Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Chapter 18: Demonic Energy (3)
Translation: godtl
'What's wrong?'
Si-mun, who was in the midst of circulating his energy, conveyed his thoughts without opening his mouth.
-Exactly what I said. Does the dantian absolutely have to be created below the navel? No, wait—do we even need a dantian in the first place?
For a moment, Si-mun was at a loss for words.
The reason was simple.
'I've never thought about it that way before...'
It was because he had never once considered such a possibility.
-Listen. Ultimately, the dantian is just a kind of condenser for efficiently storing and using qi, right?
'That's correct.'
-So why bother placing it below the navel? Oppa already has the greatest condenser in this world, doesn't he?
He didn't ask the stupid question,"What is it?"
From transmuting Mythic-grade weapons to absorbing knowledge.
The Philosopher's Stone was more than worthy of being called the ultimate condenser.
'You're right. There's no reason I can't use the Philosopher's Stone as my dantian.'
In fact, it would be even better.
From the moment the Philosopher's Stone became bound to him.
It had taken root throughout Si-mun's entire body, and the fused Obsidian Tablet was already utilizing it, wasn't it?
'It might even surpass a dantian.'
-Exactly. Besides, even if you master the Heavenly Demon Arts, you're still an alchemist at heart. You mustn't forget your roots.
Those words struck a chord in Si-mun's mind.
'Right. I am an alchemist.'
From the start of the Galaxy Arena until now, even including his past life.
Alchemy was still a marginalized field—but not for Si-mun.
'Alchemy is what changed my life.'
Regression, Mana Disability, and even this Heavenly Demon Arts.
In the end, it was alchemy that had brought him to this very moment.
Realizing this, he felt his mind grow clearer.
'Thank you. You helped me realize something important.'
-Hehe!
Si-mun smiled inwardly at the giggling presence before returning to circulating the Heavenly Demon Arts' mantra.
'Then, I'll leave it to you.'
-There's nothing to leave to me. Demonic Energy or whatever—to this body, it's nothing more than training material, got it?
The Philosopher's Stone answered confidently.
With a faint smile, Si-mun redirected the Demonic Energy that had been flowing toward his dantian to the center of his chest.
-Oh? You think you can act up just because you're Demonic Energy? Know your place!
As if it had been waiting.
The Philosopher's Stone voraciously devoured the gathered Demonic Energy.
Before long.
[You have successfully absorbed Demonic Energy.]
[You have acquired the special stat: Demonic Energy.]
The system notified him that the Demonic Energy stat had been acquired.
Si-mun began circulating the Heavenly Demon Arts' mantra, centering it around the Philosopher's Stone instead of a dantian.
[Your dantian has successfully fused with the Philosopher's Stone.]
[Due to the Philosopher's Stone's influence, Demonic Energy has been bound to Transmutation Power.]
'Bound, you say?'
As soon as he finished circulating his energy, Si-mun immediately opened his Status Window.
[Status Window]
Titles: Pioneer of Alchemy (and 2 others)
Class: Magic Class
Level: 7
Affiliation: South Korea
Strength: 6
Agility: 6
Stamina: 7
Transmutation Power: 17
-Demonic Energy: 8
Remaining Stat Points: 0
Traits - Philosopher's Stone (E)
The changed Status Window.
Strength, Agility, and Stamina had each increased by 2 due to the Spirit Elixir's effects.
Si-mun's gaze landed on the newly added Demonic Energy stat.
'So this is the form a bound stat takes.'
Though it was his first time seeing a bound stat, it wasn't hard to understand.
Then.
"Huh? No way!"
Si-mun's eyes widened.
His gaze locked onto the number beside Demonic Energy.
"It's already at 8, even though I just acquired it?!"
The Demonic Energy that had corroded the Hobgoblin's blood serum wasn't even that abundant.
Nor was its quality particularly high.
Yet it was already at 8 stat points?
Si-mun instantly grasped the reason behind this phenomenon.
"I see. Being bound doesn't just affect the display location..."
-That's right. It affects the stats too. Since it's not a symbiotic relationship but a bound one.
"Then that 8 stat means..."
Si-mun's mind raced.
'My current Transmutation Power is 17, so a Demonic Energy stat of 8 means...'
Roughly half of his Transmutation Power.
"Ha."
After finishing the calculation, Si-mun let out an involuntary scoff.
He couldn't help it.
'This is an absolute jackpot!'
From a player's perspective, acquiring a new stat wasn't always purely beneficial.
'How hard is it to raise a single stat?!'
Because it meant having to invest additional resources into that stat.
In the first place, raising basic stats was extremely difficult.
Though it was possible through dedicated training or consuming Spirit Elixirs.
Even that required grueling cultivation and high-tier elixirs to compensate for resistance.
Ultimately, the fastest way to grow stats was through the remaining points gained from leveling up, but...
'That's nowhere near enough.'
As you know, players only receive 1 residual stat point per level.
No wonder Si-mun had his eyes set on purchasing stats from the Achievement Shop.
But this wasn't just 1 or 2 stats.
'To think I'd get a whopping 8 right from the start... Wait a minute.'
Si-mun, who had been trembling with excitement, suddenly froze.
"Hey, Philosopher's Stone?"
—Mhm, Oppa. What's up?
Like someone cautiously testing a stone bridge before crossing, he carefully asked,
"By any chance... if my Transmutation Power grows, does my Demonic Energy stat increase too?"
—Of course! Think of it like how my growth is tied to yours. We're bound, after all.
"Ah."
A broad grin spread across Si-mun's lips.
Seeing this, the Philosopher's Stone continued in a pleased voice.
—Hehe! But don't expect miracles, okay? Rounding doesn't apply here. Stats only increase in even numbers.
"That's more than enough, you little blessing!"
—You like it that much? Then pet me!
I'll pet you like there's no tomorrow!
With joyous gestures, Si-mun vigorously rubbed the center of his chest.
'Just by raising Transmutation Power, my Demonic Energy gets copied too!'
Even if he converted his Demonic Energy into residual stats right now, it would be worth 8 levels.
That meant a stat he'd normally only get at Level 15—when he was currently Level 7.
And the value would only grow the stronger he became.
'I can't wait for the next Arena!'
At his current Level 7, an 8-point stat boost was an enormous efficiency gain.
"Hehe!"
Si-mun didn't bother hiding his overflowing emotions.
—Haaah! I'm getting crushed under Oppa's godly hands!!
The Philosopher's Stone, feeling Si-mun's joy, was no different.
[Welcome to the Galaxy Arena.]
[This Arena's event is 'Survival,' with 100 participants.]
[The Arena will begin once all participants have arrived.]
A series of notification windows floated before his eyes.
The short-haired man who saw them frowned.
"Ugh, Survival. Annoying."
Streamer Don King wrinkled his nose in displeasure.
—What can you do? This is the Abyss, after all.
—LMAO, no wonder they call it the Abyss Trio.
—Still, it's a 1/3 chance. But this guy only gets the worst draws? His luck is garbage, fr.
The viewers' reactions weren't much different from Don King's.
Defense, Offense, Survival.
These were the events that frequently appeared not just in Bronze and Silver Ranks,
but even in Gold-rank—where players truly began their journey.
Because of that, players had dubbed them the Abyss Trio.
"Now, now, everyone. Watch your words. Survival is an event that appears often even in higher ranks."
—True, true. We've got some big spenders from the Abyss today, so mind your manners!
—Money really changes people. Yesterday, he was trashing the Abyss Trio, lol.
—Don King's a money-grubber~~.
The stream chat scrolled rapidly.
But since the viewers knew exactly what kind of streamer Don King was,
the chat stayed within reasonable bounds, exchanging only lighthearted jokes without outright mocking the rank.
'At least our viewers aren't completely braindead. That's a relief.'
Satisfied, Don King smirked before turning around.
"Alright then, guests?"
Unlike him,
"As you know, Survival is the absolute worst event for bus services."
three shabbily dressed players stood there.
"As you can see, our party's already disbanded, right?"
"Huh? You're serious?"
"What the hell! I paid ten million won for this! What are you gonna do about it, huh?!"
Two of the so-called guests scowled, their faces twisted in irritation.
—Guests are pissed, lol.
—What's Don King gonna do? Refund angle?
—Nah, why refund? The event's random. They knew that when they paid for the bus.
—What kinda dumbass take is that? They didn't even get a discount. Ten million is over twice the usual rate.
—Why the hostility? You the one who paid?
The chat flared up again in response to the guests' outrage.
Was it because money was involved?
In an instant, the chat was ablaze with arguments over refunds and bus fees.
Naturally, the guests watching the stream grew visibly uneasy.
"Now, now, everyone, calm down. Guests, don't pay too much attention to the chat."
Don King hurriedly tried to settle the chat while speaking calmly to the agitated guests.
"Anyway, survival rewards are distributed by ranking. With 100 players, the minimum reward starts from 50th place, and the highest goes to 1st place."
At Don King's explanation, the middle-aged customer who had remained silent until now finally spoke up.
"Are you saying you'll get us into the top three ranks—1st, 2nd, and 3rd?"
"Exactly right! As expected from someone with experience—your understanding is exceptional."
Like a smooth-talking merchant with honey on his lips.
Don King flashed his most businesslike smile as he replied.
"Now, I, Don King, may charge a hefty bus fee, but I deliver what I promise. Even the viewers here can vouch for that, right?"
-True. This guy's a money-grubbing bastard, but his skills are legit.
-No way a guy who used to aim for Diamond would be lacking in skill if he's slumming it in the Abyss.
-Our Don King, taking pride in being a Bus Driver! So impressive~
The middle-aged customer nodded calmly.
"I entrusted this to you precisely because I know your skills. The clear rates are just different compared to other buses."
"Haha! You're laying the compliments on a bit thick—I'm almost embarrassed."
Scratching the back of his head with an affable grin, Don King laughed.
Then another customer asked,
"So how exactly are you going to get us into the top three?"
"Simple. We'll team up."
"Team up? But won't that just ruin our reputation?"
"No need to worry about that."
Don King glanced around.
The surroundings resembled a cave.
Though a few scattered torches provided dim light, the terrain was mostly a dark, tunnel-like structure.
Familiar with the layout, Don King pressed a hand against the wall and said,
"Looks like we're on the Abandoned Mine map. If you all just hide well in the back, no one will notice the teaming."
"That does make sense. At this rank range, people aren't exactly sharp at detecting presence."
As the middle-aged customer nodded, Don King lightly tapped his own chest and continued,
"The bus method is simple. I'll wipe everyone out, and once only the four of us remain, I'll gracefully take myself out."
"So the three of us decide the rankings among ourselves?"
"Exactly. Since you all paid the same bus fee, it wouldn't be fair for me to dictate the rankings, right?"
At Don King's logical reasoning—
-Kyaa! Our Don King, what a professional spirit!
-He's got a point. If they all paid the same fee, he can't just assign rankings.
-Wait, so what? The customers have to fight each other?
-Oh damn, it's a real showdown then?
-Too bad we can't see it. What a shame lol.
-Customers! Open a private stream! We gotta see this!
The chat flooded once again.
Then—
Fwoosh.
A small burst of light, and a man appeared not far away.
Noticing him, Don King's eyes curved into crescents.
"Wow, talk about luck. Free kills just handed to us."
-For real lol. Prey just walking right into the open.
-And he doesn't even have armor or a weapon?
-Bro's gonna be so pissed lol.
-Bon appétit, burp!
Along with Don King's smirk, the viewers expressed their "sympathy" in droves.
Though, as was typical for bus stream chats, most of it was thinly veiled mockery disguised as pity.
[All participants have been matched.]
[Location: 'Frozen Abandoned Mine'.]
As the system message appeared, the stifling underground air seeped into their lungs.
Don King took a deep breath of it and said,
"Sigh. Alright, customers? Stay hidden in the back."
"Got it."
"Understood."
The customers quickly scattered, seeking cover behind nearby obstacles.
Once he confirmed they were all concealed, Don King clenched his fists.
Shhhk.
Like custom-fitted rings.
Black knuckledusters smoothly wrapped around both his hands.
Man, expensive gear really does feel different from the get-go.
These knuckledusters, custom-made by the Life Skills Association for a whopping 80 million won, delivered immense satisfaction with just the act of clenching his fists—worthy of their price.
This is why I can't quit the bus life.
How could he ever afford gear like this if he just scraped by on clear rewards?
But living under the thumb of a major guild, shackled by their rules? No thanks.
[The Arena begins.]
[Eliminate all enemies.]
As the Arena's start notification appeared—
The affable smile vanished from Don King's face in an instant.
His gaze locked onto the hooded man who had spawned not far away.
"Well then—"
Thud!
In an instant, Don King kicked off the ground, charging forward.
The shadowy scenery of the abandoned mine blurred past him.
Whether the man heard him or not—
Only now did the gray-hooded figure turn his head.
Right into—
"Bon appétit!"
—Don King's brand-new, piping-hot knuckledusters smashing into his face.