Chapter 344: The Secret Store
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 344: The Secret Store
Research on the Magic Tower was progressing at a surprising rate. While we were recovering other items from inside the tower, the experiment to fuse magic and divine power had also concluded successfully, creating a rather hefty payload.
The only issue, if you could call it that, was Isaac demanding unification at all times and in all places, but I had no real reason to refuse. For the time being, I wanted to get used to Isaac mode. My class had vanished when I evolved into the Seat of Sorrow and Despair, but my previous jobs as a Gladiator and a Weapon Specialist were now fully integrated within me.
In other words, I was currently a melee-type warrior.
The greatest advantage of unifying with Isaac was the ability to completely change my class, allowing a complete novice who knew nothing about magic to wield it. However, I still didn't know the full extent of her abilities.
Using magic and understanding magic are two completely different things. My dull head could never hope to grasp the true principles of magic, but there’s a world of difference between understanding the power you possess and not understanding it.
I needed to grasp the pros and cons of Isaac mode and its various aspects, so I was more than happy whenever Isaac approached me.
It wasn't entirely without strain on my body, but unique abilities generally grow in proficiency the more you use them.
Thanks to this, Isaac was having a wonderful time, but my body was slowly accumulating fatigue. Still, the fact that I could maintain the unification mode for longer was a commendable achievement. My personal specs were just as important as my power in the upcoming manifestation of magic.
As I was walking to meet Choi Seulgi, a voice stopped me.
- Are… are we doing it today, too?
“Later.”
- O-Okay!
It was none other than Isaac. She was growing more and more enthusiastic with each passing day. It seemed like she had some other goal in mind, but seeing her like this was a welcome sight for me. Isaac dashed back into the research lab, and I watched her go before arriving at the meeting room. Inside was Choi Seulgi, likely a messenger sent to deliver a detailed report on the situation at the front.
“Glad to see things worked out, huh?”
“Yeah, more or less… How are things at the front?”
“We haven’t seen each other in a while, and the first thing you ask is about work? Kim Taesung… your love has cooled.”
“You know that’s not true.”
“I know. It’s a joke.”
It was a chilling joke to me. Your love has cooled. Those were terrifying words—words that could be called the starting point of all problems. I didn't think she’d said them thoughtlessly, so I maintained my composure as best I could and waited for her to speak, all while looking at her with a loving gaze, of course.
“We’re ready on our end.”
That was welcome news.
“We had no intention of pushing further anyway, but they’re holding the line with a wall.”
“A wall?”
“Yeah, a wall. A wall made from the corpses and bones of the Northern Continent’s humans. It’s not that we didn’t try to break it, but… how should I put it? It’s harder than it looks. We’ve built our own ice wall and are in a standoff, but the judgment is that we’d have to accept heavy losses to break through… so for now, we’re holding back from advancing. Wouldn’t it be better to go in after we drop it on them?”
“We have to consider the blast radius. It’ll take a little more time.”
Choi Seulgi nodded at my words. One of the key factors in this operation was the blast radius. It would be incredibly convenient if the Magic Tower could wipe them all out in one shot, but there was a high probability it wouldn't. Assuming we dropped it on their main base, the mages’ assessment was that the blast would probably not quite reach the center. It was crucial to adjust the range so that it would reach the front line they were holding.
“We’re running out of time on our side, too.”
“Hm?”
“It seems like the enemy mages are starting to recover their magic…”
“They’re faster than I thought.”
“I’m not sure of the specifics. It could be Liches who didn’t participate in the ritual. We couldn’t get a clear read from our side, but we confirmed that various spells have been cast on the wall. We’ve also seen corpses rising from time to time… The higher-ups believe the wall itself is made of Ghouls. They’ll probably come pouring down if we get close.”
That would be quite a spectacle. If what Choi Seulgi said was true, we didn't have much time.
“We’ll have to move quickly.”
“Yeah. If you’re not ready in time, we might have to launch a preemptive strike. There will be sacrifices, but it would be foolish to throw away an opportunity like this.”
“I understand.”
Choi Seulgi nodded and then spoke.
“By the way, how about we do it here?”
“What?”
“Don’t you have an office girl fantasy? I even brought the outfit…”
It seemed this was the real reason she had called me to the meeting room instead of just meeting in my quarters. While our combat gear and equipment had a medieval look, there was still some demand for modern clothing. Things like nurse uniforms, bunny girl outfits, and for men, military uniforms, weren't too hard to find.
Of course, the materials to make modern clothes were quite expensive, but for someone like Choi Seulgi, the cost would have been no burden at all.
I had actually planned to refuse since I had other things to do, but Choi Seulgi was looking at me with such a peculiar gaze that I ended up nodding.
*
A little more time passed. In theory, all preparations were complete. Several simulations had concluded that moving the Magic Tower was possible, and the Blood Dagger Clan, along with the mages capable of moving it, began to advance toward the front lines.
We needed two sets of coordinates: the location of Isaac’s secret Magic Tower and the coordinates in the sky above the drop point. We had already secured both. After such long preparations, a sense of tension hung over everyone’s faces.
This reaction was likely because the operation date was fast approaching. Provocations and small-scale skirmishes were already breaking out between the ice wall and the corpse wall. I had heard that the werewolf, White Silver Fang, was making an impressive showing against the enemy’s attempts to cut off our supply lines.
Around this time, I was thinking about strengthening our forces.
After we dropped the Magic Tower, the battle would likely devolve into a war of annihilation, a melee. To ensure we didn't lose the momentum we’d gained, our troops would have to push forward relentlessly. I felt I had grown quite strong, but reinforcing our power was still essential. This was especially true for me, as I still hadn't used my free access pass to the Secret Store.
Even during the march, moving around wasn't easy. Isaac and Mev were clinging to my sides.
“Chieftain! All clear nearby. No one in sight.”
I could understand Mev, who was on guard against any hidden guerrilla forces, but Isaac staring at me with sparkling eyes was becoming burdensome. I stroked Mev’s head once and then spoke.
“We will take a short rest before moving out again.”
“Everyone, unload your gear!”
“Blood Dagger has ordered a rest!”
“Mages may sit and rest!”
Honestly, if it had just been the warriors, we would have arrived long ago. But since we were moving with nearly half the mages on the continent, we had no choice but to manage their stamina.
I could see the mages calmly unpacking their things and spending their time in their own ways. The sight of them endlessly discussing the operation even during their break certainly gave them the air of researchers. Watching them, I immediately thought of the Item Shop.
If I went to the shop now and came back, the timing would be perfect.
I felt my body being instantly transported somewhere.
[Confirming the points of Blood Dagger, the Seat of Sorrow and Despair.]
[Impressive. 14,000,000 points have been calculated for the achievement of uniting humans and Green Skins, among various other accomplishments.]
It was a somewhat ambiguous amount. No, it was definitely a lot of points, but it was less than I had expected. I had won the Southwest-Northeast alliance war, united humans and Green Skins, and been victorious in countless battles.
It felt a little low, but it wasn't entirely unreasonable.
The last time I received a point settlement was 10 million points, for being the first to discover another continent and for liberating the elves. Even after factoring in the achievement of becoming the Seat of Sorrow, I had only received 10 million. Compared to that, my recent activities couldn't be called major accomplishments, so the amount was somewhat understandable. It was a bit disappointing, but this was more than enough to buy some decent items.
As usual, the goblin was looking at me.
“Take your time and choose, friend.”
The creature was sitting on one side of the Item Shop, chin propped in his hand. Having been messed with by him before, I decided to be a little arrogant today.
“Open the Secret Store.”
“Ahem… Do you have an entry ticket?”
“Cut the crap and just open it, will you?”
I thought I saw his expression crumple a little. It was a very cocky tone, so it was understandable. I hadn't received a separate ticket, but I was more than qualified. The battle with the Sword Saint had been my qualification, so he had nothing to say. The creature silently began to open the entrance to the Secret Store.
[As a reward for the quest - [Revenge! Revenge! Revenge on the Sword Saint!], you have discovered the hidden weapons of the Item Shop. From now on, you will be able to view the hidden items without opening the store.]
He did not look pleased.
As expected, his voice followed.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d choose quickly, friend.”
“As I recall, there’s no time limit…”
“Ahem…”
The first weapon that came to mind was the one I had been picturing all this time: the Sealed Greatsword.
[Sealed Greatsword]
[A greatsword created to seal someone. It was forged with the flames of hell and a blessed hammer. It can summon large chains. These chains, which react to the user’s magic, can bind or tear enemies apart. No one other than the recognized master can touch this greatsword. Increases Dark attribute resistance.]
[Magic +6, Stamina +6, Strength +6]
[5,000,000 Points]
I remembered it having stats and abilities like these. It was a weapon I had really liked, so I remembered its exact stats and specs clearly. A greatsword worth a whopping 5 million points. I was happily looking for it when…
‘Shit.’
The magnificent greatsword, which should have been sitting in a corner exuding an ominous and dignified aura, was nowhere to be seen.
A thought crossed my mind, but I didn't want to accept it. Just then, the shopkeeper raised one corner of his mouth and spoke.
“If you’re looking for the Sealed Greatsword, I’m afraid you’re out of luck.”
“…”
“It’s sold.”
My face twisted at the goblin’s infuriating smile.