Player Hides His Past (Novel) - Chapter 131 - How Grand

Chapter 131 – How Grand

===================

Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

===================

[Masterpiece – Outer Wings of a Hundred Colors]

[Rank: Unique]

[Restriction: Lv.350]

[Effect: When equipped, stores attribute magic continuously manifested by the user. The number of magic that can be stored is proportional to the color of the outer wings, and when manifesting stored magic, magic power consumption decreases by 30 percent. – Number of currently stored attribute magic: 100]

The magic tool I rented prior to entering the Demon King’s Castle rift.

I, who live and die by procedure.

If someone were to ask why I am still carrying this item around without returning it yet.

I had a confident reason.

‘Because strictly speaking, I rented it again.’

[Token of the Whirlwind].

[Masterpiece – Lightning-Struck Branch Wand].

[Masterpiece – Outer Wings of a Hundred Colors].

While returning the items I rented from the Mage Tower’s Garnet Hall, I thought.

Even so, it would be better to keep at least one as insurance.

Exhibiting my specialty known as knowing my place.

‘Even if there’s no [Natural Enemy] activated, I should at least properly prepare items.’

Among the three, the item I chose was naturally the Outer Wings of a Hundred Colors.

Above all, its performance was practically fraudulent.

Although the effects of the other items were considerable too.

‘If it wasn’t for the outer wings…….’

I absolutely wouldn’t have been able to defeat the Demon King, Flauros.

‘Looking at its effects, it’s strange that it’s only Unique rank.’

There was no procedural issue in extending the rental of the magic tool.

Who am I?

From a parachute, I am now a somewhat recognized Chief Co-Researcher.

Of course, even without bringing up the authority of a Chief, it seemed there were no mages who needed the [Masterpiece – Outer Wings of a Hundred Colors] in the first place.

-“Many magic tools have been returned. Would you look around slowly……?”

To the point where the Adept Mage of the Garnet Hall recommended it like that.

Other magic tools?

I’d love to.

Beyond loving to, I genuinely want to try using them too.

But uniformly, their level restrictions are seriously too high.

Flutter

In the end, it meant there was only one choice for me.

I draped the outer wings over my shoulders like a cape.

The outer wings clung to my shoulder blades as if they were alive.

It gives off the illusion that I really sprouted wings.

An appearance infinitely satisfying even with Granfel’s aesthetic sense.

‘……Am I perhaps liking [Masterpieces] too much?’

Suddenly, such a thought crossed my mind but.

Well, still, this much is a profitable trade.

I checked the changes in the stat window.

[Name: Granfel Claudi Arpeus Romeo]

[Title: The Last Adventurer]

[Class: Demon Hunter]

[Level: 425]

[Stats]

Strength: 71 / Agility: 76 / Magic Power: 387 / Luck: 6 / Aesthetics: Medium

[Points Available: 0]

Thanks to equipping the outer wings, [Aesthetics] rose from Low to Medium again.

When there’s no [Natural Enemy], one feels the lack of even a single trivial stat.

Even if it’s pathetic, it can’t be helped.

I gotta take what I can take.

“That’s a magic tool of the Mage Tower……!”

Of course, since others couldn’t possibly know my complicated inner thoughts.

Looks of admiration were evident on Fabian’s group.

Of course, given the circumstances, everyone quickly regained their senses but.

“……Rather than that, Sir. You said you’d break through the traps head-on!”

.

.

.

“Tepheran was an ancient city.”

“……!!!”

The words of the darkness spirit were surprising right from the start.

The union explorers, Aaron and Lombus, let out a hollow laugh.

Including themselves.

Tepheran, a place where so many explorers had hung onto so desperately.

A past where they couldn’t even obtain a single proper clue.

“I didn’t think we would find out the secret of Tepheran in this manner…….”

“Stop dragging out your words, Aaron. It’s draining my energy too.”

“For now, let us remain quiet, both of you.”

Actually, Fabian’s feelings weren’t much different from the two men.

‘Although the method is different for each exploration.’

To think it’s now an exploration receiving help from a spirit.

Because even to him, this experience was a first.

However, Fabian’s brain was cool-headed.

He judged the situation realistically.

‘Generally, the time it takes to explore a labyrinth is at least over a week.’

However, this place was not an ordinary labyrinth, but the Arcana continent’s 10 Great Mysteries, the [Labyrinth of Tepheran].

It would at least take several times that duration.

‘……No, would we even be able to solve it?’

Even just now, it took tens of minutes to disarm a single trap.

And that was with three explorers, including himself, clinging onto it.

However, they didn’t even have sufficient time.

Why, didn’t he say time is like the tea enjoyed in the afternoon?

Just as Sir Ho-yeol stated.

‘Because this is a rift and not the Arcana continent.’

If considering even the rising collapse rate of the rift…….

Fabian was forced to admit it quickly.

“It will be impossible with the method we had planned.”

In that sense, there was a need to carefully listen to the darkness spirit’s words.

Because information regarding Tepheran would be helpful in any form.

“They ended up waking an ‘existence that must not be awakened’.”

……But an existence that must not be awakened, you say?

“Deep in this underground.”

“……!”

Flash!

At those words, Fabian’s intuition stood on edge.

Labyrinth of Tepheran, the sense of incongruity he felt from the moment he stepped in.

If wealth and glory do not exist.

Just for what reason was the labyrinth built?

Finally, the questions in his head began to interlock.

Fabian muttered quietly.

“……Was it to seal the existence that must not be awakened.”

Thinking like that, everything aligned perfectly.

The traps so complex that even their designer wouldn’t be able to solve them.

The excessively inefficient structure.

Even the gloomy voice ringing in the labyrinth.

-Leave this place at once. If you do not wish to die.

Fabian smiled bitterly.

“So it wasn’t a warning but a gentle concern?”

Indeed, the legendary explorer.

Fabian’s intuition was accurate. As the darkness spirit continued its words, Aaron and Lombus swallowed a groan. Then they looked at the walls where traps were hidden.

“They didn’t just cast magic simply to screw with people.”

“The magic isn’t ordinary magic either. It’s Black Magic.”

“Because the only thing that maintains itself even after a long time passes is Black Magic.”

No matter what magic tool is used.

Magic manifested from magic power cannot be maintained permanently.

However, Black Magic manifested from ‘suitable magic power’ is different.

Suitable magic power stems from the past and one’s background.

Fabian let out his impression.

“It’s a tragedy.”

Although he doesn’t know the detailed backstory.

Tepheran, who woke the existence that must not be awakened.

In order to fulfill that responsibility.

In order to protect the peace of the Arcana continent.

They built a labyrinth to seal the existence that must not be awakened, and sacrificing themselves until now. Does it mean they became sacrifices of Black Magic so that the labyrinth could fulfill its role?

Aaron, who likewise learned of all the facts.

He placed his hand on the wall of the labyrinth.

“Then the presences felt inside the walls are?”

It meant they were the residents of Tepheran who cannot sleep eternally.

To think such a secret was hidden in the mystery.

Silence

Fabian’s group fell into thoughts and shut their mouths.

Of course, thanks to Ho-yeol’s bombshell declaration, the silence didn’t last long, but.

“……Rather than that, Sir. You said you’d break through the traps head-on!”

It was a conversation between Ho-yeol and the darkness spirit.

It was the truth of Tepheran that they, who eavesdropped from the side, also understood. There’s no way you misunderstood, Sir……. But actions followed that, no matter who looked at it, didn’t seem like empty words.

Click

Because Ho-yeol shifted his steps, making his wings flutter.

“It means I will inherit the pride of Tepheran, Fabian.”

“……What do you mean by pride?”

Sealing the existence that must not be awakened in the labyrinth?

‘Then does it mean he will solidify this seal even further?’

However, Ho-yeol’s answer was far more shocking than expected.

“The existence that must not be awakened. We just need to eliminate that very cause.”

“……!!!”

.

.

.

The existence that must not be awakened.

Why is it so overflowing with force right from its name?

I recall the information of the rift again.

[Recommended Level: Lv.500~?]

Now I think I know the reason why the recommended level wasn’t accurately specified.

Since it’s a guy tangled with the World-class quest, the 10 Great Mysteries.

Wouldn’t it be at least a named mob, and at most a boss mob.

‘Damn it, it’s my destiny.’

In that sense, truly, I resent this blasted pride…….

Noblesse Oblige.

Who cannot bear to see things unless overseeing everything benevolently.

Granfel’s aristocratic pride was speaking.

“Since Tepheran has fulfilled their duty thus far.”

From the times when the ancient city, Tepheran, was intact until now.

The survivors of Tepheran who guarded the labyrinth without being able to sleep, voluntarily becoming the hosts and sacrifices of Black Magic. Stating that you all possess the qualification to sleep peacefully.

Was the system also moved by my damn tiring pride?

The quest window was flashing.

A new quest objective updated.

─Witness the labyrinth of Tepheran. (Success)

─Reach the labyrinth’s deep sector. (Pending)

─Eliminate the ‘existence that must not be awakened’ sleeping in the deep sector. (In Progress)

To think it’s a pride that even moves the system.

……Bullshit.

I judged cool-headedly.

‘As long as the rift was created. Encountering it would have been inevitable.’

‘Existence that must not be awakened’.

Because the guy would be sealed in the deep sector.

If I don’t eliminate the guy, the rift won’t be cleared anyway. But that absolutely didn’t mean the conversation I had with the darkness spirit was meaningless.

‘How should I say it. It’s knowing beforehand the fact that I’ll be struck.’

Still, I should have been happy that I gained some leeway to prepare, but.

‘It’s a situation where I can’t just be happy, this.’

Ordinary mobs and named mobs are on a different level.

Such named mobs and boss mobs are again on a entirely different level.

To have to eliminate the ‘existence that must not be awakened’, which is obvious to be at least a named mob and at most a boss mob.

Since [Natural Enemy] isn’t activated right now, it couldn’t help but be a quite burdensome situation for me.

However, there was no hesitation in my steps.

I advanced towards the other side of the labyrinth.

Fabian’s urgent voice was heard.

“Sir! The walls will collapse. The residents of Tepheran who became sacrifices for Black Magic will……!!”

Is it because of my heavy pride that can’t live without settling down?

Or is it because of the Masterpiece – Outer Wings of a Hundred Colors fluttering elegantly?

If not that either, is it because Hiel and the darkness spirit are by my side?

No, the core isn’t something like that.

Because I knew.

‘Darkness is subordinate to deeper darkness.’

The properties of Black Magic.

Black Magicology.

Senior Mage, Matis Dean Carl, formulated its concepts only playing in the modern era, forming an anomalous magic. Although Black Magic has a short history, my knowledge regarding it is sufficient.

Who is Matis?

Before Marcelo distinguished himself, he was the mage closest to the position of Chief than anyone else.

What that word implies.

His ability is.

That there is no lacking in the Black Magicology books he authored.

It means I’ve read through every single one of such Black Magicology books existing in the Mage Tower without leaving out a single volume.

Crack

Perhaps because I stepped forward without hesitation.

An activated trap.

Looking at the collapsing walls, I stated calmly.

“Did you manifest a 『Black Coffin』 throughout the entire labyrinth? I see. I guess it was unreasonable to seal the guy with just a simple labyrinth. I can guess what you all were worried about.”

Intermediate Black Magic, Black Coffin.

Its effect deprives a part of the target’s five senses. The Black Coffin manifested in the Labyrinth of Tepheran was directed towards a single target, the existence that must not be awakened.

Soon after, the black figures completely revealing themselves.

“To maintain that Black Coffin, a massive amount of suitable magic power would have been required. In order to supply it, you must have formulated a 『Contract of Black』 offering your own bodies as sacrifices.”

Advanced Black Magic, Contract of Black.

Explained simply, it’s a type of necromancy.

If there is a difference, it’s the difference between magic power and suitable magic power. And unlike a necromancer’s necromancy, the Contract of Black can also be manifested upon living targets, about that much.

At my words, Fabian hesitated.

“Sir, does that mean……. Setting aside the meaning that the residents of Tepheran sealed the guy confined in this labyrinth eternally. That they offered their own bodies as sacrifices for Black Magic?”

Nod

Hiel nodded his head on my behalf.

Yes, Tepheran.

True to a mystery, their backstory is quite gloomy.

However, whatever results were brought about. The fact that they sacrificed their lives so they wouldn’t bring chaos to the Arcana continent remained unchanged.

It’s understandable that this blasted pride cannot just pass by.

Therefore, now that I was convinced.

There was no more whining.

“……Leave. If you do not wish to die. Leave.”

The only thing remaining was simply the resentment from their lifetimes.

The 『Contractors of Black』 were approaching.

Their numbers were immeasurably large.

“……Leave. If you do not wish to die. Leave.”

“……Leave. If you do not wish to die. Leave.”

“……Leave. If you do not wish to die. Leave.”

However, I did not step back.

I know their pride.

I also know their resentment.

“I have understood your hearts.”

You said it’s an existence that must not be awakened.

I don’t know what its true identity is, but passing from its designation alone, it must be an amazing guy.

However.

Because the side over here also possesses a designation that won’t fall behind in terms of being grandiose.

Endlessly deep darkness.

……Because the problem is rather that it’s so grandiose it makes me want to die.

Wooooo

Fitting that alias, I drew up suitable magic power.

It’s on a completely different level from when I communed with the darkness spirit.

The Labyrinth of Tepheran, the entirety of it began to commune with my suitable magic power.

Rumble rumble rumble!

Vibrations ringing in the labyrinth.

The flustered voices of Fabian’s party were heard.

“U-Union President Fabian! Just what is happening?”

However, I have no leisure to listen attentively.

Whether due to my dark history, or Granfel’s gloomy background settings. Although its source is unknown, suitable magic power surging limitlessly.

Just controlling this already feels overwhelming……!

However, as always, there was no agitation in me.

Soon after, the Contractors of Black that were approaching me came to a halt.

Simultaneously with that, a message surfaced in my vision.

[You have acquired command over the Tepheran Contractors of Black.]

They spat out words different from before.

“……After a long wait, the chance to correct our mistake has arrived.”

*

Rumble rumble rumble!

The Labyrinth of Tepheran vibrating as if it would collapse at any moment.

From all over, the screams of players rang out.

However, the real deal was just getting started.

“It doesn’t end just with shaking!”

“Mobs will pop out from the labyrinth walls!”

“Crazy! What bastard is it? The bastard who trolled, pop out right now!”

Although the locations where they dropped in the labyrinth were each different, everyone took combat stances.

Class Explorer, even Park Hwi-gang, who boasted petty combat abilities, held up a self-defense dagger.

“I ask for your understanding in advance. The broadcast transmission might be jumpy.”

It is not an ordinary labyrinth.

Although he had a hunch, he didn’t know there would be a sudden change to this extent.

As expected, is this what they mean by the Arcana continent’s 10 Great Mysteries? Even the party members who temporarily banded together each spat out their impressions.

“Even when one or two popped out, I really sweated bullets.”

“……There must be over a hundred, right?”

“Is it just a hundred? The entire labyrinth feels like it’s collapsing right now.”

“Hyung-nims, noona-nims. Today seems to be the day of my memorial service. Could you please sponsor some travel expenses for the underworld…….”

“No, are you really going to speak such ominous words over there?!”

“What? Did you even contribute to the Yukgaejang expense for me?”

Rumble!

Right when their argument was about to overheat.

The labyrinth collapsing at the appropriate timing.

However, rendering the dry saliva they swallowed meaningless.

“……Huh?”

[Tepheran Contractor of Black].

Monsters with gloomy appearances from the start did not lunge at them.

No, beyond not being hostile, they completely turned their bodies and began to proceed in the opposite direction.

“That direction is……?”

The deep sector of the labyrinth.

The place where the existence that must not be awakened is sealed.

And towards that place where the ‘Endlessly deep darkness’ had set foot.