Chapter 29
Chapter 29
Chapter 29.
It took me several days to bring Rutien's influence level below 10,000.
From night until dawn, I handled Night Crow's missions with Ryan.
The missions were commissioned from Haven, and they weren't anything particularly grand.
"You bastards! Do you know how much that costs to burn?!"
Starting with burning the drug supplies they used for proselytizing.
"Your flesh has been stained by sin… A purification ritual is necessary. I shall wash away your sins myself, hehe."
"P-Priest! Your voice is echoing!"
Installing 'Malware' into the voice amplifier used for their sermons to play obscene recordings.
"Priest! Didn't you promise to keep this a secret!!"
"Brother. I have never once spoken of your confession outside these walls!"
"Lies! If not, how did my wife end up waiting in front of my mistress's house?!"
Eavesdropping on confessions to scatter the followers' secrets everywhere.
Even if I thought them trivial and petty, there was nothing I could do.
Most of the missions given to temporary members were of that nature.
Still, Rutien's influence steadily dropped by 5 or 10 points, and the rewards were substantial.
[Night Crow Auxiliary Mission Success!]
[Level Up!/Lv.44]
[Strength 35 → 36]
-Reputation within Night Crow increases.
-Receive your reward at the designated location.
My level went up, and my wallet grew fatter.
In my spare time, I focused on training.
'I need to solidify my foundation.'
Act 1, Chapter 3 is the induction ceremony.
After that, we'll be assigned to our respective units and navigate related scenarios.
We'll also meet comrades with whom we'll fight in the future and gain the strength to confront Rutien.
Therefore, my mission was clear.
'I must stand out.'
Like the protagonist of the main story, I need to show the potential to grow into Night Crow's ace.
Naturally, my current state is far from sufficient.
First, the most crucial thing to supplement is—
'Magic Power.'
A ridiculously low Magic Power stat of 7, compared to my improved swordsmanship and physical abilities.
'My destructive power is too lacking.'
I realized this during the fight with the Chapter 2 boss.
Among Rutien's seven Orders, the Order of Abundance manages the Border City, specializing in defense.
It would be impossible to overcome them with mere strength and technique.
It was time to awaken 'Aura.'
And Aura was a special technique that required a Magic Power stat of at least 20 to manifest.
'Knight King.'
[Ninety-Nine Overlord Knight King gazes upon you]
'How much was the Cultivation Method you learned in your human days?'
[Ninety-Nine Overlord Knight King narrows his eyes]
[He asks if you didn't decide to learn a different Cultivation Method]
'That's true, but….'
The Hidden Cultivation Method that I entrusted Brody to investigate.
It was unparalleled in terms of destructive power and speed of learning, but it had the extreme disadvantage of being highly unstable.
Much like demonic arts in Wuxia novels, if one cannot control its power, it will consume them from within.
In-game, it's enough to trigger a character's guaranteed explosion if learned without proper preparation.
Conversely, if one first acquires a orthodox Cultivation Method to build a foundation, the probability of triggering that event decreases.
[Karma Owned: 920]
An orthodox Cultivation Method.
This was the Karma I had saved up for precisely that purpose.
'So, how much is it?'
The answer came a moment later.
[Ninety-Nine Overlord Knight King holds up five fingers]
'500… More expensive than I thought. What kind of Cultivation Method is it?'
[He adds that its name is Heart Calming Technique, and it's the most necessary Cultivation Method for you right now.]
A brief explanation followed.
Heart Calming Technique was a cultivation method he had personally modified from his family's secret teachings, designed to overcome countless duels.
[It cultivates absolute composure by pacifying all external stimuli and internal disturbances.]
[He assures that it will also be effective against Mental Contamination from beings of a higher tier.]
The Knight King never spoke nonsense in these matters.
I didn't hesitate any longer.
Clink-
['500' Karma is offered to the Ninety-Nine Overlord Knight King]
[The other two gods grumble that favoritism is bad for emotions]
And at that moment, an unexpected message appeared.
[Ninety-Nine Overlord Knight King recovers a portion of his power after receiving sufficient Karma.]
'...Recover his power?'
Gunter's eyes widened.
He had offered Karma multiple times before, but this was the first time he had seen such a message.
However, there was no time to be bewildered.
A low voice whispered into his ear.
Heart Calming Technique, First Seal (Conclusion). Gather the circulation of vital energy in the upper dantian… and connect the flow to the Mingmen…]
…No, it wasn't a voice.
It was something that imprinted directly onto his mind.
'It's like Divine Possession. Is it possible to communicate directly now that his power has recovered?'
A fleeting doubt crossed his mind, but he suppressed it for now.
Now was not the time to be flustered.
'...Focus.'
I quietly closed my eyes and focused my consciousness entirely on that low, deeply resonating sound.
A steady, heavy, and trustworthy voice, unwavering.
As I followed it, a path for Magic Power began to open.
Somewhere within my body, a vivid flow of energy could be felt.
A small, weak, but definite presence.
Heart Calming Technique, Second Seal (Conclusion). Weave the flow into one to complete a single loop…]
.
.
.
How much time had passed?
A series of notifications jolted me awake.
[Ancient-grade Cultivation Method Heart Calming Technique acquired.]
[Heart Calming Technique Level 1 achieved.]
[Impurities within the body have been purified, and the body structure has been partially reinforced.]
[Magic Power +3 / Stamina +2 / Strength +2 / Agility +2]
[Magic Power has reached 10.]
[Magic Power has condensed, increasing its density and purity.]
[Passive Skill 'Calm Mind' has been generated.]
-Grants resistance to Mental Contamination and allows maintaining composure even in extreme situations.
I mentally reviewed the incantations again and then murmured in admiration.
'It can be acquired this way too.'
In-game, acquiring a Cultivation Method is done with a simple mouse click.
But in reality, it required precisely manipulating Magic Power, just like a protagonist in a Wuxia novel.
'It wasn't difficult thanks to the Knight King… but it's fascinating.'
The Magic Power flowing through the designated acupoints according to the Heart Calming Technique incantations was astonishingly clear and warm.
Its smooth and gentle flow seemed to caress every corner of my body, washing away old fatigue and stagnation.
[Addict Saintess subtly appeals, saying it will make the drugs work better.]
Although the stat increase was only +3, the perceived effect was much greater and clearer.
The 500 Karma was absolutely worth it.
'Thank you, Knight King.'
[Ninety-Nine Overlord Knight King expresses hope that you use this secret technique for good, calling it a family heirloom.]
I tilted my head.
'Why isn't he speaking directly?'
[He emphasizes that direct communication is still too burdensome.]
'Hmm… He still has a long way to go.'
The Karma offered to the Knight King exceeded approximately 1,000.
It was more than half of the Karma I had earned so far, but it seemed far from enough to restore his original power.
I had no idea how much more I needed to accumulate to reach that level.
'...I'll have to earn more.'
[Red Street Pillar suggests trying to learn his Cultivation Method next.]
Curiosity suddenly arose.
'What kind is it?'
[The Illusionary Bloom. Captivating the opponent's heart, enchanting their body, and ultimately obtaining what you desire…]
'Ah, maybe I'll try the God Slayer.'
[……]
Anyway.
One preparation was complete for obtaining that power, which was unmatched in firepower even among the Hidden Cultivation Methods of <Forgotten God>.
With a refreshed mind, I headed to the next room.
Creeak-
Ryan, exhausted from the grueling schedule, was sprawled face down on the bed.
I spoke to the back of his head.
"We're leaving in two hours. Get ready."
The soft snoring abruptly stopped.
Then, a resentful voice followed.
"Why are you telling me now…."
"Because you need two hours to learn a Cultivation Method."
"...A Cultivation Method?"
Ryan shot up.
"W-W-What Cultivation Method?"
.
.
.
[Party Member, 'Ryan Parker', has reached Heart Calming Technique Level 1.]
[Party Member 'Ryan Parker's Stamina, Agility, and Magic Power have reached a new stage.]
[Ryan Parker is deeply moved by your continuous favor and generosity.]
[Affinity +10 (Current Affinity: 80/100)]
[Combat power increase effect during simultaneous combat is enhanced.]
[Ninety-Nine Overlord Knight King nods, saying it's fine if it's Ryan.]
* * *
"If I had to pick the best thing I've ever done in my life, it would be becoming friends with you. Seriously."
"……."
"Ah, Gunter, my light, my life, my joy, my Captain…."
"Ah, shut up already."
"Yes, sir!"
There was a reason Ryan was acting this way, even as we neared our destination.
Cultivation Methods.
In reality, most Mercenaries could only access third-rate ones found in the marketplace, whose effects were unverified.
The true Cultivation Methods, directly linked to their pay and survival, were never even made accessible.
Yet, he had suddenly handed him a Cultivation Method for advancement—.
It was no wonder Ryan was so excited.
'I wish he'd stop soon, but….'
Even so, his crimson eyes, full of curiosity, were watching us intently.
Then, a playful voice followed.
"Customer, you enjoy this sort of thing, don't you?"
Ryan finally stopped his excessive praise and looked towards the source of the voice.
"Hmm, so you're Brody? Eddie's cousin?"
"Yes. My cousin."
"...I can't believe it."
"I hear that a lot. Eddie and I only share our species."
Brody chuckled and sat on the sofa opposite us.
There was no exaggeration in her words.
There was indeed a vast gap between the rugged warrior with a half-bald head and the young, almost childlike businessman exuding 'sophistication' from head to toe.
Sip-
While drinking the tea served by her subordinate, she asked, "By the way, where's Eddie? I don't see him."
"It's a long story… Shall I tell you?"
I shook my head.
"No, it's fine."
"Oh my, how heartless…."
Brody clapped her hands to draw attention.
"Anyway, you've come at a good time."
"...A good time?"
"There's been progress on one of the tasks you entrusted me with last time."
The material for the Hidden Cultivation Method.
The whereabouts of the protagonist.
These were the tasks I had assigned to Brody.
"You're faster than I expected."
"Of course, I'm very diligent because I'm so capable."
"Let's hear the details first."
Ryan stood up and headed towards the doorway.
"You two talk slowly, and call me if you need me."
"Oh my, what an observant companion. Such a desirable talent."
"Sorry. I've already pledged my loyalty to Captain Gunter."
Brody, who had been giggling, led me to a private room off to the side of the reception room.
"Then I shall escort you privately."
.
.
.
Thump-
The door closed.
The room was soundproofed, completely blocking out external noise.
Without delay, I asked, "So, which task has seen progress?"
"The whereabouts of your relative."
"……!"
I took a short breath at the unexpected answer.
"You… found him?"
"Yes."
Relative… the protagonist's whereabouts.
I had introduced him to her as a distant relative I had lost touch with long ago.
"Dominic Wolf, he'd be in his early twenties by now, with blond hair and blue eyes, tall. A surprisingly handsome face, and his class is Swordsman. His hometown is Lethe, the border between the Kingdom Alliance and the Rutian Theocracy… Is this information sufficient?"
"Hmm, if that's the case, you might find him quickly?"
"...I hope so."
Honestly, I hadn't expected much when I assigned it.
Even if Brody had wide connections in the Border City, finding one person on this vast continent was not easy.
It was even uncertain whether the protagonist actually existed in this world.
'I thought the Hidden Cultivation Method would come first, of course.'
It was certain that the person holding it was in the Border City.
But to have found the protagonist's whereabouts.
A sudden thrill ran through my body, accompanied by a deep sense of relief.
'...He wasn't completely gone.'
He had simply not appeared in the main scenario due to some event, but the protagonist existed in this world.
The adversary of Rutien, the hero chosen by the world.
It would be a lie if his existence didn't bring comfort.
I hurriedly asked again, "So, where is he, Dominic, where is he now?"
However, at this simple question, Brody averted her gaze.
As if she were about to deliver unwelcome news.
"……?"