Chapter 47
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: Ddol Ddoli's Primitive Magic
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Having completed the large-scale reinforcement, there weren't any major outward changes that stood out on Ddol Ddoli. It was just that the surface of its rocky body had begun to take on a glossy sheen, like dragon scales.
It wasn't merely a cosmetic improvement. It was powerful proof that Ddol Ddoli's body was starting to conduct mana.
This was the result of absorbing the unique property of dragon scales, which had extremely high mana conductivity, into Ddol Ddoli's body.
Thanks to this, Ddol Ddoli became more sensitive to mana, and this heightened sensitivity served as the catalyst for awakening a new ability.
When I first checked this skill, I nearly jumped out of my skin in shock.
A legendary skill, no less!
'Holy crap, is our Ddol Ddoli turning into a magic golem now?!'
I was thrilled beyond measure, but unfortunately, it didn't seem like that was the case. Even Ddol Ddoli itself had no idea how to use this ability.
"Ddol Ddoli. Do you really have no clue how to use Primitive Magic?"
-Ddol Ddoli now clearly feels mana. Ddol Ddoli can handle mana too. But Ddol Ddoli doesn't know Primitive Magic well.
"Ugh, I see."
-Master, sorry. Ddol Ddoli doesn't know either.
"No, don't be sorry. You're the one who's most frustrated here."
Ian was right. In truth, Ian himself wasn't frustrated at all. He didn't know exactly what this skill was, but he was certain it was something extraordinary.
It was a legendary skill, after all!
But Ddol Ddoli was different. The creature had no concept of legendary skills or anything like that—it was simply frustrated.
It had awakened power but didn't know how to wield it.
"Take it slow, think it through calmly. There's no rush. Besides, you're already strong without it."
Ian patted the somewhat dejected Ddol Ddoli comfortingly.
Primitive Magic wasn't the important part anyway. The main goal of the 'Dragon Scale Essence Fusion' had been to infuse Ddol Ddoli with the properties of dragon scales.
Dragon scales boasted top-tier performance, unmatched by any other material.
They were incredibly tough and possessed high magic resistance. Their mana conductivity was so high that it could be said no other substance surpassed it.
With all those properties now injected into it, Ddol Ddoli had gained durability rivaling a dragon's and magic resistance tantamount to immunity.
Ian explained all this thoroughly to Ddol Ddoli. Fortunately, it understood and its sullen expression cleared up.
-Master right. Ddol Ddoli no need be sullen. Ddol Ddoli got stronger!
"Exactly."
-Ddol Ddoli learned to use mana. Show Master right now.
Ddol Ddoli closed its eyes. As it did, it clearly sensed the wriggling mass of energy.
Before, Ddol Ddoli had only vaguely felt it. Now, it knew exactly what it was.
'This is mana.'
The power gathered from mana—mana power.
Ddol Ddoli felt like it knew how to use this mana power.
'Gather mana.'
With that thought, mana from the air began sticking to its rocky skin.
It gathered, and gathered more.
And then...
Release.
"Wait, hold on, Ddol Ddoli!"
[Ddol Ddoli has comprehended a method to utilize mana conductivity.]
[Ddol Ddoli has comprehended a method to gather mana through its rocky surface.]
[Ddol Ddoli has awakened the skill 'Shockwave Emission'!]
"Stop!"
Bang!
Ian hurriedly cast a dome-shaped barrier spell. He barely blocked the shockwave and wiped the sweat from his brow.
He had almost blown away the expensive new nest he'd bought.
First things first, he needed to teach it not to use its powers recklessly indoors.
After that, Ian performed a few more reinforcements, focused on improving stability.
Ddol Ddoli had grown immensely powerful from the dragon scales, but its bodily stability had suffered as a result, necessitating compensation.
He stopped after about five or six such reinforcements.
He wanted to do more, but unfortunately, he couldn't. Further enhancements risked destabilizing its body beyond endurance.
So, the ultimate solution was clear.
Level up Alchemy to unlock more research projects.
Swallowing his regret, Ian asked Ddol Ddoli for its opinion.
"What do you want to do, Ddol Ddoli?"
-What that mean?
"About the future."
-Hmm.
"You can do whatever you want. If you want to stay home with me, that's fine. Or if you want to go out like always, fighting enemies and getting stronger, that's okay too."
Previously, keeping it with him hadn't been an option.
It simply hadn't been possible.
But now that Ddol Ddoli could stay indoors, it could live with him anytime.
Sure, others' stares might be annoying, but if that's what it wanted, Ian was fully prepared to make it happen.
Even though he'd created it on a whim, it had become precious to him for real.
"You have your own free will. From now on, you decide your own path. I'll just respect your choice and help however I can."
-......
"What'll it be?"
Ddol Ddoli was silent for a long while. After pondering deeply in silence, it finally spoke.
-Ddol Ddoli likes Master. Ddol Ddoli wants to stay at Master's house.
"Alright, then that's what we'll do."
-But getting stronger also good.
Ian looked into Ddol Ddoli's eyes.
Somehow, they seemed to sparkle.
-Ddol Ddoli still weak. Ddol Ddoli couldn't beat dragon. Beat weakened dragon, but that not Ddol Ddoli win.
"......"
-Ddol Ddoli wants to get stronger. Then can protect Master better.
"......"
-Ddol Ddoli must get stronger.
Ddol Ddoli looked straight up at Ian.
-Ddol Ddoli go outside. Ddol Ddoli get much stronger.
Ian chuckled softly.
He hadn't expected that answer at all.
He'd thought it would want to stay home.
"For real? That's what you want?"
-Yes.
"Okay then. Do what you want."
-Got it. Ddol Ddoli go out again. Get strong. Protect Master.
"But come home whenever you want."
-Got it. Ddol Ddoli come home if wants.
Ddol Ddoli sprang to its feet. Its face somehow looked more resolute than usual.
-Ddol Ddoli much stronger now. Even meet dragon again, not lose easily.
"Of course. Our Ddol Ddoli is super strong."
-Ddol Ddoli go.
"Yeah."
Ddol Ddoli's body surface began to glow.
The engraved magic circle started shining.
[Ddol Ddoli uses the skill 'Return'.]
Flash!
Ddol Ddoli vanished without a trace.
Ian stared blankly at the empty spot when Kes suddenly approached and spoke up.
"Keruk. Lord Ddol Ddoli really likes Master."
"......Yeah, that's a good thing."
"And Master really likes Lord Ddol Ddoli too."
"True."
It was impossible not to grow attached.
And he felt guilty too.
"Truth is, I haven't done much for it."
It had been abandoned right after birth.
Yet it still liked him—that made him both sorry and proud.
"Gotta treat it better from now on."
It wasn't just about Ddol Ddoli.
Lara, Arkbon, and even Kes chattering beside him.
And all the creations he'd meet in the future.
They were all born from his hands, past and future.
Taking responsibility for them was only natural.
'I wonder what Arkbon's up to.'
He'd neglected it amid all the dragon fuss.
Ian checked Arkbon's notifications for the first time in a while.
And he was astonished.
[Arkbon has completely conquered the Necropolis.]
[Arkbon has designated 'Necropolis' as its faction base.]
'Whoa. How'd it conquer a whole city already?'
Checking further, Arkbon's direct subordinates in the faction numbered barely twenty.
How on earth had it pulled that off?
Undead weren't exactly elite few types.
'Maybe only direct subordinates count as faction members?'
[The fame of the 'Immortal Skull' spreads across the Black Wasteland!]
[The existence of the 'Immortal Skull' begins to become known bit by bit in the western continent!]
[Arkbon begins to gain infamy!]
"Infamy? What the hell."
What did that even mean?
'What bad stuff has Arkbon even done?'
There was nothing infamous about it.
It had just killed other undead here and there.
Aside from that, it'd cleaned up and conquered the Necropolis...
Realizing that, Ian nodded in understanding.
'Yeah, that tracks.'
Truth aside, a skeleton leading minions to seize a city looked pretty shady.
It had been about five days since Arkbon had scoured every inch of the Necropolis.
Truly, not a corner had been left unsearched. Yet there wasn't even a hint of presence anywhere, so now he had to accept it.
There were no enemies left here.
He summoned his direct subordinates.
Twenty carefully selected ones who showed promising abilities and talents—true followers who took his orders directly and acted as his limbs. Children of the father, inheriting a sliver of his power.
-My people.
They looked up to Arkbon reverently.
-With no enemies left in this place, I hereby declare under Father's name that this land is now mine.
No cheers, no shouts. Only silence lingered.
Yet in the hearts of the twenty undead following Arkbon burned an inexpressible thrill.
This strange excitement, ecstasy, pleasure.
It was the conqueror's satisfaction of becoming the final victor.
Then, a hooded skeleton interjected abruptly.
-Lord. I have a presumptuous question.
-What is it?
-Where must we advance to now?
All eyes turned to Arkbon, who gazed upon his kin.
Though unspoken, he clearly read the fierce desire slumbering in their hearts.
The craving for strength. The craving for conquest.
As his vassals, these desires had naturally assimilated into their instincts, shining vividly in his eyes.
They were not satisfied.
They hungered.
To expand.
To grow.
-Whether you know it or not...
Arkbon began.
-This land teems with forces of darkness.
He scanned the surroundings. A couple nodded, but most remained still—meaning they didn't know.
That made sense. These were souls who'd spent their existence confined to the Necropolis.
-Most of them far stronger than us. Do you grasp what that means?
-......
-Much land awaits our conquest.
Silence persisted. Yet the hollow eye sockets of the skulls seemed to glimmer.
-Thus, I proclaim from this spot.
Arkbon stomped his foot.
Thud!
Only meager dust rose from his frail, bony limb, but no one saw it as pathetic.
They knew appearances meant nothing.
-I shall seize the Black Wasteland in my grasp. The time to sortie is now.
Arkbon proclaimed, and the skeletons nodded. No sound echoed, but silent cheers filled the silence.