Chapter 213: Pursuing Soul Shadow
Chapter 213: Pursuing Soul Shadow
Rustle...
A familiar aura brushed against my skin.
Though we'd never met in person, Cheon Yuseong instantly recognized who the other was.
The original creator of the Pursuing Soul Sword.
The oddball he expected to have died long ago and turned to bones now stood before him.
"Hmm. So you are Cheon Yuseong."
A youthful appearance suggesting someone barely over twenty.
Baeksallyn's beauty might be second to none, but even she paled in comparison to the Pursuing Soul Shadow.
Like a fairy from a legend, her raven hair and the aura emanating from her clear eyes seemed almost beyond human belief.
"You... you weren't dead."
"The secrets of Renewed Bone Reform and the Burnished Immortality allowed me to live a long life. Of course, there were a few restrictions due to the tower..."
So that was it.
A fateful encounter earned by tearing down the tower's walls and systems.
Now Cheon Yuseong understood the reason why Pursuing Soul Shadow could be here.
"And a hermit like yourself... why have you sought me out?"
"I felt something in you that is akin to me. A unique talent, different from the ordinary. And a longing that would not be satisfied just by that."
Pursuing Soul Shadow slowly adjusted her grip on the sword.
"So you've learned the Pursuing Soul Sword. It was quite interesting seeing it through the sword of another. However, it still tastes raw and inexperienced."
Swoosh.
The technique Cheon Yuseong had just utilized...
No, it was showcased with a precision and fluidity that eclipsed his own by far.
The sword dance was so perfect that it raised goosebumps.
Forgetting the passing of time, Cheon Yuseong was utterly captivated by the swordsmanship of Pursuing Soul Shadow.
'Is this the true essence of the Pursuing Soul Sword?'
If he could master this sequence...
If he could make all of it his own...
There was no doubt; he would surpass Jinhyuk.
And finally. The section of the sword dance concluded.
Pursuing Soul Shadow looked at Cheon Yuseong with her clear eyes.
"It doesn't matter if they are lies. Even if you see them merely as a means to an end, I will understand. But swear you will wield your sword for me in your pursuit of that end."
Even if it were a facade littered with pretense.
And even if one couldn't foresee what consequences it might bring.
Pursuing Soul Shadow demanded of Cheon Yuseong to commit to the teacher's etiquette.
'I have... no other path.'
If it meant becoming stronger, he was ready to throw everything else away.
But at the last moment, Jinhyuk's face floated into Cheon Yuseong's mind.
He'd always thought of him as a loathsome, smirking scoundrel.
Yet the idea of seeing disappointment in that guy's eyes left a sting in his heart.
Crunch!
'Don't consider it a betrayal. We've been enemies from the start.'
His hesitation was brief.
"I shall pay homage to you, master."
Cheon Yuseong bowed in reverence.
***
As dawn approached, Jinhyuk followed Penheimer to the 'Imperial Treasure Vault' on the outskirts of the capital.
While superficially impressive treasures were stored inside the palace, this place concealed the truly cherished valuables of the imperial line.
"We've almost arrived. The door will open, so please wait here just a moment."
Penheimer placed his palm against a giant cliff wall.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Suddenly, the rock moved aside, creating a gap just wide enough for one person to enter.
"Wow. For humans, they've put in some effort. Only those who are permitted and provide the exact amount of magic power can open it - a secure method indeed."
Elise exclaimed in admiration.
Yet the real wonder awaited them inside the treasure vault.
An unimaginable hoard of treasures greeted all who entered.
'Truly befitting a great power - what they have hidden is staggering.'
Jinhyuk's eyes gleamed with greed.
Every kind of magical weapon, rare artifacts that would command insane prices at coin exchanges.
Anyone would salivate at this sight, even knowing they could only choose one.
It was heartbreaking, but choosing the best would at least offer some consolation.
"Wow! Can't I choose one too? That sparkling gem looks so tempting."
Elise clutched a fist-sized blue diamond with a flushed face.
It wasn't the level of an accessory one would buy off the streets of Hongdae.
At a glance, it had the value to purchase all the buildings in Hongdae.
And she eyed the expensive wines with the same greed...
For Penheimer, it was enough to make his stomach churn.
"Ac, actually... the contract was made with only Mr. Jinhyuk, so... that's a bit..."
Even though Penheimer pleaded with sweat dripping from his brow, such words were unlikely to reach Elise's ears.
"Thanks."
One by one, the wines disappeared into her spatial inventory.
"No, I did not say I would give them to you."
"Mhm. I'll help out a lot too."
"Wai, wait just a..."
Penheimer reached out desperately.
But the gem had already vanished into Elise's inventory.
While plunderous acts took place, Jinhyuk perused the countless treasures with the eyes of a hawk.
'The best one...'
Swords, spears, bows, shields, armors, accessories.
Not a single one looked inferior.
Among them, a pair of sleek daggers and a dark-hued spear irresistibly drew his hand, so thoroughly crafted they appeared.
'Were these made by Dwarves?'
Jinhyuk activated 'Eyes of Greed' and examined the two items.
[A dagger created by the artisan 'Makmum']
Attack Power: 2100
Durability: 1000/1000
- Description: Forged from orichalcum known as the metal of gods, this dagger inflicts an additional 100% damage to dark attribute monsters. However, intended more as ornamental for high-ranking individuals, its base attack power is slightly reduced.
[A spear crafted by 'Montrehon']
Attack Power: 5500
Durability: 3300/3300
- Description: Forged from iron mined at the 25th-floor black iron mine of the tower, the spear boasts excellent attack power and durability. However, due to the nature of black iron, prolonged use may corrupt the wielder's mind.
Minor downsides, but good enough that he could overlook them.
Other items emphasized their faults over their advantages.
'I can't spend all day here, so I need to choose one of these two.'
But just as he was about to make a choice...
A translucent bottle caught Jinhyuk's eye.
The crimson liquid inside the bottle pulsated with a strange energy.
Could it be...
No doubt about it.
"Mr. Penheimer. I've made my choice."
Jinhyuk put down the weapons and picked up the glass bottle from the display.
"Hmm. Are you sure you want to choose that?"
"Among all the items here, it seems like the best option."
"The choice is yours, Mr. Jinhyuk, but if possible... I'd advise against it. You may not know, but that is..."
"I'm aware. It's the blood of a Red Dragon."
Penheimer flinched at Jinhyuk's reply.
"Even knowing that, would you still choose it?"
Dragon's blood is typically a supreme magical ingredient, the essence of magic flowing through such a powerful being.
Naturally, it's bound to possess tremendous properties.
The challenge is managing the blood's nigh-impossible difficulty.
If even the empire's lead magus failed in enhancing a weapon with it, then essentially, there's nobody in the empire who can handle this blood.
But.
In truth, there's precisely one person in the empire capable of wielding it.
A legendary artisan who transcends magic and manipulates all things.
"Yes. I choose this."
Decidedly, Jinhyuk nodded.
"Heh. Any other person, and I would say their stubbornness is foolish... but coming from you, Mr. Jinhyuk, somehow I expect something. I can't be away for too long, so I must take my leave, but I hope you find what you seek."
Penheimer bid farewell, duty-bound to observe the noble situation.
***
As lunchtime passed, the capital's streets became a sea of people, creating gaps even in the thorough security. Jinhyuk and Elise managed to blend into the crowd and wander freely.
"This is supposed to be a trip, but if we keep hiding like this, we can hardly enjoy the sights."
Elise puffed up her cheeks, full of complaints.
Given her limited time outside the ring, Elise wanted to make the most of it, but Jinhyuk could only sigh.
"Do you... really think 'vacation' is the word for this?"
The empire's internal strife, with the noble faction at odds, the Cheonma Cult, and Magic User's Association involved.
Add to that the participating player factions and mega guilds, and the situation is nothing short of explosive.
If Cheon Yuseong, that bastard, joined forces with Murim, and Namgung Cheon turning traitor from the Zhonghua Guild, the whole picture was more than just a headache.
Yet...
"Hmm. Can't you just wipe them all out?"
Elise looked utterly innocent, tilting her head.
Always with the direct approach, not considering the consequences.
"If you cause a ruckus, all the other Dragon Sect leaders will act, attracting the tower's administrators as well. Easy for you, right?"
"If it's you and me, and even that mosquito we're up against, we might have a chance, don't you think?"
"Forget it. I should've kept my mouth shut."
Jinhyuk clicked his tongue and shook his head.
At that moment, they arrived at their destination.
[Orun's Forge]
[Feel the touch of a 50-year journeyman in the empire's finest forge!]
[We accept alcohol as payment.]
[Courtesy, Service, Love. Customer satisfaction rate of 1.6%.]
[Ranked #1 in the empire for poorest hospitality.]
Despite many forges in the vicinity, this one seemed particularly severe.
The sign was almost falling apart and the inscribed promises were dubious.
"Is this really a good place?"
"It looks suspect, but the owner here is reputed to have some serious skills."
"Hmm. It's hard to believe."
Skeptically, Elise grumbled and stepped inside.
"Snore... Roof! Cough! Cough!"
A loud snore greeted them instead of a welcome.
A red-faced dwarf slumbered in the forge's heart.
This stout but healthy old man was the dwarf Orun.
"Hello there."
"Snore!"
"Excuse me?"
"Snore!"
"Uh, I brought some fine wine. It's a shame you're sleeping. I guess we'll have to visit the forge next door..."
"What? Alc... alcohol? Did you say alcohol?"
Orun's eyes snapped open.
Was he so addicted that he stirred at such a quiet mention?
Well, it spared them the trouble of waking him.
"Ahem. What brings you here?"
"I'd like to place an order with you."
"An order? Great, when was the last time I had a suck... uh, customer. Whatever you need, I'll craft it brilliantly."
"Not to doubt you, Mr. Orun, but may I request a test first? Of course, I'll pay for this separately."
Jinhyuk produced a bejeweled accessory from his palm.
It was a bracelet Elise had held.
"Hey! That's mine, isn't it? When did you even...!"
"Shh!"
"Gulp...!"
Jinhyuk quickly silenced Elise and looked back at Orun.
"Is that okay with you?"
"A test, you say... Heh. Seems my reputation has truly suffered."
A deep voice followed, laden with anger at his questioned skill and self-pity for such a reality.
"You needn't bother about payment. Very soon, you'll see just what the 'everlasting anvil' of the Dwarven Kingdom has to offer."
Orun drew a heavy hammer.
Whirr!
Ancient runes adorned the hammer, infusing it with indescribable magic.
In that moment...
"Charge!"
The hammer swung down.
Crash!
[Enhancement Failed!]
[Pendragon Queen's Bracelet Destroyed!]
Silence followed.
A very brief silence.
"Haha. Maybe I've been drinking too much. My hand slipped."
"Kyaaah!"
Elise screamed as if the world ended.
"You... you damn dwarf!"