◈ Episode 108. Ego (3)
Guild ranking No. 2, Tianxia Tongyi.
Its guild master, Luo Junchun, had gained a goal.
“We will surpass Shining with this opportunity.”
The opportunity, of course, was the rift newly created by the latest update.
Overthrowing Shining had always been their unchanging objective.
But this time, they had no choice but to take it even more seriously.
Because Shining was currently wavering like never before. ‘Rox, your forces must have taken a heavy blow.’ Jesse Haines, who had been called Shining’s number two after Rox. ──────[Breaking News] Jesse Haines officially leaves Shining……!────── She had leapt out of the fence called Shining.
He did not know the reason, but he knew at least that the announcement was no dream.
Shining’s stock had plummeted. By contrast, their own had soared, and that was proof. ‘There’s no time to waste in Muon.’ Muon, the holy land of the Goddess Order.
At first, he had weighed its usefulness.
If they formed a friendly relationship with the Goddess Order, there would be many elements that could help the guild in various ways.
But now that he knew Muon harbored hostile feelings toward humanity.
There was no longer any reason to cling only to Muon.
[Mantra Mine - Mining District 2]
[Recommended Level: Lv.550]
[Collapse Progress: 0.8%]
“Everyone, enter the rift!”
A golden opportunity to stand above Shining.
Before it, Luo Junchun did not hesitate.
He entered the rift, leading Tianxia Tongyi’s elite forces.
“Do not fall back!”
“Grit your teeth and hold on!!”
“What are you doing? Pour on the magic!”
The raid was not easy.
Above all, the fact that every monster appearing in the rift was of the ghost attribute was a major problem.
Even though they had prepared for that by drinking potions that granted attributes to their weapons, allowing them to attack ghosts.
“They’re too fast!”
“Damn it. They’re hiding in the walls.”
“They’re flying over our heads, so it isn’t easy to swing our swords……!”
Ssssss—
They were moving as if toying with the army.
But Luo Junchun had abundant experience.
From the days when Arcana had been nothing but a game until now.
The experience that had raised Tianxia Tongyi into a top-tier guild.
“Do not chase them. Maintain formation.”
A troublesome pattern.
But he had seen many monsters with patterns far more troublesome than this.
Moreover, because this was a golden opportunity, he had prepared thoroughly.
“We will not move as they wish.”
Luo Junchun was confident in a long battle as well.
Under his command, Tianxia Tongyi steadily proceeded with the rift raid.
And then, it happened.
“All troops, stand by.”
To grasp the terrain of the mine.
Dozens of explorers had scattered everywhere.
Before long, they returned to the main force carrying something.
“We have completed the map.”
No matter how complex the structure of a mine was, there was no resisting sheer numbers.
Luo Junchun examined the maps the explorers had created by activating their skills.
Among the dozens of maps, he found a passage that drew his eye in particular.
“There are unusually many weeds growing there.”
Of course, Luo Junchun did not deliberate for long.
He had more than enough hands and feet to suffer in his place.
When he gestured, several groups moved swiftly.
“We will return with information.”
They took the explorers’ maps and disappeared beyond the mine.
Before long, good news reached Luo Junchun.
They had discovered what could be called the rift’s boss monster.
The [Iron Noble].
“All troops, advance!”
[Iron Noble].
If they defeated that creature, the rift would be cleared. If they cleared a new rift quickly, and perfectly at that, then it would not be an empty hope for the guild rankings to change.
“Useless trash swarms in excess.”
A giant clad in iron armor.
Its bulk and its voice alike.
They emitted considerable pressure.
“All troops, charge!”
Luo Junchun.
Neither he nor Tianxia Tongyi’s players retreated.
It was thanks to the special effect of Luo Junchun’s class, [Monarch].
───────
Leader: After battle begins, until the Monarch receives the first damage, the skill “Morale Boost” activates on players who serve the Monarch. The effect of “Morale Boost” is proportional to the Monarch’s level.
───────
A super-giant guild.
The reason Tianxia Tongyi could unite around Luo Junchun.
It was precisely because of Luo Junchun’s class, [Monarch].
Luo Junchun watched the guild members rushing toward the giant. ‘They are my sword and shield.’ It was not merely a figure of speech.
The experience points they earned.
A certain percentage of them actually flowed into him as well.
Yes, this was the power of the rare class [Monarch]!
It was for that reason that Luo Junchun had received China’s full support. Of course, Luo Junchun also understood that weight. And so he judged coldly.
“Guaaaagh!!”
Guild members collapsed.
Luo Junchun did not so much as blink.
Swords and shields could be replaced as much as needed.
But there was only one [Monarch]. ‘There is no one anywhere who can replace me.’ Luo Junchun swung his swords and shields.
“Never fall back!”
Thanks to the effect of the [Leader] skill.
Under his command, the guild members moved in perfect order.
The Iron Noble opened its mouth.
“So you were one of the ilk I despise.”
What was a mere monster babbling about?
Even at those bitter words, Luo Junchun’s gaze did not waver.
To be shaken before an enemy?
Such a thing could not happen to one who was a monarch.
“Even if I destroy myself, I will not kneel to you.”
That was exactly what he wanted.
Luo Junchun relentlessly pressured the Iron Noble.
Its durability, allowing it to rise again even after collapsing, was remarkable.
But as had been emphasized several times, there was no resisting sheer numbers.
Crunch—!
Before long, a sound rang out.
At the same time, the wall of the mine began to glow.
Only then did Luo Junchun realize.
“That chunk of stone was your true body?”
If they had destroyed its true body from the beginning.
Did that mean they could have brought it down more quickly?
But it did not matter.
“Either way is fine.”
After all, he had swords and shields in abundance.
The fact that they had conquered [Mantra Mine - Mining District 2] solely with Tianxia Tongyi’s strength remained unchanged.
Messages appeared.
[Your level has risen.]
[Your level has risen.]
[You have cleared the Mantra Mine - Mining District 2 rift.]
Luo Junchun let out an immensely satisfied smile.
“It is time to savor the air at the summit.”
*
……
That was dizzying. Truly.
Let’s imagine, for a moment, that I didn’t have the [Pentagram of Pure Knowledge].
Naturally, I wouldn’t have known what Ghost Iron was, right? Then I would have gone through hell just trying to defeat the Iron Noble. ‘Let’s say I somehow got lucky and figured out that the Ghost Iron was its true body.’
So I attacked the Ghost Iron directly.
Destroyed the Ghost Iron.
And defeated the Iron Noble.
Just thinking about it was horrific enough to make me groan……! Because that would have been no different from smashing, with my own hands, the Ghost Iron that could be used to make ego equipment, including ego swords. ‘Just imagining it…….’
Gives me chills. Seriously.
They say ignorance is bliss.
If I never knew until the end, then perhaps that would be one thing.
But if I happened to learn about it later. ‘That would be the day my insomnia began.’
Of course, I could not estimate the monetary value of Ghost Iron.
Just like with ego swords, information about it had not been revealed.
However, I could make a guess.
[Ghost Iron]
[Grade: Epic]
[Restriction: None]
[Effect: When crafting, grants “Ego” to the crafted item.]
[Description: A mineral containing a soul. Its rarity is worthy of being regarded as legendary, and its value cannot be dared to be appraised.]
That was right.
That incredible Ghost Iron had entered my hands.
Yes, it was all thanks to sword aura.
As I said before.
There were two ways to acquire Ghost Iron.
Either make the Ghost Iron submit.
Or, if not that, be acknowledged by the Ghost Iron.
I was the latter. I had been acknowledged by the Ghost Iron.
“Even now, it is an incomparably lofty sword aura…… And yet you still possess boundless room for growth.”
That was the Ghost Iron’s evaluation of me.
While listening to it, I had felt it was somehow familiar.
When I thought about it, wasn’t this similar to what Harkon had said?
—“I had been certain of it for some time, but only today can I say it with confidence. Sir Hoyeol! You must walk the path of the sword. Why speak of five fingers? At the very least, on the continent, you would be within three……!”
The Ghost Iron continued.
“I have been waiting here for one such as you. Would you please take me to the realm of the sword toward which you advance? I, too, shall burn my body so that you may reach that realm!”
Just as magic had realms.
The sword must have realms as well.
Of course, why wouldn’t it be possible? ‘I have no intention of letting Grandfell’s talent rot away.’
Besides.
Even if only because it would be a waste of the well I had diligently dug in my own way.
I would have to struggle as far as I could go.
That was how I obtained the Ghost Iron. ‘Well, I didn’t gain any experience points, though.’
Destroy the Ghost Iron for mere experience points?
What madman in the world would do something like that?
Of course, the result that the [Iron Noble] had disappeared from the rift remained unchanged.
[You have cleared the Mantra Mine - Mining District 1 rift.]
Before long, a message appeared before my eyes.
The scenery of the collapsing rift followed immediately.
Was it because this was not my first time, and I had adjusted to it?
The nymph bowed to me with proper formality.
“Then, until our next meeting, I pray you remain at peace.”
……
Somehow, its manner of speech seemed to be growing more refined by the day.
But I was in no position to nitpick someone else’s speech.
I dismissed the nymph and looked for Klee.
“Ah, are you finished, Chief Lee Hoyeol……?”
As expected.
Klee was shaken by the collapsing rift.
No matter how skilled a mage of the Magic Tower she was, it was only natural to be surprised upon seeing it for the first time. I spoke to Klee calmly.
“There is no need to fear.”
Yes, if we closed our eyes and opened them.
We would have returned to reality.
Just like now.
Between the forest of buildings.
When I opened my eyes, I saw players.
Judging roughly by the atmosphere, everyone looked bewildered.
“……
What? It’s already been cleared?”
They had every reason to be surprised.
Even I had been startled.
Well, setting aside the fact that thanks to the nymph, I found a shortcut leading to the place where the Ghost Iron was buried. The process of acquiring the Ghost Iron had been shortened far more than expected.
“Wait, silver hair and that outfit…… That’s Lee Hoyeol, right?!”
“Damn it, no wonder.”
“Lee Hoyeol? When did he even enter the rift?”
The players murmured.
As for me, this was hardly my first or second time.
There was no need to pay any attention to such gazes.
“……
But who’s that bowing her head beside him?”
Klee was not.
No, if the fact that not only Klee but the Magic Tower itself had begun moving in earnest became known to the world. It was obvious as day that the Magic Tower’s mages would receive immense attention.
Yes, that was why.
“Is she with Mr. Lee Hoyeol?”
“……
I’m not sure, but should we try to get an interview?”
“Wait, first let’s read the room……”
Wasn’t that why I had accompanied her out of the tower?
Click—
I immediately headed toward the portal.
“Let us go.”
Only after my words fell did Klee follow behind me.
That alone was enough. The players and reporters who had shown interest in Klee smacked their lips in disappointment, but they immediately turned away.
—“Silence.”
—“Maintain formality and propriety.”
—“I will not answer such rude questions of yours.”
It was likely thanks to the consistent attitude I had shown until now.
Of course, Klee could not know that story.
Even after arriving at the Magic Tower through the portal, Klee still seemed bewildered.
But I was the chief, and Klee was a skilled mage. In other words, I had no need to explain even the specific reason. ‘Isn’t that how society is?’
Even if you do not know, in a hierarchical society, you obey when told to.
As I climbed the stairs, I shamelessly opened my mouth.
“All schedules ended within the allotted time.”
“……
Ah, yes!”
“I hope this outing from the tower was helpful for your research.”
No, please let it be.
As if the realm of magic weren’t enough, now the realm of the sword as well.
Since my goals had become so grand, the effects of those drugs were essential for me……
*
An outing from the tower.
Questions poured onto Klee, who had returned after completing her schedule.
Skilled mages surrounded Klee.
Their eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“What was the outside world like, Klee?”
“The rift? What was the rift like?!”
“No, everyone. Wait. Please, all of you, be quiet for a moment.”……
Silence—the one who quelled the commotion was Jibril, her hair braided into twin tails.
She came from a prestigious family of the Empire.
Even normally, Jibril had a strong presence among the experienced mages.
She cleared her throat and opened her mouth.
“Ahem. No matter how curious you are, we should observe the proper order.”
She continued gently.
“Nothing happened, did it, Miss Klee?”
When Klee nodded, Jibril’s voice continued.
“And there were no problems with Chief Lee Hoyeol either?”……
Ah, that’s right!
At that, sighs of realization burst out from here and there.
They had been so focused on the fact that she had left the tower that they had completely forgotten.
The fact that Klee had gone out of the tower alone with Chief Lee Hoyeol.
“He’s eccentric…… No, he’s just so prickly. The Chief, I mean.”
“Right? He speaks incredibly bluntly, too.”
“To be honest, I’d say he’s a little scary……?”
Conversation poured out like rapid fire.
Shake, shake—Klee, who had been standing quietly, unconsciously shook her head.
“……
Miss Klee?”
So fiercely that everyone gathered there flinched.
They were all greatly mistaken. ‘Chief Lee Hoyeol isn’t that kind of person!’ Klee recalled this time outside the tower.
From kindly teaching her knowledge about elixir herbs.
To warning her about the attack of the vengeful spirits.
How many times had the Chief helped her directly? ‘And as if that weren’t enough, my research…….’ Aside from Lady Bellier.
No one had shown any interest in the “cultivation method for elixir herbs.”
Yet he had been pondering it even more seriously than she had.
Jibril sensed that something was unusual.
“What is that reaction, Miss Klee? Something did happen, didn’t it?”
“Hurry up and tell us. What is it? What happened between you two~?”
“Klee! Are you really going to keep your mouth shut like that?”
But Klee pressed her lips firmly together.
Because she had not forgotten what Hoyeol had said.
—“All you need to do is conduct yourself according to proper formality.”
According to proper formality. ‘I won’t speak even a little about anything involving the Chief.’ However, the fact that Hoyeol was being misunderstood.
That, too, was something she could not simply stand by and watch.
Having made up her mind, Klee opened her mouth.
“……
Chief Lee Hoyeol is.”
Yes, let’s speak only the truth.
This wasn’t some misunderstanding.
Because Klee had seen it clearly.
The moment they emerged from the rift.
For some reason.
The immense attention and gazes that had been directed at her.
And in the midst of her confusion, the voice she heard.
—“Let’s go.”
That was right.
At that single word from Hoyeol, the countless crowd parted.
It was a sight she had never seen even on the Arcana Continent.
Perhaps if it had been an emperor’s command, an imperial decree……
But at least Klee had never seen the emperor in person.
Klee thought about it seriously.
Could Chief Lee Hoyeol perhaps be a noble of this world?
No, not just any noble.
Could he be an extremely high-ranking noble……?
When she thought of it that way……
Hoyeol’s personality, which placed great importance on formality, began to make sense as well.
Klee continued meaningfully.
“He might be far more incredible outside the Magic Tower than he is inside it……!”