Chapter 143
Chapter 143
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 143
Chapter Title: Storm Giant's Heart
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⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ [Sub Quest completed] As I claimed the reward, a thought crossed my mind.
Would I finally get a proper reward this time?
The system showered me with all sorts of rewards, but that was only when my vessel still had plenty of room left.
When I reached level 6 and acquired the gifts, including Overlord, it filled my vessel to the brim.
It had been similar when I gained the elf's alchemy abilities.
I checked the quest reward.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ [Acquired Gift: Storm Giant's Heart (S)] Storm Giant's Heart?
What the hell was this?
-Hm?
'What's up?'
-Something feels like it's changed in your body.
It had changed.
Because I'd acquired the Storm Giant's Heart.
The name alone didn't give me much of a clue.
I tapped on the gift to check the details.
⚔ GIFT ⚔ Storm Giant's Heart (S)
The heart of a mighty ancient race that once existed. They were the ancestors of orcs, a race that rivaled even dragons in their prime. You have gained the power of their upper echelon. ◇ Massive bonus to Strength and Stamina. ◇ Massive bonus to Lightning and Wind attributes. ◇ Massive bonus to Magic Resistance. Thump.
My heart began to beat.
Thump-thump.
Soon, it pounded so fiercely it almost ached.
The Storm Giant's Heart was throbbing wildly inside my body.
It felt as if my very existence had been reconstructed from wind and lightning, power surging through every inch of me.
'What the hell...'
I had no idea what was happening, but I was swept up in the illusion that wind and lightning now dwelled within my body.
Each muscle hardened, and the heartbeat wasn't just a biological rhythm—it pulsed like a storm contained within.
"What the hell did you do now?"
Volkan stared at me with eyes wide open.
His voice mixed surprise with a hint of awe.
His usual playful expression turned serious for a moment.
"Even this servant has never seen power like this."
Cheong Yurang spoke in a voice laced with awe and respect.
Curiosity and wariness swirled in her eyes.
-She's on guard. Wondering if this power is good or bad for you.
"Master, where did this power come from?"
I raised my hand.
A small whirlwind swirled above my palm, sparks flying within it.
Wind and lightning intertwined, moving freely at my will.
This wasn't mere magic or a technique.
It was simply...
'Like breathing.'
I could do it now.
"A gift."
I answered curtly.
"Just got it."
"A gift?"
Volkan snorted and crossed his arms.
"You, this is way too ridiculous to just call a gift, isn't it? Feels more like something out of mythology."
Volkan leaned in close, peering at my face.
-What gift is it?
'Storm Giant's Heart.'
-Volkan's not entirely wrong.
The holy sword's voice echoed in my head.
Tinged with surprise and interest.
-Storm Giants. They existed long ago, before this world was systematized like it is now. They fought dragons and were strong enough to be called ancestors of orcs. What you got isn't just any giant's power—it's from their elite bloodline. This isn't mere strength; it elevates your very being to a higher level.
'Elevates my being?'
I paused at the holy sword's words.
'What does that mean?'
-Simply put, you're starting to shed human limits. The Storm Giant's Heart is reconstructing your body, mind, and mana. But this is a problem.
'Why?'
-You're getting too strong. To properly reach level 7, you need to unify your mana, mind, and body.
The holy sword groaned like it had a headache.
'So it's going to be tough?'
-How is it every gift you have seems unstable?
Maybe it felt too alien for a human like me.
'Shedding humanity.'
Seemed like it.
"...Don't just stand there zoning out. Try something."
Volkan patted my shoulder.
I closed my eyes and focused on my heart.
The throbbing grew more intense, my consciousness melting into wind and lightning.
Mana around me began swirling toward my body.
The air grew heavy, vibrating.
Then, silence fell like the calm before a storm.
Crackle!
Purple lightning suddenly burst from my hand, scorching the ground black.
A gale whipped up, enveloping me.
I extended my hand to control it.
The wind shifted direction at my will, sharpening into blades, mingling with lightning and lashing out wildly.
"...This is."
Cheong Yurang stepped back, narrowing her eyes.
"Power that rivals even my Fenrir state?"
"Huh? What, did you perform a ritual or something?"
"It's been ages since this servant underwent the beastkin ritual. Why else would I call you master?"
Volkan's face paled slightly at her words.
"...When did you start your own household? Aren't you afraid of the Golden Witch at all?"
"...?"
Why bring up Ermé here?
I gave Volkan a puzzled look.
"But master, how far can you wield this power?"
"Dunno."
I lowered my hand and caught my breath.
"Still getting the hang of it."
-It'll get familiar the more you use it. But be careful. The Storm Giant's power is mighty, but hard to control. If your will weakens, the storm could swallow you.
I nodded at the holy sword's warning.
This power was immense, but parts of it still didn't obey me fully.
'But that's just a matter of time.'
I'd master it eventually.
Like always.
"So, what's next?"
Volkan uncrossed his arms.
"You dealt with the seed of evil. What's the next target?"
I thought for a moment.
Stealing the seed completed the quest, but its very existence was suspicious.
If someone left it there on purpose, there was likely a bigger scheme behind it.
And at the center of that scheme were probably the Demon King or his minions.
And...
'Libellion.'
I'd thought they were just a gang of ordinary criminals.
'But they're too shady.'
Time to clean them out.
But first...
"Let's hand this seed over to the guild master for now."
I looked at the seed in my hand.
The guild master always gave me plenty of cash.
Maybe he'd do the same this time.
*
The next day.
The tournament was still in full swing.
I had nothing to do, so I was just watching.
'The warrior division has fewer things to note than I expected.'
Watching the mages was more helpful.
But it wasn't without its burdens.
Meong.
The stares from the crowd had grown terrifyingly intense.
-Of course. You were already eye-catching enough, and now you're even more mysterious.
'That noticeable?'
My hair had changed color.
White locks with purple eyes.
I knew from the mirror.
'I thought I was handsome before...'
But with all these eyes on me, it felt uncomfortable.
I'd endured at first, but rumors must have spread—crowds gathered around.
'...Time to bail.'
I was good at slipping away, so I vanished easily.
I wandered the alley for a bit.
"...".
A powerful presence hit me.
"As expected of the Thief Hero."
A low voice from the shadows.
I turned my head slightly.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Me? What would you do if you knew?"
She smiled.
"No one will see you after today anyway."
Long ears.
Long flowing hair. Blue-glowing eyes.
"Ah, but it's a shame. Killing a guy with a face like that."
She sighed playfully, eyes scanning my face.
Yet killing intent filled the air.
-Level 7.
The holy sword spoke in a tone of mock lament mixed with excitement.
-That woman's stronger than she looks.
'...Gotta bounce harder.'
-Yeah, or other passersby might get caught in the crossfire.
Sensing my intent, the elf woman smiled.
"Don't even dream of running. I won't touch that mad old man Volkan... or the other hero candidates, not even the level 9s."
Black-robed figures appeared around us.
Slightly pointed ears—elves.
'Who are they?'
They didn't seem like ordinary elves.
But I pushed the question aside.
'This is fun.'
The audacity to corner me like this.
I smiled faintly at the elf woman.
"The current Thief Hero?"
"...Quick on the uptake. I'd say it's the thief in you, but nope."
The elf grinned playfully and gave a thumbs-down.
"Kids, take him out."
Arrows rained from all sides.
None were ordinary. To the point...
'Like the shots I faced at level 3.'
In other words...
Swish.
I took one step back.
Most arrows missed.
But some targeted my legs and arms sharply.
Clang-clang!
I deflected them lightly with the Thunder Dragon Sword, gauging their power.
'The others aren't an issue.'
But the one in front of me was a real problem.
So...
'They bared their fangs at me, means they're confident.'
And fully intent on killing me.
-Pretty smug look on her face.
'Yeah.'
I retreated step by step.
Thanks to the Storm Giant's Heart, my steps felt faster than usual.
"Trying to run? Even as a hero?"
"This matchup's a pain."
"That's why thieves are...!"
Thud!
I kicked off the ground, leaping higher than I expected.
But my enemies were more shocked.
I could see them falter.
Already panicking?
"Catch him! Grab him however! We had no intel on that speed..."
I quietly nocked an arrow.
Civilians might be at risk, so I couldn't go all out.
'But I can thin the numbers.'
Twang.
The arrow sank silently into an enemy's throat.