Chapter 496

Chapter 496

TL: xLordFifth

ED:

Our Fibiel doesnt know about this.

[You have completed the quest.]

[Your level has increased.]

Leeha let out a long sigh as he quietly listened to the quest completion notification, along with the triumphant fanfare sounding pabam-! pabam-!. The sense of accomplishment made his entire body feel stiff, yet the overwhelming joy didnt come.

That was a really tiring opponent.

It wasnt just about being focused. It was about concentrating every nerve, every bit of attention, in the world of Middle Earth during the past days. Thoughts of the days spent struggling to track Chiyou and deal with her, even before he received the quest from the Fibiel Royal Palace, came to his mind. In some ways, he had invested more mental effort than in the Dragon Palace quest.

Hyung?! If youve leveled up, then-

Oh, you remember?

Of course! You think I wouldnt care about that?

It was Kijung who reinvigorated Leehas spirits. Seeing his surprised cousin, Leeha suddenly felt like teasing him.

Why? What is it, Kijung-ssi?

Well I know it might sound absurd to say this now.

Whats going on?

Bobae and Tale urged Kijung to speak. Leeha, already knowing what Kijung was about to say, simply smiled awkwardly, anticipating the reactions of the other members of Byulcho.

No, actually, its something to celebrate. Leeha-hyung has finally finally reached level 200.

This was what Kijung had realized while witnessing Leehas level up.

What?!

200? Not 300, but 200? I mean, 300 would be impossible, but is it really true? Really level 200?

Even the serious Tale tilted his head like an owl in surprise. Bobae was so flustered she could barely speak.

You hadnt reached 200 yet? What about the New Continent? Did you go there without being level 200? No, wait- Ha Leeha-ssi? [Buoy]- when you rode that giant turtle- were you not even level 200 then-

Ah, back then I was probably not even level 190, maybe.

What, what? 190?

But the most surprised was Hyein. Having played with Leeha in various situations, she knew best about his destructive power. And now hes only just reached level 200?

Seeing Hyeins stunned expression, Leeha grinned. His surprise itself was a testament to how much Hyein recognized Leeha.

Hmm, so thats why they started treating me differently from level 200. It wasnt just randomly assigned.

In Middle Earth, being recognized as Intermediate or above starts from level 200.

Not to mention the rankers, even those known as outsiders are mostly above level 200.

And today, Leeha also learned why.

[Achievement: Possibility of Rising to Fame (B)]

Congratulations! You have finally reached level 200! In the vast world of Middle Earth, you now have the opportunity to widely spread your name. Towards the highest and strongest of Middle Earth! We look forward to your continued dedication.

Reward: 14 Stat Points

[You have reached level 200.]

[Individual stat point efficiency will increase with each level.]

From level 200, the efficiency of each stat point changes per level. Although the change per level is small, it becomes quite noticeable at intervals of 5 or 10 levels.

Besides, this effect, which was not applied to Leeha at 199, is now applicable, so he couldnt help but feel great.

Keek.

Why? Oh, you saw that achievement? Well, now that I think about it, having that attack power even when the stat effects werent good

As Leeha chuckled, Kijung also laughed, feeling energized. Among the pleasant feelings, there was a noticeable phrase.

Now you have the opportunity to make your name known?

Considering all that Leeha had done alone so far, and the various rumors spread during the expedition to the New Continent, the phrasing of the achievement seemed almost cute (?).

Well, shes always been cute. But, most NPCs?

Leeha suddenly became curious. There were many and varied NPCs wandering around the palace. But for someone like Shin Nara who spent most of her time in the palace, all NPCs should be considered friends.

Most NPCs mean there are still NPCs youre not friendly with?

Yes. I even raised my affinity with the Sacred Knights, who are sworn enemies of the guards, but I just cant seem to get along with the mage division.

The mage division? Because of Lotzak?

Well, that too. Lotzak is really impossible to increase affinity with no matter what you say. And his subordinates in the mage division? Theyre so shady. You have to experience it, Leeha-ssi. Officially, its a gathering place for prodigies and geniuses with mana talents from all over Fibiel. But the real human relations there, disaster, total disaster!

As Shin Nara vehemently gossiped(?), Leeha could vaguely understand the mage division. It seems the people under Lotzak, the head, were no less peculiar.

Ill pretend I didnt hear that, Dame Shin.

Wha-?!

Shh!

Suddenly, the sound of scraping metal startled both Leeha and Shin Nara.

They hastily turned to see a figure cloaked in a dark red robe. The only person who could wear a robe with the mage divisions emblem so prominently displayed was one.

Lord Lotzak!

Shin Nara was genuinely startled, and Leeha was no different.

No footsteps- There wasnt even a sound. No magical effect was used either.

Even though the floor was carpeted, it shouldnt have muffled the sound completely!- After all, Lotzak is a mage. Such stealth, akin to what a skilled assassin might use?

The fact that users of Leeha and Shin Naras caliber didnt notice him was shocking enough. The second shock was the content of their conversation just moments ago.

Theres no need to mention the Sacred Knights character education

Im, Im sorry.

As Shin Nara bowed, Lotzak snorted and looked towards Leeha.

What brings you to seek an audience, Ha Leeha-kun?

Please address me as Lord Ha Leeha, Chief Mage Lotzak. kun seems inappropriate for the etiquette of the royal palace.

A light revenge for Shin Nara. Before Lotzak could respond, Leeha continued.

Ive come to report to His Majesty the King and also to discuss a matter with you, Chief Mage.

Discuss, you say. With me, the Chief Mage.

Well, lets talk inside. Shall we go?

Lotzaks forehead wrinkled at Leehas teasing, but he restrained himself from showing further irritation. As Lotzak turned to leave, Leeha showed a small victory sign to Shin Nara.

Unseen by Leeha, Lotzak briefly glanced at his bag just before turning away.

Thud-thud-thud!

The Kings audience chamber was knocked upon by the guards, and soon the door opened. After performing a formal greeting appropriate for the royal palace and maintaining cordial relations, Leeha broached the main subject.

You look pleased.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Could it be youve succeeded?

The King was quick to catch on. Lotzaks expression briefly showed surprise before returning to normal. Leeha noticed this fleeting change.

Did Lotzak never even imagine it possible? He probably thought Id fail the quest he gave me just to trouble me. He never imagined Id actually succeed.

Kneeling on one knee, Leeha reported to the King.

Yes, Your Majesty. Although there are still four days left, I have successfully eliminated the Minis envoys Bag of Wisdom. I have also disposed of all her guards, ensuring that no information can be reported back to the Minis royal palace.

Then he turned his gaze towards Lotzak. It wasnt just his gaze that shifted.

Regarding the land division in the New Continent, I am confident that Minis will soon request an extension. Now, our proposal becomes crucial. I trust the initiator, Lord Lotzak, has made the necessary preparations.

Ah, yes, thats right.

He had even turned the Kings attention! What if Lotzak hadnt prepared anything, thinking Leeha would fail?

Lets see how you like being on the receiving end. Paying back was part of Leehas nature.