Chapter 187 - Released

"Four days?" Cyril repeated as he considered his options. It might indeed be helpful for him to know about these coins. He even has lots of them so it might be a good idea to spend them.

It would be such a waste for them to be left there unused after all.

However, he's not that desperate yet to gamble on such things. He doesn't even know what kind of transaction he'll have once he started communicating to the Underworld.

There's also a chance that he may no longer be able to cut off his connection with the Underworld once he decided to open a trade with them.

In short, he knows almost nothing about this so he can't just decide on a whim.

"I'll think about it later. Perhaps I can even ask the other demons about this." Cyril said as he decided to check the creepy figurines this time.

There are a total of 20 Monster Figurines that he can see. He couldn't call them animals or magical beasts since they look nasty and evil.

It feels like they are even some low-level demons.

He wanted to ask Xagan about this but stopped himself knowing that he just have to pay the right price. He can't waste his life like that.

Again, he plans to ask Demoness Amaris about this once he returned home.

After a while, Cyril finally decided to check the two Rank-A Artifact he received from the Lich.

They have been appraised by the experts already but he didn't have the time to study them.

Thud!

He placed the two Artifacts on the table and carefully checked the paper where all the information about the two are listed.

[ Elven's Ironbark Folding Shield ]

[ Rank-A Artifact ]

[ Durability: 100/100 ]

[ Skills: Safeguard ( Active ), Great Shield Bash ( Active ), Taunt ( Active ) ]

[ Remarks: It's quite heavy despite how it looks slim. Use other strength-boosting items to ensure you can hold the shield for long. ]

The retractable shield doesn't suit Cyril's style but it's better than nothing. He could even trade it to someone if he wanted to so he wasn't too worried. There are many Arcane Explorers who wanted such a shield after all. It is even a Rank-A so he could surely find someone.

He then checked the other weapon which made him feel satisfied.

[ Winterthorn Spellblade ]

[ Rank-A Artifact ]

[ Durability [ 90/100 ]

[ Skills: Blinkstrike ( Active ), Frost Slash ( Active ), Blood Lust ( Active ) ]

[ Remarks: This sword is magical. Strictly do not use in public especially the Blood Lust! Non-Awakened may die instantly. Use with caution! ]

Cyril really likes this Spellblade. It is a bit shorter than normal swords and filled with blue radiance. It somehow fits the name of Winterthorn.

"I wonder where the Lich managed to get such item." Cyril mused as he held the sword.

He wanted to try using it but he's not in an Arcane World yet so he has to restrain himself. If he caused an accident, the Association will surely put a limiter mark on his body so he won't be able to use his Aura in the human world again.

He didn't want that to happen so he needed to behave.

Days passed quickly as Cyril spent most of his time playing with his Aura controlling various things in his room, watching TV news, and browsing the internet.

He wanted to keep updated after all.

Finally, Warren and Sheena, the couple Arcane Arts Experts finally had a result about the Curse he has!

"It's called the Silent Bane… It's an Evil Spell that slowly eats the Aura of the infected and slowly turns them into undead."

Warren said in fascination after learning about the Evil Spell.

"It's amazing, right? This is also our first time to encounter this." Sheena added with excitement.

"Hey! It's not the time to be amazed about this, you know?! Sigh~ It's actually not dormant like what you previously said. It's just slowly affecting me. Tsk! A few days had already passed, I might turn undead any moment now."

If Cyril wasn't the one affected, he would probably be amazed as well since he never heard such an Evil Spell or Curse before.

However, since he's the one who got afflicted, he can't be fascinated at all!

"Ahh… Don't worry, since it's slow, it would take a month to affect one of your limbs, then three months to affect half of your body and about six months to fully turn you. We should have plenty of time." Sheena replied with confidence.

These two who are covered with hazmat suits were truly annoying.

Anyway, Cyril asked about the detailed plan on how to remove the curse. Luckily, based on their calculation, they could remove it within 7 days or maybe less as long as they use the Purifier, a Rank-B Holy Scepter Artifact that slowly dissolves these types of curses.

With that in mind, Cyril finally relaxed.

'Next time, I have to bring better Artifacts that fight against these curses. I can't just trust the Magic Seal since it has a limited duration and my S-Rank Aura.'

Cyril mused. He realized that although his Aura is incredibly powerful, there are still some types of spells that could penetrate it without him noticing. This is a wake-up call for him to be careful on his next run.

***

For seven days, Cyril cooperated with the two experts until the curse was finally lifted. On the day that he was released from isolation, he was met by Melody to congratulate him on his recovery.

"Eron and his sister also wanted to come and congratulate you, however, they seem to have a scheduled exploration this morning so they can't come." Melody explained as she handed over a couple of paper bags to him.

"I don't really mind. It's good that they can already explore. I guess they really wanted to become strong, huh. Anyway, what's with the bag?"

Cyril asked as he took the paper bags from Melody.

At the moment, Melody wasn't wearing her combat uniform as she wore a pretty floral dress which gives off a charming aura from her. She looked so fresh and graceful as many people started looking at the two.

They are just outside the Association's facility after all.

"They're just gifts from us. We weren't able to properly thank you for doing all of that in the Arcane World." Melody made an apologetic smile after recalling what happened.

"Oh. That's my job. I'm a higher-ranked Awakened so I have to act like one."

"Still, you saved us. As you know, five people died in that Arcane World. It was almost six bodies if you didn't manage to take Arvid from the Lich."

Melody said seriously as she felt that she wouldn't be able to act like that even if she's an A-Rank Awakened in that tomb. She really would've died right there and then if Cyril wasn't strong enough to protect all of them.

During that time, she does not have escape crystals, they couldn't find the safe zone, and she doesn't have a complete set of Artifacts and equipment that would allow her to survive alone. This is why she's genuinely thankful for all the things Cyril did in that Arcane World.

As for the generous gift they have given, they are considered as payment not only for the potions Cyril had provided but also to thank him.

"Well, if you say it like that then I'll accept it. Right, can you now teach me your Spear Arts?"

Cyril didn't forget to ask Melody. The mood is quite right after all. He knows that he would regret it if he didn't take action now.

'It's better to take my chance. I'm sure this is a good opportunity. She also felt grateful to me.' Cyril mused after seeing Melody's expression.

After thinking for a while, Melody finally sighed and nodded. However, she still smiled as if she was already expecting him to ask about this.

"Alright… I'll teach it to you. However, you must not teach it to anyone else unless I approved it." The young lady said after thinking for a while.

Cyril is an A-Rank Awakened after all and there might be a chance that they'll meet a lot more times considering how they are contracted in the same organization. With this in mind, she might be able to receive more help from the young man in exchange for her Spear Art.

"Great! When can you teach me?" Cyril's eyes lit up and asked excitedly. He's glad that he continued asking Melody until she gave in!

"Well, I can teach you now. We just need an open place so I can teach you. Depending on how much you can learn, we might have to do eight to ten sessions for this."

"Got it! Is it alright to do it at home? We have a pretty large front yard and it's gated so it's pretty secure as well. My Aunt is probably getting worried about me since I haven't been home for a week."

"Sure!"

Melody readily agreed after hearing Cyril's suggestion.

It didn't take long before they finally arrived at Forbes Park Subdivision.