Chapter 267 Want to See a Magic Trick?
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Translator: JayM
Chapter: 267
Chapter Title: Want to See a Magic Trick?
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The four men sat in front of the cabin, each lost in their own thoughts.
Luther thought of the succubus.
'It got stiff? How cute.'
The sight of her smiling with her eyes and tapping his alter ego with her finger…
It was a memory engraved like a brand in his mind because it was the moment he had first lost his virginity.
Gibson recalled the memory of him toying with a cute rabbit beast-person a few days before entering the labyrinth.
Seeing the beast-person, who was shedding tears and begging him to stop, brought back old memories, and he had ended up pushing her even more roughly.
On the other hand…
The virgin Sebastian's face had turned white.
Goosebumps rose all over his body.
The barbarian’s cock got stiff in a place where four men were gathered?
It might have seemed like a joke to others, but to him, it sounded completely different.
No way…
'Is this barbarian bastard… gay?'
Sebastian's pupils shook violently.
Was that number above his head the number of times he had had sex with men?
'I don't know.'
But he couldn't help but feel his suspicion grow.
Priest Luther cleared his throat.
"Ahem! Barbarian, what kind of vulgar words are you saying? No matter what, those aren’t things to be said in front of people."
Skar grinned and replied.
"Luther, are you a virgin?"
"..."
Luther was silent for a moment and then opened his mouth.
"T-That's right?"
Sebastian's eyes turned cold. To think that a priest who served Lux Aeterna would utter a lie.
An impossible thing.
His suspicion deepened.
"Priest Luther-nim, are you really a 'virgin'?"
"...Yes. That's right?"
"Ha! I see. I understand."
Sebastian replied in a sarcastic tone.
Priest Luther's expression hardened.
"Sebastian-nim, is there something you want to say?"
"No. Not at all."
"..."
Luther kept his mouth shut.
Gibson didn't miss the opportunity and interjected.
"Sebastian, your attitude toward the Priest-nim is quite something. No matter if we're in the same party, don't you have any manners to maintain?"
A bitter smile appeared on Sebastian's face.
"Manners? I don't think that's something a person who got drunk and wandered around a gambling den right before a labyrinth exploration should say. And have you already forgotten about you secretly stealing the party's funds?"
"You bastard...!"
"Stop!!! Stop it!"
The flustered Luther shouted.
Suddenly, the party's atmosphere became hostile.
Jeong Yoo-shin was dumbfounded.
'What's with this atmosphere? Just because I made a joke...'
To exaggerate a little…
They were glaring at each other as if they were going to kill each other.
Now even a fool could tell…
The party's conflicts had risen to the surface.
At that moment…
Creeeeak.
The cabin door opened, and Cian peeked her head out.
"What is it?"
"N-Nothing. We just had a little argument."
Luther hurriedly stepped up to resolve the situation.
"Is that so? I've finished changing, so you can all come in now."
The party members silently entered the cabin.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Two days had passed since the argument.
The party advanced through the Swamp area and reached the 15th floor.
There had been several battles with monsters, but they had easily defeated them.
The red orbs were easily crushed in the hero Cian's hand.
The exploration was going smoothly.
But the party's atmosphere was still cold.
15 days after entering the labyrinth.
The party members left the labyrinth.
Evening.
Snow was falling from a windless sky.
The party members silently glanced at each other and then went their separate ways.
Jeong Yoo-shin also had nothing particular to say to them, so he just gave a simple goodbye and went on his way.
Currently…
Jeong Yoo-shin's mind was full of thoughts about his Sacred Weapon.
Perhaps this weapon would be an original summoned weapon that he had thought of himself.
However…
It wasn’t easy to bestow the traits he had thought of on a Sacred Weapon.
Generally, if he copied and used a magic weapon, the magic consumption was relatively low and it was more convenient for him.
But the more traits that were added and the more complicated the weapon became, the more the magic consumption would skyrocket.
The biggest problem was that…
'I don't have enough mana.'
It also meant that he was lacking in level ups.
Jeong Yoo-shin returned to the inn, unpacked his things, and fell asleep.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Oh, my head."
Jeong Yoo-shin patted his forehead.
A day had passed, and he still hadn't found a proper solution to his problem.
'Just quit.'
He heard a tempting voice in his mind.
'Turn a blind eye. There's no need for you to get involved in such a thing.'
That was true.
The Crimson Hunters clan had disappeared.
New strong people had entered the human trafficking business, but they hadn't caused him any harm.
Moreover, they had even come to him and left a warning first.
This was rather kind of them.
In fact, it would be a problem for him even if he killed Johannes.
Next time, even stronger guys would show up.
'Can you handle it?'
Jeong Yoo-shin asked that to himself and then opened his eyes.
His mind was a mess.
In fact, he had been looking forward to his labyrinth exit a little. He had secretly hoped to level up or get a strange piece of loot from the labyrinth.
'But I didn't get anything.'
At that moment…
Clunk!!!
The inn door opened, and a dwarf walked in.
Jeong Yoo-shin's eyes widened.
"Einhorfer?"
"Skar, it's been a while."
"What is it?"
"A message came from the Damascene Workshop."
Jeong Yoo-shin shot up from his seat.
"Have they melted that black iron greatsword?"
"No."
"Sigh."
"But they said that they have something important to talk to you about, so how about we go down to the underground and have a conversation?"
Jeong Yoo-shin thought for a moment and then nodded his head.
"I understand."
The two headed for the western underground area.
"I'm sorry."
The workshop owner of the Damascene Workshop, Gromdin, bowed his head and apologized.
"I couldn't melt the black iron greatsword."
"Is that so?"
"To apologize, I'd like to make you another weapon or piece of equipment. Is that alright?"
"Well... It's fine. First, please return the greatsword pieces to me."
"Here you go."
Gromdin handed him the pieces of the broken black iron greatsword.
"By any chance, does this greatsword have a name?"
At the unexpected question, Jeong Yoo-shin thought for a moment and then shook his head.
"Not really."
"It's better to give it a name."
"Why?"
"Because a name gives things meaning. Not just to a sword, but to many other things as well."
Come to think of it, there had been many cases where he had hesitated to name something.
He had also postponed naming the small and medium-sized clan alliance.
And he hadn't properly named the weapons he had summoned with Sacred Weapon either.
Moreover…
'I haven't named my Imprint Synergy yet.'
Although Revenger and Death Reprieve had connected to form an Imprint Synergy, he hadn't named it yet. Because he found it ominous.
It was better for this Imprint Synergy to not activate, just like the Female Virgin Corruption imprint.
The activation of this Imprint Synergy meant…
'That I'm dead.'
Gromdin put his hands behind his back and opened his mouth.
"There's a saying that you live up to your name. It's often the case that it applies not only to swords but to everything else."
"What’re you so proud of when you can't even melt a single greatsword piece properly?"
Gromdin's face turned red.
"N-No, you!"
"But thank you. I’ll think about the words of the workshop owner."
Gromdin stared blankly at the bowing Jeong Yoo-shin.
Seeing this barbarian slap and then soothe, he thought that this man was no ordinary guy.
That was probably why he had become the representative of the small and medium-sized clan alliance.
"A-Alright. If you need any equipment, tell Einhorfer. I'll make you a good one using high-quality ore."
"Alright."
Jeong Yoo-shin and Einhorfer left the underground workshop and walked the streets again.
Crunch. Crunch.
Jeong Yoo-shin and Einhorfer walked the streets where heavy snow was falling.
The footsteps of the two men were left on the snowy path, which was covered with thick snowfall.
"Skar, are you doing well these days?"
Einhorfer asked.
"Of course. No problem."
"That's a relief."
"..."
Jeong Yoo-shin was silent for a moment and then opened his mouth.
"Actually, it's a bit difficult."
"Is that so?"
"I'm so angry when I think about how many dog-like bastards there are in the world."
"..."
"I want to kill them all, but it's causing me grief because I don't have the strength to do it."
Jeong Yoo-shin, who had been grumbling for a long time, soon slumped his shoulders as if he had lost all of his strength.
"I think a demon lives in my heart."
Einhorfer walked slowly without saying anything else and then opened his mouth.
"In fact, a demon also lives in my heart."
"..."
"Sometimes, it's so hard and tiring. It's not just once or twice that I've wanted to give up."
"Is that so?"
"At times like that, I think of you."
Einhorfer stopped walking and looked up at Jeong Yoo-shin.
"A man who overcomes the worst of ordeals and returns from the labyrinth. A man who doesn’t yield to injustice and an unfair fate, isn't that you? Compared to you, a blacksmith like me can't stop just because it's hard."
Jeong Yoo-shin's pupils trembled.
'Is that so?'
He looked up at the sky for a moment and then slowly opened his mouth.
"Einhorfer."
"What is it?"
"Can I ask you for a favor?"
"Speak."
The sight of him, ready to grant it without even asking what it was…
Jeong Yoo-shin looked at Einhorfer and smiled.
"Please gather the members of the small and medium-sized clan alliance."
"Where should I tell them to go?"
Jeong Yoo-shin thought for a moment and then opened his mouth.
"Please have them gather at the southern park."
"Alright."
Jeong Yoo-shin parted ways with Einhorfer and headed for the southern park.
Because it was snowing heavily, there were no people in the park.
Jeong Yoo-shin stood in front of the fountain with his hands behind his back and looked at the statue of Saint Ezdras.
The man who had gathered all evil and sealed it in the labyrinth.
Somehow, he felt like he knew Ezdras' feelings.
Jeong Yoo-shin was lost in thought while getting hit by the falling snow.
Labyrinth City…
Was where the orphans Mion took care of lived.
And where the cute beast-people stayed.
And it was the workplace of the helpless bastards who had nowhere else to go.
It was only natural to protect it.
"Skar-nim."
At the sound, he opened his eyes and looked around.
Dozens of clan leaders were forming a circle around Jeong Yoo-shin.
The number seemed to have increased more than before.
"I'm sorry for calling you here so late in the evening."
"Don't say that, Representative Skar-nim."
"Master Skar, it's only natural for us to come when you call."
"What is it, bear?! Just say the word, bear!"
The quiet park became noisy as a large number of clan leaders started talking all at once.
When Jeong Yoo-shin raised his hand, the people closed their mouths.
"The underworld bastards of the Eastern District have started to get involved in the human trafficking business again."
"Those bastards deserve to be killed!!!"
"Trash bastards!!!"
"Is it a war?!"
Jeong Yoo-shin shook his head.
"I'll deal with them alone."
"..."
The clan leaders' expressions hardened rapidly.
"Do you really have to do that? If you're with us…"
"I'm doing this because I want to. But there's something you can help me with."
"What is it?"
"Please gather information. Any rumor about the 8th-ranked Eastern District underworld Vaisis Clan is fine."
""We understand!!!""
Granny stepped forward once again.
"Representative-nim, are you sure you don't need us to join you?"
"It's fine. Thank you for coming with me this far."
Jeong Yoo-shin sent back the people who were insistent on staying and fighting with him.
He didn't want to push these people who had their own livelihoods into a world of swords and blood.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
A day later, in the evening.
Jeong Yoo-shin stood at the inn door, leaning his body on its frame.
Thanks to the overwhelming information-gathering ability of the small and medium-sized clan alliance…
The place where Johannes was staying was quickly identified by them.
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
A carriage stopped in front of Jeong Yoo-shin.
This carriage was also lent by one of the small and medium-sized clan alliances.
Jeong Yoo-shin got on the carriage.
"Skar."
Inside the carriage sat a dark elf in luxurious white fur.
"Vivian?"
"It's been a while. Has everything been alright?"
"I'm doing well."
"Yeah?"
Vivian smiled faintly.
"I heard you're fighting the Eastern District guys again."
Jeong Yoo-shin made a bitter smile.
"Has the rumor already spread?"
"Because I'm checking on you without fail."
"Vivian, this is too dangerous. Especially you, who live and rub shoulders with those guys in the Eastern District of Labyrinth City. Don't get involved."
"I thought so."
Vivian handed him a ring from her pocket.
"It's a Magic Enhancement Ring that came out of the auction house this time."
"Wasn't it expensive?"
"I thought you might need it. Take it."
"Thanks."
Jeong Yoo-shin took the ring and put it on his finger.
The magic in his body stirred and began to increase little by little.
"How is it?"
"It's good."
Vivian puffed her cheeks.
"Your reaction’s so dull. We haven't seen each other in a long time, aren't you being too nonchalant?"
"Thank you, Vivian-nim."
At Jeong Yoo-shin's thanks, Vivian chuckled and turned her head away.
Jeong Yoo-shin fiddled with the ring.
'With this much…'
Wouldn't it be possible for him to summon the weapon he had been thinking of?
Although he was dissatisfied with the speed at which his mana was replenishing.
This problem could be solved right away.
Magic absorption, one of the characteristics of the Half-Incubus imprint.
Because of the Magic Enhancement Ring that Vivian had given him, he became greedy.
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
"Big sis."
Vivian's body flinched and stiffened.
"Give me some mana."
"..."
Vivian smiled wryly and then sat on Jeong Yoo-shin's lap.
Before Jeong Yoo-shin could open his mouth, Vivian hugged his neck and kissed him passionately.
Chuuuup.
Sluuuurp.
Vivian offered up her enormous mana, as if to say “Take as much as you want.”
Jeong Yoo-shin drew out all the mana he could take.
At some point, the carriage stopped.
It seemed that they had entered the Eastern District.
Vivian parted her lips and sat back.
"Don't die."
Jeong Yoo-shin wiped his mouth and stood up.
"Don't you worry."
Jeong Yoo-shin got out of the carriage and stood in front of a building.
Hot steam was rising from the chimney of the building built with old-fashioned materials.
He looked around.
People in expensive clothes were coming and going on the street.
'A bathhouse.'
Jeong Yoo-shin smiled faintly and entered the building.
Johannes was submerged in the bath, his eyes closed.
Dozens of big guys were sitting next to him.
One of them opened his mouth.
"Johannes-nim."
"What?"
"They say that Skar bastard has returned from the labyrinth."
"Yeah? Any unusual signs?"
"No."
"Don't let your guard down. He's a dangerous guy."
"I understand."
As soon as Johannes's words ended, a man approached them from a distance.
Thump. Thump.
Black hair.
With a longsword and a bastard sword on his back.
The man walked to them with a leisurely gait, his long coat tails fluttering.
Johannes's face hardened frighteningly.
"Skar...?"
"Ahahaha. Eeeee. Aaaoooeeeuuuua."
They heard a broken laughter as he came closer.
Skar, who had gotten pretty close, pushed his dirty boots into the bath.
A big guy shot up from his seat.
"This crazy bastard, where do you think you are?!!"
Instead of answering, Skar looked around and then took a dagger from his pocket.
"Want to see a magic trick?"
A question with an unknown intention.
Fear stealthily rose on the surrounding people's faces.
"..."
In a bathhouse in the Eastern District.
A heavy silence fell.
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T/N - Damn, I was gonna comment about the funny stuff in the earlier part of the chapter, but Einhorfer just had to hit us with the feels. The MC has really gotten far and has touched plenty of lives, for better or worse.
To be honest, I don’t really get why the MC feels the need to handle this personally when he could just report this to the city’s higher ups. I mean, he already has the connection to do that and be taken seriously. Maybe this is his madness taking control…