Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Elixir Addict
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Park Chan-woo had never experienced this "Dungeon Abyss" before.
Just like the "First Night Abyss," it was something he'd never gone through firsthand.
He hadn't even begun properly tackling Abysses until over half a year from now.
It was only after the first Racial War ended that he finally started moving.
After 120 million people, randomly selected, vanished as "sacrifices."
Having tasted that horrifying terror, Park Chan-woo couldn't stay still.
'All hope to rely on was gone.'
He instinctively knew true hell had begun.
He also understood that without effort, he couldn't survive in the world unfolding ahead.
Indeed, when 120 million people evaporated at once, the world ground to a halt.
While everyone froze, Park Chan-woo moved.
That was why he, starting late, reached level 99 faster than anyone.
Of course, that wasn't the whole story.
'Even without experiencing it myself, I always kept up with Abyss-related info.'
Park Chan-woo had his ears wide open to everything Abyss-related.
He was as curious as he was fearful.
He never dismissed past events lightly.
Those bits of info accumulated, aiding his survival and rapid growth.
Naturally, he had some knowledge of "Dungeon Abyss" too.
People's recollections of that day were unanimous.
It was truly awful.
Especially the "Water God Abyss"—they said even if asked, they wouldn't go back in.
It was the dungeon overrun by the most Incarnations.
'The reason Incarnations swarmed it... wasn't just the high assigned points.'
He'd thought it simple.
Incarnations gathered to sabotage clears.
The Water God Abyss clear was worth a whopping 1,000 points.
The highest among all Dungeon Abysses.
But no.
The reason Yoo Han-seop led people straight in from the start.
He'd sensed something off, and sure enough, there was another motive.
'Yoo Han-seop knows the locations of treasures buried in the Water God Abyss.'
Park Chan-woo quietly tailed him.
Seeing him head confidently in a direction confirmed it.
Yoo Han-seop knew the layout here for sure.
And likely pierced every hidden treasure spot.
'His contracted Creator must have told him.'
The Creator who made a pact with Yoo Han-seop.
And numerous other Creators sent their Incarnations here.
Now he understood why Incarnations flooded this place.
'...Water God Abyss. This is a playground for Incarnations.'
Creators sometimes crafted special Abysses to grow their contracted Incarnations.
Or collaborated with others.
This was probably the latter.
The Water God Abyss creator teamed up with others.
The Creator placed "provisions" inside for their Incarnations' growth.
The prime example: elixirs.
'Placing elixirs in an Abyss isn't easy. Not unless the environment is set up right, like here.'
Rewards Creators could place varied by Abyss environment.
Elixirs were the trickiest.
Most Abysses centered on "death."
Could proper herbs or elixirs thrive on land where everything died?
But the Water God Abyss was different—fully formed environment.
High value made it ideal for planting elixirs.
'Elixirs found here en masse must tie into that. If Creators stocked all sorts for their Incarnations...'
Splash!
"Kyaaang! Why isn't it here?!"
Yoo Han-seop punched the lakeside.
Whatever should be there wasn't—rage boiled over.
He didn't notice Park Chan-woo nearby.
'Non-existence works inside Abysses.'
Outside, people sensed him, but inside, even others couldn't detect him first.
He planned around that.
'Damn Incarnations. I'll rob you all blind.'
Park Chan-woo despised Incarnations.
More repulsive than bugs.
Bugs at least enriched soil or fed others; Incarnations offered humanity nothing.
They feigned aid early but ultimately ruined the world—no debate.
Stealing from Incarnations? Practically Robin Hood.
"The map can't be wrong, right? Or did someone beat me to it?"
Yoo Han-seop pulled a map from inventory, unfolding it.
An X marked his spot exactly.
Even labeled "Hundred-Year Snow Ginseng" neatly.
But nothing.
Map was right, so someone entered first?
"Damn it!"
He scratched his head furiously.
He needed the Hundred-Year Snow Ginseng.
He rushed everyone here for its effects.
'It definitely boosts base stats.'
Levels raised base stats—average 5 per level.
It bumped that average by 0.5.
Even retroactively for past levels.
Elixirs boosted base stats or adjusted growth rates.
Must-haves if obtainable.
"Whoever it is, if I catch them, I'll kill them!"
Crunch!
Eyes blazing fury, he pocketed the map.
Then left the lake, seeking scattered people.
'His Creator gave him the map outright.'
...Beside him, Park Chan-woo smiled.
Thanks to that, he'd glimpsed it.
And moreover.
The elixir's effects kicked in.
But he was half-doubtful.
'Weakness debuff. All my base stats fixed at 1.'
It adjusted "base stats."
His were locked.
Would it override? Questionable.
But possible.
Elixirs were rare in Abysses.
They grew absorbing nature's essence over ages—mismatched with harsh Abyss environs.
Unless Creators collaborated big like this, elixirs were unseen.
Thus.
'...Can't adjust bases, so manifesting as instant buffs instead.'
...It worked.
No base boosts or adjustments, but attack and defense spiked sharply.
Park Chan-woo nodded.
'Not bad at all.'
Maybe even better.
Stats raised attack/defense ultimately—for stronger hits, weaker damage taken.
This "buff" lasted 100 hours.
Considering his totals: attack 159, defense 46—insane gains.
He stroked his chin.
'Might one-shot the Water God for real.'
The dungeon everyone abandoned.
Monster deemed unkillable!
He planned to one-shot that "Water God."
For that, he'd snatch every elixir Creators prepped for Incarnations.
'That guy came for something here too.'
Humanity's strongest Incarnation.
Contracted with a "Great Nine Lord"—the real deal.
Otherworldly strength, talent; possibly past level 100.
Why else haunt Water God Abyss?
Unlikely, but possible he'd Incarnation-pacted a Great Nine Lord already.
Park Chan-woo clenched his fist.
'...I'll take what he wants too.'
Yoo Han-seop was going mad.
He'd rounded up escapees for treasure hunt.
But.
'Why! Why is nothing here!'
He followed the map.
Yet marked spots were empty.
No Creator provisions left.
'My god! Great Creator! What's happening? Why are the treasures you placed for me gone?!'
No answer.
Free chat with Creators? A pipe dream.
Creators were great gods.
Then.
A clear Creator voice rang in his ears.
Yoo Han-seop listened tensely.
'Tell me who the saboteur is. I'll kill them by any means.'
Creators had an implicit pact.
Creating Abysses and provisions cost too many coins.
Especially elixir environments—fiendishly tricky.
Water God Abyss was flawless all around.
Perfect setup.
So they paid the host modestly, placing separate provisions for their Incarnations.
Rule: don't touch others'.
Only placer Creator/Incarnation could claim.
Maps marked to avoid overlaps—fully prepped.
Yet... looted.
Someone took first.
A knowing Creator was culprit.
Or all except him.
'Just say the word. I'll obey.'
'If my Incarnation status leaks during?'
'......Understood.'
Yoo Han-seop's eyes gleamed murderously.
And at that moment.
Other Incarnations heard similar from their Creators.
Thus, war among Incarnations ignited.
Inside the cave.
Park Chan-woo carefully grasped the small "gourd" sleeping deep within.
He uncorked it, dumping it into his mouth.