Chapter 79
Chapter 79
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: Became the Gallery's Sole Reptile
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Tahm's sudden joining had been several days now, but it was still utterly unwelcome.
On the contrary, if I could, I wanted to banish him forever right that instant.
But the reason I couldn't was because he had nestled into my Yeouiju.
[That's for me to handle.]
Snap.
That loathsome voice made my blood boil.
I confirmed no one was around and ground my teeth toward Tahm—or rather, the spot where my Yeouiju resided.
[I'm staying quiet right now because I don't have a way yet. Once I find one, I'll carve you out immediately, so keep your mouth shut, Tahm.]
Yet despite my words, Tahm just laughed it off as if amused.
I needed info on how to pry this guy out of my Yeouiju, but ironically, I couldn't use the Gallery—the best source for info.
If Tahm ever noticed the Gallery's existence, who knew what massive disaster that could trigger?
[What weird nonsense are you spouting now?]
After days together, Tahm kept testing my patience. I dreaded what he'd say to piss me off next.
[What?]
But this time, my assumption was way off.
Maybe that's why I didn't brush off Tahm's words like before. Instead, I demanded more details.
[Defied death? So there's another one like you here?]
[Just answer my question already.]
Who the hell could it be?
Earth spirits.
That word brought back what the Earth Spirit King had said during the meeting.
[So that guy was the one polluting the Spirit King's domain.]
He'd said the pollution wouldn't clear unless the Spirit King intervened personally.
Yet Tahm called that monster "dust"?
Jijiyong's display was impressive, sure, but not that impressive.
[Eh, no need.]
I didn't have good feelings toward the Earth Spirit King anyway.
Even if that guy bit the dust, I wouldn't shed a tear.
He'd watched everything that happened in the meeting from inside me, so he should know that.
[If you're gonna help me, stop wasting time on useless crap and focus here.]
[Same goes now. Cut the pointless talk.]
Because something far more important was right in front of me.
Cheongbeom.
Splash. The golden starfish leaped up amid spraying water.
It had moved from its old puddle to the cave's far end and was wriggling vigorously to adapt.
[That makes everything relocated.]
Not just the golden starfish.
All the spiritual herbs I'd gathered on the way here were transplanted here.
Amrita too—I'd planted some in the soil, using my wood energy to grow a few trees.
[Honestly, you don't care much, do you?]
If asked what I was doing, I'd say preparing to execute my full cave preservation plan.
After confirming one of Tahm's lingering powers was preservation, I'd gotten to work in earnest.
'Mana's pretty much back to normal now.'
With Tahm's remains—devouring mana while dreaming of hatching—gone, the environment had reverted.
Now, applying preservation to the whole space would seal the deal.
Swish.
I blew wind to scatter Tahm's bone dust here and there, waiting for preservation to take hold.
[...Something's off.]
Why no reaction?
Something had gone wrong.
The moment I realized it, Tahm replied as if he'd been waiting.
His voice had a weird lilt, pitched higher as if anticipating my reaction.
[Doesn't that power usually remain even after death?]
But the byproducts from defeating Tahm as Jijiyong clearly retained his abilities.
That's how we made weapons or armor, or used them to enhance existing gear.
[......]
He was right.
The idea to preserve this place only came after discovering him.
[...So, what're you getting at?]
Really helping me out?
As I made a dubious face, Tahm whispered as if he'd been waiting.
[...Something you need?]
[You're mad.]
He seriously suggested that?
[How do I know you won't pull something shady?]
So brazen.
That's why I hesitated to decide.
He claimed that to achieve what I wanted, I had to make this choice.
And that choice would benefit me personally too.
'This is no solo decision.'
I'd held off using the Gallery to keep Tahm clueless, but now I had no choice.
[Help. Really urgent. Tahm's parasitizing me, need help!]
Clickbait title to draw eyes.
My posts always got traction, but I needed even more opinions now.
The Gallery was in festival mode after I foiled Tahm's plan early, so dousing that felt a bit guilty.
But others in my shoes would do the same, I figured, shoving the thought aside.
Whoosh.
[This?]
While mulling user reactions for a decision, an odd wind blew in.
Wind blowing meant the Wind Spirit King had sent a message.
Why, though?
I paused and listened to the wind's message.
After persistent static, one word barely came through.
Earth Spirit King.
Was it about him?
[...What?]
The Earth Spirit King... died?