◈ Episode 155. What Bloomed (2)
“Utterly splendid.”
The problem was that this exclamation was directed at a 300-won high-class green tea bag, but… hmm, even so, I could sympathize. Environment really was important, after all. ‘Maybe it’s because I’m drinking it after getting drenched in the rain.’ This was the best green tea I’d had so far.
It felt exactly like drinking fish cake broth in the freezing winter.
Of course, teatime did not last long.
I didn’t know about Granfel, but before my eyes was an item far more important to me than a 300-won green tea bag.
[Hexagram Brooch 2/6]
A total of six Hexagram Brooches.
I already possessed one of them.
……
Strictly speaking, I had borrowed it from the Magic Tower.
Was I not the chief of the Magic Tower? I was the Magic Tower, and the Magic Tower was me. In other words, the Magic Tower and I were not so distant a relationship that we would fall out over a long-term loan of a single magic tool. ‘Besides, just how much have I done for the Magic Tower?’ Its level restriction was only level 100.
Among the magic tools scattered throughout Garnet Hall, the Hexagram Brooch boasted one of the lowest level restrictions. Which meant it was only natural for me to flinch.
[Grade: Unique]
[Restriction: Lv.500]
[Effect: Increases all physical attack damage by 10 percent.]
[Description: Part of a brooch that becomes one when six are gathered. As it is only an extremely small portion, its effect has been greatly diminished.]
A level 500 restriction all of a sudden?
A number I had never imagined popped up.
Level 100 and level 500.
This was not a gap that could be lumped together just because they were set items, was it?
A whopping level 500.
Until not long ago, I might have lamented my situation.
But who was I?
A demon hunter who had hunted millions of demons on the Arcana Continent.
‘……Strictly speaking, the Iron Castle caught them.’
But wasn’t I the one who had obtained command authority over the Iron Castle? Just like with the Magic Tower, I was the dwarves, and I was the Iron Castle. The proof was appearing here in the form of levels.
[Name: Granfel Claudi Arpheus Romeo]
[Title: Last Adventurer, Noble]
[Class: Demon Hunter]
[Level: 494]
[Stats]
Strength: 84 / Agility: 92 / Magic Power: 421 / Luck: 10 / Aesthetic: Low
[Available Points: 4]
Just before entering
[Dungeon: City of Melancholy Rain]
I had been level 490.
By clearing the dungeon rift, I had risen by 4 levels. In other words, there were only six steps left until level 500, which would once have felt untouchable.
So the reason I was surprised was not because of the level restriction.
“Splendid craftsmanship. It is a brooch of value even in its incomplete state.”
……
Of course, it wasn’t because the brooch was beautiful, either, Granfel.
That was right.
The reason I flinched was because of the effect of the second Hexagram Brooch.
I checked the effect of the first Hexagram Brooch again.
[Effect: Recovers 10 percent of the magic power consumed when using magic.]
Even looking at it again, no matter who saw it, it was the effect of a mage item. This was.
That was why I had been slightly hopeful.
Since the level restriction was five times higher, I wondered whether the effect might have been inflated fivefold as well. I wondered whether, even without [Natural Enemy Relationship], I might no longer have to suffer from a lack of magic power.
[Effect: Increases all physical attack damage by 10 percent.]
But what the hell was with this random effect?
Increasing physical attack damage by 10 percent.
No matter who saw it, this was not an effect for a mage, was it?
‘But if I set aside prejudice and look at it objectively…….’
I could tell at once.
This was not an ordinary effect.
From the days when Arcana was merely a game until now, items with effects that increased damage were treated as tremendous treasures.
However, most of those items were double-edged swords.
There was no need to look far. Just by looking at the Magic Tower’s magic tools, [Token of Whirlwind]
or [Masterpiece
—Lightning-Struck Branch Wand],
one could understand.
They either increased the power of just a single spell while carrying a 24-hour cooldown,
or came with troublesome conditions such as increasing magic power consumption in exchange for increasing damage.
‘But there are no conditions.’
As if that weren’t enough, its versatility was enormous.
All physical attack damage.
Swinging a sword or firing crossbow bolts, of course.
Depending on the situation, magic could also inflict physical attack damage.
Stone walls or stone pillars.
Magic manifested through mineral exploration would be a representative example.
“It is more than adequate to wear.”
No, it wasn’t merely adequate—there was no effect more fitting than this!
Class, Demon Hunter.
Its purpose was only one.
To hunt demons by any means necessary.
[Strength], [Agility], [Magic Power].
Wasn’t I the one who had been touching three stats when others couldn’t even afford to touch one? Who would have thought that an effect so miscellaneous it was unbecoming of a set item would actually be a benefit?
Indeed, there was value in having invested points even into [Luck] on top of those three.
‘And this isn’t the end of it.’
Two Hexagram Brooches.
The moment I wore them together and the set item effect activated,
an additional effect might manifest.
So the only thing lacking until level 500
was my level, which was behind by six.
Though I had been drenched in the rain, it had not been a bad London rift raid.
From learning the hidden effect of the title [Noble], to the second [Hexagram Brooch], which differed from my expectations but had an effect beyond them. And finally, even the danger of demon-type monsters.
“However, pride and arrogance are clearly different things.”
Well said, Granfel.
Knowing something and still sitting idle was not pride; it was nothing but arrogance.
Especially if innocent people were to get caught up in it, as they had in today’s London incident.
In that sense, I would need to take a look around, wouldn’t I?
AAU.
Indeed, there was a need to confirm whether the head of the British branch was the only one possessed by a demon.
There was no need to worry about how to meet the branch heads of countries all over the world.
Understanding my position, I knew my place well.
Clack—
I set down the teacup and opened my mouth.
“I shall examine your pride.”
I was not the one in an unfortunate position.
So now, according to formality and procedure……
Let’s change clothes first.
No matter how omnipotent the [Warmth] buff was, it could not stop the unpleasant feeling of my underwear being soaked.
*
[Schreig, “Lee Hoyeol is the savior of London.”]
[Witness says, “Lee Hoyeol’s contracted spirit made a tree grow.”]
[Famous botanist, “A tree never before reported in academia…….”]
The media poured out news about London, the dungeon rift, and Lee Hoyeol, as if competing to be first. The reason was simple. It was to avoid being swept up in a massive backlash.
VBC Newsroom.
Tap-tap-tap-tap—!
Reporters pounded on their keyboards as if their fingers had caught fire.
“Goodness. Everyone sure is working hard.”
Wasn’t there a saying that nothing was as entertaining as watching a fire?
As expected, the old sayings were never wrong.
Producer Hyeon Yongseok sucked on his Americano and rubbed salt in the wound.
“Wow. No time to rest. No time at all.”
Until just before the London incident broke out, the media had been acting as the government’s spokesperson.
Or as anonymous AAU officials.
They had been shaping public opinion about Lee Hoyeol.
Hyeon Yongseok held back the laughter threatening to burst out.
“Even if you had personal feelings, you know. You shouldn’t do that.”
In the newsroom, Player Lee Hoyeol’s infamy—if it could be called that—was famous.
He would not even react to most questions.
Even if they asked with proper formality and manners, all that came back was an extremely short, perfunctory answer.
—“It is an internal matter.”
After only ever seeing players who at least put on appearances, then coming face-to-face with Lee Hoyeol,
how frustrated must the reporters have been?
He could understand their feelings, but this incident had clearly crossed the line.
Tsk, tsk. Hyeon Yongseok clicked his tongue.
“They went and made up stories that didn’t even exist.”
“……Hey, Hyeon Yongseok! If you’re going to fan the flames, then fan them properly.”
“Oh, you were here? Senior Jeong?”
“You bastard. Even if you left the newsroom after forming your own team, do you really have to rub it in like this? What did I ever do to you? No, forget it. I don’t even want to talk. Get lost.”
Senior Jeong, Jeong Isak, slowly closed his eyes.
But who was Hyeon Yongseok?
Within VBC, he was known, in a good way, as someone crazy about broadcasting.
In a bad way, just someone crazy.
At his senior’s miserable expression, Hyeon Yongseok’s voice brightened.
“Phew, you must be frustrated. I’d love to treat everyone to a nice iced Americano, but wouldn’t you know it, I happened to leave my wallet at home today. Should I at least get everyone a refreshing cup of cold water from the pantry?”
“Th-that bastard, seriously……!!”
In the end, just as Senior Jeong exploded and opened his eyes wide,
Crash!
Along with a loud noise, an urgent voice rang out.
“Ah, seriously, you were here again? Ugh, my toe.”
Hopping on one foot.
The man clutching his sneaker was none other than Today Arcana’s head camera director, Yun Jongjin. Rustle, rustle. Seeing Yun Jongjin first grab a snack, Jeong Isak swallowed his rage.
“……Those two are just a pair of lunatics!”
Munch, munch.
Yun Jongjin, who had put a snack in his mouth, continued.
“Where’d you put your phone? You really made me look all over for you.”
“What is it? Making a fuss again. You want to go on a business trip to London?”
“Please don’t say something so horrifying. Did you check it? The video?”
“Video?”
What video was he talking about out of nowhere……
Hyeon Yongseok, who had been muttering, flinched.
If he was making this much of a fuss, then naturally.
“……Jongjin, don’t tell me it’s the one I mentioned?”
“Yes! That’s it.”
“Let’s go. There are too many eyes here.”
“Hey, what is it?! If you’re going to talk, at least drop something before you leave!”
Ignoring Jeong Isak’s plea,
the two men walked quickly down the corridor.
Yun Jongjin whispered furtively.
“It seems to have been captured in CCTV footage. Lee Hoyeol’s battle scene!”
The strange space, the rift.
Perhaps because reality and the Arcana Continent were half mixed together,
even inside a rift, modern items, including smartphones and cameras, functioned perfectly fine. That was why the thought had reached them: the CCTVs on the streets of London.
“Damn it, I’m insanely jealous. Those British broadcasting station bastards!”
By now, they were probably combing through all the CCTV footage they had secured.
To figure out what exactly had happened within the rift surrounded by rain mist.
And to report Lee Hoyeol’s activities to the world faster than anyone else.
“Hehehe.”
“……But what are you so happy about? You getting on a plane?”
“You know I studied abroad in Britain, right?”
“Studied abroad, my ass. You can’t even manage basic conversation.”
“No, do you really have to say it in a way that embarrasses a person?”
Yun Jongjin smacked his lips.
Of course, since it wasn’t wrong, his disappointment did not last long.
Besides, today of all days, he had something to say.
“I may not know English conversation, but among international students, I was incredible at building friendships. Thanks to those connections, I received a video like this.”
“……What video?!”
“I have a local friend who runs a pub on a street in London. It’s that pub’s CCTV recording. I haven’t checked it yet either, but they said Lee Hoyeol was captured on the pub’s exterior CCTV…….”
“!”
Swish—
A hand faster than the eye.
Hyeon Yongseok snatched the smartphone and immediately played the video.
Soon, the scenery of London appeared.
“!!”
Before long, shock spread across both men’s faces.
Hyeon Yongseok’s hand trembled.
No matter how crazy he was about scoops and exclusive articles,
this incident was something he simply could not bring himself to bite into.
And for good reason.
“D-does this even make sense?”
To report it based on a single CCTV recording alone,
the scene unfolding in the video before his eyes was far too unbelievable.
Hyeon Yongseok was so dumbfounded that he asked himself.
“Wh-where in the world is there someone who beats monsters to death with an umbrella?!”
...
It was a question someone had thrown into the community.
──────
Title: But no matter how you look at it, isn’t even Lee Hoyeol not enough?
Content: The Arcana Continent got completely destroyed by demons, didn’t it? Think about it. How many named NPCs were there in Arcana? On top of that, there were boss mobs that ruled as leaders in each region. But if even they couldn’t stop the demons, how are we supposed to stop them?
──────
Lee Hoyeol?
Of course, he was incredible.
Estimated level, at least level 900.
Chief of the Magic Tower.
As if that weren’t enough, he had rebuilt the ancient kingdom of Yusra, saved Frost, and formed an alliance with the Goddess Church. Even the Shadow Mercenary Corps and the Explorers’ League.
In any case, it meant that all these tremendous forces had sided with Lee Hoyeol.
“On top of that, us. Even the players joined the war through the quest.”
“Even so, the holy war is still a fight where we’re at a far greater disadvantage.”
“What, so you’re saying we should just sit around sucking our thumbs?”
“That’s not what I mean. I’m just worried.”[Quest: The Unending Holy War (聖戰)].
The scale of the quest had grown beyond control.
Arcanians, massive guilds, even the Supernovas.
With so many players gathered, it was only natural that a few loaches would slip in to muddy the water.
“Can Lee Hoyeol really keep from being shaken?”
If the pivot was shaken, then of course the whole board would shake with it.
Lee Hoyeol had become a symbol of peace after crushing the Demon King.
And now, having perfectly cleared even the London incident.
Lee Hoyeol, shaken.
It wasn’t easy to imagine, but……
“There’s too much on Lee Hoyeol’s shoulders to look at this optimistically.”
Lee Hoyeol’s shoulders were heavy. Far too heavy.
The standard the world held Lee Hoyeol to was.
Literally that of a superhuman.
If he was human, he couldn’t help but feel burdened by it.
“……
He’s amazing, but sometimes I kind of feel sorry for him.”
It was the moment someone muttered that.
Bang—!
A roar rang out through the tavern.
“Aaaaaaagh!!”
An even louder scream followed.
The Yusra Kingdom.
It was Rockid, who had become the specialty of the Golden Calf Tavern.
To think he had smashed a table with his fist.
He was drunkenly making a scene, as always.
Though that drunken scene was especially bad today.
Just as the players were trying hard to ignore it and move on.
“……
Wait, what’s that footage? Isn’t that Lee Hoyeol?”
Breaking news flashed across the screen.
CCTV footage from the streets of London began to play.
There stood Hoyeol, holding up an umbrella as he faced level 600 monsters.[Wraiths of the Gloomy City]
His movements were upright, yet never stiff.
When Hoyeol swung the umbrella, the wraiths scattered across the street like water.
Rockid clenched his teeth.‘That isn’t sword aura.’It was something that surpassed the level of sword aura.
In that short span of time.
To think he had reached a realm even I could not fathom.
Indignation boiled up inside Rockid.
“If you’re going to say things that ruin the taste of liquor, how about you all get lost, huh?!”
He shouted at the players who had been chattering away since earlier.
“You feel sorry for that monster?! Don’t make me laugh!!”...
I stared at myself on the screen, engaging in umbrella combat.……
Really, if nothing else, I know how to strike a pose.
And on top of that, was I advertising my dark history to the whole world?
Of all things, it had to be a long black umbrella.
There was no one in the world as pitiful as me.