Episode 77 Request (1)
It’s already been 15 days since I returned alive from the labyrinth.
In other words, there are about two weeks left until the portal opens in the Dimensional Plaza.
It’s a bit much to say that I had a good rest.
As I did my daily tasks like homework, time passed by without me noticing.
Well, I guess I’m not the only one who’s been busy.
“Hahaha! Isn’t this the famous little Balkan, Bjorn, son of Yandell! If it’s okay today, let’s have a drink downstairs later—”
“I’m tired.”
Except for the dwarf who had been acting like a bum for two weeks, all members of Team Banpuni had a busy two weeks.
First of all, Rotmiller.
“Hmm, I think I understand now. How to utilize the ability called intuition.
Having absorbed the essence of Mimic during this expedition, he devoted himself to training every day to become familiar with his new abilities.
Dwalki was also spicy.
“… … Oh, you mean me? Don’t worry about it. I just haven’t slept for two days.”
With his financial problems solved, he reduced his sleeping hours and learned new spells at the magic tower.
There was a time when I was worried that the dwarf was pushing himself too hard… … .
“No one knows what will happen on the next expedition. We should prepare as much as we can while we can.”
It’s amazing.
When on earth did he become so dignified?
I feel like it was a good decision to stay on this team.
Even though I ate the essence of the Orc Hero, I don’t think I’ll be held back if this overall upward leveling is achieved.
‘From the next exploration, there won’t be any problems even on the 4th floor.’
Growth isn’t limited to them.
Over the past two weeks, Misha and I have changed a lot in many ways.
First of all, let me start with myself… … .
“Hahaha! Congratulations! You got tinnitus in just 3 months and got promoted to 6th-grade explorer? I’m worried you’ll fall behind soon!”
“If you’re worried, why not at least try?”
“I’m already looking for a treasure worth buying!”
I was promoted to level 6 explorer a few days ago.
Contrary to expectations, it was impossible to advance straight to level 5.
Starting from level 5, there is a test, and to take the test, you have to solve the guild’s requests and accumulate some kind of public service value.
‘Wow, there was nothing like this in the game.’
Actually, it’s a bit strange to complain now.
The setting of the game I played was about 150 years ago. Over the course of over a century, there must have been countless updates to this social system.
Like a library that only says it’s under construction in the game.
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“Oh, is that the new weapon you bought? It looks sturdy just by looking at it.”
There were also some minor upgrades in the equipment section.
First of all, I bought a new mace that I lost.
For reference, the price was 400,000 stones, more than twice as expensive as the one used before.
Well, that’s because more steel was used in it.
“Comprehensive item level increases by +185.”
Overwhelming size and weight.
However, since the strength increased significantly this time, there was no problem in actual use.
“By the way, I think you said that Miss Karlstein was also getting her weapons replaced. What happened to that?”
“Oh, that? I don’t even want to talk about it, so ask him.”
Misha pointed at me in response to Dwalki’s question.
Well, I thought we were done complaining… … .
“I bought a pair of swords.”
I changed Misha’s weapon a few days ago.
A pair of Lich’s twin swords that are approximately 70% the size of a standard longsword.
I bought it for 550,000 stones from the blacksmith shop that Hikuro told me about.
“Twin swords?”
As the dwarf and Rotmiller muttered at the same time, Misha whined, thinking this was the moment.
“Right? Even if you hear it, it’s strange, right?”
“Strange? There seems to be some misunderstanding.”
“Huh?”
“The reason I was surprised just now was because it was the same thought I had on my own before. It’s good to be ambidextrous and use both hands, but I wondered if there was a reason why you insisted on using a dagger.”
“… …What are you talking about?”
“It would be different if we were fighting against people. We’re mostly fighting against monsters, aren’t we? From now on, we’ll be encountering a lot of large monsters.”
In short, it means that it was a bit of a shame to use a short dagger in the past, but it turned out well.
Misha looked at the dwarf in confusion, perhaps because the reaction was different from what she had expected.
but…….
“Twin swords… It’s definitely not a bad choice. We’ll be guarding the front lines anyway. Hahaha!”
The dwarf, who was in the tank position, was simply satisfied with the fact that the melee dealer had invested in all-out attack.
That’s when Dwalki stepped in.
“I’m not an expert on that front, but I think it’ll be hard to adapt to handling two new weapons at once… … .”
“That’s right! That’s what I was going to say! At this rate, I might get beaten up by goblins on my next expedition!”
Misha smirked at me, encouraged by Dwalki’s sympathy. But even so, this is all I can say.
“Then practice more. Don’t get beaten by goblins.”
I repeat, the easy way is the slow way.
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It might be difficult to gain proficiency in a new weapon now… … .
In the game, the Ice Dual Wielder was the most powerful melee dealer in the later half.
Because there is one item that is a total scam number.
“Whew, I get it, so stop nagging me.”
“This is not nagging, this is advice for your future.”
“So, that’s what nagging is all about.”
As Misha and I were arguing, Dwalki intervened without notice.
“But if you hate it that much, why don’t you just not change the weapon?”
“Huh?”
“No, that’s not true. Bjorn isn’t your parent, so why bother doing what he says? Honestly, it seems like you’re crossing the line, and it makes me uncomfortable.”
Crossing the line?
Well, if you look at it from the side, it might not be wrong, but… … .
But there is one thing he doesn’t know.
“I, I don’t hate it that much. It’s difficult now, but there are definitely some advantages over using a dagger… … .”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, so don’t say anything to Bjorn. I made the decision.”
I don’t force anything on him.
Just strongly persuade with reasonable grounds.
***
“Then, from the next exploration, I guess we should aim for the center of the 4th floor. Hahaha.”
“If possible, when I go to the second floor, I want to pass by a place I haven’t been to yet.”
“Hmm, is it because of the public service? If so, I guess I’ll have to check that route again.”
While I was eating and organizing my exploration plans, the regular meeting for this week ended quickly.
Actually, it’s called a meeting, but it’s more like a meeting where we just meet once a week and talk about recent events.
“Bjorn, are you two going together again this time?”
“Isn’t the direction the same?”
“Hmm, I guess we’ve become a lot closer lately.”
Well, it looks to me like you and Dwalki have become closer. Ignoring the dwarf’s antics, I left the tavern with Misha.
“Oh, that’s right. Bjorn! He told me to come pick up the equipment I ordered last time.”
“It’s late today, so I guess I’ll go pick it up tomorrow.”
“But what on earth did you order that took so long?”
Oh, didn’t I tell you?
“It’s underwear.”
“Umm, underwear… … ?”
Of course, these are not ordinary underwear.
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Strictly speaking, it is an equipment part that is slangly called ‘egg guard’ among male explorers.
In simple terms, it is a heart protector.
“I bought it for a bit of a price because I had to enchant it.”
“Ah, what, uh, you even enchant that thing!”
“Is that so?”
“Uh, no, that’s not what I meant… … Well, it would be hard to find the right one, so I can understand that… … .”
What is he saying now?
“As your body grows in the future, you won’t be able to be naked, right?”
The player’s role is to set up equipment accordingly once they have consumed the original essence.
In preparation for [Giantization], I made clothes of the desired shape and enchanted them with ‘Automatic Repair’, ‘Shape Transformation’, and ‘Acid Immunity’.
Those are the panties I want. No, there’s no way that underwear is sold on the market.
For reference, the money that went into this was about 900,000 stones.
“Ah, that’s why I enchanted it. I also… … .”
Misha exhaled deeply, the misunderstanding now cleared up.
But then he asks in a strange voice, as if he has some curiosity.
“So… So from now on, you’re just going to wear that in the labyrinth?”
“Yes.”
I answered confidently.
I said underwear earlier because I didn’t have a word to explain it, but in reality, it’s closer to pants that go down to the thighs.
That thing cyclists often wear.
Plus, it’s not made of stretchy material but leather, so you don’t have to be embarrassed.
Well, I haven’t tried it on yet… … .
“… … .”
It will definitely be like that.
Aren’t I a barbarian?
Value efficiency over emotion.
Anyway, as we were walking and chatting, we soon arrived at our lodging.
“Then you too go in and sleep.”
“Yeah, that’s right. But when you go to find the equipment tomorrow, should I go with you…?”
“Don’t be a fool, and keep swinging your sword while I’m away.”
“I’m not trying to trick you… … .”
No, it’s not like that.
“That doesn’t have to be the case, I have somewhere to go tomorrow anyway.”
“Alone? Where are you going?”
I answered briefly.
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“Going to the Holy Land.”
I got money and the essence of the Orc Hero, which is the core of the training method.
So, it’s time to slowly raise the level of soul imprinting.
***
I woke up early in the morning and organized my household account book once more.
‘The mace, the underpants, and the dual swords together cost 1.85 million stones.’
[Beast’s Blood] purchased to raise Misha’s soul water level costs 2 million stones. The cost of enchanting the lightium chest armor and shield with ‘acid immunity’ is 510,000 stones.
‘If you subtract 90,000 stones from the monthly living expenses… … .’
There are only 3.7 million stones left.
Of course, I need it all, but I don’t regret using it.
[Beast’s Blood] cost 2 million stones, but without it, it would have taken a long time for Misha to be able to imbue her weapon with the ice attribute.
‘… I should have enchanted the equipment earlier.’
When I bought the equipment, I had the Frost Spirit Ring and didn’t have any money on hand, so I skipped it.
As a result, the repair cost came to 500,000 stones.
Shit, I should have done it earlier, even if it meant saving money somewhere else… … .
“Bjorn, son of Yandel!”
After a quick wash and a long walk, I arrive at the holy place and the chief welcomes me.
With a slightly pleased smile on his lips.
“I guess you can’t call me a young warrior anymore. You’ve earned the nickname Little Vulcan, haven’t you?”
“That’s right!”
He nodded confidently, acting as a barbarian who returned home in glory.
But this is the world of cold-hearted barbarians.
“So what’s going on here!”
After exchanging a few words, the chief gets to the main point.
As expected from a Barbarian, the introduction is too short.
Honestly, I thought there would be a bit more admiration, praise, or words of encouragement… … .
‘Well, I like it this way because it saves time.’
Perhaps the most reasonable race in this city is the Barbarian? While seriously pondering this question, I immediately stated my business.
“I came to receive the soul imprint.”
“I see. I will call a sorcerer and you can talk to him.”
From then on, it was a quick decision.
The chieftain left, as if he had something to do, and the shaman’s disciple came and guided me to the tent.
As I entered, a shaman with impressive wrinkled skin greeted me.
“Kekeke, it’s you again.”
“How did you know it was me?”
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“Well, it’s rare to find a warrior who thanks a sorcerer.”
No, I meant how did you know with the blindfold on… … .
I didn’t ask again for nothing.
Well, since he’s a sorcerer, he must have a mysterious side.
“Have you come to receive the second imprint of the Immortal Path?”
“Yes.”
“It costs one million stones.”
I froze in surprise.
“A million stones?”
“Surely you weren’t prepared?”
“… … That’s not true.”
I was just surprised that the price was the same as the game.
Stage 1 was 150,000 stones more expensive than the game.
Jjalgrang.
Anyway, I did as the sorcerer told me to, took out the money and put it in the jar in front of me.
Then the sorcerer began to stir.
“I’m glad I got it right this time. Last time, I got 50,000 stones less, which was a headache.”
“… You received 50,000 stones less? What do you mean?”
“Young warrior, you don’t have to worry about it. It’s all the fault of that stupid chief.”
No, but you still care?
Something seemed off, so I laid down face down on the blanket as I was told and asked the question again.
“Wizard, how much did the first level engraving originally cost…?”
“It’s 550 thousand stones.”
“… … I see.”
That one word answered all my questions.
The cost the chieftain mentioned at that time was 700,000 stones.
Of course, I don’t think he would have asked for that amount of money just to rip me off.
It’s just that I didn’t notice it at the time.
[The cost of the immortal engraving technique is… um, it would be around 700,000 stones!]
The chieftain was also a barbarian.
Extremely sensitive to letters and numbers.
‘Phew, so that’s what you were talking about when you gave me a discount of 200,000 stones or something.’
Well, in the end, I saved 50,000 stones, so I didn’t lose anything… … .
But I was so happy that I felt like a fool—
“Then let’s begin.”
The moment the needle pierced my skin, all the worries, concerns, and thoughts that had filled my head disappeared.
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It’s been a long time since I’ve felt such vivid pain.
“Young warrior, don’t hold back, scream—”
“Kuaaaaaaah!!”
Shit, I thought I’d be okay thanks to my pain tolerance…
Seriously, I didn’t think this would work.
‘… … I guess I’ll have to take step 3 tomorrow.’
I think we’ll need to reexamine our plans.
***
“Activated the 2nd stage of the Immortal Seal.”
“Stamina and magical power increase slightly.”
“Spirit level increases by +30.”
“The ability value increases by +60.”
***
Do you think this will be the longest 15 minutes of your life?
I was foolish to say something like that back then.
“Okay, it’s over.”
The first stage took 12 hours to tattoo, while the second stage took just 10 minutes.
But the pain was beyond imagination.
It felt like the pain I had to feel over 12 hours had been compressed into one.
“Kekekeke, this is the first time I’ve seen you awake.”
The sorcerer chuckled like a psychopath as he watched me half-unconscious.
Then he just thrust something at me.
“Okay. Pick one. Since you have some time left, I’ll steal your fate.”
What is it? Is it something like a dot?
Since it is a fantasy world, I think the accuracy will be high… … .
“It’s not something grand to call fate, so choose quickly. I can tell you whether something good will happen in your future or not.”
Well, then.
Since I didn’t sense any ill intent, I just thoughtlessly pulled out one of the dozens of sticks in the can.
Then the sorcerer was silent for a moment.
What is it that makes me feel uneasy?
“Young warrior, what is your date of birth?”
Oh, I didn’t know I would need a fortune teller… … .
As I was pondering how to respond, the sorcerer chuckled again.
“Hahaha, I was just joking. How would a warrior know things like the date and time of birth?”
“… … So what was my fate like after I stole a glimpse of it?”
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“How unusual. I have seen the fates of many warriors, but this is the first time in my life that I have seen such an unfortunate fate.”
Well, that’s the same thing the shaman I used to go to with my mother said.
Am I just destined to be a fool?
“You have probably experienced countless hardships that others may experience, and will experience them in the future.”
“I see.”
Well, I wasn’t looking at dots or anything.
I knew it deep down, but it makes me feel depressed when a sorcerer from a fantasy world says it so clearly.
“Don’t be so discouraged, young warrior. Bad luck isn’t always bad for you.”
“It’s not all bad?”
“Your fate includes not only bad luck, but also good fortune that is no less than that. And if you are not swallowed up by bad luck, bad luck will eventually turn into good luck.”
“What do you mean? Explain it simply.”
This time, I wasn’t pretending to be a Barbarian, I was being serious. Is it customary in this industry, whether on Earth or here, to speak in a way that’s difficult to understand?
“Kukuku, it means that you are destined to experience countless things that will only happen once in your lifetime, whether good or bad.”
For some reason, my head felt dizzy and throbbing.
“It is the fate that many people who are commonly called heroes are born with.”
Honestly, I don’t really know about heroes.
One thing is clear.
There’s been a lot of shit in my life, but at the end of the day, I’m still alive and breathing.
I just thought it was because I had bad luck.
But now that I look back, it wasn’t all shitty stuff that happened.
“Haha, looks like you have a clue?”
Even if you only look at the Bloody Citadel, it is like that.
I almost died when the vampire Duke Cambormire appeared, but I was able to obtain his essence in the end.
The hierarchical monarch I met a while ago?
I did all kinds of crazy stuff, but in the process, I gained the essence of an orc hero.
“If it is the fate of a hero, then no matter what happens, I will not die?”
“How could that be?”
The sorcerer smiled as if he were looking at a pure young warrior.
Then he recited with a solemn tone, setting the mood.
“Some people are eaten by fate, some people submit to fate, and some people overcome fate.”
“Easy to understand.”
“It’s not fate, it’s up to you.”
Wow, you’re just talking nonsense until the end.
Okay, fate and all, nothing changes anyway.
Don’t even think about leaning on something, just be alert and do what you have to do at all times.
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So that you can withstand whatever comes your way.
***
“Bjorn Jandel”
Level: 3
Physical: 330.1 / Mental: 198.3 (New +30) / Abilities: 212.4 (New +60)
Item Level: 967 (New +185)
Overall Combat Index: 982.55 (New +136.25)
Acquisition Essence: Corpse Golem – Rank 7, Vampire (Guardian) – Rank 5, Orc Hero – Rank 5
