one with the most legs among survivors, the one leading all with hotter guts than any.
>Gulubpeoraguroop Bibbeoreub resolutely opened his inventory. Time to reorganize their forces with the weapons from Pangea Chronicle.
>* * *
>〚Guest ID #A&**d#!#. Logging out.〛
>Hatasu Titi realized, upon opening his eyes, that his subordinate was staring intently beside him.
>"...What is it?"
>Creak—
>Raising his long body, stiff joints from disuse ground out friction.
>"Forgive the disturbance during your rest, Hatasu Titi. An elder council has been called urgently, so I had to fetch you."
>"Elder council? At this hour?"
>"Yes. At the request of Yalara Tale, leader of the Barum trees."
>Yalara Tale was his longtime rival. Lately, he'd somehow swayed some elders and grown increasingly arrogant.
>Hatasu Titi scowled fiercely.
>"Calling a council without even reviewing the request's validity? The council's authority has truly fallen."
>Why not?
>The 'oldest tree' who once led the clan had lost all former vigor. Now, only brittle shaking branches and faint thoughts leaking like wind remained.
>[If it can't be undone, at least may your heart find peace...]
>He could no longer rely on him.
>So what choice was there? Tedious as it was, he'd have to move himself.
>"Let's go. Time to end the strife with the Barum trees."
>"You mean..."
>"Yes. Load everything I brought onto the cart, not a single one left out. The clan elders will soon know exactly who contributes most to the clan."
>Swish.
>Hatasu Titi, crowned with briar wood, wrapped his golden-brown cloak and strode forward on long legs.
>"And the clan's [Key] will finally pass to none other than me, Hatasu Titi!"
>* * *
>And at the southernmost continent tip, Delcross southern front encampment.
>〚Guest ID Qr#^^E&. Logging out.〛
>Another Guest ID user returned to reality.
>But instead of waking immediately as usual, Owen tossed a bit before sinking back into sleep.
>Deep sleep, first in years—how could it not pull him under helplessly?
>"Your Highness. Did you cough?"
>Soon after, Alicia parted the tent flap and entered cautiously.
>Normally, he'd be up early stretching outside the barracks. Worried by the unusually quiet prince, she'd come to check.
>"..."
>What she found was Prince Owen, dead to the world on his cot.
>A bizarre black cloth—new to her—covered his forehead crookedly, and he didn't stir even as she approached.
>For a seasoned aura user like the prince to allow another's presence so close was unheard of.
>"...Your Highness?"
>At first, Alicia worried he might be ill.
>But looking closer, he was sleeping more peacefully than ever. Rare for one plagued by nightmares.
>'What to do? He mentioned business with the Volanta tribe early today...'
>After brief hesitation, Alicia decided to let him rest more.
>"...Mm. Newbie..."
>The prince mumbled something incoherent, then breathed evenly again.
>Alicia watched him a moment, then slipped out quietly on soft feet.
>She carefully covered the entrance with a windbreak to block any light.