Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Translation: godtl
"A dwarf?"
A dwarf—a race that wasn't supposed to appear for several more years—lay collapsed on the ground, covered in blood. And one that looked quite young at that.
'Come to think of it, the entry item...'
The entry item, [Doria's Mithril Ore], had clearly contained information about this being a sacred site for dwarves.
'Dwarves, mines, and dragonkin...?'
Si-mun instinctively realized this dwarf was the key to this Special Arena.
He hurried over to examine the young dwarf's condition.
"Brutal."
True to the vicious nature of dragonkin.
Had they wanted to inflict as much pain as possible before killing?
The young dwarf's condition was, quite literally, a complete mess.
'Broken limbs, lacerations all over the body, and all the ribs on the left side are fractured.'
As if seeing through the dwarf's condition as well, the Philosopher's Stone spoke up with a negative tone.
But.
"No, we can't."
Si-mun shook his head.
It wasn't out of some half-baked sympathy.
Not that he lacked such emotions entirely.
But even setting that aside—
'Given the circumstances so far, there's a high probability this dwarf's survival will significantly impact the Arena.'
This wasn't the arrogance of a regressor speaking.
Realistically speaking, unless you were a Silver-rank player at his level,
it would have been impossible to reach this place so quickly after the Arena began.
Which meant—
'This dwarf was originally supposed to die before meeting any entering player.'
Under normal circumstances, like the unidentifiable corpses around them,
he should have encountered the young dwarf's already slaughtered corpse.
Looking at it another way—
'This is someone who absolutely shouldn't meet a player while alive.'
As if to prove that thought,
[Constellation Zeus's eyes sparkle with interest.]
[Constellation Heavenly Demon gazes with anticipation.]
[Constellation Black Goat releases heated breaths.]
The attention of three Constellations poured in one after another, didn't it?
No need to think further.
Si-mun hastily opened his inventory and pulled out materials he'd previously bought in Agora.
'I'll make them. I'm an alchemist, remember?'
Si-mun made a dumbfounded expression at the Philosopher's Stone's sarcastic tone.
But knowing full well that the stone found its raison d'être in alchemy,
'I'll pay more attention to alchemy from now on. So for now, let's focus on this.'
'Y-yeah.'
Though he didn't understand why it was so wary of Black Goat,
Si-mun lightly placated the Philosopher's Stone and focused on the young dwarf.
"Ugh..."
A weak moan escaped along with dark red blood.
Si-mun frowned at the sight.
"At this rate, they won't even have the stamina to hold on..."
He'd have to transmute the potion-making tools first.
While transmuting the tools and then brewing the potion, what were the chances this young dwarf would survive?
'I need to change my approach.'
This way would take far too long.
Having made that judgment, Si-mun put the materials away and drew upon his Transmutation Power.
'Philosopher's Stone, let's do just one transmutation.'
'I know. That's why I'm planning to use Achievement Points.'
The Achievement Points he'd been saving for emergencies.
Since he'd just earned an additional 1,000 points from the Constellations' sponsorship,
Si-mun had no hesitation about spending them.
'With such severe external injuries, we'll need something related to that.'
Si-mun's mind raced.
Soon enough,
he easily recalled a transmutation item suitable for the current situation.
"John Wick. His staff should do the trick."
Though not as versatile as the Saintess who was practically omnipotent,
this was the signature weapon of John Wick—the world's second-ranked healer in his past life, whose healing output had been overwhelming.
To be precise, it was the divine armament of the Constellation Asclepius, his patron, but either way,
there was no doubt it was the very item that had propelled John Wick to the pinnacle of the global healer rankings.
Si-mun immediately channeled his Transmutation Power and raised a finger.
'Philosopher's Stone?'
Snap.
Si-mun's finger flicked.
Then—
[Insufficient Transmutation Power to meet transmutation requirements.]
[To compensate for the lack of Equivalent Exchange, 500 Achievement Points are required.]
[Do you accept? (Yes / No)]
A familiar message window floated before his eyes.
Si-mun clicked his tongue as he saw the demanded Achievement Points.
'He's a lower-ranked Constellation than Zeus, yet his price is the same as Astrapē.'
As if soothing his disappointment,
the Philosopher's Stone said in a calm tone.
'So, you're saying you had to increase the cost to boost its power?'
Si-mun let out a bitter smile as he grasped the meaning behind that silence.
'At my current level, even if I pay the fair price, I can't produce a version strong enough to heal him?'
'Well, I suppose that's fortunate.'
After all, if he tried to create a transmuted item beyond his current level as an alchemist,
the cost of Equivalent Exchange would skyrocket beyond reason.
'Then again, no matter how you look at it, I'm still only Level 12.'
He had never missed the top rank, had even taken down a Bus Driver who'd dropped from Platinum.
And now, he was even progressing through a Special Arena—yet ultimately, Si-mun was still a Level 12 Player.
A level where, in the general scheme of things, he hadn't even finished his rank placement yet.
The only reason he could manage this transmutation at the 500-point threshold was that he'd poured all his leftover stat points from leveling into Transmutation Power—
and because he possessed bonuses related to it.
'Well, time will solve that problem. Even now, my growth rate is plenty impressive.'
This was a situation he couldn't have dreamed of in his past life, afflicted with Mana Disability.
A dry chuckle escaped him as memories of that life flickered through his mind. He tapped Yes on the prompt.
Crackle.
The expended Achievement Points supplemented his lacking Transmutation Power, sending transmutation sparks flying.
Had even a second passed?
Hmm.
Above his flicked finger, a small rod reminiscent of Astrapē materialized.
There was just one difference:
A thin, thread-like serpent coiled around the entire length of the staff like a vine.
Si-mun checked the item's information.
[Staff of Asclepius]
Grade - Imitation (33%)
The staff of the Constellation Asclepius.
Though said to revive even the dead, for some reason, it cannot exert its full power.
'33%? The completion rate is higher than I expected.'
'It was 25%? That's still high, isn't it?'
Astrapē, which cost 500 points, had only been 10% complete.
Compared to that, the Staff of Asclepius was definitely on the higher end in terms of completion.
'So, a Constellation's rank does significantly affect the completion rate.'
The Philosopher's Stone lowered its voice sharply.
Si-mun didn't need to think hard to understand why.
[The Constellation Asclepius has taken sudden interest in the appearance of this creation.]
It was because he'd drawn the attention of Asclepius—the staff's true owner.
No matter the hierarchy among Constellations,
hearing someone say it to your face would naturally leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth.
[Constellation Asclepius is closely observing the fallen patient.]
[Constellation Asclepius' eyes sparkle upon recognizing you.]
Was it because this alchemy was created for the purpose of healing patients?
Asclepius displayed profound interest.
'I was worried he might make a fuss about me performing alchemy without permission, but thankfully not.'
Just as Si-mun was about to breathe a sigh of relief—
[Constellation Black Goat frowns, her expression saying,"Keep your eyes to yourself, Apollo's bastard."]
Black Goat openly expressed her displeasure.
And she wasn't the only one.
[Constellation Heavenly Demon clears his throat meaningfully."Ahem, seems you're overstepping your bounds here... Zeus?"]
[Constellation Zeus toys with Astrapē, asking,"One more time?"]
For some reason, Heavenly Demon and Zeus were also reacting strangely.
[Constellation Asclepius startles upon noticing the other Constellations' gazes.]
[Constellation Asclepius hastily flees upon seeing Astrapē gleaming ominously.]
Asclepius' interest had completely vanished.
'What? Did they just chase Asclepius away?'
A Constellation driving out another Constellation?
Bewildered by this absurd situation, Si-mun blinked rapidly for a moment.
-Kyahaha! As expected, hierarchy is everything. Perfect. Now we won't have to worry about most Constellation brats interfering with our alchemy.
The Philosopher's Stone cackled with glee.
-Hey! Oppa? Don't mind those minor deities. Hurry up and heal the kid. He's about to kick the bucket.
'M-minor deities...?'
This was Asclepius, the Constellation who produced the world's second-ranked healer.
But having actually witnessed him fleeing, Si-mun could only—
"Ahem."
—clear his throat awkwardly before approaching the young dwarf.
Oooong.
Perhaps because he was nearing the patient—
The Staff of Asclepius resonated with a pure chime.
The serpent coiled around it seemed almost alive,
continuing to emit melodic tones as it writhed around the staff.
Whoooosh!
It released a brilliant light akin to the Holy Power used by Support Classes.
And then—
'The injuries are disappearing completely.'
The body ravaged by Drakan's axe was healing rapidly.
Snap. Crackle. Pop.
Shattered limbs realigned themselves in an instant, knitting back together.
By the time the bloodied young dwarf had regained stability,
the Staff of Asclepius had dissipated into tiny particles.
'Marvelous.'
Could there be a more perfect word?
'It's far more astonishing than what I saw in broadcasts.'
Si-mun couldn't hide his awe, recalling scenes from John Wick's streams in his previous life.
However—
'It's a shame there's no payback.'
Perhaps because the excessive perfection was inefficient—
No Achievement Points were refunded.
Contrary to Si-mun's inner disappointment—
-No fucking way... He heals too?
-Wait, first punches, then magic, now healing?
-Support Class players, please report to the front desk.
The chat exploded over the incredible healing displayed before them.
The difference this time was—
-What the hell is up with that finger?
-Si-mun, at this point just share some fingers with us.
-Is this Doraemon or what lol.
-Help me too! Fingermon!
-Fingermon lolol.
Instead of suspicion, the chat was filled with jokes and laughter.
Faced with Si-mun's unpredictable abilities, they'd reached a state of resigned amusement.
Unfortunately—
Si-mun couldn't see the chat's reaction.
"Coming to?"
Because the young dwarf had regained consciousness.
"Ugh... Wh-where...?"
The young dwarf groaned as he struggled to rise.
Si-mun smiled gently and patted his back.
At which the young dwarf startled like a frightened cat.
"Eek! H-how did a human get here... W-wait! Drakan! Drakan invaded!"
"Calm down. You're safe now."
"Eh? What do you mean...?"
Instead of answering, Si-mun jerked his chin toward the space behind him.
The dwarf's mouth fell open as he took in the sight of Drakan's scattered corpses.
"D-did you take care of all of them?"
"Yeah. So calm down now and let's talk—Whoa!"
Thud.
The young dwarf suddenly threw himself into Si-mun's arms.
Before Si-mun could even react, the kid was already pleading desperately, tears welling in his eyes.
"Please! Please, you have to help us!!"
Crunch.
The sickening sound of flesh being torn.
Though the Drakan's body collapsed, limp and lifeless—
Shhhk.
As effortlessly as a child picking up a doll,
a human man casually lifted a massive corpse several times his own size.
Snap.
With a flick of his fingers, the tunnel wall split open.
"Hup."
Tossing the Drakan's corpse inside, he flicked his fingers again, seamlessly sealing the wall shut.
Even though she had already witnessed this process multiple times—
'Good heavens...'
Marnel could only gape in stunned silence.
Then—
"Marnel, is this the right way?"
"Huh? Oh! Y-yes! We're almost there!"
Snapping out of her daze at Si-mun's voice, Marnel shook her twin braids and scurried ahead.
Si-mun grabbed her shoulder before she could go far.
For a very obvious reason.
"Marnel, I think we took a wrong turn. It's a dead end."
As if deliberately cut off,
the path ahead was completely blocked.
Marnel flashed an innocent grin.
"Hehe! There's an old saying—'A wise dwarf digs nine tunnels before settling.'"
As she spoke, she ran her hands along the wall.
Before long—
"Found it!"
She pressed something on the surface and pulled.
Clank.
A metallic sound echoed as the tunnel trembled faintly.
"A secret passage?"
"Yep! Technically, only elders are supposed to use it, but this is an emergency, right?"
"Fair. You did say the main gate would take forever."
"Exactly! Plus, the Dragonkin are probably swarming the place by now... The elders will understand!"
Despite having faced mortal danger mere minutes ago,
Marnel's boldness drew a small smile from Si-mun.
'She's so bright and spirited.'
After such a brutal ordeal, anyone else would've been traumatized.
Yet Marnel showed no fear—instead, she had asked Si-mun for help.
'I just hope that hope of hers stays intact...'
The help she requested?
Access to the mine's core.
The dwarves had defense systems not just in their settlements, but in their mines as well—
and the power source for all of it lay in the mine's heart.
Naturally—
'This'll have a huge impact on clearing the Special Arena.'
Rumble.
The wall gradually parted, transforming into a doorway.
"It's open! Once we reactivate the defense system, those Drakan bastards won't dare run wild anymore."
With a cheerful voice, Marnel stepped toward the mine's core.
Then—
"After that, we just have to wait for reinforcements from the Steel Anvil. Maybe even those sharp-eared elves will—"
Her bright, lively voice trailed off.
And for good reason.
"Ah...."
The central structure—a massive framework connecting thick, short pipes—
was half-destroyed.
"N-no way!"
Marnel rushed forward, frantically inspecting the shattered remains.
More accurately—
"Please, the Core! At least let the Core be intact!"
She was practically digging through the wreckage.
But then, her movements froze mid-dig.
Like a puppet with its strings cut, she slumped to the ground.
"The Core...."
'Is that the Core?'
In her hand was what appeared to be a broken fragment of stone.
'No way to fix that. Guess nothing comes easy.'
Si-mun tilted his head, studying it—
'Wait. That shape looks oddly familiar... Ah!'
As if struck by realization,
he quickly opened his inventory.
Then—
"It's all over... We're all gonna die! We're all—"
"Marnel. Is this what you mean by 'Core'?"
Before the despondent dwarf,
he held out a clear reward from a past Arena.
A [Powerless Mine Core].
"Huh? Wha—WHAAAAAAT?!!"
Marnel's eyes and voice tore open wide, as if she'd just been resurrected from death itself.