Chapter 48
Chapter 48
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Setsuna's Birth
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“The magic circle...”
Luen couldn't hide her look of astonishment as she watched it begin emitting light.
“Too early to be surprised.”
Amid the alerts, Woojin carefully placed the trembling egg onto the magic circle, grabbing it firmly.
The materials in his inventory vanished, turning to powder that seeped into the magic circle.
Kuguk... Kugrrrk...
Vines sprouted from the circle, wrapping around the egg.
“Kuh?!”
A blinding white light filled the cavern, stinging his eyes. Woojin turned away and stepped back.
-You called for me.
“...!!”
A voice echoed from within the light. Woojin's eyes widened.
It has a sense of self?
Not just a living creature, but a summon that could speak human language...
Woojin's cheek twitched amid the dissipating mist.
His trembling gaze fixed on the interior.
Gulp.
Woojin swallowed dryly in tension.
-Pleased to meet you, Master.
Lemon-yellow hair swayed gently.
Clear blue eyes sparkled.
A delicate girl in flowing winged robes, arms crossed over her chest, bowed toward him.
-My name is Setsuna. I was born from your call.
She clutched her arms, eyes gleaming at Woojin as she spoke.
-From now on, I'll protect you.
The words rang trustworthy, but Woojin felt zero faith in them.
...She's tiny.
That was his first impression.
Indeed.
Tiny—too tiny.
Barely the length of a handspan?
She was small enough to fit in his palm.
Flit—
Her robes fluttering, she flew up to perch on Woojin's shoulder.
-Where are the enemies?
She rolled up her sleeves, swinging her fingernail-sized fists like a boxer.
“Cut the nonsense and sit still. You're distracting.”
-Hing.
The greater the expectations, the deeper the disappointment.
This is an SS-grade quest reward?
Woojin smacked his lips.
With no real hopes, he tapped to confirm.
Description: Born of Ulldin's power and the blood of fresh greenery, this Phantasma possesses extraordinarily unique abilities.
Traits:
What... so many?
Woojin couldn't help but be stunned by Setsuna's stats.
All base stats were 1.
Newborn-level values, utterly pathetic. But the real shock was the sheer number of them.
Mages get mana, druids nature affinity—usually just one or two extras beyond the six basics...
Setsuna had ten.
And they were all unfamiliar.
Alchemist's Blessing
▶ Contractor can craft alchemy items 20% more effective than before.
Affinity for Life
▶ Lowers vigilance of all living beings by one level. Reduces hostility; when at zero, taming may occasionally succeed.
Speed Reading
▶ Quickly comprehends content.
▶ Skill proficiency gain +10%.
▶ Contractor's skill proficiency gain +5%.
Analysis
▶ Deeper content comprehension.
▶ Skill grade +1.
▶ Contractor's skill grade +1.
▶ Occasionally uncovers hidden details.
Ancient Wisdom
▶ Absorb memories from ancient or high-grade items to gain levels.
As the trait descriptions vanished, a faint glow enveloped Woojin.
“...Huh.”
Woojin let out an involuntary gasp at the alerts.
Skill upgrades normally require level 50 and unlocking the secondary skill tree...
And he'd just done it.
If he hit level 50 now and unlocked the tree...
Another upgrade possible?
Skills upgrade three times: at 50, 70, 99.
That'd mean grade 3 skills at 50. Purely skill-wise, equivalent to level 70...
Even Keruga, hailed as Evil Tail's strongest, hadn't reached 80.
By the central continent transfer, his skills would match top rankers'.
But that's not the endgame.
The real payoff was at 99.
Grade 5 skills while others capped at 4.
Growth beyond the rest.
“You...”
Woojin eyed Setsuna.
“SS-grade for sure.”
Setsuna beamed widely.
“So... cute...”
Luen's eyes sparkled at Setsuna on Woojin's shoulder.
“Master, can I pet her too?”
She gazed tentatively.
Swish—
Setsuna approached without resistance, rubbing against her cheek.
“Kyaa—!”
Luen squealed delightedly as the silken hair brushed her skin.
Of course. With Ulldin's blood, it's no surprise she takes to Luen.
Woojin chuckled at the pair.
[SS-grade - Phantasma Hatching]
Quest completed.
B-grade or higher quest completed.
▶ Experience accumulated in Raoul's Essence.
▶ Remaining: 1/3
A soft glow emanated from his sword as the summoning finished.
[Ice Grotto in the Snowfields]
📍 An ancient elven magic circle discovered in the Ice Grotto.
📍 Possible connection to the sudden emergence of the Ice Grotto...
[Contract with Kahira]
▶ Deliver this information to Kahira.
Minimal conditions met, at least.
With info for Kahira secured from the Ice Grotto, Woojin felt ready to prepare for the central continent.
First up:
“Setsuna.”
-Yes, Master.
“You need to level up first.”
-Combat?!
Setsuna rolled up her sleeves, punching the air cutely like a boxer.
“Nah. Got a better spot.”
-...?
Murmurs—
Returning to Hundred Flowers Vale, alerts rang across the Dark Forest.
“Who the hell...?”
“It's a raid dungeon, right?”
“Cleared by five people?”
Everyone was baffled by the alert.
“Kuhm. Kekeke...”
“Don't make it so obvious.”
“Hahaha! Right, I'll be discreet.”
Revived at the shrine, Gares wrapped his cloak tighter at Woojin's words, but glimpses of white armor poked through conspicuously.
“Keehit—!”
Gares grinned uncontrollably, delighted just looking at it.
“I've never cared much for Labyrinth Tower clears before.”
“And now?”
“Thanks to you, I'm tempted to dive in myself.”
Woojin smirked.
“How could I sit still with this title? My body's itching for action after so long!”
“Your grin's ear-to-ear. Careful, or you'll ditch your main.”
“Hm?”
“Kim Chan mentioned Uldoa Union all over 65. No way they'd derank 10+ levels... That's an alt, right?”
“Haha, spot on. Buy premium for extra characters. Sharp eye!”
“Th-thank you.”
Gares poked Kim Chan's side playfully.
“Didn't know dungeon clears got broadcast like this.”
“Only first clears. Names go on the board anyway, no biggie?”
“Eh, hassle-free is fine by me.”
Gares nodded approvingly.
“How about joining our union proper?”
“Won't help much. My traits suck for parties—solo mostly.”
“No worries. Central continent trait swap if you want.”
“...Trait swap?”
“Costs a bit, but swaps useless ones. Worth it. I'd even cover it.”
Gares clapped Woojin's shoulder.
Trait swaps exist, huh.
Despite being Evil Tail's core, high barriers meant scant central continent info even in communities.
“Not joining anyone's crew anyway.”
“Starting a clan?”
“If needed.”
“In the central continent?”
Gares feigned surprise, then laughed heartily as Woojin nodded.
“Haha, figures for you. Tough turf though—territorial bunch. Change your mind, hit me up. We welcome talent.”
Woojin stayed silent.
Firm refusal.
“I'll wait. Excited to see what happens when the super rookie who shattered Keruga's records hits central.”
Gares extended a hand in clean farewell.
“Super rookie... Embarrassing title.”
“Kekeke, Uldoa loves all the gossip.”
Oddballs collecting Evil Tail news, tackling ignored quests.
Maybe they could uncover it...
One thing came to mind.
Woojin hadn't picked Gares just for skill.
“One question: Communities say Uldoa takes commissions?”
“...Hm? Need something?”
“Investigation job. Name your price.”
“Pay's irrelevant. You know us—chase intriguing puzzles.”
“This'll be the most intriguing yet.”
“Now I'm curious.”
“Sarbandin.”
Gares tilted his head.
“Tied to Akedonia's genesis. Word for three beasts empowered by gods to punish the god-serving Sarbant.”
“Hmm, genesis lore...”
“Red Tower's grand library might have docs, but can't go yet.”
Kim Chan's expression shifted at 'Red Tower'.
“Hmm, fascinating. Most obsess over hunts and towers.”
Gares eyed Woojin.
“Not our style... Lore buff, eh? On a quest?”
“...Quest would be easier.”
“Hm?”
Woojin gave a wry smile, shaking his head.
“Fine. We'll investigate. Juicy story, you'll hear first.”
“Appreciate it.”
“See ya soon!!”
Parting with Gares, Woojin turned to Kim Chan.
“Bored of Red Tower? Contact me. I'll make it more fun than them.”
“That's... a scout?”
“Think what you want.”
“Really starting a clan? Central's no picnic for new roots.”
“Don't care if I don't know. Knowing changes nothing if it's gotta be done.”
Kim Chan smirked.
“Stubborn as ever. Fine, I'll watch. Save for messages—hurry over.”
Woojin shook his offered hand lightly.
“Brother, message from the trading firm.”
After sending them off, Woojin turned.
His rewards weren't done yet.