Chapter 93
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: The Divine Beast's Egg
# 93
Players Chapter 93
Chapter 24: The Divine Beast's Egg
More than a week had already passed since the conclusion of the first World Quest, Raum's Tower.
Players were scattered all over the world, so news of the World Quest naturally spread with frightening speed.
However, news of how many Players had died, and how, traveled much more slowly.
Just as Park Chang-ho had predicted, most Players felt the deaths were a distant affair, something that had happened to others, not to them.
While it was true that they were shocked and terrified, the sense of distance made those emotions all the more fleeting.
The natives of this world also paid close attention to the World Quest.
In this world, 'World Trees' were not common, but neither were they unique.
In some eras, more than ten World Trees had existed, and even now, three had existed before Raum's Tower.
But it was still a World Tree. Moreover, being one that had fully matured in a single day, it was bound to attract a great deal of attention.
Military officials from every nation focused on the monsters and demonic beasts that had appeared in Raum's Tower.
What would have happened if they had emerged from the tower and attacked the Avalon Duchy?
The location where the second World Quest was expected to occur was the Olympus Sea, north of Shangri-La.
The situation was different from the first World Quest.
A 'tower,' a confined space, and the 'sea,' which involved an entire island, were vastly different in scale.
The Avalon Duchy had handled the first World Quest by leaving it to the Players.
Of course, they had made preparations, such as moving the floating fortress of Avalon itself to an uninhabited, remote region and stationing the world's strongest swordsman, Captain of the Knights Templar Athos, and the Canute Knights Templar in the fortress. But no one could deny the fact that they had left the resolution of the incident entirely to the Players, maintaining a stance of non-intervention.
How would humanity's strongest nation, Shangri-La, respond?
Would they remain bystanders like Avalon? Or would they take a more active approach?
The World Quest was no longer an event exclusive to Players.
* * *
The Black Dragon landed on a low hill outside Wiesbaden, the capital of the Britannia Kingdom.
It was the same principle that prevented unauthorized airships from landing on the floating fortress of Avalon.
Airships, with their immense tactical value, were forbidden from even passing through the skies above the capital.
Only the royal family's airships were permitted to fly over Wiesbaden; any other airship would face indiscriminate fire from the Capital Defense Division.
“I’ll be back.”
Since the Black Dragon couldn't be left unattended, Yang Jun-gyu and Choi Yu-ra decided to stay behind. Leaving Yang Jun-gyu alone felt somewhat unsettling.
Watching the backs of Kang-seok and Seong Yu-jin as they walked side-by-side toward Wiesbaden, Choi Yu-ra pouted a few times, but it couldn't be helped since someone had to guard the airship.
Besides, once they entered the capital, Kang-seok and Seong Yu-jin had planned to go their separate ways.
Kang-seok was scheduled to head to the royal palace to meet Vivian, the Witch of the Lake, while Seong Yu-jin planned to buy various supplies and return to the Black Dragon early.
It had been a while since they had walked alone together, so not just Seong Yu-jin but Kang-seok as well felt his heart flutter a bit, but the distance from the Black Dragon to the capital was too short.
“Have a good trip, and don’t be too late.”
Kang-seok nodded at Seong Yu-jin's strangely meaningful request and headed for the royal palace.
* * *
It was customary for nobles visiting the capital to request an audience at the royal palace. Of course, requests from minor nobles were rarely granted—though a formal reply along the lines of, *‘We are terribly busy and deeply regret we cannot meet you,’* was usually sent down—it was a kind of courtesy.
Kang-seok also went to the palace and requested an audience.
Normally, one would have to wait at least a day for a response, but as soon as Kang-seok made his request, he was guided to the Ash Tree Forest on the west side of the palace. This was because he had made a prior arrangement with Vivian and had informed her he would be visiting around today.
Upon arriving at the western villa, a familiar face greeted Kang-seok.
“You’ve arrived. My master is waiting for you.”
Following the guidance of Oboro, the boar beastman, he entered the Ash Tree Forest directly.
Despite it being broad daylight, the forest was thick with fog.
Just like his first visit, his sense of distance became subtly distorted, and by the time he came to his senses, he was standing before Vivian's chamber, where a large, clear lake lay.
The Witch of the Lake, Vivian, was as mystical as ever.
Perhaps because this forest itself was her magical domain, she had a different aura from when he had seen her at the sparring grounds or the ballroom.
It felt less like facing a person and more like encountering a goddess or a fairy.
With her beautiful dark blue hair, she stood by the lakeside, facing Kang-seok with a smile.
“I’ve heard the stories. Your performance was quite remarkable.”
“Thank you.”
Replying lightly, Kang-seok followed Vivian's gesture and sat down. Ash tree roots sprouted from the ground, forming a comfortable chair that received his body.
Vivian, who had similarly sat upon a chair of ash tree roots, moved closer to Kang-seok and asked.
“Your visiting me in person must be about the second World Quest, I presume?”
“Yes. There are more questions this time than with the first World Quest.”
Like Loxley, Vivian was quick to get to the point. Instead of offering trivial explanations, she spoke directly.
“The location is Sicily Island in the Olympus Sea. The date is estimated to be about three months from now. Scholars have differing opinions on the timing of the Legendary King’s death, but the margin of error isn't that large. If you head there in three months, you shouldn't have to wait too long.”
Her answer was refreshingly direct.
Vivian continued.
“One of the two Divine Artifacts is the Red God's artifact, the hammer Thunderous Roar. It is the foremost Divine Artifact of the Red God, the god of earth and technology. According to legend, the first High Priest, Little Tree, wielded Thunderous Roar to create a massive barrier to stop a flood. They say he raised the very ground.”
Vivian playfully raised a hand, and soil rose from the ground to form a low wall. She had said it was a barrier to stop a flood, which meant it had accomplished something hundreds, even thousands of times larger than this.
“As Thunderous Roar is the foremost Divine Artifact of the Red God Cult, it is safely stored in the Grand Temple, the cult's main sanctuary.”
This much, Kang-seok already knew. Instead of pressing her, he waited for Vivian's next words.
“The other is presumed to be a Divine Artifact of the Yellow God, but it is not certain which one. There are several bracelet-type artifacts. Even I cannot give you a definite answer on this.”
Vivian's fine brow furrowed slightly, as if she were in a bit of a predicament.
“However, the Grand Temple of the Yellow God happens to be located in the northern part of Shangri-La, close to the Olympus Sea, so it would be best for you to visit in person. It may not be much help, but I will write you a letter of introduction.”
In the end, it meant Vivian didn't know either, but Kang-seok wasn't disappointed. Learning the date was a significant gain, and he had planned to visit the Grand Temple of the Yellow God anyway.
Having arranged this meeting with Kang-seok in advance, Vivian had prepared the topics they would discuss. She moved on to the next subject without delay.
“I, too, saw the video of the second World Quest. It was quite graphic.”
Hearing this, Kang-seok expressed his confusion for the first time. How could Vivian, who wasn't a Player, have seen the World Quest video?
Though Kang-seok didn't ask, his gaze was enough. Vivian lightly snapped her fingers. The video of the second World Quest began to play in the air.
“You are not the only Player with whom I have a cooperative relationship, Sir Kang-seok. This is a video replaying the memory of another Player who is staying near the capital.”
It was an overwhelming sight, even on a second viewing.
Before a natural disaster that seemed capable of overturning the world, humans were bound to seem insignificant.
Vivian adjusted the video's speed with her finger, then paused the video itself at a certain moment. She zoomed in on a specific part.
The massive silhouette he had only glanced at when he first saw the second World Quest preview video.
The monster, illuminated by the reflection of lightning, was truly colossal. Its exact form couldn't be discerned, but he could be certain it was even larger than the Earth Dragon Andras.
“As you can see, it is a sea monster of tremendous size. If a creature like this roams the Olympus Sea, it would become impossible to launch ships in that area. Sicily Island would be isolated, and Shangri-La's northern coast would also suffer great damage.”
Kang-seok carefully examined the magnified screen.
It was somewhat different from the kraken, the quintessential sea monster.
It clearly had incredibly long and massive tentacles, but the part of it exposed above the sea's surface was also immense.
A monster like that roamed the ocean.
The thought alone was terrifying.
“Shangri-La will undoubtedly take a more active role in this situation than the Avalon Duchy. The cults of the Red God and the Yellow God might even take the initiative without being asked for help. The intervention of the Shangri-La Navy is almost certain, I believe.”
Kang-seok briefly imagined a scene of countless airships and warships converging on the Olympus Sea. The mere thought of it was a magnificent spectacle that made his heart pound.
And separate from Kang-seok, Vivian, lost in her own thoughts, blushed slightly and murmured.
“And, and perhaps, this time, the Green Meteor might finally make a move.”
Just like last time, Vivian was acting out of character. Was she a fan of the Green Meteor?
But he didn't dislike this side of her. In fact, it made him feel that the Vivian he was talking to now was also human, which was nice.
Kang-seok pointed at the screen again.
“This enemy is certainly… a bit tricky to figure out how to fight.”
Having come from a fighting game background, Kang-seok could exert greater power when fighting humanoid enemies rather than monsters.
The sea monster was too large, and more importantly, its domain was the sea.
Players who couldn't fly would have to fight while trying to find a foothold, making it difficult to display their full combat potential.
Vivian nodded.
“It seems highly likely that it will be more of a naval gunnery battle using fleets rather than close-quarters combat. However, just as multiple demonic beasts appeared in Raum's Tower this time, humanoid demonic beasts might also emerge. In either case, the power of the Dark Destiny Lord—Sir Choi Kang-seok—will be essential.”
Protecting the fleet.
It was a valid point, so Kang-seok quietly nodded. But for some reason, Vivian's expression was peculiar. When Kang-seok turned his gaze toward her, Vivian graced him with a gentle smile.
“As I thought, Sir Kang-seok, you are a leader.”
Kang-seok tilted his head slightly, as if asking what she meant. Vivian continued.
“There are many types of Players. There are those who are just trying to get by day to day, and there are those who actively strive forward. Of course, you are among the strongest of all Players, Sir Kang-seok. But I don't believe you are participating so actively in the World Quest simply because of that strength. It is said that with great power comes great responsibility, but… that is not true for everyone. Looking back at history, there have been plenty of individuals who, intoxicated by great power, pursued only their own selfish interests.”
Kang-seok's reason for challenging the World Quest was not altruism.
He was tackling the given tasks to return to his original world, to overcome his current situation.
But even so, it didn't change the fact that Kang-seok was a ‘leader.’
“I am not trying to egg you on with flattery, Sir Kang-seok. Nor do I think you are the type to be easily swayed by such talk. Please, just think of it as… the joy of a witch who has encountered a hero—a wielder of miracles that can be nothing but fate, no matter who says otherwise.”
Her ivory cheeks flushed pink, just as they had when she spoke of the Green Meteor.
Unconsciously swallowing hard at her beautiful appearance, Kang-seok quickly averted his gaze.
The embarrassing words were one thing, but Vivian's gaze was even more burdensome right now.
Vivian found this side of Kang-seok all the more delightful. Like the witch who had lived for nearly a century that she was, she reframed Kang-seok's discomfort with different words.
“Ah, but how were the magic gloves I gifted you? Were they effective enough?”
It was a natural change of subject. Kang-seok let out a sigh and smiled back. He raised his right hand, which was still wearing the enchanted glove, and answered.
“Yes, they were a great help.”
The enchanted gloves could exert greater power the stronger the user's mental and physical strength. Kang-seok had benefited greatly from the gloves during the conquest of Raum's Tower.
“I’m glad you liked them. While you’re here, I’ll perform some maintenance on them. I also have a newly developed item.”
Vivian wasn't just giving things away. Through Kang-seok's party, she was able to collect practical data on the magical tools she developed.
At the mention of a newly developed item, Kang-seok couldn't hide his anticipation.
Vivian gently reached out and placed her hand on Kang-seok's left hand. She looked into his eyes and asked.
“Your left hand felt empty, did it not?”
A new magical tool prepared by Vivian, the Witch of the Lake.
On Kang-seok's left hand, a black glove of a design similar to the one on his right hand had already appeared.
* * *
“Armored.”
As he uttered the short word, a translucent silver gauntlet materialized over his left hand. Since it wasn't a physical object, he felt no weight.
Vivian explained.
“It has built-in spells for strength enhancement and ultra-vibration. You can make the gauntlet vibrate to create shockwaves, or simply enhance the destructive power of your fist. It also has its own defensive capabilities, so you should be able to block an ordinary sword with the back of your arm. I prepared it knowing you are skilled in close-quarters combat, Sir Kang-seok.”
Kang-seok slowly moved his left hand.
The translucent silver gauntlet, which reached his wrist, didn't hinder his movements as it wasn't physically worn.
When he tapped it lightly with his finger, it felt as if he had struck a metal plate.
“Thank you. It seems this will be a great help as well.”
As Kang-seok spoke with sincerity, Vivian also beamed. To her, magical tools were like her own children, so Kang-seok's praise brought her nothing but joy.
They had discussed everything about the World Quest, and he had received a new item. They had more or less covered all they needed to talk about.
Vivian thought so as well and sought to conclude their short but fruitful conversation.
“Well then…”
“Ah!”
Suddenly shooting to his feet, Kang-seok held up the pouch at his waist. He had forgotten to mention it after receiving the unexpected item, but he had originally sought out Vivian for two reasons.
One was to hear about the World Quest, and the other was to ask about this very item.
“Sir Kang-seok?”
“It’s a Divine Beast's egg. I was wondering if you knew anything about it.”
The egg, slightly larger than an adult's fist, emitted a faint golden light.
As Kang-seok held out the Divine Beast's egg, Vivian accepted it with a careful hand. She looked at it for a moment, then swallowed dryly.
“Oh, my. It really is a Divine Beast's egg.”
Even for her, a great witch who had lived for a century, this was the first time she had seen a real Divine Beast's egg.
“Did you obtain it in Raum's Tower?”
“I found it in Raum's Chamber at the top of the World Tree. I was worried it might be related to the demonic beasts… but the quest window said it was a Divine Beast's egg. So I brought it to you, Lady Vivian, just in case.”
Vivian's reaction alone was enough to resolve half of his concerns.
It was a real Divine Beast's egg, unrelated to Raum.
Vivian returned the egg to Kang-seok and said.
“Just as there are many Divine Artifacts, there are nearly twenty Divine Beasts whose legends have been passed down. But among them, the most famous are, of course, the four Divine Beasts of the Four Great Gods. Are you familiar with them?”
“I would be grateful if you could explain.”
When Kang-seok answered honestly, Vivian smiled gently. She took a breath and began her explanation.
“The Red God's Divine Beast—the Playful Raccoon. A playful and cheerful beast of the earth. The Green God's Divine Beast—the Moonlight Wolf Wolharang. The ultimate Divine Beast, boasting movements without sound or presence. The White God's Divine Beast—Garura of the Flash. The fastest Divine Beast in the sky. The Yellow God's Divine Beast—Isis of the Golden Scales. A wise and mature Divine Beast of the great sea.”
As Vivian mentioned the name of each Divine Beast, an illusion of it was drawn in the air.
The Raccoon was a red animal resembling a lesser panda, Wolharang was a sleek wolf with impressive silver fur. Garura was a large eagle that emitted a pure white light from its entire body, and Isis was a golden dragon.
“I cannot tell which of the four Divine Beasts the egg you possess is related to. It might even be an egg connected to a different Divine Beast altogether. But if it is indeed a Divine Beast's egg, then that egg can become anything.”
“It can become anything?”
“Yes. A bear or a tiger could be born from it, or a being that is very similar to a human. And its temperament and power will also vary greatly. The one who decides all of this is you, Sir Kang-seok, the owner of the egg.”
Kang-seok looked down at the egg in his palm.
“A Divine Beast's egg is incomparably harder than a normal egg. So do not worry, and carry it with you at all times. When the time comes, a Divine Beast with a righteous and strong heart, resembling your own soul, will be born.”
A Divine Beast resembling him would be born.
Nodding once, Kang-seok carefully put away the Divine Beast's egg. After exchanging a few more words with Vivian, he left the Ash Tree Forest.
* * *
“You decided to stay in the capital for a few days?”