Chapter 43
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: The Aquarius Invitation
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Blaine gazed at Kang Seol with a consistently solemn expression, as if he considered this matter important enough to use mental magic on his disciples.
Kang Seol figured he wasn't just spouting nonsense on purpose, so he listened carefully to what he had to say.
"Why these people...?"
"It's content my disciples shouldn't know about. Fortunately, there are no other listeners around."
"What's your intention?"
"Snowman, this item binds the power of the nine spirits and harmonizes them for use."
"I know."
It seemed to be written that way on Grizz's blueprint as well.
That was the basic operating principle, at least. Kang Seol didn't know the exact design method.
Blaine nodded and glanced curiously at the universe.
"It's a highly ingenious concept, but unfortunately, there are some issues."
"Issues?"
"They don't harmonize. Unlike the other peaceful spirits, it tries to utilize Venta and Shades as well. And they're maintaining their sanity intact."
"So what problem does that cause?"
"I can't predict it exactly. However, if the balance breaks, the individual powers of the spirits might gradually merge into one."
"...Meaning the universe could become uncontrollable then."
"As expected... you catch on right away. You're the master of this outlandish item."
Well done, Blaine!
Of course top-tier gear like that comes with caveats lol
Universe (Abomination)
Safe!
Kang Seol rested his chin on his hand and pondered it for a moment, then Blaine added a few more words.
"If you can balance them yourself, there'd be no issue, but it seems you lack spirit-related divine powers... So, how about this proposal?"
"Proposal?"
Blaine nodded and said to Kang Seol,
"How about trading that item with our Aquarius Mage Tower?"
"Hm..."
It was hard to see his intentions as impure. He couldn't yet tell if Blaine's words were true or not.
Soon, options appeared.
High Mage Blaine has proposed a trade. Will you accept?
1. Accept.
2. Decline.
3. [Req: Negotiation 1] Ask if there are other conditions.
4. [Req: Merchant] Haggle.
...
Kang Seol checked the options and replied without hesitation.
"No thanks."
"...Well, if I had such a rare item in front of me, I'd look for other options too."
This guy's trying to trade? lol
Blaine (Incorruptible)
How much would that cost?
Retirement vibes already!
Too little money to accept
Blaine looked regretful for a moment before saying,
"Still, please don't take my words lightly. That item will definitely cause problems. Be careful with it. Oh, and..."
Blaine cast a spell, creating something in his hand.
Srrrr...
It was a small piece of an ice water bottle.
But it wasn't cold, nor did it seem like it would melt.
Kang Seol took the piece in his hand.
You have acquired the Invitation to the Aquarius Mage Tower.
"If you ever need to visit Aquarius, use this invitation. The mage towers have an unpleasant tradition of being unfriendly to outsiders."
"Would I ever have reason to visit the mage tower?"
"Who knows what the future holds? Whether I can help Snowman, or Snowman can help Aquarius."
"...I've heard Zodiac repays both favors and grudges twofold."
Blaine smiled.
"Spot on. In truth, we repay grudges even more spectacularly, but we don't ignore favors. Anyway, I look forward to your visit. It seems we'll have plenty to do together."
Snap!
He snapped his fingers again.
Blaine has released Mental Freeze.
The mages woke up in a daze.
"Huh?"
"Was I just tired...? Sorry, what were you saying just now?"
"Prin, the guest has captured all types of spirits. Record it accurately."
"Really? Got it, Master."
Whooo...
Prin closed her eyes and focused, and a nearby quill pen began writing on paper by itself.
Scratch scratch.
Snowman Complete (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Purple, White, Black)
"Uh... Wow... This is the first case of capturing all spirits alive within the support period. Wait... Shades? Master!"
"Yes, it seems the adventurers who came to help us in the forest went missing because of this wicked black spirit."
"No way... Were you threatened by Shades too, Snowman?"
Kang Seol shrugged nonchalantly, though it was affirmative.
Seeing this, Prin's eyes widened in surprise.
"Sh-Shades is a spirit even we can't approach easily... How did you capture it...?"
"I got lucky."
"Even so, how...?"
Blaine gave Prin a look.
"Prin, Snowman doesn't seem keen to talk about it, yet you're being persistent."
"S-Sorry! Well then! As a reward for your support, you can receive items, some gold, and consumables. Shall I settle it now?"
"Yes, please."
At those words, a large treasure chest materialized in front of Kang Seol.
Clunk!
You have successfully completed the Boundary Stone restoration support.
You have captured or eliminated nine types of spirits.
This will be recorded.
You have achieved the feat 'Whatever It Takes'.
You have obtained the title 「Spirit Hunter」.
Your level has increased.
You have acquired stat points.
You have obtained Shades' Blessing.
You have obtained Venta's Mantle.
You have obtained Spirit Guardian Gloves.
You have obtained 788 gold coins.
You have obtained 122 silver coins.
You have obtained 12 Medium Red Potions.
You have obtained 10 Medium Blue Potions.
...
They were a weapon, a cloak, and gloves, respectively.
Kang Seol glanced at the items and was genuinely impressed.
"This is..."
The rewards were exceptionally good.
No, good rewards were never a problem.
The equipment offered as rewards seemed tailor-made for a summoner, as if they knew Kang Seol would use them.
Blaine spoke as if he had anticipated Kang Seol's reaction.
"All the world's treasures pass through the mage towers. Please consider this a commemorative gift for our first meeting with Snowman."
"Such items... Thank you."
Grateful for the unexpected generous gift, Kang Seol expressed his thanks and vanished in a swirl of light.
Ziiiing—
Once he was gone, Prin said to Blaine,
"The events at Pointed Rock Mountain weren't lies after all, Master."
"You sensed something from him too."
"How many adventurers have we met for boundary stone support? Some were unusual, but none were special."
Srrrk...
Prin's eyes glazed over.
It was thanks to her unique constitution, which earned her special treatment even in the Aquarius Mage Tower.
"You're saying he's special?"
"I don't know. But... that's the feeling I get."
"That feeling is accurate."
"Did you sense something from him too, Master?"
"Just the same feeling as you."
"He's special."
"We'll find out if he visits the mage tower next time."
"Huh? You didn't even give Snowman an invitation—visit? What do you...?"
"......"
"Master! I told you not to use Mental Freeze on me!"
Ziiiing—
Kang Seol appeared on a forest path near Novira.
The transferees had all embarked on their own adventures now, so their return times rarely overlapped.
That was why no one was with Kang Seol at the moment.
Here are the score rankings up to current Adventure 6.
Information is private.
Your score is 920,600 points.
1. Private (920,600)
2. Daerimdong Ham Fist (450,080)
3. Charging Dwarf (391,810)
4. Dung Beetle (380,270)
5. Newbie Welcome Party (377,400)
These were Novira region adventurer rankings, filled with unknowns.
Notably, the score gap from 2nd to 5th wasn't that wide.
And Kang Seol's lead over 2nd was over double, overwhelmingly so.
The former could be interpreted as user levels evening out, the latter as Kang Seol pulling ahead solo even in that scenario.
Score gap what lol
Kuku... This streamer has finally conquered even Novira.
Don't get cocky, could just be south-only.
Fr, heard there are quite a few over 700k
700k+ is already elite lol
Rest has begun.
Base camp rest has begun.
Rest 3. Ruins City Novira
Ruins City Novira, in the south of Pandea in the Eternal World.
A city adjacent to the Great Forest, where treasures and goods unearthed from ruins flow in and out. It has a sizable black market and auction house, quite large for the south.
Adventurers must rest and train sufficiently here or in other rest areas before preparing for the next adventure.
Objective: Rest and resupply.
Failure: Fatigue.
Remaining time 「About 30 days」
Nearly twenty days had passed since Kang Seol arrived in Novira.
Before entering Novira, Kang Seol started by checking his rewards.
'First, the title.'
Related Feat: Whatever It Takes (Adventure: Incomplete: Coloring Study)
Special: In combat with spirit monsters, low chance to inflict Fear status abnormality; stats +5%.
A solid, unremarkable title.
Kang Seol nodded and checked the real rewards: the equipment.
Grade: Rare
Level Fit: 12–20
Defense: 20
Durability: 70/70
Weight: 0.1kg
A cloak mimicking the abilities of the Flash Spirit Venta. No need to worry even in the darkest cave with this.
Base: Wisdom +10, Vitality +8
Special: Emits light in dark places.
The perfect adventurer item.
'A pretty rare option...'
Option is insane lol
But it'll attract aggro from eye-searing envy
He's mostly solo anyway...
Carrying a torch was annoying enough, but holding one mid-combat was a hassle. With this cloak emitting light, no more worries.
Grade: Rare
Level Fit: 14–20
Defense: 35
Durability: 80/80
Weight: 0.1kg
Gloves made with very light material to minimize discomfort.
Not great for pure defense, but special ability is powerful.
Base: Intelligence +3, Wisdom +8, Vitality +5
Special: Once per day, nullifies physical impact that would cause 'Minor Injury'.
"Rare for sure?"
I'm asking the same as Snowman rn.
OP;; Good stats and insane special
Think differently guys
Eh? Dissent?
How many attacks in adventures cause minor injuries? All serious lol
One punch from Jamad = serious injury lol Minor's just tripping over your feet hahaha
Nailed it
Kang Seol had already spotted the flaw in the special ability that viewers were chattering about, but he wasn't too disappointed.
'The key is that it's on gloves.'
Not on armor, pants, greaves, weapons, or vital spots.
It was basically a bonus.
'Could get hit by projectiles on limbs.'
Even with Jamad and Karuna, injuries could happen.
In that regard, these gloves were quite useful.
Kang Seol equipped the mantle and gloves right away. Finally, he looked at the remaining black crystal orb.
A weapon radiating ominous power at first glance.
It was Shades' Blessing, the highest-grade reward this time.