Chapter 155 – What Has Bloomed (2)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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“It is incomparably superb.”

The problem was that this exclamation was directed at a 300 won high-grade green tea teabag but……. Hmm, still, it’s a statement I can sympathize with. Indeed, environment is important.

‘Is it because I’m drinking it after getting completely soaked in the rain.’

It’s the best among the green teas I’ve drank so far.

It exactly feels like drinking fish cake soup in cold winter.

Of course, tea time was not long.

It might be different for Granfel, but to me, an item vastly more important than a 300 won green tea teabag was right before my eyes.

[Hexagram Brooch 2/6]

A total of six hexagram brooches.

I already possessed one of them.

……If I must be precise, I rented it from the Mage Tower but.

Am I not the Chief of the Mage Tower? It means I am the Mage Tower, and the Mage Tower is me. It means the Mage Tower and I aren’t in a relationship that would turn sour just because I took a long-term rental of a single magical tool.

‘Even so, considering how much I’ve done for the Mage Tower.’

A level restriction of a mere level 100.

Because it was a hexagram brooch boasting a level restriction low enough to be counted on one hand even among the magical tools scattered across Garnet Hall. So it was natural to flinch.

[Rank: Unique]

[Restriction: Lv.500]

[Effect: All physical attack damage increases by 10 percent.]

[Description: It is a part of the brooch where six gather to become one. As it is merely an extremely small fraction, its effect is considerably lost.]

Suddenly a level 500 restriction?

A stat I couldn’t even imagine popped out.

Level 100 and level 500.

Isn’t this a gap too large to be grouped as a set item?

A whopping level 500.

If it was just a little while ago, I might have poured out laments about my circumstances.

However, who am I?

The Demon Hunter who hunted millions of demons on the Arcana continent.

‘……If I must be precise about this too, the Iron Castle hunted them but.’

Am I not the one who acquired the command right of the Iron Castle? Just like with the Mage Tower, it means I am the dwarves, and the Iron Castle. The proof of that appeared as a level like this.

[Name: Granfel Claudi Arpeus Romeo]

[Title: The Last Adventurer, Sublime]

[Class: Demon Hunter]

[Level: 494]

[Stats]

Strength: 84 / Agility: 92 / Magic Power: 421 / Luck: 10 / Aesthetics: Low

[Held Points: 4]

Level 490 right before entering the [Dungeon: City of Melancholic Rain].

While clearing the dungeon rift, I leveled up by 4 levels. It means there are only six steps left until level 500, which would have felt unapproachable in the past.

So the reason I was surprised wasn’t because of the level restriction.

“It is a magnificent crafting skill. It is a brooch that holds value even in its incomplete state.”

……Of course, it’s not because the brooch is beautiful either. Granfel.

It was so.

The reason I flinched was because of the effect of the second Hexagram Brooch.

I confirmed the effect of the first Hexagram Brooch anew.

[Effect: Upon using magic, restores 10 percent of consumed magic power.]

Looking at it again, no matter who sees it, it was an effect for mage items. This one.

So I had slight expectations.

Because the level restriction is five times higher. Could the effect also be inflated by five times. Thinking, even without [Natural Enemy Relationship], wouldn’t I no longer have days where I suffer from magic power shortage.

[Effect: All physical attack damage increases by 10 percent.]

But what is this, this suddenly bursting effect out of nowhere.

A 10 percent increase in all physical attack damage.

No matter who looks at this, isn’t this an effect not meant for mages?

‘But if I discard my prejudice and look at it objectively……’

I could realize it at once.

This is not an ordinary effect.

From the days when Arcana was merely a game until now. Items holding effects that increased damage amount received tremendous treatment.

However, most of those items were double-edged swords.

Without having to look far, you could tell just by looking at the Mage Tower’s magical tools, the [Token of the Whirlwind] or the [Masterpiece – Lightning-Struck Branch Wand].

To have a 24-hour cooldown while increasing the destructive power of merely a single magic.

Because they carried tricky conditions like increasing magic power consumption amount in exchange for increasing damage amount.

‘But, there are no conditions.’

On top of that, its versatility was immense.

All physical attack damage.

Let alone swinging a sword or shooting crossbow bolts.

Depending on the time, even physical attack damage could be inflicted with magic.

Stone walls or stone pillars.

Magics manifested by exploring minerals would be typical examples.

“It lacks nothing to be worn.”

No, it doesn’t lack nothing, there is no effect this appropriate!

Class, Demon Hunter.

The goal is only one.

To hunt demons without choosing the means and methods.

[Strength] [Agility] [Magic Power].

Am I not the one who touched three stats when others found it insufficient to touch even one? To think an unbefittingly miscellaneous effect for a set item would conversely become a benefit.

Indeed, it was worth investing points in [Luck] as if three weren’t enough either.

‘Moreover, this isn’t the end.’

Two hexagram brooches.

The moment they are worn together and that set item effect is activated.

An additional effect might also manifest.

Therefore, what is lacking is up to level 500.

Only my own level which is lagging behind by 6 levels.

I got completely soaked in the rain, but it was not a bad conquest of the London rift.

Starting from learning the hidden effect of the title, [Sublime]. The second [Hexagram Brooch] which had an effect different from my expectations but beyond them. And lastly, even the danger of demon kin monsters.

“However, pride and arrogance are strictly distinct things.”

Well said, Granfel.

Knowing it yet staying still with hands off is not overflowing with pride, but merely arrogance.

Especially if it’s a matter where innocent others get swept up like today’s London incident.

In that sense, there might be a need to take a look around?

AAU.

Indeed, it means there is a need to confirm if the UK Branch Director was the only one possessed by a demon.

There was no need to worry about how to meet the Branch Directors of countries around the world.

Grasping my subject matter, I knew my position well.

Clack

I put down the teacup and opened my mouth.

“I will examine your pride.”

I’m not the one in a regrettable position.

So now according to formalities and procedures…….

Let’s change clothes first.

No matter how omnipotent the [Warmth] buff is, it cannot prevent the unpleasantness of even my underwear being wet.

*

[Shureig, “Lee Ho-yeol is the savior of London.”]

[Eyewitness 曰, “Lee Ho-yeol’s contracted spirit made the trees grow.”]

[Famous Botanist, “A tree that has never been reported to the academic world…….”]

The media, without anyone needing to be the first, poured out news regarding London, the dungeon rift, and Lee Ho-yeol. The reason was simple. It was to not get swept away by a massive headwind.

VBC Newsroom.

Tadadadak!

Reporters pounding on keyboards as if their fingers were on fire.

“Phew. Everyone is working hard.”

Do they say there’s nothing as entertaining as watching a fire?

As expected, the old saying wasn’t wrong at all.

PD Hyun Yong-seok rubbed salt in their wounds while loudly sipping his Americano.

“Wow. No time to rest. No time to rest.”

Until right before the London incident broke out, they were the government’s spokesperson.

And they became an anonymous AAU official.

It was the media that had been fabricating public opinion regarding Lee Ho-yeol.

Hyun Yong-seok firmly held back the laughter trying to burst out.

“Even if they have personal feelings. Are they allowed to do that.”

In the newsroom, Player Lee Ho-yeol’s notoriety that isn’t really notoriety is famous.

He doesn’t even react to most questions.

Even if a question is asked with proper formality and etiquette, what returns is only a short and terse formal answer.

-“It’s an internal matter.”

Having only seen players who at least acted coy, when they encountered Lee Ho-yeol.

How much must the reporters’ insides have burned?

Even if the feelings could be understood, they strictly crossed the line this time.

Tsk tsk, Hyun Yong-seok clicked his tongue.

“Making up stories that don’t even exist.”

“……Hey seriously, Hyun Yong-seok! Keep fanning the flames. Fan them.”

“Ah, were you here? Senior Jung?”

“You bastard, even if you formed a team and got out of the newsroom, do you really have to rub salt in the wound like this? What did you do to you to deserve this? No, forget it. I don’t even want to talk. Get lost.”

Senior Jung, Jung Isaac, closing his eyes tightly.

But who was Hyun Yong-seok?

Inside VBC, positively speaking, he was crazy about broadcasting.

Negatively speaking, he was known as simply a crazy guy.

At the tearful senior’s expression, Hyun Yong-seok’s voice brightened.

“Phew, you must be frustrated. Even though I want to pass around a cool iced Americano each. Out of all days, I left my wallet at home today? How about I pull out a cup of cool cold water from the break room for each of you?”

“T-that bastard, however……!!”

In the end, the moment the exploded Senior Jung glared with wide eyes.

Crash!

With a loud noise, an urgent voice could be heard.

“Ah seriously, were you here again? Hiss, my toe.”

Hopping on one foot.

The man grabbing his sneaker was none other than the General Camera Director of Today’s Arcana, Yoon Jong-jin. Rustle rustle. Seeing Yoon Jong-jin packing snacks first, Jung Isaac swallowed his indignation.

“……Those guys seriously, acting crazy as a pair!”

Munch munch.

Yoon Jong-jin, who put a snack in his mouth, continued speaking.

“Where on earth do you leave your phone and genuinely make people search for you?”

“Why, what’s of a fuss again. Is it because you want to go on a business trip to London?”

“Please don’t say something terrible. Did you check it, the video?”

“Video?”

What video is he talking about out of nowhere…….

Hyun Yong-seok, who was murmuring, flinched.

If he’s making a fuss to this extent, naturally.

“……Jong-jin, don’t tell me it’s that thing I was talking about?”

“Yes! That’s it.”

“Let’s bounce. There are too many eyes watching here.”

“Hey seriously, what is it?! If you made a noise, you should drop something before leaving!”

Ignoring Jung Isaac’s pleas.

The two men strolled the corridor with fast steps.

Yoon Jong-jin whispered secretly.

“It seems to have been caught on the CCTV recording. Lee Ho-yeol’s combat scene!”

Bizarre space, rift.

Is it because reality and the Arcana continent are mixed half and half?

Modern items including smartphones and cameras operate perfectly fine even inside the rift. So what came to mind was exactly the CCTVs on the streets of London.

“Damn it, I’m madly jealous. UK broadcasting station bastards!”

Right about now, they must be thoroughly reviewing the secured CCTVs.

To grasp the truth of what exactly happened in the rift surrounded by the rain fog.

And also to report Lee Ho-yeol’s active role to the world faster than anyone else.

“Hehe.”

“……But what’s so good that you’re smiling? Think you’re getting on a plane?”

“You know I studied abroad in the UK, right?”

“What studied abroad when you can’t even do basic conversation.”

“No, do you really have to embarrass a person like that when speaking.”

Yoon Jong-jin smacked his lips.

Of course, it wasn’t a wrong statement, so his discouragement didn’t last long.

Moreover, he had something to say at least for today.

“I might not know English conversation, but among international students. I solidly consolidated my networking amazingly well. Thanks to those connections, I also received a video like this.”

“……What video?!”

“I have a local friend who runs a pub on a London street. It’s the CCTV recording from that pub. I haven’t checked it yet either but. They said Lee Ho-yeol was caught on the pub’s external CCTV…….”

“!”

Snatch

A hand faster than the eye.

Hyun Yong-seok snatched the smartphone and immediately played the video.

Soon, the panorama of London pops up.

“!!”

Not long after, astonishment was etched onto the faces of the two men.

Hyun Yong-seok’s hands trembled.

No matter how crazy he was about scoops and exclusive articles.

He didn’t dare to bite down on this incident at all.

Understandably so.

“D-does this make any sense?”

To report it relying only on a single CCTV recording.

Because the sight inside the video unfolding before his eyes was truly unbelievable.

Hyun Yong-seok was dumbfounded and asked himself.

“I-in the world, where is there a person who beats monsters to death with an umbrella?!”

.

.

.

It was a question someone threw into the community.

──────

Title: But no matter how much it’s Lee Ho-yeol, isn’t it too much?

Content: The Arcana continent completely perished due to demons. Think about it. How many named NPCs were there in Arcana? On top of that, there are boss mobs that reigned as leaders in each region. But how are we supposed to stop the demons that even they couldn’t stop.

──────

Lee Ho-yeol?

Of course, he is amazing.

Estimated level at least 900.

Chief of the Mage Tower.

As if that wasn’t enough, he reconstructed the ancient Yusra Kingdom, saved Frost, and is also allied with the Goddess Religion. The Shadow Mercenaries and even the Explorer’s Federation.

Anyway, it meant immense factions were all attached to Lee Ho-yeol’s side.

“Plus us. Even players participated in the holy war through quests.”

“Even so, the holy war is a much more disadvantageous fight for us.”

“No, so you’re saying you’ll just suck on your fingers?”

“It’s not that, it’s just that I’m becoming concerned.”

[Quest: Unfinished Holy War].

The scale of the quest had grown to an uncontrollable extent.

Arcanians, massive guilds, and even supernovas.

Since countless players had gathered, it was natural for loaches muddying the water to mix in.

“Can Lee Ho-yeol truly not be shaken?”

If the focal point shakes, it’s natural for the foundation to shake.

Lee Ho-yeol, who became the symbol of peace by crushing the Demon King.

Now that he has perfectly cleared even the London incident.

The image of Lee Ho-yeol shaking.

It couldn’t be easily imagined but…….

“To look at it optimistically, Lee Ho-yeol is shouldering too much.”

Lee Ho-yeol’s shoulders were heavy, severely heavy.

The standard the world holds against Lee Ho-yeol.

Because it was literally the standard of a superhuman (超人).

If one were human, it couldn’t help but be burdensome.

“……He’s amazing, but sometimes it makes me feel a bit sorry for him.”

It was the moment someone murmured like that.

Crash!

A loud roar echoed in the tavern.

“Uwaaaaaah!!”

A bizarre scream even worse than that followed.

Yusra Kingdom.

It was Lackid, who had become a specialty of the Golden Calf Tavern.

To think he would smash the table with his fist.

He’s throwing a drunken tantrum like always.

That drunken tantrum is severe today of all days.

It was the moment the players tried to force themselves to ignore it and move on.

“……Wait, what’s that video? Isn’t that Lee Ho-yeol?”

Breaking news popped up on the screen.

The playing CCTV of a London street.

There, a level 600 monster.

Facing the [Wraiths of the Melancholic City], Ho-yeol stood raising an umbrella.

An upright but never stiff movement.

As Ho-yeol swung the umbrella, the wraiths scattered on the street like water.

Lackid gritted his teeth.

‘That is not sword qi.’

It is something that surpassed the level of sword qi.

In that short time.

To step into a realm that even I cannot fathom.

Lackid’s pent-up anger boiled up from inside.

“If you’re going to spout bullshit that ruins the taste of alcohol, how about you guys fuck off. Huh?!”

He shouted towards the players who had been chattering since a while ago.

“You feel sooory for a monster like that?! What nonsense!!”

.

.

.

I looked at myself engaging in an umbrella fight on the screen.

……Really, I sure know how to strike a pose.

Moreover, am I advertising a dark past to the world.

A black long umbrella of all things.

There is no other pitiful person like me in this world.