Chapter 107 – Ego (2)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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The faintly remaining scenery of the ‘realm’.

I recalled that sensation and manifested Senios’s Ice Magic. Compared to the original, it would be merely a drop in the bucket, but I was someone who could at least similarly imitate it.

Crackckckckck!!

The power was incredible.

[Vengeful Spirit of a Mospike Mercenary : Lv.560]

[‘Stiffness’ occurs on the Vengeful Spirit of a Mospike Mercenary.]

[‘Stiffness’ occurs on the Vengeful Spirit of a Mospike Mercenary.]…….

To think a whopping level 560 monster would freeze, unable to do anything.

Suddenly, the desperate struggle in the [Predator’s Swamp] rift comes to mind. Right, how pathetic was it back then?

‘As if magic wasn’t enough, even swordsmanship…….’

It wasn’t even to emit sword energy.

Solely to protect my weak body.

I had imitated Harkon’s posture.

Compared to that time, it is truly a massive leap forward. Now.

‘Of course.’

It wasn’t even simple high-ranking magic.

The manifestation of realm-class magic.

Unlike the Karimzeva time, I hadn’t made full preparations, nor did I excessively dope myself with elixir herbs. The magic power consumption was severe. To the extent that my eyelids trembled, but I didn’t show it.

“To use this level of Ice Magic in a single breath……!”

I spoke to Cle, who was breathing out white breath in the cold air.

“It is not only the living who aim for the Ghost-Born Herb.”

“Aah, I see!”

“Keep that in mind. I will leave the disposal to you.”

This is exactly the authority of the Chief.

I shamelessly ordered her to clean up the leftovers.

They were literally monsters that were already all caught.

I didn’t particularly have the thought of wanting to share the experience points but.

‘I have to save my magic power.’

Ghost Iron.

Since I found out the fact that Ghost Iron is buried in the Mantra Mine……!

“Y, yes!”

At my words, Cle seemed a little surprised.

But she soon disposed of the frozen vengeful spirits.

Right, this is exactly what a hierarchical society is.

Where you have no choice but to do as you are told.

I am using my rank insignia this well.

‘Anyway, as expected of the Mage Tower.’

Cle Odia.

She was a Skilled Mage of the Healing Faction to the end.

However, does it mean the faction’s knowledge isn’t needed to hunt this level of monsters. Manifesting basic magic, she finished disposing of the vengeful spirits in an instant.

‘It isn’t for nothing that Jesse Heinness is treated as an apprentice.’

I flinched for a moment but.

[Leveled up.]

[Leveled up.]…….

No matter what, it is natural that my specific contribution is larger.

Nothing can be more reassuring than this, the Mage Tower’s backing.

Although it wouldn’t happen, just in case.

I was careful lest my dark ulterior motives show but.

“Wow, so this is the Ghost-Born Herb.”

Cle’s mind was captivated by the Ghost-Born Herb.

Right, I should also stop being satisfied and gather elixir herbs too.

Considering its effects, it won’t be of immediate use but.

If you stack anything up, the day to use it will eventually come.

“If you need my blessing, please tell me.”

The Nymph, who had been staying quiet, spoke to me.

Wasn’t it the Nymph who had helped the growth of the Pallid Mistletoe.

It probably means it is her field of expertise.

However, as I said, the effect of the Ghost-Born Herb has no immediate use.

Moreover, the Nymph’s blessing, the {Nature} ability, consumes my magic power.

At least until I obtain the Ghost Iron. Blessings are sealed.

Having gathered the elixir herbs, I checked my inventory.

As expected, I feel the reward of digging several wells?

The item obtained in [Predator’s Swamp].

[Trivial Storage Belt].

Extracting the inventory expansion effect attached to that item.

Thanks to imbuing it into my clothing.

There was considerable room in the inventory.

What those words meant was simple.

Whether it is Ghost-Born Herbs.

Whether it is Ghost Iron.

Whether it is experience points.

‘It means I can go out after filling it up as tightly as possible.’

It looks like greed, but it is not greed.

What greed could the incarnation of integrity and innocence have.

Right.

This is merely my desperate struggle for a goal.

That in order to become a bigshot, I cannot miss a single thing.

*

Glance

Cle looked at Ho-yeol from under the robe she pulled down.

‘……Why did he do that.’

To think he would entrust the incapacitated vengeful spirits to her.

To Cle, Ho-yeol’s action was something she could not understand.

Because Cle was a Skilled Mage of the Mage Tower.

‘It was something very unfamiliar.’

It was because Ho-yeol’s action was different from the mages of the Mage Tower she had commonly seen.

Cle knew the people called mages well.

For mages, magic aside.

Fundamentally, other people were not subjects of great interest.

‘First of all, even I am like that so…….’

Because she knew that fact.

Prior to exiting the tower, she had made a firm resolution.

Even if Ho-yeol accompanied her as the person in charge.

To the core, she would protect her own safety.

But it was something she hadn’t even thought of.

‘Right.’

Thinking generously.

-“Cle Odia.”

-“A procedure exists even in gathering elixir herbs.”

-“Look at your surroundings.”

She could understand up to Ho-yeol warning her and stopping the vengeful spirits with Ice Magic.

Because he is the person in charge to the end. He probably didn’t want any problems to arise in exiting the tower.

‘But why did he leave the finale to me……?’

Even while defeating the vengeful spirits, Cle’s head was full of question marks.

Is it that she couldn’t fathom the Chief’s thoughts because she is a Skilled Mage.

Would Lord Bellier, who is a Senior Mage, have noticed it quickly.

‘Hmm…….’

She couldn’t catch the gist of it at all.

Therefore, Cle had been stealing glances at Ho-yeol since earlier.

Thinking that there might be some clue in that complexion.

‘I do not know. Lord Bellier!’

A posture of constancy.

The same expressionless face as always.

Of course, there’s no way such a thing could be possible but.

A voice was heard by the screaming Cle.

“Why, are you having doubts?”

……Gasp.

Cle covered her mouth once again.

Does he now even use magic to see through inner thoughts?

To the unnecessarily guilty Cle, Ho-yeol’s words continued.

“It is a story regarding the Ghost-Born Herb.”

……Thank goodness, it was that story.

“Yes. As for how the Ghost-Born Herb and the mine are related, I do not quite…….”

However, she trailed off all the same.

Even just the elixir herbs growing in the Arcana continent number over hundreds of thousands.

To familiarize oneself with each of their effects and characteristics is naturally impossible…….

“Ghost Iron.”

“……Yes?”

“Ghost-Born Herb is an elixir herb that only grows in places where Ghost Iron is buried.”

“!”

……She should have thought so?

‘Just how on earth does Chief Lee Ho-yeol possess such extensive knowledge regarding elixir herbs? This is information that couldn’t even be found in the books of the Mage Tower……?’

And why such valuable information?

‘Is he telling me as if it is nothing?’

No matter how she thought about it, Ho-yeol wasn’t like a mage.

……Wait, could it be that he really isn’t a mage?

To the point of such nonsensical thoughts occurring to her.

However, Ho-yeol’s words did not end there.

“Things like the environment in which elixir herbs grow. If you merely stop at using them, it will simply be useless information. However, I also brought this up because I am pondering over your research, the cultivation method of elixir herbs.”

“……!”

He was pondering over my research?

Since when did the regular academic conference end.

Still?

‘……Why?’

Even without knowing the reason, he was a Chief as expected.

From the academic conference until now.

To think he hasn’t stopped thinking about work.

Cle had no choice but to admire him once again.

‘I feel like I absolutely wouldn’t be able to do it even if someone told me to, Chief!’

*

The mine that became even more complex tangled up with the building forest.

The one that became a guide was none other than the Nymph.

“This way.”

The Nymph could also converse with plants, including trees.

Asking the Ghost-Born Herbs where the Ghost Iron was buried.

It was thanks to grasping that location by listening to the story.

‘It is a complete shortcut.’

[Mantra Mine – Mining Sector 1].

The shortest route heading to the [Iron Noble], who could be called the boss monster of the rift. I had also checked the information about the [Iron Noble] in the update logs.

[Iron Noble : Lv.650]

So it is just a level 650 monster.

It’ll be quite tough.

Let’s be careful.

That’s how I thought and moved past it at that time.

Seeing it after knowing it is related to Ghost Iron.

It was an extremely plausible name.

And above all, it was a relief.

‘It means this huge mine wasn’t closed down for no reason.’

Knowledge concerning all minerals.

If it hadn’t been for the prior knowledge about Ghost Iron.

I would have struggled considerably in the battle against the [Iron Noble].

Soon, the wings of the Nymph heading ahead fluttered and stopped.

“It is here.”

I spoke to Cle.

“Cle Odia, stand by in this place.”

I might not have when I didn’t know.

Because I knew now.

Cle’s support was not needed.

Clack

What welcomed such a me was a huge iron giant.

An imposing height of at least 3 meters, and armor tightly wrapping the body without gaps. Considering its level is 650, it had an appearance that left one no choice but to be overwhelmed by intimidation.

However.

“That appearance is a warrior without fail.”

I couldn’t shrink back.

Putting Granfel’s personality aside, I know it.

That that huge body is merely an illusion.

Right, because the [Iron Noble] was an illusion created by Ghost Iron.

“However, you cannot deceive my eyes.”

Ghost Iron.

That, it is devious like the name ‘iron possessed by ghosts’, isn’t it?

The [Iron Noble] was a warrior no matter who looked at it.

It meant it was created to make one want to clash swords with it.

But as said, that was a fake created by Ghost Iron.

Just like vengeful spirits.

It meant it was a ghost immune to physical attacks.

“Such tricks do not work on me.”

So what is needed at this moment.

Was magic, not a sword.

Right, the magic power I had reserved to acquire Ghost Iron, that is.

Wooooo

I immediately drew up my magic power.

Even though [Natural Enemy] did not activate. Does it mean my magic power also rose as much as my level rose. I myself could feel the changed flow of magic power.

“To recognize it immediately. You are not a dull idiot.”

A voice like scratching iron was heard from the [Iron Noble].

It must be the voice of the Ghost Iron.

To think something that’s just iron would speak.

If it were the past me, I would have made a fuss but.

Am I not someone who knows everything about Ghost Iron.

‘It is natural that it can speak.’

That was right.

Because there was a reason Ghost Iron was treated similarly to minerals called minerals in legends. Right, because Ghost Iron was none other than the material for an Ego Sword.

Ego Sword.

A sword possessing an ego.

An esteemed existence full of foreshadowing since the days when Arcana was merely a game. However, whether it was players, of course, or even Arcanians, those who possessed an Ego Sword were unknown.

It meant it was a body that esteemed.

I could guess the reason.

‘First of all, just discovering Ghost Iron is a problem.’

Ghost Iron is fundamentally a rare mineral.

But as if that wasn’t enough, it possessed a will as seen.

No, it would be closer to stubbornness than will. That thing.

The hissing sound heard once again.

“Mage. Do you think I will yield to you?”

Simply put, it meant it wouldn’t easily fall into hands. That must be why it created an illusion too. I recalled the method of extracting Ghost Iron.

‘It is either be acknowledged or subjugate it.’

Whatever it is, it wouldn’t be easy.

So wasn’t that why the mercenaries who somehow heard the rumors about Ghost Iron and came looking for it ended up as vengeful spirits?

But you know.

‘My stubbornness is also quite something.’

No, I have pride that surpasses stubbornness.

I manifested magic toward the lunging [Iron Noble].

The armor is merely an outward appearance.

Because I know its true nature is a ghost.

What I chose was pure magic.

Swoosh!

Pure Magic Studies Senior Mage, Bangrit Tom.

I manifested the magic ray he mainly used as an inferior version.

Let’s somehow supplement the difference in power depending on the magic power gap by adding the [Aesthetic] stat……!

Swaaaak!

I don’t know how effective that effort was but.

First of all, its flashiness.

Having eaten that one thing.

“……You are not an ordinary mage.”

Zigzag.

The stretching magic ray bent resplendently for a moment.

Swoosh!

Swaaak!

It began to pierce the [Iron Noble] here and there. Seeing that sight, I feel it once again.

I am telling you. It is not for nothing that I babbled that [『Anomaly』] is a class similar to the ‘realm’.

“However, it is the same that you cannot subjugate me.”

But its main body is Ghost Iron to the end.

The [Iron Noble] stood up once again.

This must be why it’s fastidious.

‘If I cannot break the stubbornness of the Ghost Iron.’

In the end, only by destroying the Ghost Iron.

It meant I could escape from the endlessly reviving [Iron Noble].

I checked the remaining amount of magic power.

Is the remaining magic power about seventy percent.

‘Will I be able to break the stubbornness of the Ghost Iron while the magic power holds out.’

No, it is not ‘will I be able to’.

‘I must break it.’

From merely struggling to not sink.

Since I resolved to struggle to move forward.

Ghost Iron was an opportunity I shouldn’t miss.

There is a saying, if you don’t have teeth, use your gums.

Right, if you don’t have magic power.

You can just bring in whatever it is.

Because I have wells I dug right for that purpose.

The ensuing offense and defense with the [Iron Noble].

The compatibility between a mage and a ghost.

Thanks to that, I was overwhelming the guy, but the consumed magic power was also severe.

Of course, befitting an esteemed body, the stubbornness of the Ghost Iron didn’t break either.

‘In the end, do I have no choice but to bring out the next move.’

Magic, next is black magic.

Because even if there was no magic power, ‘Suitable Magic Power’ was full.

However.

“I will never yield……. Mage……!!”

I flinched at the screaming voice of the Ghost Iron.

“I will not yield even if I destroy myself. The only one who can subjugate me is a swordsman possessing the skill I can serve……!”

You had unusual stubbornness too.

It is at the level of pride that surpasses stubbornness.

Naturally, it was words I could not ignore.

Since I am not a mage anyway.

Cling

I calmly raised my sword.

And caught my breath.

Sword energy swaying on the blade of the sword.

My insignificant level.

-“Since sword energy becomes thicker on a battlefield between life and death, and takes on its unique color.”

Thanks to every battle in the rifts being treated as a crossroads of life and death to me.

My sword energy had become thicker incomparably to the past.

Without even a slight tremor.

It emitted its unique ‘Noble’ light.

Suddenly, the deeply moved voice of the Ghost Iron was heard.

“Sword energy……! You are exactly the one I have been waiting for!”