Chapter 93
Zando was successfully stabilizing the central axis of the altar.
However, this did not resolve everything.
"Damn it. How could you not find even a single rat?"
I-I apologize! I will notify you the moment I hear anything!
Zando, the high priest, continued to work, despite complaining.
Fwirl!
GLOOOOOOOW!
The fire-shaped tattoo on his face lit up like a flame.
Flare!
Smoke surged out of him as he cast his spell.
Hrmm Hrmm
Rumble Rumble Rumble
Thud.
Zando planned to search the entire altar and locate the rat himself the moment he fully set the central axis.
Magra, I apologize for letting you down. It seems like my subordinates have yet to find the rat.
Its fine. The commanders should be blamed for not being here.
Thank you for your understanding.
With a situation like this, I should just investigate it myself. Weirdly, I haven't heard anything from Zoze and Kango yet Its very strange.
Zando turned his head.
Have you not realized it yet, Magra? Its obvious what theyre aiming for. What else would it be but me?
Are you implying that they are using the chaos to aim for your life?
"Of course. If they knew about the central axis's existence, it would have been easy to also assume that I needed to use my powers to prevent it from falling. And our foes planned on killing me while I was defenseless!"
...It definitely is logical. But what about the armory, the military warehouse, or the shaman warehouse? Wouldnt they be in danger too?
Zando nodded.
I agree, but its a necessary sacrifice. If our enemies attack that, then it means I'm just as much safer. Since its come to this, we should also delay mobilizing the soldiers a little bit.
...I see.
This is a bit embarrassing to say as the chief of the Sulfur Skull Tribe, but I request that you protect me until I can completely stabilize the central axis.
That is not a hard request at all. Who would even attempt to kill you when Im here?
Thank you! It wont take too long for me to put it back into place.
The postponement of mobilizing soldiers.
The acceptance of a moderate amount of sacrifice.
The moment their actions solidified, the situation became much simpler. All they had to do was turtle up, and protect Zando.
It wasnt as if they had to mobilize the soldiers right away, and it wasnt time for the Old God Festival either.
Hold on the Old God Festival?
Magras quick wits realized the opening created by the plan.
Is there anyone at the Sacred Fire?
Some soldiers were dispatched there. The priests there are also coming here before it gets too dangerous.
If theyre aiming for the Old God
How would they know about its existence, much less the way to summon it? I think you are worrying too much, Magra.
Zando wasnt wrong.
The only people who served the Old Gods in Pandea were the trolls and other old races.
Hold on, somethings off?
Magra couldnt let go of that uneasiness in his heart and kept thinking to himself.
Since theyve infiltrated the altar, they were poised to land a critical blow regardless of their actions.
But then, a messenger interrupted his train of thought.
Zando, the reinforcements are close to arriving! said the messenger.
Damn, its a bit troublesome to let them in during such a messy time.
However, a second messenger arrived, skyrocketing their anxiety.
Zando, theres a big issue!
What is it this time?
The sacrifices the sacrifices have been freed and have attacked the armory! Theyve stolen weapons and are climbing up!
Damn it! I knew they were aiming for me!Diiscover new stories at novelhall.com
No thats not it. Youre not their objective, Zando. They arent aiming for you.
What?
Magras energy flamed up like an explosion.
Its the Sacred Fire! We have to block them!
* * *
Magras hunch was correct.
His worries were true. The soldiers guarding the Sacred Fire were in incredible danger.
E-Enemies!
Theyre coming here!
We have to notify Zando Damn it! Hes blocking the door!
Seol and Karen were blocking off the path to the Sacred Fire.
FWOOOOSH!
[You have defeated Sulfur Skull Sacred Fire Guardian.]
[You have gained experience.]
Slice!
[You have defeated Sulfur Skull Sacred Fire Guardian.]
[You have gained experience.]
The trolls near the Sacred Fire were elite monsters, requiring at least two players to kill.
However, Karen was killing those same monsters in one hit like she was a mixer.
- Is she really killing elite monsters on her own like its nothing?
- Shes not alone She has a summoner with her
- Summoner (Cheerleader)
- Karen: My pet is cheering for me!
As Seol cleaned up the trolls near the Sacred Fire, he saw messages pop up.
[You have successfully rescued all of the survivors.]
[Rewards are being arranged.]
[The Linked Adventure continues.]
[This Adventure is very dangerous.]
[You can only collect your rewards after all of the Adventures have been cleared.]
Jamad must have succeeded.
Everything so far was going according to plan.
[You begin your next Adventure.]
[Your 14th Adventure is starting.]
[Adventure 14. Pierce the Flames]
[Adventure 14. Pierce the Flames
It was Ataraks Heart, a heart containing ancient blood.
Purga scratched his chin while inspecting it before giving a loud, hearty laugh.
Hahahahaha! Pretty good, its pretty good! Yeah, you can definitely wake me up for something like this. Well then, I wont decline such a nice gift.
Flaaaaaare!
A large fire took Ataraks Heart from Seol.
And then, there were options before him.
[[Purga, a Wild God, has appeared. What do you do?]
1. Taunt it.
2. Attack it.
3. Ask questions about ancient knowledge.
4. [Required: Summoning Magic] Ask questions about ways to increase ones summoning powers.
5. [Required: Spirit Magic] Ask questions about news related to the Spirit Throne.
]
After confirming there was an option to receive something for the item, Seol shouted at Purga.
I want something as a price for the offering!
Hm this blood It's excellent. Fine, what do you want?
[[Purga has asked you for what you want. You must choose your answer carefully.]
1. Tremendous wealth.
2. Purgas Sulfur Soldier.
3. Destructive power.
4. Move the Fire Rain.
]
Many options lay before Seolthirty varied and distinct choices.
As he scanned through the possibilities, he found exactly what he wanted.
Seol smiled.
Shadow! The Ghastly Shadow!
Your greed shall be etched in flames.
Purga pointed his finger at Seol, and a tattoo formed on Seols face.
Aaaaaaargh!
It felt as if his face was melting.
Nevertheless, Seol persevered, holding onto his consciousness, and soon, he realized the pain was only temporary.
Eventually, the pain subsided, leaving him with a refreshing sensation.
[You have received the Ghastly Shadows Grace.]
[Your maximum Shadow Space is increased by 1200.]
[Shadow Space has increased in elevation.]
[You are now able to summon three Shadow Summons at the same time.]
[You have earned the special achievement 'Fires Grace'.]
[You have earned the special title 'The Burning One'.]
Its so much power!
Seol expanded his Shadow Space, elevated it, and could now summon more Shadow Summons simultaneously.
Everything related to shadows had increased overall explosively.
It was a ridiculous increase in power.
However, this was all a miracle made through incredible timing. Not only did he have an important treasure on hand, but someone else also prepared the altar beforehand.
Even if Seol wanted to do this again intentionally, he couldnt. This was only possible because of the knowledge he held beforehand was utilized to its maximum ability.
Furthermore, he realized once more that each and every Adventure was important.
Even though he couldnt summon his powerful summons due to his lack of Shadow Space, he could now do it thanks to the blessing he received. Now, Seol could use all of his summons.
Purga stretched as if it was satisfied and returned to the lava.
...Is it over now?
Everything that Seol just went through felt like a dream.
Not only did he meet an Old God, but he also received a portion of its strength.
Then now
And then it happened.
BAAAAAAM!
Crumble
Pretty good I bet youre also the ones who killed my subordinates, arent you?
It was Magra. He had brought over ten trolls with him.
He had also ignored the freed captives and rushed here.
However, he soon realized that he was too late. He could do nothing more than glare at Seols back.
Pull.
Seol turned around and took his hood off.
A fire monkey tattoo stretched from his face down to his neck.
Magra, huh? How unlucky. Why did it have to be
A human knows me? And why were you after the sulfuric fire?
Lets set things straight, alright? Youre the ones who kidnapped my friends.
"So it was the sacrifices, I see. However, your luck ends here now that you've run into me. This volcano will be your burial ground."
Luck? Youre right. Ive always been the unlucky type, however
A powerful energy poured out from Seols shadow.
Glow
And then
Fwirl!
A blue knight made from shadows awoke.
Karen shouted after seeing him.
Karuna!
[Twin Knights: Karuna has finished being passed on everything.]
[You have currently summoned both Twin Knights.]
[Twin Knights Connected Soul activates.]
[The two summons current stats are doubled.]
[Twin Knights Equilibrium activates.]
[The two summons stats are summed together and divided equally.]
.
Incredible messages poured in.
Seol ignored the ceaseless messages and looked at Magra.
Because Im so unlucky, I prepare quite meticulously.
...You bastard.
Karuna placed Seol behind him and spoke while looking at Magra.
It was too long of a sleep.
The small crack had grown to the point of a large canyon.