Chapter 169
Chapter 169
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>Translator: penny
>Chapter: 169
>Chapter Title: Pinnacle of Opportunism
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>Truly the essence of Strong vs Weak, Weak vs Strong.
I'd entrusted my subordinate with training the minions just once, and the loyalty that had been inching up little by little skyrocketed.
And not for nothing—the guy looked happier than ever.
‘He can make that face too, huh.’
Don't get the wrong idea; it wasn't a compliment.
It was the face of someone more vile than anyone in the world, itching for a good knuckle sandwich.
If facial recognition disruption wasn't an option on him, some random player walking by might unconsciously PK him on the spot.
Even Charlie held nothing back in admiration at that awe-inspiring sight.
-Ugh...! No room to interfere with the training. The perfect drill sergeant.
-Liza-riza.
-That ruthlessness, that efficient boot camp vibe... I've trained countless knights as Knight Commander, but when it comes to instruction, he's a cut above me.
"Born to be a drill sergeant. Let's ignore him."
Even Charlie, pickier than anyone in this field, had nothing to say.
‘After hitting 60, I wondered why loyalty rose so slowly... So that was the reason.’
Guardian Traits, which represent a guardian's personality and characteristics, serve as excellent indicators when raising them.
That includes building rapport.
Just as people have different personalities, guardians do too, and it's only natural they feel happier when you cater to theirs.
In that sense, Jihard acting like that was perfectly reasonable.
‘No other divine beast like that exists anywhere.’
The problem was that his trait was Strong vs Weak, Weak vs Strong—an opportunist.
Tap, tap...
He'd been the king of outlaws, boasting tremendous presence...
But watching him waddle in punishment laps while getting chewed out by goblins made me feel oddly sorry for him.
Tap, tap...
Even the outlaw undead stood around blankly, looking pitiful as they watched their king get reamed.
But what could be done?
It was the path he'd chosen; all he could do was tough it out like a stubborn mule.
-Hey? You lot slacking off, standing there like idiots? Want a turn at boot camp?
Ta-tap...!
At Jihard's bellow, the outlaws immediately dashed into scouting.
And Pain watched their backs with betrayal-filled eyes, waddling behind them.
True to his name, he was suffering.
He'd vowed to bear all his comrades' pain alone, but he hadn't signed up for this.
Right now, there was no king here.
Just a drill sergeant and his recruits.
-Ahh, exhilarating...
A message popped up in front of Do-hyun as he shook his head at the ecstatic Jihard.
[You have acquired Blue Flower Petals.]
[All materials have been acquired.]
[Return to 'Luriel' to complete the quest.]
In the brief moment his attention wandered, the undead had gathered everything.
Do-hyun's lips curved into a sly smile.
‘Time to hear about Angela, then.’
The secret of history's greatest enlightened ruler's late wife—it was time to learn it.
* * *
Long story short, no secrets revealed.
"Oh, you got it already? Faster than I thought."
"So now you'll tell me about Angela..."
"Nah, not yet. Ending it with just this? No conscience."
“…….”
As if to prove the '(1)' in Luriel's condition wasn't for show, she shook her head.
Seeing her smirk mockingly made me itch to flick her forehead.
"You've got more to fetch. Get it all, and I'll spill. Whoa, that look? For real. I don't lie."
“......How much more?”
"Let me see... I figured a month, but at your pace, maybe half that."
“......”
Do-hyun barely swallowed a curse and furrowed his brow.
‘A month? Grinding quest, huh?’
RPGs have those quests.
The long hauls where you gather materials over time or explore dungeons endlessly.
Players call them grindfests—this was textbook.
At least down to half a month; silver lining?
‘What incredible story is she hiding that...’
It seemed unlikely at first, but on second thought, it made sense.
A queen's secret unknown even 1.5 years later.
And from none other than the infamous know-it-all Luriel? This much was fair.
Plus, not zero gains.
[You have cleared the quest 'Luriel's Conditions (1)'.]
[Level up.]
[Achieved level 60 and acquired a Random Skill Draw Ticket.]
‘......Huh? Level up already?’
How long since the last one?
He'd grinded a bit for mutant troll blood, but not excessively.
Meaning Luriel's quest gave massive XP.
Do-hyun's mind raced.
‘Half a month, she said.’
At this rate, what level by quest's end?
66? 67?
Maybe higher—Do-hyun smiled faintly at the thought.
‘Graduation in a real month possible.’
Better opportunity than questing from knights, where he'd have to watch his step?
Thought it was just grinding.
Turned out to be a sweet XP booster shortening his timeline.
Decision made, Do-hyun feigned reluctance.
"Sigh... Such a hassle. Fine, what next?"
‘Master, your lip's not drooping.’
‘Liza-riza.’
Of course, it didn't quite work.
Who could blame him? XP booster plus random skill ticket—lips curl on their own.
Luckily, Luriel didn't notice.
"Weirdo. Anyway, similar this time. Gather from troll colony—trolls' stockpile..."
That's when it happened.
Pssshhh—Boom!
Mid-explanation, fireworks erupted out of nowhere.
He instinctively turned and saw.
---!
"Everyone, thanks for waiting! The long-awaited Lantern Festival begins—enjoy the show!"
"Woooah!"
"Babe! Hurry! Seats filling up!"
At the NPC's announcement, players clustered excitedly.
Soon, fireworks faded, plunging the sky into darkness.
A few seconds passed.
Drift—
Lanterns bearing embers emerged everywhere.
Over the river flowing between city buildings.
Tucked between building walls.
Drifting slowly upward, the lanterns softly lit the night sky and lake.
"Whoa, babe. I'm so excited."
"So this is the famous Lantern Festival. It's gorgeous."
A breathtaking spectacle.
Turning already-beautiful Pratel even more dreamlike.
It truly felt like a fantasy world.
That moment.
Fwoosh—!
"Whoa...!"
"Insane!"
Lanterns hidden in the night sky ignited.
Flaring simultaneously like stars, they bathed the city in gentle light, then the encircling lake and inner rivers.
The entire city glowed with that signature soft luminescence.
-Wow... Pretty.
-Liza-riza.
Do-hyun's group was momentarily entranced too.
Not their first time.
Weekly event—they'd caught it the first night here.
‘Still pretty on repeat.’
Maybe because Godos itself was pure fantasy.
Felt different from real-world lantern festivals. Genuine awe, when a tongue-click came from beside him.
"Tch, what's so great about that half-assed festival... Tch."
"Hm? Isn't it pretty?"
"Latté's festivals weren't this lame. Kids these days know nothing. Whose festival is it even..."
Looking around at Luriel's words, something was off.
NPCs hosted it.
They should love the beauty, yet their faces weren't thrilled.
Kids were happy, but adults had a subtle shadow.
Unlike lovey-dovey players enjoying it.
"Whatever. Not important now. Hurry and fetch those materials."
Curious Do-hyun opened his mouth, but Luriel pivoted first.
She listed quest items, and an alert rang.
[Linked quest 'Luriel's Conditions (2)' has been generated.]
[Luriel's Conditions (2)]
-Rarity: Rare+
-Description: Wandering NPC Luriel seems the only one who knows Angela's full story.
But her demands aren't just one.
Fulfill all her conditions to satisfy her.
-Yellow Flower Petals from Troll Colony (0 / 10)
-Special Seasoning from Troll Colony (0 / 3)
-Aged Blue Tree Root Leaves (0 / 5)
-Refined Powder from Troll Colony (0 / 2)
-Clear Reward: 150 Gold, Substantial EXP, Linked Quest Generation
-Failure Risk: Wandering NPC 'Luriel' will be disappointed and withhold info.
-Time Limit: None.
No less than before.
Worse—now raiding the whole colony.
"Get 'em all, I'll talk. You know I wander, so find me."
Luriel spat it and left without hesitation.
Her "meaningless" remark seemed genuine; zero interest in the festival.
But Do-hyun couldn't agree.
-Looks great to me. Wonder why she's like that. Right, Eliza?
-Liza-riza!
-Hm. Even the most beautiful treasure dulls with familiarity.
-True... So, Master, what now? Watch the rest? Or head out?
Do-hyun didn't answer Jihard.
Just pulled something out with a resolute face, like pre-ritual solemnity.
Jihard's brow twitched.
-......No way?
Premonitions like that never lie.
Soon, a card pack was in Do-hyun's hand. The random skill draw ticket from hitting 60.
Why he couldn't agree with Luriel.
‘Nothing more romantic than drawing during Lantern Festival.’
And beyond romance, prime vibes here.
Limited-time holy site for specific events.
Like Shadow Lycanthrope dungeon front under Sargis's full moon—this city during festival!
"Definitely good energy... Feels like it'll hit."
-What feel?
"Like a legend's coming? Ahh... Trouble. How long since last legend skill? Gonna make another legendary spot."
Regretted no ticket first festival viewing.
Time to scratch that itch.
-......That time you whetted your appetite... For this? Master's a legend.
-Liza-riza...
-Hm... I'll stand guard.
Ignoring their dubious reactions, pumped-up Do-hyun took a deep breath.
Joking, but vibes were real.
Do-hyun in Pratel always drew hot tickets.
[Use Random Skill Draw Ticket?]
‘Obviously.’
Do-hyun tore open the pack without hesitation,
Flash!
And blinding light burst forth.