Kraksu's Test
"When I first heard that my friend had died like that, I was truly flustered. Then, something suddenly came to mind, but at the time my head was a mess, and it didn't seem like you could handle it yet, so I put it off until later."
What on earth had come to mind?
Mu-hyuk waited quietly.
"The last time I saw him—right before he left for the uncharted lands—he said something to me. The Treasure Chamber. Right? Anyway, I clearly remember the word 'treasure' was in it. He said after finishing the exploration of the uncharted lands, next he'd go find the Treasure Chamber. Yeah, that's definitely what he said."
Mu-hyuk's eyes widened at Kraksu's words.
At the same time, a message appeared.
Quest: Kraksu's Test
A faint shiver ran through him.
Crazy. The Treasure Chamber.
This was definitely referring to the Treasure Dungeon. Later on, as the Treasure Dungeon content opened multiple times, an official formula had emerged.
- The keyword for the Treasure Dungeon is "Treasure Chamber."
- Never miss a linked quest from an NPC who mentions the Treasure Chamber.
- Completing the linked quest opens the Treasure Dungeon.
That formula was now in play.
A linked quest.
And the Treasure Chamber.
"I vaguely heard the location too..."
"Where is it?"
"Are you interested?"
"Yes."
"Then will you go find it in my place?"
"I'd like to."
"But not just like that."
"Pardon?"
"You have to pass my test first."
"Ah...!"
"If you have the courage to take the test, follow me."
Kraksu rose from his seat and left the office. Mu-hyuk followed without hesitation.
The quest updating meant he could definitely pass the test.
They arrived at a training ground twice the size of a normal one. Kraksu stopped in the center, turned, and looked at Mu-hyuk.
"Withstanding me is the test."
"Pardon...?"
Mu-hyuk was momentarily flustered.
"Wait, hold on a second."
"Is there a problem?"
Of course there was. This was an NPC in charge of the mercenary guild. His skill was at least on par with a formal knight, or even superior. How could he possibly withstand an attack?
But he couldn't say that outright. NPCs didn't know about levels, so there was no way to explain it.
"You're not backing down without even fighting, are you?"
"No, but..."
"Then what?"
Mu-hyuk's eyes lit up as he thought.
Right. Provoke him.
Then he asked calmly.
"Anyone would think the mercenary guild master is stronger than me, right?"
"Hmm, well, sure..."
"A strong man wouldn't bully the weak, would he?"
"W-Well, no."
"Then fight me at my level."
Kraksu burst into laughter at Mu-hyuk's words.
"Hahaha! Good, very good."
Then he drew his sword.
"I like your attitude too. Anyway, I'll match your level, so try to hold out. No—come at me properly."
"Got it."
With his reply, he summoned skeletons.
34 Skeleton Warriors.
17 Skeleton Archers.
12 Skeleton Mages.
7 Cavalry.
The 70 skeletons that suddenly appeared filled the training ground.
"Whoa..."
Kraksu's eyes widened.
But only for a moment.
Seeing only skeletons, he tilted his head.
"Impressive numbers, but still."
They were the weakest summons, after all.
High-level necromancers could summon Death Knights or Golems. Skeletons and zombies were the lowest tier. No matter how many, they weren't a threat.
Thinking that, Kraksu swung his sword lightly. Even that should shatter over ten skeletons.
Clang!
But it didn't do the expected damage.
"Oh?"
It only took down one small skeleton. An Armor Knight in the back had blocked with its shield.
Kraksu looked slightly surprised, but Mu-hyuk smiled faintly at the sight.
He felt proud that it blocked Kraksu's attack, but this was just the beginning.
"Interesting?"
As expected, a smile tugged at Kraksu's lips as he swung again.
Whiiing.
This was on another level. The sharp wind slicing through the air struck Armor Knight 2's shield.
Crack.
A breaking sound echoed.
-727 Damage to 'Armor Knight 2'
×7
Reverse Summoned.
It seemed like a persistent damage skill if not dodged. Even blocking with the shield, it vanished futilely.
"Truly impressive?"
Still, Kraksu was amazed.
Seven times.
It had withstood his attack that many hits. Gazing at the admiring Kraksu, Mu-hyuk began commanding the skeletons in earnest.
Kirrik, kiririk.
Armor Knights and Bone Swords spread out in all directions.
Cavalry charged.
Burtan hid behind them.
One chance.
First, to disrupt vision, he ordered the mages, Armor Archers, and Bone Bows to attack. They rained down on Kraksu, filling the sky.
Kraksu twisted his waist and slashed horizontally with his sword at the falling magic and bone arrows.
--------!
The powerful pressure from his blade split the magic in half and deflected the arrows.
A normal user would have been stunned and given up.
All attacks nullified in one strike. But Mu-hyuk had anticipated it and executed the next, and the one after.
A powerful strike.
Armor Knight 3 closed in and swung.
"Good!"
Kraksu laughed and advanced.
Sword met sword.
Kraksu, who should have taken the hit, stood firm, while the attacking Armor Knight 3 staggered. Knowing it was a sacrificial pawn, Mu-hyuk ignored it and commanded another Armor Knight.
In an instant, Armor Knights surrounded Kraksu and unleashed powerful strikes, but he spun, blocking each with a single sword.
Kagagagang!
The metallic clashes echoed endlessly.
When the flashes faded, five Armor Knights had been reverse summoned.
"Truly amazing. How can such skeletons exist?"
As Kraksu muttered,
Tadadak.
The cavalry charged.
Accelerated thrust!
They passed Kraksu, lances extended.
"Oh!"
Kraksu watched with interest. Only when the lance neared his nose did he step back.
Incredibly, he moved faster than the thrust, dodging all Armor Cavalry attacks.
As he lightly swung his sword, the Armor Cavalry fell from its mount, tumbling.
The riderless horse bucked wildly, but was helpless before Kraksu.
"Even this is impressive..."
It wasn't over.
Kiaaaak!
Burtan, hidden behind the cavalry, unleashed its Ki Wave.
It landed!
Mu-hyuk clenched his fist tightly.
The Ki Wave engulfed Kraksu.
Stagger.
Even the great Kraksu lost balance.
Storm. Powerful Arrow Shot.
Not missing the chance, he loosed arrows.
Pang!
The skeletons moved in unison.
That was the moment.
Kraksu suddenly raised his hand and caught Mu-hyuk's incoming arrow.
"Hoo."
With a long breath, he lifted his head.
His eyes were red.
"Amazing? A skill that steals balance too."
A smile formed on his lips.
"But this is the end."
Then he vanished.
Kwang, kwaaaang!
Explosions rang out in succession, shattering skeletons futilely each time.
Kraksu flickered briefly amid the broken Bone Swords and Armor Skeletons, but too fast to track, vanishing instantly.
Well, damn.
Now he had to admit it.
Nothing more he could do.
Before long, all 70 skeletons were reverse summoned.
Whoosh.
Kraksu stopped right in front of Mu-hyuk's nose.
He reached out.
Tapped Mu-hyuk's shoulder.
"Impressive. The skeletons were truly amazing. Anyway, you passed the test."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Doesn't feel like it..."
Mu-hyuk looked around.
Traces of one-sided defeat everywhere.
Kraksu smiled awkwardly.
"Haha, it had been so long since I got excited, the end got a bit rough?"
"A lot."
Anyway, the test was passed.
Kraksu's Test
Continues to: A More Precise Location
Kraksu sheathed his sword.
"Anyway. You wanted the location?"
"Yes."
"Good, you're capable enough, so I'll tell you. But honestly, I only heard a rough location myself, so I don't know the exact spot."
Mu-hyuk frowned.
"Don't worry, I'm not deceiving you."
"Ah, okay."
"There's someone who knows better than me. Go ask her for the location."
"Who?"
"A woman named Rondar."
"A woman?"
"Yes. She even runs a guild."
"Ah..."
"Anyway, that guy loved drinking, so we drank together every day. Problem is, when drunk, he spilled every secret. High chance Rondar heard about the Treasure Chamber while drinking together. Go find her."
"Where's the guild...?"
"Near the west gate of the Weibra Empire."
Was there a guild at the west gate?
The doubt was brief.
If Kraksu said so, it must be there.
"Once she tells you the location, no need to come back to me—just go. But if you really find that Treasure Chamber or whatever he mentioned, let me know you found it."
"Yes, but..."
"What?"
"One thing I want to ask."
"Go ahead."
"Why not go yourself? It's the Treasure Chamber."
Kraksu smiled softly.
Like he was lost in sentiment.
"He said that. Every item has an owner."
"..."
"The Treasure Chamber or whatever, doesn't feel like it's mine. That's why? No real urge to search. Well, people have different values—understand that much."
Mu-hyuk nodded.
"I see. If I find it, I'll come back."
"I hope so."
As Mu-hyuk turned to leave.
"Oh, two more things at the end."
"What?"
"The guild's emblem is a withered rose, and no matter the question, she answers only the truth."
Incomprehensible words.
"Go now."
"Ah, yes."
But Kraksu left, leaving the curiosity unresolved.
Well, he'd find out when he got there.
Thinking that, he left the mercenary guild and headed to the west gate.
Hm?
But no guild in sight.
Guild building...
Flustered, Mu-hyuk scanned from the gate's end to the plaza again, but couldn't find the guild Kraksu mentioned.