Chapter 76
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: Kupa Takes Flight
-----------------------------------------------------------------
On a moonlit night, the sight of a person enveloped in a glow of light could only be described as fantastical.
It was as if fireflies had clung to Snowman's entire body—brilliant light poured forth from him.
[Persistent: You inherit Resonance.]
[You inherit Persistent: Resonance.]
[Your communication with allies becomes seamless. Your emotions, intentions, and more are conveyed to allies without delay. At low proficiency, this is limited to summons or creations, but at higher proficiency, all allies within a certain radius will understand your will.]
[Destiny: Things to Reclaim has been updated.]
It was that moment that came around every so often.
Emptiness and sorrow.
Inheriting the will of the dead was an enormous burden for Snowman.
It wasn't just about exchanging abilities—it meant taking on that person's life, thoughts, values, and lingering regrets.
[Persistent: Resonance activates on Karen.]
[Persistent: Resonance activates on Jamad.]
"Wha... what's this?"
"Hmmm..."
As Snowman's summons fell under the influence of Resonance, a portion of his emotions transmitted to them.
Sad. Painful.
Exposed to these raw emotions, they gazed at Snowman's back.
Snowman was locking eyes with Kupa.
The lingering regret of Kirri that had weighed so heavily on his heart lightened a bit.
Because Kupa, left all alone, had been Kirri's regret.
Seeing Kupa grown like this eased that regret, if only a little.
"Kupa."
Kururuk...
Kupa lowered its body, bringing its beak to Snowman's outstretched hand.
And then, its body began to grow bit by bit.
[Kupa absorbs a portion of the power contained in the corpse.]
[Fire resistance greatly increases.]
[Size increases.]
[A fire sac forms in the body.]
[Feathers gain a glossy sheen.]
[Can now burn foul odors.]
"...It's changing."
"Kha! What a sight!"
A corpse vulture molts throughout its lifetime, shedding impurities and evils on the wind to become a better being.
Some say the molting process of a corpse vulture is mystical and ecstatic.
Watching it unfold, Snowman's party and the viewers were swept up in inexplicable emotions.
...Cool.
Everyone... If you're a raptor hunter, let's raise a corpse vulture....
Overwhelming, for real;
Corpse vultures are like wine. The longer you age them, the better they taste!
Kupa approached Snowman, who stroked its feathers.
Stroke— stroke—
Kupa wore a proud expression.
There was no trace of foul stench left on this corpse vulture now.
Kupa, grown majestic.
Snowman spoke to it on Kirri's behalf.
"You've grown up so splendidly, Kupa. Kirri would be happy too."
Kururuk!
Whoosh...
At the mention of Kirri's name, Kupa flapped its now even larger wings.
Kupa gazed at Snowman.
A choice appeared before Snowman.
[The fully grown corpse vulture Kupa gazes at you. Its eyes seem to probe your intentions. What will you say?]
1. Let's go together, Kupa.
2. Can you fight for me now?
3. Until we meet again.
4. From now on, I'm your master.
...
Snowman gave Kupa the words it wanted to hear most.
"You can fly away now, Kupa."
Kururuk!
Flap—!
Kupa beat its wings toward the open sky.
The massive corpse vulture took one last look at Snowman before vanishing into the heavens.
Kupa would probably never return to the Shadow Gorge.
✨ Charismatic Being activates.Gain additional affinity.
🛡️ Ally 'Corpse Vulture Kupa' acquired.
⭐ 'Corpse Vulture Kupa' rank: Hero.
🎲 Allies may appear in all adventures.
🤝 They provide aid based on affinity.
With the message that Kupa had become an ally, it had already vanished from sight.
Snowman's heart felt hollow, invaded by something that could never be filled.
Through Resonance, that feeling transmitted to Karen and Jamad as well.
"Why the long face? You're making me depressed too."
"Snowman, chin up."
Snowman grinned and shrugged his shoulders.
It was the most positive signal he could muster.
"Alright, shall we check out what we've gained?"
With his attempt to change the mood, Karen chimed in.
"Mine! Something's gotta be for me, right?"
"If we don't handle cleanup, it'll all get burned anyway."
"Cleanup's on the front gate or back gate or whatever to handle, right?"
Snowman let out a hollow chuckle.
Jamad approached him then, setting down a treasure chest stained red.
Clank...
"As always, that moment has come again."
Snowman flung open the red chest.
Creeeak...
Radiance spilled from within.
[Checking Red Progeny's Chest.]
[Level up.]
[Ability points acquired.]
[Tycoon's special ability activates.]
[Additional ability points acquired.]
[Atarack's Heart acquired.]
[Boiling Pure Blood acquired.]
[Leech Hat acquired.]
[Greaves of Faint Flames acquired.]
[23 Platinum Coins acquired.]
[12 Gold Coins acquired.]
[1 Silver Coin acquired.]
[2 Large Red Potions acquired.]
[13 Medium Red Potions acquired.]
...
'Oh, Tycoon.'
The special title from breaking 1 million adventure score first time, Tycoon's special ability, had activated.
Thanks to it, Snowman got free ability points.
Free is always nice.
Pondering where to invest his new ability points, Snowman checked the items.
Atarack's Heart
Rank: Treasure
Level Fit: None
Weight: 0.1kg
The heart of Atarack, the last progeny of the ancient spider kin, Anakindria. Its beating has stopped, but it still holds faint traces of ancient blood.
However, this treasure's uses are highly limited.
Special: Unknown.
'A heart item... Not much use for this right now.'
In Pandea, inner cores and byproducts from dangerous spirit beasts could be used in various ways.
The Atarack's Heart Snowman had just obtained was one such item, but oddly, no abilities were listed.
Of course, that didn't mean Snowman didn't know how to use this treasure.
'No use for it anytime soon, so I'll stock it.'
For now, Atarack's Heart headed to his inventory.
This is an insanely good item, but no manual?
Unfriendly as hell lol
Weaklings! Figure it out yourselves!
Boiling Pure Blood
Rank: Rare
Level Fit: 15-20
Weight: 0.1kg
Blood containing boiling mana.
Drinking it directly is most effective.
Infused with fire energy.
Special: Enhances drinker's fire attack power by 5%.
"Mine."
Karen snatched the vial of pure blood.
Snowman gave her a dumbfounded look, but she just grinned and dumped the liquid down her throat.
[Boiling Pure Blood used on Twin Knight Karen.]
"Urk..."
Fwoosh...
Flames briefly shot from Karen's mouth.
"Tastes awful."
I'll take that pure blood!
??? : I haven't used it, why's it like this!
Now summoners have to watch their summons' moods. Times have changed.
I was gonna pass it anyway, but not like this! Can't work like this!
So straightforward lol
Snowman shook his head and checked the next item.
Leech Hat
Rank: Treasure
Level Fit: 16–22
Defense: 25
Durability: 81/81
Weight: 0.1kg
A hat infused with ominous energy.
Unknown what fabric it's made from, but its effects are extremely rare.
Base: Wisdom +12, Intelligence +5
Special: All abilities and attacks lifesteal 3% of damage dealt.
Snowman nearly cursed out loud.
"Suck..."
"What? Is it bad?"
"Nah, just disappointing compared to expectations."
Summoners rarely lost health, so lifesteal was useless for him.
Snowman's health was monstrous for a summoner, but this was gear for frontline fighters, not backline combat.
At least, that's how it seemed before checking the details.
'Hm?'
A closer look revealed fine print.
(For summons and creations, the effect applies individually.)
"...Huh?"
Rubbing his eyes and reading carefully, damage dealt by summons healed the summons.
For Snowman, it applied to Shadow Hand or other spells.
'That's right! No wonder it's treasure-grade.'
Caster gear needed unique applications, given the specialized classes using it.
To earn treasure rank, it had to deliver like this.
Look at that smirk lol
He's that excited!
Two treasures already !
This adventure was pretty tough, right?
Long adventure, so rewards like this are fair.
Agreed.
"Phew..."
Feeling much better, Snowman checked the next reward.
Greaves of Faint Flames
Rank: Treasure
Level Fit: 18–25
Defense: 80
Durability: 111/111
Weight: 3.5kg
Greaves crafted entirely from rare sulfur stones found in volcanic regions. Due to their heat-retaining properties, they grant immense fire resistance. Special processing prevents wear from heat.
Base: Strength +9, Agility +10, Vitality +10
Special: Fire Resistance +15%, Immunity to activity debuffs, Ignore heat damage.
The moment Snowman saw the options, he scanned his surroundings.
Above his casually seated head loomed Karen's face.
"Mine?"
Aaagh! It's my item ghost!
Stop eating everything! You pig knight!
Karen happy lol
Greed brings division to the party.
Thud!
Karen snatched the greaves in an instant and they vanished into Shadow Space.
[Greaves of Faint Flames equipped on Twin Knight Karen.]
"...Ha."
I didn't equip it! Damn it!
We grind adventures hard, and this is what we get? Self-loathing and pain...
Karen snagged them all anyway lol
Gotta admit what’s true lol
Swish!
Karen popped back out on her own, showing off the greaves.
"How's it look? I think I can use this right away without handing it to the front gate?"
"...Looks good."
"What about Troll?"
"...Why ask."
Jamad's expression was icy.
Someone console Jamad lol
Frustration and no gains build a man!
Winter's coming, isn't wandering around half-naked too cold? lol
Involuntary exhibitionism lol
It was a shame no usable gear dropped for Jamad, but the adventure had been cleared successfully thanks to Karen's efforts, so it wasn't unfair.
As Karen teased Jamad amid their banter, Snowman checked the next gains.
The adventure's rewards weren't just gear.
Title: Uninvited Guest
Related Achievement: Why'd You Come to My House (Adventure: Predator Beneath the Gorge)
Special: Reduces harmful effects from unfavorable environments by 20%.
Title: Bird
Related Achievement: If Only I Had Wings (Adventure: Predator Beneath the Gorge)
Special: Fall damage reduced by 30%. (Stackable)
'Nice.'
The new titles each had straightforward special abilities.
Uninvited Guest reduced heat in sulfur terrain and cold in snowfields.
Bird slashed fall damage significantly.
All solid.
'Long adventures are worth it sometimes.'
Treasure poured out, good titles earned—this adventure was a smashing success.
Aside from the time delay.
'Hope the next one ends quick.'
Snowman rose for the remaining adventures.
"Now that you know, can we stop the bragging?"
"No, look at these sleek curves. Here, feel!"
With Karen still showing off her greaves, Jamad glanced at Snowman and shook his head.
A signal to move fast.
Snowman hit End Adventure.
Vrrrrm—
Their bodies dissolved into blue particles and vanished.
And so began another long-distance adventure.
Text began appearing before his eyes.
[You arrive at a remote village. Its name is Dusk Village...]