Chapter 75
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: An Unlikely Friendship
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Yuhyeon said, looking at the troll.
...I dont think its an enemy.
Grooo!
Groooar!
The troll swung a club as large as a tree.
It swung it wildly at the mantises, as if swatting flies.
Wh-what in the world is happening...
Kain muttered with a bewildered expression.
A monster is attacking another monster?
Monsters were typically programmed to perceive users as enemies first, unless a special relationship was formed.
A special relationship here meant when a tamer-class user formed a master-servant bond with a monster, like a pet.
In other words, they saw everything except their master user as a target to be eliminated.
But for what reason?
However, the troll in front of them was clearly targeting only the mantises.
Remaining Mantises: 99 (3)
Remaining Mantises: 92 (7)
.
.
.
Remaining Mantises: 83 (9)
A Troll of the Eirn Mountains has defeated the 'Darkflame Mantis'.
With the leader defeated, the mantises' attack power is reduced by 30!
The mantis kill count was dropping faster than the speed of light.
It had even taken care of the elite monster that the users were supposed to defeat.
I just don't get what's going on...
Kain, we should get moving too.
Yuhyeon quietly gripped his bastard sword.
With the leader finally defeated, now was the perfect time to beat the mantises.
N-now? If we go in, won't we just get caught in the crossfire...?
If it saw us as enemies, it would have killed us already. We're the weakest ones here.
Of course, it was possible the mantises were simply closer on its path, so it killed them first.
But Yuhyeon had a gut feeling that the troll wasn't hostile toward him.
I have a reason to believe it.
Tiring!
Dead Deer
Description: The troll left a deer it had stored as food for you as a gift. Let's greet it warmly next time we meet.
Unless it has a twisted sense of humor, it wouldn't give a gift to someone it planned to kill.
Besides, hadn't the troll shown immense interest in his instrument?
It wasn't a bad basis for a gamble.
My mana is more than half restored, too.
He had even recovered enough mana to maintain Sylbanus's Breath.
It was practically the perfect environment to clear the quest.
Now, while the mantises are chaotically fleeing, is when they're most vulnerable.
Right, we'll die one way or another. Might as well fight when the odds are in our favor, just like Yuhyeon said.
As if in agreement, Kain raised his sword and shield.
I'll help from the back!
Yunaring replied, drawing an arrow.
Alright, let's go!
About 20 minutes passed.
L-last one!
Kain gasped for breath.
I'll take care of it!
Yuhyeon's bastard sword sliced through the mantis's belly with a sharp shhlick.
Tiring!
All mantises have been defeated!
The final wave has ended.
Remaining Mantises: 0
Hoo, huaah. It's over.
Hwaaaah...
Kain and Yunaring collapsed on the spot, completely drained.
Yuhyeon also wiped the mantis fluid from his sword and slowly caught his breath.
Hoo.
It was the moment that marked the end of a long, hour-long battle.
As if to bless them, a notification appeared.
Tiring!
Side Quest Cleared!
Calculating contribution based on the number of monsters defeated.
Additional rewards will be given based on contribution.
Calculating contribution...
It was the message announcing the quest's completion.
And it came with the pleasant news of additional rewards based on contribution.
I really thought I was going to die. I only had one potion left...
Kain let out a sigh of relief.
Kheheu, we really got them all. We took down a whopping 200 mantises!
Not 2, not 20, but a full 200 of them.
It was the first time in his life he had ever killed so many monsters.
This is my first time killing this many monsters, too! I've never even done this in a dungeon.
Yunaring replied, her voice filled with excitement.
You all worked hard.
Yuhyeon watched Kain and Yunaring and let out a small smile.
By the way...
Yuhyeon's gaze soon shifted elsewhere.
It's just standing there, watching us.
Watching? What is?
Who?
Kain and Yunaring's gazes followed Yuhyeon's.
There stood a troll as massive as an ancient tree.
T-troll!
The troll is looking down at you, Yuhyeon!
Kain shot up as if he'd forgotten and checked his gear.
He wasn't preparing for battle; it looked more like he was getting ready to flee at a moment's notice.
Yunaring seemed frozen, just swallowing nervously.
Y-Yuhyeon! Get away from it. Trolls aren't a species you can reason with!
Yuhyeon calmly looked up at the being that was so much larger than him.
...
Only a few species with advanced language or intelligence could understand a user's words.
Most monsters tended to interpret a user's speech as a sign of aggression.
What will you do if it attacks you...!
Just as Kain was speaking.
Yuhyeon held up a hand toward Kain, as if to say it was okay.
Just a moment.
He'd heard trolls were over level 80.
If it had wanted to kill them, it would have already turned them into pulp, just like the mantises.
If it wanted to kill me, it would have done so already.
But the troll just stared at him, taking no action.
That means it wants something from me.
This was as good as saying it desired something from Yuhyeon.
Just like last night, when it asked him to play.
The troll is interested in you.
You can increase the troll's affinity by performing a specific action.
As if to prove his deduction, a notification window appeared before Yuhyeon's eyes.
You want to hear me play, don't you?
Nod.
Is there a specific song you want?
At Yuhyeon's question, the troll slowly opened its mouth.
Does. Not. Mat. Ter.
Pronouncing each syllable clearly.
...?!
Whoa. No way...
Kain and Yunaring's eyes widened.
So any song is fine?
The troll nodded instead of answering.
Hmm, what song should I play...
Just then, Yunaring jumped in.
Since it's a troll, how about playing the Troll Song?
Her tension must have eased, as she spoke in her usual bright tone.
The Troll Song? You mean the one I'm thinking of...?
The Troll Song was a tune that had once circulated the internet like a meme.
It was a Russian song characterized by having no lyrics, only hummed interjections.
I know what song that is.
With so many remixes, it was a song anyone who composed MIDI music would have heard at least once.
But playing the Troll Song for an actual troll... what was that supposed to be, a joke?
Still, just because it's a troll, the Troll Song is...
As Yuhyeon was about to voice this thought.
If you play it, I'll sing along next to you.
...Pardon?
Yep, it's one of my special talents.
...
The Troll Song is a special talent?
Wonderland users have all sorts of talents.
Just then, the troll yawned as if bored of waiting.
Okay, let's go with that. But you really have to sing along.
Leave it to me!
Seeing Yunaring's bright smile, Yuhyeon's eyes narrowed slightly.
She's unusual.
Singing the Troll Song was basically volunteering for a penalty, so why was she so happy about it?
Well, having vocals does liven up the atmosphere.
It was true that a song with vocals was much more atmospheric than an instrumental piece.
Since the stage was set, all Yuhyeon had to do was enjoy himself and play.
Tss-tss-tss, tss-tss-tss, tss!
Yuhyeon soon began making a sound similar to a hi-hat with the cajón.
It was the signal that the performance was starting.
Ah- ya-ya-ya-ya-.
Yunaring's clear voice was layered on top.
Tong-to-tong! Tss, tss-tss!
Yuhyeon then mixed in the sound of a snare.
La-la-la-la- la-la-la.
A beautiful melody began to echo across the plains.
...
Watching the scene, Kain's eyes gradually narrowed.
He had been desperately trying to hold back his laughter at the fact they were playing the Troll Song in front of a troll.
It's actually good, now that I'm listening?
Strangely, as he continued to listen, his body started to twitch.
A cheerful, exciting feeling that made him want to move freely.
It wasn't just affecting Kain.
Twitch, twitch!
The troll's body, which had been appreciating the music, also began to stir.
Krrrrrr!
A roar-like hum erupted from its mouth.
Ooooooh-! Ooooh-.
Krrrr! Krrrrrr-!
A chorus! It was the moment a human and a monster sang together.
Wh-what is that...
A-are they seriously singing a duet with a monster?
Kain and the merchants' eyes widened in disbelief.
Their faces showed they couldn't comprehend what they were witnessing.
Tss-tss-tss, tung-tung!
And so, Yuhyeon, Yunaring, and the troll formed a trinity...
Soon, the harmony of the three spread across the plains.
Aaaaaah-. Aaaah!
Krrrrrr-. Krrrrrr-!
A strange harmony that transcended species, between human and monster.
It was then.
Fun. This. Is. Fun!
The troll cackled, its hideous fangs clacking together.
At the same time, a notification window appeared before Yuhyeon.
Tiring!
The troll is genuinely delighted by your performance.
The troll's affinity has greatly increased.
Your Charm has increased by 10 due to the special performance.
.
.
.
Countless messages poured in.
The notifications didn't end there.
Achievement Unlocked!
You have obtained the title 'Friend to Monsters'.
Description: You have befriended a monster through means other than taming or contracts. You will now find it easier to raise affinity with monsters, and your chances of understanding their languages will increase. At higher intimacy levels, you can receive help from monsters.
Befriended a monster...?
Yuhyeon's eyes widened.
Krrrrrr, from now on, you are my friend.
The troll said, its fangs clacking.
Friends help each other. Call me anytime you need some muscle.
Its giant hand reached toward Yuhyeon.
...Yeah, thanks.
And so, Yuhyeon formed a rather special relationship with a monster.
I'll be counting on you.
The unusual concert for the troll came to a close.
I pray that the gods bless your future journeys.
After a two-day journey, the caravan escort quest was complete.
This is the promised reward. It's not much, but I would be grateful if you'd accept it.
Yuhyeon, Kain, and Yunaring were then given their rewards.
Tiring!
You have received '100G' as a clear reward.
You have received the 'Golden Apple Caravan's Token' as a clear reward.
You have received the 'Golden Apple Caravan's Seven-Course Feast' as a clear reward.
100 gold? That's a bit high for an escort quest, isn't it?
Kain's eyes widened at the larger-than-expected sum.
You saved our lives twice, didn't you? You took care of the bandits and even defeated 200 mantises. The three of you are nothing short of saviors.
Kh-kheum. If that's the case, you could give a little more...
We have a long road ahead of us as well.
The caravan master, Willis, lightly cut off Kain's jest.
Thank you for everything. May endless glory light your path.
And with that, the Golden Apple Caravan departed in a different direction from Yuhyeon.
Kaaah, this is insane...!
Kain clenched his fists and stomped his feet.
What's wrong?
The quest rewards are just too good! Unbelievably good!
The average reward for an escort quest was usually around 50 gold.
But they received double that amount!
And there was even a grand highlight.
The highlight has to be this. The Caravan's Seven-Course Feast! This is a rare item you can't even buy with money.
Befitting its name, the feast was an item that raised a total of seven stats.
Strength, Agility, Intelligence, Mana, and Vitality, as well as the special stats, Divinity and Charm.
It was literally a priceless item they had just obtained.
Plus all the EXP we got from the mantis quest! This is why you do bounty quests. Khahaha!
Yuhyeon nodded slightly, as if agreeing with Kain's exclamation.
The quest rewards were certainly huge.
A little while ago, when they had just cleared the mantis quest.
1st - Yuhyeon (Kills: 88)
2nd - Troll (Kills: 45)
3rd - Yunaring (Kills: 35)
4th - Kain (Kills: 32)
Yuhyeon received the combined accumulated experience from killing 88 mantises.
And with that single quest, he had gained a whopping 6 levels.
I'm already level 32.
And that was just from clearing the side quest; the main part was still a ways off.
Wasn't the main quest, 'Peace in the Eirn Mountains', still remaining?
If I finish everything, I might hit level 40.
If he was lucky, he might be able to meet the entry requirements for the Gald Mountains with just this one bounty quest.
But Kain. I'm disappointed in you.
Yunaring said, looking at Kain.
Huh? What do you mean?
How can you, on an alt character, kill fewer monsters than me?
...
Yunaring's sudden attack.
Th-that's! W-well, it's only natural for a dealer to get more kills!
Kain gestured wildly as if to express his unfair treatment.
Me? Huh? I was drawing aggro so it wouldn't go to you, Yunaring, and killing monsters at the same time. Do you have any idea how busy I was up front?
I'm just kidding. Kidding.
...
Already thoroughly provoked, Kain fell silent.
Hey, I said I'm kidding!
I'll let it slide this once.
He only seemed to calm down after Yunaring's apology.
Actually, there's something more important than that...
Kain glanced at Yuhyeon.
Honestly, I'm much more curious about your identity than my own performance. How does a minstrel kill more monsters than a troll, and even become best buds with one?
...We're not best buds.
Well, you have your privacy, so I won't pry. Instead!
Kain continued.
How about we add each other as friends? Keukeu. I always welcome people stronger than me.
Yuhyeon let out a small smile at his transparent intentions.
Sure.
M-me too! Add me too.
And so, new IDs were added to Yuhyeon's friends list.
After Sangcheol, and two at once.
Now that we're friends, should we set up tomorrow's meeting time through GameTalk?
GameTalk?
You don't know about the Wonderland Messenger?
Wonderland Messenger, he was hearing about it for the very first time.
If you install the app on your phone, you can check things like auction house notifications and whispers.
Oh, that's nice.
If there was something this convenient, why had Sangcheol been sending him text messages all this time?
He called himself a pro gamer, but he didn't know the important stuff.
Anyway, now for the main quest. You've all worked hard, so please get some good rest.
At Kain's words, Yuhyeon and Yunaring's gazes turned toward the mountain range.
Eirn Mountains, Path to the Deeper Reaches
The signpost at the entrance marked the destination for the bounty quest.
Alright. I'll see you tomorrow.
Okay, thank you for your hard work today! Everyone, rest well!
And with that, the three users logged out simultaneously.
Pshhh!
With the stage set for the start of the main event.