Chapter 228
Chapter 228
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 228
Chapter Title: Perfecting the Undead
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Leyzon had successfully completed Garjun's transformation into a full undead.
In truth, there wasn't much left to do.
Garjun was already undead.
All that was needed was to tweak how his energy was consumed.
"Incredible. Your undead creation technique is a revolution for necromancers."
Now, there was no need to roam dungeons absorbing power anymore.
That alone made Garjun look like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, as if he could finally breathe easy.
But even so, he didn't say he'd head straight back to Sahā Village.
"I've got a few things scattered around here and there that need tying up. Once that's done, I'll return and check on that refugee kid you mentioned."
There was no reason to stop him if he had loose ends to handle.
Leyzon bid him farewell and parted ways with Garjun.
As he crossed the Stika Plains, Leyzon's tasks were already set.
'Self-reinforcement.'
Right after splitting from Garjun, he sent an additional message to the Sword Saint.
The same went for the Night Ravens, who were keeping tabs on the nobles.
He had planted seeds everywhere to gather information.
Now, until those seeds bore fruit, he had some downtime.
More importantly, Leyzon had his own tasks to tackle.
'It's about time to hit the dungeons again.'
Leyzon had three ways to grow stronger right now.
Dungeon clears.
Skill absorption for evolution.
Studying primal magic.
Among them, the most immediately efficient was, of course, Corruption Level.
And now was the time to build up his accumulated Corruption Levels.
From nearby low-rank dungeons to mid-rank, high-rank, and even hero-grade.
He needed to sweep through them all without exception.
That way, his Corruption EXP would keep piling up.
'And the undead too.'
They gained EXP alongside Leyzon.
As Leyzon's level rose, their EXP efficiency dropped.
The strength of his undead was his own strength.
With that conclusion, Leyzon made his decision.
'I'll cap my own Corruption Level at hero-grade.'
Leyzon could still grow through evolution and primal magic.
For now, maximizing EXP accumulation was enough.
'Besides.'
There was a reason Leyzon was holding off on raising his Corruption Level.
The undead-related tomes he'd received from Garjun.
Leyzon had speed-read them all with Speed Reading Acquisition [C] the moment he got them.
Thanks to his innate memory and the skill, he grasped most of the content.
And that led him to one key realization.
'Once they become undead, their Corruption Levels can rise without dungeon run limits.'
Why hadn't Leyzon raised his own Corruption Level?
It was psychological.
He'd worried that surging ahead would stall the undeads' growth.
In the end, that hesitation had carried over into their undeath.
'Even without dungeon limits, further undeath refinement unlocks their levels.'
So there was no rush for his own Corruption Level.
Prioritizing the undeads' levels made more sense.
His own accumulated EXP would build up regardless.
'Meeting the hero-grade dungeon requirement is plenty.'
Instead, starting today, he'd raise all his undeads' Corruption Levels to 20.
"Estelle, summon Pauli and Hanok."
"Understood."
As he sent off Estelle, now a Dragon Sovereign, a wicked grin crept across Leyzon's lips.
It was time to grow his undead army.
Hanok Wilbria.
While Leyzon was away, Hanok had tirelessly cleared dungeon after dungeon.
His prowess was a huge asset to the Steel Wolf Guild.
Naturally, every guild member clamored to party with him.
Among them, the one he'd run with most was Yusia, daughter of Bryden the Wild Wolf.
Hanok synced perfectly with her.
In fact, having them lead the vanguard felt rock-solid.
Thanks to that, Hanok kept clearing dungeons alongside Yusia.
As a result, he finally reached the 14th Ascension.
'One more Ascension, and...'
He'd match his brother, the Shadow Warlord.
Of course, the Shadow Warlord had delayed his own due to imperial obligations.
He had enough EXP for 18th Ascension.
Still, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him thrilled Hanok.
It was the spot next to his brother he'd always dreamed of.
But the Shadow Warlord wasn't his only goal.
'I need to stand beside Leyzon.'
Hanok clenched his fists tight.
The situations swirling around Leyzon were all high-stakes.
Combat realms far beyond Hanok's current reach.
He never wanted to feel that helplessness again.
That's why he'd grinded dungeons day and night.
"Whoa, Hanok! Smashed another dungeon today, huh?"
At the voice calling him, Hanok looked up.
There stood recent Steel Wolf recruits he'd been running with.
Young high-rank Pioneers newly assigned to the Wild Wolves.
Fresh blood drawn by the guild's rising fame.
Being around the same age, they were his main party mates.
A strong camaraderie had formed among them.
"14th Ascension already? Makes me jealous. Wonder if I'd be that good as a Sword-Tooth Clansman?"
The eldest, Midan of the Wild Wolves, chuckled as he spoke.
Hanok coughed awkwardly, his face flushing.
"It's more about meeting good people."
"I love that attitude of yours. Kids your age usually strut around after hits like that."
Midan grinned, clearly even more fond of him.
Hanok downplayed himself due to his ordeals with Leyzon.
But others didn't know that.
To them, he seemed incredibly humble.
"I've got to push higher."
"Seeing you fires me up. Dungeon tomorrow?"
"You bet."
"Midan, stop hogging Hanok."
The others jeered at Midan.
He tagged along with Hanok so much because the kid crushed dungeons.
"Hey, Hanok's cool with it!"
"Keep leaning on him, and you won't survive without him."
"Heh heh, sounds good. What do you say, Hanok?"
The party vibe was warm and lively.
Hanok melted into it with a relaxed smile.
Around Leyzon, tension was constant.
Times like this weren't half bad.
And it wasn't just that.
"Nah, you can't. Hanok's Yusia's."
"Oh, right."
At the remark, Hanok flinched and whipped his head around.
Yusia, walking quietly with the group, turned to him.
She smiled gently.
Hanok's face burned red as he ducked his head.
It started innocently—he'd bonded with her because she resembled his adoptive mom.
But over time, feelings had shifted.
Despite the age gap by human standards, Sword-Tooth Clansmen aged fast with short lifespans.
Hanok had shot up lately, shedding his boyish face.
Standing by Yusia, the difference barely showed.
Her youthful looks helped too.
"I-it's not like that."
"Oh? It's not?"
Teasing back playfully, she made his face flame brighter.
The party watched the pair fondly.
Everyone knew Yusia saw him as a little brother.
Her teasing was sisterly.
But they weren't blind.
That was still the case—for now.
Lately, everyone noticed Yusia growing aware of him.
It was just a matter of time.
She'd see him as more someday.
They held back teasing, content watching the fresh duo.
Then Hanok met Yusia's eyes.
His heart pounded wildly for no reason.
But it didn't feel bad.
This ticklish sensation was pure bliss for Hanok.
As if he wanted this moment to last forever.
"Hanok, Hanok Wilbria."
Then a voice reached his ears.
A man with a scarred face was sprinting toward them.
Hanok knew him well.
Crow, one of the Five, his mentor.
Hanok's eyes widened.
If Crow was running like that, the reason was obvious.
Leaving his puzzled party behind, Hanok rushed to him.
"Crow."
"Leyzon's summoning you."
As expected, Leyzon's call.
The peaceful mood shattered instantly.
Instead, Hanok asked tensely,
"What happened this time?"
Leyzon always drew trouble.
Wondering if it was more of the same, Crow shook his head.
"He wants to hit the dungeons."
Hanok had just come from one.
Leyzon showed no mercy suggesting another.
He glanced back at his party.
Especially Yusia.
She tilted her head at his gaze, a hint of worry in her eyes.
Hanok looked at her, then swallowed a bitter smile.
He realized their peaceful time had ended.
When Leyzon grinded dungeons, it was brutal marches.
Like his recent clears were mere child's play.
His eyes wavered on Yusia.
But he blinked back tears and turned away.
"Gotta say goodbye to the party."
No telling when he'd return this time.
One thing was certain, though.
With Leyzon, Hanok would grow far stronger.
"Haron, we'll make it back alive, right?"
"Woof."
Haron whimpered, unable to fully answer.
It was the fate of Leyzon's warriors—unavoidable.