Chapter 39
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Gathering the Seven Spirits
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Thud…
Rumble…
The presence that filled the cave with its majestic echoes was grotesque from the start.
It resembled a gorilla walking upright, its massive bulk covered entirely in pure white fur.
"…A yeti."
"A yeti? That thing? Then isn't it dangerous?"
"It would be if it were just a yeti, but a spirit's controlling it right now."
"A spirit? Oh, you're right!"
A dark spirit glowing in deep indigo sat atop the yeti's head, staring down at Spatz.
The yeti sat obediently on the cave floor, butt planted firmly.
Crackle!
Hiss…
Sparks flew between the two like an exchange of icy barbs, freezing the air around them.
Han Seoryeong turned to Kang Seol.
"What are they talking about?"
"No idea."
"You knew everything up until now…"
"Looks like a battle of wills, maybe…"
Crackle!
Hiss…
The spirit perched atop the frost-breathing yeti.
No doubt about it—that was the Frost Spirit, Procy.
Spatz is a spirit with a vast territory. If anyone intrudes, it chases them out without mercy. Docile spirits usually heed this little one's demands, but clashes happen now and then.
'Grizz was right.'
This seemed like a territorial dispute. Kang Seol watched warily from between them.
Zzt…
A jolt of electricity coursed into Kang Seol.
Spatz, having apparently wrapped up its talk, now addressed him.
「Procy's naughty. Won't listen to me.」
"What do you want me to do?"
Kang Seol listened closely to Spatz's request.
In the worst case, it might demand a fight with Procy.
But fortunately, Spatz made a reasonable ask.
Zzt…
「You arm-wrestle Procy's little pet. Spatz is too weak—can't beat even that kid.」
The word "kid" felt off for something that size, but the point was clear: arm-wrestle the yeti.
"Arm-wrestling?"
Zzt…
「Arm? Yeah, probably.」
"One condition, and I'll help."
Zzt…
「Condition?」
"If I beat Procy's pet, Procy grants me one request too."
Spatz must have relayed it, because Procy atop the yeti nodded.
Zzt…
「It says okay! Thinks its kid won't lose to you! But… honestly, me too… sorry.」
"I'll help then. And I never said I'd do it myself."
Zzt…
「Huh? Then? That guy next to you?」
Procy had already fashioned an ice table perfect for arm-wrestling and watched smugly with arms crossed.
That's when Kang Seol flicked his hand.
Whoosh…
Black light flared from his palm, and out burst a shadowy troll as massive as the yeti.
"My friend's subbing in. Not a… kid."
Procy's eyes widened, then it grinned and nodded—as if to say, bring it.
Jamad clasped the yeti's hand at Kang Seol's request.
"Forced to do this pathetic nonsense."
"This is life-or-death right now, Jamad."
"Hmph."
Jamad's colossal size stunned Han Seoryeong, who watched from the side.
"Oh my god…"
She gaped, eyes locked on the giants' bulging arms.
Spatz raised its hand.
The signal to begin. And—
Smack!
Down it came.
"Hrrrngh!"
"Grraaawr!"
The bizarre clash between shadow and yeti began.
"Rraaagh!"
Boom!
The yeti stomped and leaned in, trying to bend Jamad's arm.
Snort! Snort!
Visible puffs of breath steamed from its nostrils.
But Jamad didn't budge an inch. He even turned to glance leisurely at Kang Seol.
"Hey, can we wrap this up now?"
Kang Seol shrugged.
The yeti's strength was impressive, but against Jamad, the Rock Fang Tribe irregular, it fell woefully short.
"Hah!"
Jamad's arm twitched—then snapped explosively.
Kaboom!
Hiss…
The ice table shattered.
Jamad's arm had slammed the yeti's past the edge.
"Graaaawr!"
Whether Jamad held back or the yeti was just that tough, neither was hurt.
Spatz gleefully pointed at Procy, clearly reveling in its defeat.
Procy just stared blankly, alternating between Jamad and Kang Seol in shock.
Whoosh…
Kang Seol recalled Jamad and eyed Procy and Spatz, reminding them of their deal. Spatz spoke first.
Zzt…
「Thanks for solving my problem! So, what's your request?」
Hiss…
Procy watched with the same expectant gaze. Kang Seol grinned.
"Come with me."
Zzt…
Hiss…
Both wore grim expressions.
Spirits couldn't break promises. That was common knowledge in Pandea.
Whether Procy, who had promised a favor upon defeat, or Spatz, who had offered one for help, they were in the same boat.
Zzt…
「…A promise is a promise.」
They nodded reluctantly.
Click.
Hiiiiss…
Soon, both spirits were sucked into the Three Spirits belt.
[Captured Lightning Spirit Spatz.]
[Secured Yellow.]
[Spirit types captured: 4]
[Yellow resides in the Three Spirits.]
[Captured Frost Spirit Procy.]
[Secured Indigo.]
[Spirit types captured: 5]
[Indigo resides in the Three Spirits.]
And then.
Whoooosh…
[The Three Spirits evolve into the Five Spirits.]
The belt vibrated intensely, emitting a rainbow of lights.
"Grawr!"
Procy's "little pet"—the yeti—fled startled into the cave depths.
Kang Seol looked away from it and examined the transformed belt.
Five Spirits
Rank: Rare
Level: 10–20
Defense: 30
Durability: 140/140
Weight: 0.2kg
A belt infused with five spirits' essence. Designed by Grizz, perfected by Snowman.
Basic Effects: Strength +10, Agility +10, Stamina +10, Wisdom +10, Intelligence +10
Special: Spirits' Blessing (Unique) – Evolves with each absorbed spirit.
Han Seoryeong jumped as Kang Seol's belt transformed again.
"Th-the belt hummed again!"
"Yeah."
"Isn't it amazing? Your belt hummed!"
"Not 'your,' and yeah, it is."
It hummed, so you gotta soothe it!
Yeah, quiet down now.
So. Damn. Cool.
Why can't these two just get along?
With defenses like that, he'd crush as a harem protag in a romcom!
Tsk tsk… Young folks too shy kill the vibe!
Five spirits now dwelled in Kang Seol's belt.
'Yellow and Indigo were the most aggressive, so snagging the rest should be easier.'
Just the Water Drop Spirit Blue and Night Spirit Purple left.
A swell of accomplishment rose in his chest—he was nearly at his goal.
Joy was fleeting; Kang Seol asked Han Seoryeong,
"You capturing any, Seoryeong?"
"Ah, ran out of spirit pouches… I'll head back with you. We're deep in the Great Forest now…"
"Sure."
He didn't know her full strength, but solo-exiting the forest depths without backup was suicide for anyone but him.
Kang Seol understood.
Kang Seol's forced march pressed on.
With no aggressive daytime spirits left, his mind was at ease.
After camping overnight, he headed for his next target: a small stream in the woods.
Splash… Splaaash…
Giggle…
A child's laughter echoed. No kids roamed this deadly forest—this had to be a spirit.
"…Found you."
The Water Drop Spirit.
Lesser spirits often took childlike forms.
Kang Seol shed his outer layer, rolled up his pants high, and waded in casually—far from the caution he'd shown Spatz.
Giggle…
Sploooosh!
The spirit doused him on sight.
He was soaked in seconds.
[The Water Drop Spirit has pranked you. How do you respond?]
1. Slash it.
2. Exit the stream.
3. Ignore.
4. Accept the challenge.
5. [Spirit Mage Required] Demand submission.
...
"Huh…?"
Han Seoryeong expected anger, but Kang Seol did the opposite.
Sploooosh!
Splash! Splash!
Like an uncle playing with his niece, he dunked the spirit and hosed it down.
Gigigiggle!
The spirit seemed delighted, laughing nonstop and clinging to him.
By the time dark circles rimmed Kang Seol's eyes, the Water Drop Spirit finally slumped, tuckered out.
"Huff… pant… Wanna come along?"
Nod.
It beamed, satisfied.
Click.
The spirit pouch opened; blue energy seeped in.
[Captured Water Drop Spirit Popo.]
[Secured Blue.]
[Spirit types captured: 6]
[Blue resides in the Five Spirits.]
Crackle… Crack…
He lit a campfire to dry off and settle for the night as dusk fell.
Han Seoryeong giggled at the drenched Kang Seol. Her laugh warmed anyone who saw it.
"Got a niece or something? You were great with it."
"Orphan."
"Oh…"
"Played with kids like that all the time at the orphanage."
"…Sorry."
"No need. They cried plenty that my scary face ruined their fun."
"Pfft… Heh… Hasn't… changed… pfft… see?"
"Still the same. Would've fixed it if it were easy. Here, cocoa."
She took the cup naturally.
"Thanks, I'll enjoy it."
"No problem."
Nice drawing! 5252
The pic below is from the Dutch Golden Age…
Finally! Getting steamy?
So sweet!
Even Kang Seol can't push past this mood lol
Slurp…
Han Seoryeong sipped her cocoa, savoring the warmth.
Her cheeks flushed a bit as she started to speak.
"Um… Kang Seol, about the future…"
"Shh. Something's coming."
"Huh?"
"Quiet!"
"Okay…"
Wild man hornet uncle lol
Spirit uncle arrives lol
For real, something coming?
Ugh, why now of all times -_-
Rustle… Rustle…
A purple spirit approached the campfire.
Kang Seol sprang up and got straight to the point.
"Wanna come along?"
Lol will that work? Proposes marriage on first sight
No wonder he sucks at dating smh
Turbo thrust;;
Read the room dude -_-
Viewers slammed Kang Seol's bluntness.
He'd always gauged spirits' traits before asking—skipping that now spelled trouble.
Nod.
But defying expectations, the Night Spirit nodded.
'Ku's hard to find, but easiest to capture.'
Wait, what?
It worked! ^^
Sorry for doubting…
Hold up; does this mean…?
Click!
Whoosh…
[Captured Night Spirit Ku.]
[Secured Purple.]
[Spirit types captured: 7]
[Purple resides in the Five Spirits.]
At last, the spirit pouch's true form would reveal itself.
[Seven spirits' energies converge.]
[The Five Spirits masterpiece evolves into Rainbow.]
"Wha—? Kang Seol! Your belt…"
Whooooosh…
Seven-colored light burst from the belt, painting the night sky. It enveloped not just the belt, but Kang Seol's body as well.