130 – No Dating in Our Party – 5

“Originally, it was an item that would have taken another month to complete. But they told me to finish it in two days, so I held out, saying it was absolutely impossible, but who would have thought such a secret treasure would be in the Gratia Royal Court…!”

Glittertoss, who could not speak about the details because of censorship, clicked his tongue, saying that he had underestimated the power of the nation called Gratia anyway.

“I dare to guarantee that there is absolutely no loss from the rushed deadline! Rather, to the point I think it reached a more complete domain thanks to Gratia’s support!”

Even though he had clearly stayed up all night until this very moment, the dwarf’s two eyes were shining brilliantly.

No, or perhaps because he had stayed up all night, he seemed to be maintaining a strange tension…

“I, the dwarf Glittertoss, have lived boasting of having reached mastery, but through this opportunity, I realized that I was still nothing but an immature brat. If this is the case, I might have to consider the acting lord’s proposal a bit seriously…”

“Huh? If it’s the acting lord, aren’t you talking about Unika? What proposal did Unika make to you…?”

“Here, this is the shield! Go ahead and check it!”

Gi-jun wore a dissatisfied expression at Glittertoss, who was blatantly changing the subject—yet he quietly received the completed shield from him.

It was—a moon.

No, of course, it was in the shape of a heater shield with one end protruding sharply like an iron, just like the King of the Well that Gi-jun was currently equipped with.

The soft light constantly emitted by the shield, which was dyed pure white like sterling silver, somehow brought moonlight to mind.

“I asked you to make a shield, and you made some piece of art. It’s a waste to swing it.”

“Hurry up and check the information. The talk of it being a piece of art will vanish instantly.”

Gi-jun recalled the posture Mok-su had used to welcome the alcohol last night and checked the shield with a cautious heart.

And indeed, he could see that his first impression was correct.

It was the moon.

[Silver Moon of Contradiction (Legendary)]

[Durability — 25,000/25,000]

[Attack Power (L) / Defense Power (L) — 70]

[Option 1 — Mana, Spiritual Power, Charm increased by 10]

[Option 2 — Attack power and defense power increased by 30% when facing dark/evil attribute enemies]

[Option 3 — Reflects a portion of the damage back to the opponent upon successfully blocking or parrying their attack.]

[Option 4 — Can cast the skill ‘Silver Moon Wave’. Fires moonlight filled with purifying power in all directions. Charged by absorbing moonlight.]

[Equip Restriction — Bound to Gi-jun]

[A paradoxical silver moon that annihilates shadows crawling out by relying on moonlight. A shield in which its essence is fully melted will prove its standing and karma just by owning it.]

[Silver Moon of Contradiction (Legendary)]

[Durability — 25,000/25,000]

[Attack Power (L) / Defense Power (L) — 70]

[Option 1 — Mana, Spiritual Power, Charm increased by 10]

[Option 2 — Attack power and defense power increased by 30% when facing dark/evil attribute enemies]

[Option 3 — Reflects a portion of the damage back to the opponent upon successfully blocking or parrying their attack.]

[Option 4 — Can cast the skill ‘Silver Moon Wave’. Fires moonlight filled with purifying power in all directions. Charged by absorbing moonlight.]

[Equip Restriction — Bound to Gi-jun]

[A paradoxical silver moon that annihilates shadows crawling out by relying on moonlight. A shield in which its essence is fully melted will prove its standing and karma just by owning it.]

Look at the options; each of them only had a simple explanation attached.

However, each of those simple options possessed an incredibly terrifying power.

It was a treasure that had reached the legendary realm, incomparable to something like the King of the Well, which only emitted wind slightly stronger than a fan’s breeze at best!

‘What is with the second option? It’s almost at the same level as the effect of my [The Last Hero] title.’

Of course, while the title of The Last Hero increased all of his abilities by 30%, the effect of the Silver Moon of Contradiction was limited to attack power and defense power, so they would not be completely the same.

Yet there was a point where it was even better than the title of The Last Hero: the effect of the Silver Moon of Contradiction applied even against enemies that were not boss monsters.

As they were entering a rugged terrain filled with dark and evil attribute enemies, it was a more effective option than anything else!

When Gi-jun could not close his mouth in emotion upon checking it, Glittertoss, who felt needlessly awkward, sheepishly rubbed the bottom of his nose.

“Of course, my skill and the royal palace’s support were good, but the compatibility of the materials was also incredibly good. Since you gathered treasures that would be hard to obtain no matter where you searched in Leta, I was able to create a new legend.”

“Thank you, Glittertoss. Honestly, I was expecting up to Legendary, but even so, this is beyond my expectations.”

“I wish you would also understand my perspective, seeing an object that could only be found in a god’s ruins hundreds of years old suddenly pop out. It is not just Legendary, but high-grade Legendary, isn’t it?”

Lectus grumbled as he watched the blacksmith, who had completed a satisfying job, and the warrior, who had obtained a perfect weapon, share a firm handshake.

“High-grade Legendary. That level should be more than enough as a sacred object symbolizing a hero. Even if I wanted to help, there is no need for me to help at all.”

Perhaps an item like the Silver Moon of Contradiction was difficult to come by even for an experienced Hero like Fatum, as he also looked at the shield with admiring eyes.

“It would be better to keep it hidden until the decisive moment, Jun. Checking and preparing for a Legendary-grade shield in advance versus encountering it without knowing anything makes a huge difference.”

Even as he did so, he did not forget to give useful advice.

Gi-jun quietly followed his words and put the Silver Moon of Contradiction into his inventory.

Since he could take it out and use it from his inventory whenever he wanted anyway, it was not a problem.

Lectus, who cast an envious gaze at the shield until the very end, shook his head to brush off his thoughts and declared.

“Since there is nothing more to hold us back, let us depart right away. I have heard that the expedition has also just set out.”

Gi-jun had also received a report about that from Ye-min and Lucy.

As expected of Ye-min, who revealed her natural charm without hiding it, she succeeded in integrating into the core of the expedition in just two days, just as she had guaranteed.

Of course, the vast amount of supplies delivered through Viv must have helped, but just looking at the fact that the expedition, whose leadership was filled with vampires, accepted her, one could easily tell that her abilities were at a crazy level.

‘I guess I’m still no match for Min-i.’

He shook his head, thinking of Ye-min, who had conceived, executed, and successfully carried out a strategy he would not have even dared to attempt.

However, that did not make Gi-jun feel downcast or swept up in an inferiority complex like before.

Because there were certainly things that only Gi-jun could do.

The precious realization that Biche had taught him over a span of ten years could not be ignored.

‘Ah—I suddenly miss Biche so much…’

This was trouble.

If he were caught having such thoughts after having declared a ban on dating within the party, he would surely be beaten up.

He quickly pulled himself together and declared.

“Let’s go. Open the subspace to the vampire kingdom.”

* * *

Of course, the strike force departed very secretly.

Fortunately, because the expedition of hundreds of thousands of people set off while drawing everyone’s attention, they were also able to slip out of Cor very naturally.

“We will all act together. You will judge for yourselves when the time comes to scatter and act as individual parties.”

“Understood, Hero.”

“Just leave it to us.”

Since there were five parties, a significant number of people whom Gi-jun did not know were mixed in the gathered strike force.

In addition to the party led by the Hero Fatum consisting of members from the Empire, the elite Gratia knights’ party led by the Crown Prince Lectus, and the party led by Gi-jun, there were two more parties.

The person leading one of those parties was someone very familiar to Gi-jun; it was none other than Boots, one of the heads of the Species Guild Alliance.

The Species Guild Alliance, which had to pay a massive price due to internal division and betrayal, fortunately succeeded in mending its cracked interior by putting forward the Cait Sith to win the Territory War.

Having organized their internal affairs, they had willingly drafted a party composed of their absolute elite for this highly dangerous mission in order to restore relations with the outside world—specifically, Gratia.

With everyone, starting with Boots, consisting of talents close to high-grade Unique, it was an elite party that made one realize the strength of the Species Alliance.

“As I said before, if you just cover our travel expenses, we’ll yield the rest of the rewards to the other parties, nya. I hope this is enough to show our alliance’s apology to the Gratia Royal Family, nya.”

“As long as you do your part, that will certainly be the case.”

“With Sir Boots joining us, it’s like gaining a million troops, nya!”

“Nabinya, you’ve grown even more since I last saw you, nya!”

Gi-jun left behind the cats who were meowing and nya-ing as they began chatting in earnest, and examined the remaining parties.

Surprisingly, they were from a single clan, and it was said that this clan, which had received the trust of the Gratia Royal Family due to their outstanding skills and high mission success rate, was participating.

It was a clan composed only of races as peculiar as the alliance’s, such as people with stones embedded in their bodies and people with insect-like exoskeletons; the leader of that very clan was grumbling and arguing with Lectus.

He was similar to a human in other aspects, but he had as many as six arms, and those arms were emitting different lights.

“You could have allowed two more people in, Prince. Since we’re going to move in party units anyway.”

“If we are to maintain secrecy, even this is too many. Bear in mind that a swift and safe infiltration prior to battle is the priority.”

‘Two more people?’

Gi-jun felt curious at those words.

The clan leader was already leading a party of five in total including himself, yet he wanted to add two more people to the party.

Unless he meant that he was willing to accept a loss in experience points, it likely meant he knew the method Lectus had mentioned before: ‘increasing the party size while receiving experience points intact.’

However, he hesitated to step forward and ask about it himself, but the quick-witted Ji-hye read his mind and asked instead.

“Was your party’s total count originally seven people? You’d lose out on experience points.”

“Huh? That’s simple if you use the Piercing Awl—wait, don’t tell me.”

The man, who had been answering Ji-hye’s question without thinking deeply, suddenly widened his eyes and looked back at Gi-jun.

“The guy who is currently the talk of the country as a hero hasn’t obtained a Piercing Awl yet? So it’s not because of quest restrictions, but because your party’s total count is just five?”

“Do not pay too much mind to other parties, Golden Spider.”

Lectus frowned and called out the name of their clan.

“Jun will obtain the Piercing Awl if this quest is successfully completed.”

“Then up to how many people will the experience limit be lifted?”

“Seven people.”

The five members of Lumen party, plus Ye-min, Eun-shin, Mok-su…

Even so, they would be short of one spot!

Checking the total party members planned for the future, Gi-jun frowned deeply, as if he could hear Mok-su’s words from yesterday about leaving the party ringing in his ears.

“Can’t you give me one more of that awl or whatever it is?”

“The Golden Spider clan has also worked for Gratia for several years but only obtained a single Piercing Awl. Do not be too greedy, Jun. The decision to hand over the awl at this point is already an exceptional treatment.”

“Is that so? Then, by any chance, did Min-i have a hand in the decision to offer this awl? Out of worry that I might continue to act separately from Min-i without it?”

“…….”

Lectus kept his mouth firmly shut, but Gi-jun became certain from that reaction.

This fool had decided to offer the extremely valuable Piercing Awl just to keep Ye-min by the side of Gi-jun, who held a connection to the royal family!

Thank you, Min-i!

“What, were the rumors that you were summoned to Leta not long ago actually true? Ha, your life in Leta is really working out well, mister Flame Human.”

“Stop the probing. What matters to us right now is working in sync in enemy territory.”

“Yeah, yeah, let’s hurry up. Taking only the best parts while others are foolishly swinging blindly, this is why we do national quests.”

The most important person in this operation was none other than Laura.

Gi-jun had also figured out a way to enter Kudlak’s stronghold from the dungeon, but while the method he found was not very stealthy, Laura, being Carmilla’s kin, would open the entrance using a high-grade blood magic, which made it incomparable in terms of safety and secrecy.

Not only that, but Laura also had the ability to accurately track the location of Carmilla, who was presumed to be part of Kudlak’s ruling force, so it was no exaggeration to say she was the key person of this Grand Quest.

“Then, I will open it.”

The leader of the Golden Spider clan, who was whistling while looking at Laura stepping forward in her side-slit habit, recoiled in fright when a blood-red mist suddenly gathered around her and a black hole appeared in the air.

“The method of opening the entrance was utilizing a vampire?!”

“She is not a vampire, so rest assured.”

“No, but right now—”

“Are you doubting my precious companion right now?”

“That’s—no, I’m sorry. I’m sure the royal family took care of it properly.”

Only when Gi-jun frowned did the man finally quiet down.

When the man, who had been maintaining a flippant attitude all along despite the important operation ahead, became quiet, the others sent Gi-jun grateful glances.

“Then let’s go.”

Even though he did not know what was waiting beyond the darkness, Fatum, as expected of the Hero of Light, took the initiative to lead his party members and dove in.

Boots, who was raising his fighting spirit, also charged leading the alliance members, and the Golden Spider clan followed suit after glancing at Gi-jun.

Once Lectus sent Gi-jun a look of trust and led his knights into the hole, only the Lumen party led by Gi-jun remained.

“Everyone is ready, right?”

Gi-jun looked back at his companions one last time.

Tilla, smiling gently as if to reassure him.

Laura, unable to hide her excitement since a moment ago at the thought of meeting the woman who had turned her into a monster.

Gin, who was watching Laura with a worried expression, but upon meeting Gi-jun’s gaze, patted his chest to show his determination.

Ji-hye, holding back any weak complaints to the end despite her immense anxiety, tightly gripping her staff.

And even Nabinya, clinging tightly to Gi-jun’s leg as if anxiety did not exist.

Ur and Rodim, sitting on Gi-jun’s and Tilla’s shoulders respectively and wagging their tails, were a bonus.

“I promise.”

Gi-jun declared in a firm voice.

“I won’t let anyone here die. I will protect you no matter what, so trust me and follow.”

“I’ve never doubted you.”

Tilla replied on behalf of everyone and smiled.

“Let’s go, Jun.”

“Yeah.”

Exchanging one last look, they threw themselves straight into the gate.

As the hole soon disappeared, nothing remained in that spot.

* * *

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): How could you charge in without being able to wait for that short moment! I told you to wait just a little, it’s not even close to the time for my descent yet!]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): I’m doing this because I’m worried about you, you!]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): I feel like I’m going to die of worry, you bastard! Do I have to say it for you to know! Aaaaaaaaaah!]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): If you die, know that I will seriously kill you!]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): I’m really going to remember that bastard Light Hero’s name, egging on and inciting a kid who isn’t even prepared yet, calling him a Hero, that real bad bastard…!]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): A date?]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Wait, seriously?]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): …No, well, if you return safely.]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Just once, I guess.]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): It’s not like I can’t do it.]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Strictly as your master! Just as a sort of service for a day to a disciple who got good grades. You know?]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): I’m not embarrassed? Not a single bit, and my heart rate is completely normal?]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Hey, wait, are you trying to sneakily slip past this? If you overdo it and get hurt, I’m really going to scold you?]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Do I really have to say it in words for you to know?]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Hee.]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Actually, I like it when you tell me directly, too.]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Yeah.]

[Biche♥(Dimensional Rift): Be careful, okay?]