Chapter 179
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 179
Chapter Title: Resurrecting the Shadow Wolf
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Uru began explaining step by step.
"The easiest way to resurrect the Shadow Wolf is to revert it to a summon. Once a strong bond forms, it's that much easier to restore its original form."
"But didn't you say that wouldn't work?"
"Right. There are two reasons this method can't be used. First off, the Shadow Wolf wasn't your summon from the start, was it? Second, your pathetic shadow."
"My shadow?"
Whoosh-!
The little spirit, omnipotent at least when handling its own body, struck the pose of a bearded old man, puffing up with pride as it lectured.
"That's right. Your shadow is utterly inadequate."
"What do you...?"
"I took a close look at the spirits dwelling in your shadow. Pretty impressive bunch, huh? Some have their own circumstances and all... But you're still too green to handle them properly."
"......"
The more I listen, the more absurd it gets...
Hey there! Snowman's a bit inexperienced, but that's too harsh!
The kid's got a good heart!
Uru wore a listless expression as he dug into the snacks he'd gotten after dinner.
Munch munch...
"But now that I, the pinnacle of demon arts, have joined the mix... And the Shadow Wolf jumps in too? It couldn't even fit in the first place, but it'd probably just explode."
"Who?"
"Your shadow, obviously."
"......"
Kang Seol felt deeply flustered.
'Did I grow too fast?'
People often used hexagons to evaluate someone's stats. Even growth led to a near-perfect hexagon, but Kang Seol's current state was probably closer to a triangle.
'Summon quality, combat prowess, bond level... something like that.'
Uru was pointing out that his shadow magic quality and total shadow capacity lagged behind his other abilities.
'But I've expanded my Shadow Space quite a bit...'
Puruga's blessing, the Adjuster's Singularity, and even the Abomination's equip effects.
He already had plenty of options boosting his Shadow Space capacity.
'And it's still not enough...'
In absolute terms, the total volume was more than sufficient.
But considering the level of his summons for someone in his early 20s—two Legendaries, one Transcendent, one Immortal—Shadow Space was indeed lacking.
Especially the twin knights, who showed signs of another grade-up soon after encountering the Black Knight, making it even more of an issue.
As Kang Seol listened intently with a serious face, Uru continued.
"Don't be too disappointed. Shadow is just a branch extending from me, after all. A little focus, and training you up will be a piece of cake."
Uru... you're a good guy after all?
Still no plans to let us go...
Master has no intention of giving Dobby socks...
"First things first: even if you bond perfectly with the Shadow Wolf, you can't wield even half its power. You know that, right?"
"Half... the power?"
"Yeah, but it's not really your fault. That wolf probably never saw its own pack. The best way to survive in the wild is learning everything from your parents—no failures, totally stable. You know Shadow Wolves don't grow that huge naturally?"
"Then why was Coco so big?"
"It chose to bulk up that way. If that power went elsewhere, it'd be several times stronger. Shadow Wolves have a notorious reputation. And... you've got the perfect authority for your current level."
Uru smirked.
"An authority suited to me?"
"Yep. I'll explain it in time. Anyway, since summon revival's out, we need another way. My take? Leverage your other abilities."
"My other abilities...?"
Kang Seol rarely used anything besides summoning.
Magic especially—he hadn't touched it.
'Wait, no way?'
Uru raised a finger.
"Your noisy crows. Those are your creations, right?"
"Yeah."
"Turn Coco into one of those creations."
"Won't that be a problem? Its intellect..."
"Of course we'll refine the core and recreate it. Don't worry—memories and mind intact. That's just how their kind is."
"Glad to hear it... But how?"
"Not right now."
"......"
"Trying that needs a ton of shadow essence. And you don't have it."
"Shadow essence?"
"Exactly what it sounds like—sacrifice shadows for it. It's returning to the source, so not too painful or cruel, but a sacrifice is a sacrifice. Back in the day, they used live creatures, but from a modern view, who knows if that's right."
"Was it right back then?"
"Nope, never was. Just out in the open."
Crime like breathing, huh?
Feels like chatting with a big-shot who washed his hands of it lol
"Anyway, I'll figure out a method."
Kang Seol eyed the boastful Uru for a moment before asking.
"Uru, how strong are you right now?"
"Can't use even a tenth of my original power. No exaggeration. But... my abilities hinge on authorities. Use them smartly, and I can close the gap."
Authorities.
Demon arts and lone general skills both qualified.
'Got an extra one thanks to the Singularity...'
Uru went on.
"No idea how you did it, but you preserved my authorities maximally, so recovery's faster than expected. And if not for that freak incident, a punk like you wouldn't have been my match."
Suspicious Uru (0W 0D 1L)
Excuses lol
But yeah, he almost lost for real lol
"Alcatron's resurrection was delayed because its soul didn't condense properly, and the recovered power fell short too. Bizarre, but maybe a leak somewhere. Water under the bridge now. Hey, summoner. I've got a goal too."
"Finding traces of Kagon?"
"Sharp one. Yes. I'll search for Kagon's remnants by your side. Why the mighty Kagon Empire vanished, and why your memories hold not a single fragment... Time to find out."
Kang Seol was curious about that too.
Especially how he'd read that place's spirit language.
"Still, my stuff comes first."
Though it was lower priority.
"Naturally. Compared to mine, yours is trivial. I'll wrap it up quick."
"We'll see..."
Jamad snickered secretly from within the Shadow Space.
Rumble rumble rumble!
The people watched the black thunder trolls depart after ID checks.
They were expedition members who'd taken the detour.
"My god... They even handed over rations before leaving."
"Those the Black Thunder we know?"
"Huge and ugly just like the reports said..."
Iron Lion asked Mael.
"...How'd you get through?"
"Tougher than this, yeah. But Snowman made it smooth back then too..."
Iron Lion's gaze shifted from Mael to Kang Seol.
This expedition had been grueling even for him. Yet the pair who'd irked him from the start were the expedition's core strength.
Iron Lion muttered unwittingly.
"Impressive... Truly."
"...He is."
"Can't wrap my head around it—maybe I'm getting old. Hey, what's your name?"
"Mael."
"Meaning?"
"Star Child."
Iron Lion stroked his chin.
"Nice. I'll remember."
"And yours?"
"Nil. Iron Lion Nil. Iron Lion's fine."
"Nil. Got it."
"We'll scatter after this, but your names are etched in."
Anyway, no dangers assailed the expedition as they climbed the misty hills.
The wagons kept rolling until they finally crossed Adelin's border.
The news of the expedition safely passing Adelin's border was good tidings for Libra too.
People who could explain everything clearly were coming, after all.
Rumble rumble...
The mages in the tower dropped all duties under Libra's magic tower management, eyes glued to the expedition.
"They're coming! I see the procession!"
"Fool! Reports due by afternoon! No slacking or we miss the—"
"Ah! S-sorry!"
Not just the young mage was distracted.
"Wooooah!"
"The expedition's back!"
But someone doused the hot mood.
"...Fewer wagons."
"Obviously fewer..."
"Way too few..."
"......"
Silence fell over the mages.
Mages from other Zodiac towers had come too, awaiting results.
Among those Kang Seol knew: Blaine and Prin.
"Prin..."
"He... did it."
"That scale... the best outcome?"
"Yes! Even better than the hazy future I foresaw!"
Blaine smiled wryly.
"Then it's good. He pulled through."
Creeeak...
Clank.
People disembarked as wagon doors opened.
No one looked unscathed.
"......"
Thud...
The doorman gasped as Frannan, one eye bandaged tight, stepped down.
"H-Holy One!"
Frannan said,
"We'll report results and discuss next steps, so summon the other Holies now."
The expedition felt like zoo monkeys.
[Rest begins.]
[This is a temporary base.]
[Base rest begins.]
[Rest 10. Libra's Magic Tower]
Rest 10. 'Libra's Magic Tower'
Libra's Magic Tower, a major pillar of the Zodiac.
Unlike usual, where outsiders can't linger inside due to extreme wariness, many outsiders now reside in the tower.
Expedition participants must await disposition per tower guidelines before leaving.
Adventurers must rest, train sufficiently here or elsewhere, and prep for the next adventure.
Goal: Rest and regroup.
Failure: Fatigue.
Remaining time 「Unknown」
'The timer starts after the results report? Lucky. But...'
Kang Seol was now in a stifling room with Frannan.
Other members unpacked and rested, so why was he here, grimy and seated beside Frannan?
Because he'd been deeply involved in this expedition.
Leadwen and Cartzejin—Libra's other Holies—sat opposite, faces grim.
The white-bearded Cartzejin spoke.
"You expect us to believe that?"
"If not?"
"Insane... Completely insane..."
"Libra's dead. Or rather, fused with the Great Evil's soul."
"After losing over half the expedition, that's rich..."
Then Uru's body—Borinoil—cut in.
"Ohohoho... Cartzejin, still harping on useless details, I see."
"...Borinoil?"
"Didn't I tell you that's blocking your progress? Ohohoho... Or not?"
"Bo-Borinoil! You're really Libra?"
"No clue what'll convince you, but yes. It's me, Borinoil."
Borinoil recounted everything from Alcatron—their struggles, the expedition's fight—without omission.
"So Frannan's eye..."
"Tragic, but no choice. His resolve was admirable."
"......"
Frannan said,
"We think this can't spread."
"What! Then..."
"I agree. Rumors of the Great Evil loose would have magic-mad fools and power-hungry lords dissecting me—Borinoil—first."
"Sigh... Tricky. Can we seal the expedition's lips?"
"Generous rewards should keep it quiet till preparations. Right?"
"Fair point. We'll draft compensation based on the report."
"Good."
Leadwen eyed Borinoil.
"But... perform tower lord duties in that body?"
"Why would I?"
"...Pardon?"
"I'm publicly dead. Libra lost its lord—needs a new one. I need your opinions."
Borinoil eyed the three.
"Which of you suits Libra."
"......"
"......"
Frannan closed his eyes; the others rolled theirs. He looked exhausted.
Cartzejin said,
"Frannan, you ruined my research once. Remember?"
"Ah... That? Meant to help, just backfired."
"Apologize."
"What?"
"Now."
"Pointless... Fine. Still sorry about it."
"Good. Then I want you as Libra."
Leadwen glanced sidelong; Frannan gaped.
"What?"
"Forgiving that makes you Libra's best mage."
"Crazy... A drunkard..."
"Thought this ages ago, before you left. Just natural order."
Leadwen nodded.
"Yep. We discussed it among ourselves. Next Libra debate. Heh..."
"Among ourselves?"
Leadwen and Cartzejin exchanged looks.
"Yurin too—her input fully considered."
"...Yurin?"
"She always praised you. Minus the stiff parts... Well, still stiff, but better now?"
Frannan, dazed, kept repeating her name.
"Yurin... me..."
"You're a great mage, Frannan. Just don't see it yourself."
"......"
"For Yurin, become Libra."
Borinoil interjected again.
"Ohohoho! We'll hash that out later—guest treatment first."
"Right, this kid saved the expedition?"
"Broadly, saved even bigger things."
"And plans to stick with you, Borinoil... Needs separate reward."
Leadwen, Cartzejin, and Borinoil conferred.
"Truth-detecting wand?"
"Old-fashioned."
"Fantasy butterfly pair?"
"No familiar for an adventurer."
"Then..."
This no, that no.
Borinoil rejected each with reasons.
"This... on purpose?"
"You want something. These are absurd."
"Ohohoho... Am I?"
"Name it."
Borinoil glanced slyly, then tossed fuel on the fire.
"Scepter of Order."
Rumble...
Creak...
"Borinoil!"
"You sane?"
"Ohohoho..."
Borinoil just chuckled awkwardly.