157 – I Told You I’m Not the Enemy – 7

“The Gratia royal treasury is a place where rare treasures accumulated over hundreds of years are piled up. They are all of Unique grade or higher—and they are only permitted to those whom the system has strictly recognized for their contributions to the kingdom.”

“Without exception?”

“Without exception. Even His Majesty cannot violate this.”

“To think they cannot even do as they wish with their own kingdom’s property.”

The next day.

Gi-jun was walking inside the royal treasury, guided by two royal knights.

The two knights were John and Smith—namely, Lectus.

“The secret vault is even more so. It takes a full thirty hours just to release the seal, and one can never enter without royalty present.”

“Is that why you are accompanying me?”

“Indeed.”

Gi-jun tried his best not to look at the silver mechanical arm that replaced Lectus’s left arm.

Lectus’s complexion looked calm, and he seemed to have recovered his health after overcoming the aftereffects, but Gi-jun could not imagine what kind of expression he was making inside his helmet.

“It is a good opportunity. Since you are a talent who is certain to become the Hero of Light, Gratia’s foresight will stand out if we can arm such a talent with the precious treasures in Gratia’s treasury.”

Lectus, who spat out the joke in an infinitely stiff voice, soon arrived in front of a tightly closed door within the treasury.

Several people, their faces concealed in golden robes, were already waiting there.

“We are ready.”

“Open it.”

At Lectus’s command, the door immediately began to slide open to both sides.

Contrary to expectations, no golden light poured out from inside.

While John placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and remained on guard in case anyone acted suspiciously, Lectus called Gi-jun into the secret vault.

“Enter. Actually, the items to be handed over have already been decided, but…”

As the people in golden robes stepped back on either side and bowed their heads, Gi-jun felt as if he had to project a somewhat solemn atmosphere himself as he stepped into the secret vault.

The interior was not very spacious, and the number of items stored inside did not even exceed ten.

Giving away three from among these?

“I know what you are thinking, but what you completed was a Grand Quest.”

Once the gazes of the others disappeared, Lectus spoke, relaxing his shoulders slightly.

“It is safe to say that this is the first time in the history of the Leta continent that a Grand Quest has been achieved in such a perfect manner… and with so few sacrifices. Perhaps even this is not enough for you and your party, who played the leading role.”

“…If that is the case.”

It was probably also thanks to Patum attributing his own achievements to Gi-jun.

However, bringing up Patum here and now would not be a wise move, so Gi-jun simply nodded.

“The first is this longsword. …Do not look at me with those eyes. It is just that among the items in the secret vault, there are relatively many longswords, so I am rewarding you with this.”

There was no one in Gi-jun’s party who used a longsword, and even if he expanded the scope to Ye-min’s party, there was only Ye-min.

There was no need to worry about this guy.

Lectus was still caring about Ye-min even now, after having his arm severed!

However, it was also true that Ye-min’s contribution was immense, not only in the progression of the Grand Quest but also in the complete cleanup of the expeditionary force afterward. Since Gi-jun had originally planned to hand over some of the rewards to her anyway, it worked out well.

“It is of Legendary grade and has the ability to heal all wounds, including poisons and curses, once a day. Its offensive capability is also outstanding, and since it has the effect of amplifying the light attribute, it will suit you as well.”

“Do not make ridiculous excuses; this is something you designated an owner for from the very beginning.”

Moreover, among Ye-min’s skills was one that projected a powerful force of light.

Nike’s Single Wing.

It was a skill that Gi-jun had discovered and given up to her during their tutorial days.

When they reunited, he saw her using it in a more developed form and thought that perhaps the skill rank had risen. If it was this longsword that enhanced it even further, she would definitely be very happy.

“I will pass it on to Min-i. Just as you want.”

“You are a true leader who thinks of your comrades.”

It was the moment the stiff atmosphere between the two was finally resolved.

“The second is a hammer.”

“What?”

“A blacksmith’s hammer.”

Lectus, who carefully brought over a small hammer shining with a red light with both hands, handed it to Gi-jun and spoke in a solemn voice.

“This is the hammer that made the longsword I just gave you.”

“So… you are saying it is a hammer with outstanding performance for crafting something?”

“Exactly. It is a hammer so precious that if it were known to be sleeping in Gratia’s treasury, the continent would be turned upside down. How great of a benefactor Gratia considers you to be can be proven by this hammer alone.”

“Is it a divine relic?”

“Precisely. It is the divine relic of Vulcan, who governs hot flames, volcanoes, blacksmiths, and everything they create.”

It really was an amazing item.

[Vulcan’s Hammer (Epic Secret)]

[Durability — Indestructible]

[Attack Power (E) — 10]

[Option 1 — If possessing a Blacksmithing skill of Epic grade or higher, the Hammer of God (God) skill can be cast; otherwise, all combat abilities are restricted.]

[Option 2 — When the Divine Workshop is established, it reveals its true appearance and makes the results of the work optimal.]

[Option 3 — Mythic Flame (Epic) is activated as a passive effect. It adds divinity to the flames handled by the holder and amplifies their power by 30%.]

[Equip Restriction — Blacksmithing Skill Legendary grade or higher]

[A divine relic allowed to be wielded only by a blacksmith blessed by the blacksmith god. The intense divine flame overflowing from the relic will protect the target from darkness just by holding it.]

[Vulcan’s Hammer (Epic Secret)]

[Durability — Indestructible]

[Attack Power (E) — 10]

[Option 1 — If possessing a Blacksmithing skill of Epic grade or higher, the Hammer of God (God) skill can be cast; otherwise, all combat abilities are restricted.]

[Option 2 — When the Divine Workshop is established, it reveals its true appearance and makes the results of the work optimal.]

[Option 3 — Mythic Flame (Epic) is activated as a passive effect. It adds divinity to the flames handled by the holder and amplifies their power by 30%.]

[Equip Restriction — Blacksmithing Skill Legendary grade or higher]

[A divine relic allowed to be wielded only by a blacksmith blessed by the blacksmith god. The intense divine flame overflowing from the relic will protect the target from darkness just by holding it.]

When he hurriedly checked, it really had the name Vulcan’s Hammer attached, and its grade even reached [Epic Secret], which he had never heard of before.

Of course, it seemed impossible to use this in combat due to various restrictions—yet, to think another Epic-grade item would pop out of the royal treasury right after obtaining an Epic-grade spoil of war!

Moreover, the word ‘Secret’ attached behind it made this hammer look like an even more extraordinary object.

Deeply moved, Gi-jun nodded and spoke.

“I believe you. Gratia is indeed a great nation.”

“So you had a snobbish side. I am glad you recognize the value of the divine relic, though.”

Lectus chuckled and continued.

“As you can see, there is a minor problem: the status of the item is too high, so it cannot be handled properly unless someone has a specific location, specific environment, and specific abilities. The longsword I handed over first was also not actually a result of fully unleashing the hammer’s capability.”

“That sounds like a very serious problem.”

“But to fully process Epic-grade materials, a hammer of this level is necessary, so take it. Moreover, just carrying it will increase the power of all flames you handle.”

Mythic Flame, an effect activated just by holding it.

He did not really get what it meant to add divinity to flames, but it was clear that amplifying the power by 30% alone was an enormous reward.

—Kee, kee-hee-heet!

“Yes, Ur. It seems you like it too.”

The moment Gi-jun put it in his inventory, he felt as if a warm energy wrapped around his entire body.

Ur must have felt it too, as he hopped around in excitement like a real cat.

With Ignis increasing fire attack power by 25% and now Mythic Flame added on top, wouldn’t he be able to exert a power close to Legendary if the modifiers were combined?

Since Gi-jun’s main force lay elsewhere, he could hand this over to Tilla to enhance her flames if needed.

No, looking only at the effect, doing so might be the best choice.

Meanwhile, seeing Gi-jun accept the divine relic, Lectus let out a sigh of relief and added.

“Actually, there are restrictions even just to possess it. If someone unsuitable tries to take it as they please, their entire body will burn up.”

“…Should you not have told me that first?”

“There is no way you, who handle the flames of a Flame Human, could not withstand it, is there?”

Then what was that sigh of relief just now?

As Gi-jun’s gaze grew sharper, Lectus hurriedly continued.

“I spoke about a great nation and whatnot earlier, but in truth, keeping a divine relic of this caliber was a burden for Gratia. Since I successfully handed it over to you, I could not help but feel relieved.”

“You are saying it is a bomb in many senses!”

“Everything of value always carries danger. Just as an outstanding beauty does.”

“At least it will be safe from you. Because I will not let Min-i get anywhere near you.”

“I was wrong.”

Lectus, who honestly apologized and begged for forgiveness, brought out the final reward.

Gi-jun would have been more than satisfied if even a Unique-grade full plate armor set like the one Mok-su received came out—but what he brought was indeed a piece of armor, but with too small of a coverage area.

It was a pair of battle boots with greaves—which protected only the feet and the shins below the knees.

“Surely you did not expect something like a Legendary-grade full plate armor set, did you?”

“I would have been fine even with a Unique-grade one.”

“Since you have a Legendary-grade shield, wearing a Unique-grade armor would only be a shackle to you. Take it, and check it.”

He could not understand why he treated the Dullahan’s Breastplate, which he was still wearing well, as a shackle.

However, upon receiving it and checking the information, Gi-jun ended up admitting that compared to this, a Unique-grade breastplate could indeed be considered a shackle.

[Mirage (Legendary)]

[Durability — 20,000/20,000]

[Defense (L) — 90]

[Option 1 — Movement speed increased by 50%]

[Option 2 — Upon being hit, consumes mana to create an illusion and evade.]

[Option 3 — Consumes mana to swap positions between oneself and a target.]

[Option 4 — Consumes a large amount of mana to create a clone with physical force. The clone moves according to the owner’s will and vanishes after a certain period of time passes or when receiving damage above a certain threshold.]

[Equip Restriction — Dexterity, Endurance, Mana Legendary grade or higher]

[One cannot know what is real and what is an illusion. Legendary boots said to have been made by fairies who loved to toy with people.]

[Mirage (Legendary)]

[Durability — 20,000/20,000]

[Defense (L) — 90]

[Option 1 — Movement speed increased by 50%]

[Option 2 — Upon being hit, consumes mana to create an illusion and evade.]

[Option 3 — Consumes mana to swap positions between oneself and a target.]

[Option 4 — Consumes a large amount of mana to create a clone with physical force. The clone moves according to the owner’s will and vanishes after a certain period of time passes or when receiving damage above a certain threshold.]

[Equip Restriction — Dexterity, Endurance, Mana Legendary grade or higher]

[One cannot know what is real and what is an illusion. Legendary boots said to have been made by fairies who loved to toy with people.]

There was not a single useless option.

He felt he could accept it without complaint even if this were called a divine relic.

Particularly, did not infinite possibilities unfold just by imagining the fourth option…!

“It is something everyone coveted, but because of the strict equip restrictions, there was rarely an opportunity for it to be taken out. It has finally found its owner this time.”

“Ah—I wondered why an item with such generally outstanding performance had stayed inside all this time, but I see.”

Since all his defensive gear except the breastplate had melted during the battle in Valahia, Gi-jun, who had been wearing ordinary shoes, took them off and put on Mirage.

When the two walked out of the secret vault, the people who had been waiting until then bowed their heads once more and stepped back to clear a path, but they showed clear signs of surprise upon noticing what was worn on Gi-jun’s feet.

“I should cover it with a robe for now.”

“I would prefer it if you showed more conspicuously that Gratia treated you without lacking.”

“Hearing you say that only makes my decision stronger.”

On the way out of the treasury, silence flowed once more between the two who had been exchanging jokes.

Ultimately, Gi-jun questioned Lectus first.

“What do you plan to do from now on?”

“Nothing changes.”

Lectus replied immediately.

“I am the crown prince of this kingdom, and I will continue to devote myself to Gratia. Only…”

“Only?”

“I want to become stronger.”

Squeezing his fist that had been replaced with machinery, which made a creaking noise, Lectus spoke quietly.

“Because I do not want to experience this kind of humiliation anymore. I want to become strong, very desperately.”

“I see…”

Who else but the person themselves could fully understand the complex emotions nested in that voice?

Gi-jun simply nodded in silence.

Soon, they reached the gate leading out of the royal palace to the streets of Cor.

Turning back toward the two royal knights who stopped at the main gate, Gi-jun spoke with a faint smile on his lips.

“Min-i will be running a guild in Cor for the time being. I leave her in your care.”

“What?!”

Since he had not shown much of a reaction when Min-i was mentioned earlier, he wondered, and indeed, the man had not known.

Gi-jun smirked, turned around, and waved his hand at him.

“Just so you know, if you pester her too much just because she is close by, she might leave Gratia, guild and all.”

“What? No, wait—”

Love was the best for healing wounds and instilling motivation.

Even if it was only a one-sided love.

Gi-jun also knew it well from experience.

Though the downside was that new wounds could also be made.

* * *

[Eun-shin (Leta): You did not need to give me such a gift… Thank you, Sister.]

[Ye-min (Leta): In my heart, I wanted to give one to all the party members, but I lacked points… Still, since you are leaving the party, I felt I absolutely had to give you one.]

[Eun-shin (Leta): Thank you so much for thinking of me. But you do not have to worry too much. We have Brother Jun here with me as well.]

[Ye-min (Leta): Yeah, I am really envious that you can eat food made by Brother Jun every day.]

[Eun-shin (Leta): But why are we communicating via messages like this when we are in the same space?]

[Ye-min (Leta): Because it is a conversation I do not want Ji-hye or Uncle Su to catch on to.]

[Eun-shin (Leta): What kind of conversation is it?]

[Ye-min (Leta): Simple. A very simple contract. …Keep an eye on Brother Jun for me.]

[Eun-shin (Leta): Sister, you really are desperate…]

[Ye-min (Leta): In return, you know, right? I will also keep a close eye on her so she doesn’t do anything weird with the uncle!]

[Eun-shin (Leta): No, I mean, I told you I am not really worried about them. Fine. If doing so makes you feel at ease, I will do as you say.]

[Ye-min (Leta): I knew I could trust you!]

[Eun-shin (Leta): But Sister, um… you know that the only thing I can do is monitor him, right…?]

[Ye-min (Leta): W-Whatever he does, just tell me everything. Because it is better to know and suffer than to not know and suffer…!]

[Eun-shin (Leta): …Sister, I think there is a technical term for that.]