Chapter 66

◈ Chapter 66. The Tower (3)

Click—

The sound of a teacup being tilted echoed through the laboratory.

Marcello savored the tea and let out a small sigh.

"Indeed, I can understand why you like it."

Even as a form of hospitality, it was just a single green tea bag.

But his attitude made me feel a bit awkward.

Of course, I didn't show it and countered.

"The true value isn't in its worth or rarity."

Just a 200 won green tea bag, and he's attributing so much meaning to it...!

At this point, even the person listening silently is a problem.

I mean, me.

While I'm emitting this kind of dark history in real-time.

"You're making a lot of points to think about."

How can you even cheer me on?

Of course, Marcello didn't come to me just to nod at my nonsense.

I understood his intention through the flashing quest window.

─Accept Marcello's proposal. (Success)

─Prove your ability. (Success)

─The weight of the chief (Repeating)▼

─Access to the Oddity (In Progress)

The newly created quest objective.

Oddity (奇異).

The Oddity as in "strange."

I knew it, but I didn't speak first.

Then, Marcello, putting down his teacup, began.

"As you might have guessed, the tower has its own unavoidable circumstances."

...What?

Starting with that?

I knew Marcello's personality well, but...

He really has no brakes.

"However, I'm sorry, but I can't tell you about those circumstances now. I can only guess, and in other words, it hasn't been verified."

Marcello laughed bitterly.

His thin, gaunt face.

Perhaps because he usually doesn't show his emotions, his bitter laugh conveyed complex feelings.

Click—

I leisurely tilted my teacup.

"I understand your feelings."

"Thank you for your understanding."

"More importantly, what's the real reason you're here?"

"...I see, you already guessed. As expected, there's nothing you can hide from me."

It was the quest window, not me, that noticed, but whatever.

That's not the important part.

I focused on Marcello's next words.

To summarize the core:

"The fusion of two completely different concepts, magic and science. I call this advanced magic 'Oddity.'"

So, [『Oddity』] means that.

Then, I could guess the new quest objective.

"New concepts require verification."

I had Granfel's magical talent.

And I, Ihoyul, had scientific knowledge.

Because I could easily accept these two concepts,

I didn't have much difficulty using Oddity.

But other mages wouldn't.

They were struggling with the chief, Marcello.

'You have to build the foundation from scratch.'

Of course, it's an unnecessary process for me.

But there's a quest, isn't there?

While progressing the quest, I might learn about the tower's "unavoidable circumstances."

"Where do you need my help?"

To my question, Marcello replied politely.

"I feel apologetic for continually asking for your help."

I was taken aback by his next words.

"I would like you to investigate the rift."

...Rift?

Is he talking about the rift I know?

The one where monsters burst out?

But what does the rift have to do with Oddity?

Just as I was startled,

"…!"

Something flashed in my mind.

'...No, the rift is also like Oddity.'

Oddity, the fusion of two completely different concepts.

The rift, a space where two completely different worlds mix.

A place where reality and Arcana are intertwined.

I recalled the scenery of such a rift.

A landscape that mixed half of a subway and half of a monster's habitat.

Yes, that scenery was incredibly [『Oddity』].

I immediately spoke.

"I understand your meaning, Marcello."

"The rift is where two worlds... Yes? You understand?"

At the same time, the quest objective was updated.

─Access to the Oddity (In Progress)▼

●Conquer the rift. (Repeating)

A quest that tightens my relaxed pride.

I need to prepare thoroughly to avoid sinking.

It's essential to warm up to stay active.

Of course, it might not be enough.

Class, Demon Hunter.

If there's no [Predator-Prey Relationship], I'm not crazy, just a loose screw.

So, I decided to prepare thoroughly. Why should I struggle alone?

'Herbal potions, buffs, item boosts, etc...'

Why not use what's available?

You should make the best use of it.

That's my way, too.

To such me, Marcello said,

"I can't accompany you, but investigating the rift is also part of the research. No, it's the first step towards the truth. If you need anything, please request it from the tower."

...'Anything.'

At this point, I'm curious.

Does he know what I'll request from the tower?

'Shall I really show you anything?'

Should I show you what it means to uproot a pillar?

Should I teach you that words once spoken can't be taken back?

After pondering, I gave up.

Damn, integrity.

As long as Granfel is watching with his sharp eyes,

I can't indulge in unnecessary greed.

But greed and thorough preparation are different.

I need to secure the tower's support within my means.

Click—

I put aside my thoughts and raised my teacup to Marcello.

"Then, let's finish it."

"The aroma is wonderful. What is the name of this tea?"

"It's called green tea."

"Green tea...?"

"Unfortunately, I can't share it with you."

"Ah, I wasn't thinking of that..."

"But now, we have rocket delivery."

"...Rocket delivery?"

"Just green tea and brown rice green tea. Which do you want?"

"...What's the difference between them?"

*

Access to [『Oddity』].

The investigation of the rift, which will serve as its foundation.

The first step in the preparation process is to know myself.

'Know yourself and know your enemy.'

Well, it's a grand way of saying it.

It just means checking my inventory.

The Demon King, Decarabia.

The three items I offered as sacrifices in the exorcism ritual for him.

[Haunted Famous Sword]

[Lady's Jewel Box]

[Choking Necktie]

Those demonic items were.

Purified when I defeated Decarabia.

I looked at them with my Appraisal Skill.

"Not bad."

After all, I chose them myself from the auction.

Naturally, I was picky.

What was most important was the level restriction.

'No matter how much money you have, you should use it wisely.'

I first checked the sword's information.

[Unnamed Blacksmith's Masterpiece - Longsword]

[Grade: Unique]

[Restriction: Lv.280]

[Effect: When attacking, has a high chance to inflict the status effect 'Bleeding.']

[Description: The blacksmith's final work. It regained its true value after the lingering resentment disappeared.]

...I didn't expect much, but it was surprising.

[Haunted Famous Sword] didn't have such stats.

Most importantly, it was a Unique-grade longsword.

Even without considering the effect, just the basic performance...

I got several times the purchase price.

'Finally, I can move on from the training sword.'

Sword training.

The [Lionheart Knights - Training Longsword] I kept during the process.

I obtained an item with far superior performance.

Now I can finally shed the beginner's look.

I checked the jewel box's information with satisfaction.

[Warm Jewel Box]

[Grade: Unique]

[Restriction: None]

[Effect: Grants 'Warmth' to stored accessories for a certain period.]

[Description: A jewel box passed down in a noble family. The mother's love for her daughter has been passed down through generations.]

Wait, this is also Unique?

At this point, I couldn't help but be startled.

Maybe he has a good eye for me?

'An item that buffs accessories.'

A quite unique type of item.

'Warmth' buff.

I couldn't think of anything just by looking at it.

Well, I can check the effect gradually.

Next, I picked up the necktie.

[Masterpiece - Swallowin Duke's Treasure]

[Grade: Unique]

[Restriction: Lv.250]

[Effect: When worn, slightly increases mana regeneration and Aesthetics stat.]

[Description: Swallowin Duke's necktie. It once held a curse fitting its complicated story, but now, after being purified, it has a value worthy of being stored in a museum.]

This time, it's not just Unique, but a Masterpiece?!

Now I was confident.

It seems I have a natural talent for auctions.

'Well, it's Granfel's talent, not mine.'

Clearly, the Appraisal Skill evaluated the original value of the item, even hidden by the curse.

With just this Appraisal Skill, I won't starve.

I thought.

'Several times the purchase price.'

I made a profit several dozen times the purchase price.

Of course, my emotions didn't change at all.

To be swayed by such a trivial gain.

Granfel's capacity was too vast.

I calmly put on the necktie.

Indeed, the 'Masterpiece' title was well-deserved.

'Not as good as a masterpiece, but...'

One of the items that can be recognized for its value just by having the title 'Masterpiece.'

The effect was simple but desperately needed for me.

'Slightly increases mana regeneration.'

It won't have a big effect, but...

It was more practical than a brooch.

[Effect: When using magic, recover 10% of the consumed mana.]

An increase in mana regeneration without any conditions?

Whether during battle or rest,

It meant regenerating mana.

Similarly, a slight increase.

[Aesthetics] was still at the [下] level, but...

'Good.'

For my first purchase at the auction, it was an excellent result.

Moreover, I didn't forget the [Sublime Promise Necklace] obtained during the Ascura Baron's rift.

A 300-level restriction item.

I wondered if I could even wear it.

But I only had 5 levels left to reach 300.

I checked my appearance in the mirror.

'Formal suit, handkerchief, necktie...'

Somehow, I looked even more formal than before.

Despite the silver hair,

It didn't feel out of place.

For some reason,

I didn't feel unfamiliar with the person in the mirror.

I muttered while looking at the mirror.

"This is also me."

Granfel, my past and dark history.

This sense of alienation.

A part of the process of overcoming my dark history.

Knowing this, I didn't hesitate.

I immediately headed to the Kingdom of Uzra through the portal.

To conquer the new rift in the Kingdom of Uzra.

"Whoever it is, their confidence is remarkable."

They don't even know whose land...

No, under whose 'authority' it is.

.

.

.

A rift appeared in the Kingdom of Uzra.

There was no special meaning to this fact.

It was just that the number of newly updated rifts had increased.

The information came from Nam Taemin.

"The number of rifts has simply increased. One of them appeared near the Kingdom of Uzra. And this is something only you and I know..."

I looked at Nam Taemin, who was whispering beside me.

...Can you really tell me such important information?

Of course, I was grateful.

Who is Nam Taemin?

The strongest player in South Korea and the guild master of Gaon, ranked third in the world.

The information and rumors he obtains?

They are high-level information that I couldn't possibly know.

"Fascinating story."

And there was me, accepting his kindness as a matter of course.

To my response, Nam Taemin continued.

"The moment Inazuma cut ties with the Japanese government! In fact, the Japanese government lost any justification or reason to claim rights over Frost."

Among the high-level information,

The story about Frost was particularly important.

I had the 'Authority' function in Frost.

Until now, I thought the residents of Frost needed time to accept the situation.

I didn't take action, but now I had to move.

'I can't just watch forever.'

After the Demon King Decarabia's defeat.

The attitude of the Japanese government was really persistent.

They claimed rights over Frost for various reasons, just because it was on their territory. So, it was unexpected.

"Hisagi Kazuma. That guy wouldn't do it for no reason."

That Inazuma would turn their back on the Japanese government.

Nam Taemin also seemed puzzled.

'Of course, it's not something I need to worry about.'

...I thought and dismissed it a moment ago.

"Ihoyul-sama, we welcome you!"

Including Hisagi Kazuma,

The entire Inazuma guild was waiting for me.

Neatly lined up in front of the golden palace.

In that moment,

I thought.

Why did they come to the Kingdom of Uzra to find me?

Was it because of the information I heard from Nam Taemin?

I had a rough idea of their intention.

However,

"I'm sorry, but..."

In Rome, do as the Romans do.

"I don't have meetings that aren't pre-arranged."

"......!!!"

No matter who it is.

No matter what the circumstances are.

Following formality and procedure is the priority.