Chapter 184 – Let Us Skip the Tea

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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Sociality of Space-Time: Ritual. You enter the Sociality of Space-Time.

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If I had an ordinary class.

I would have grumbled about what kind of skill effect this was supposed to be.

It was an effect not only unfriendly, but downright cryptic.

‘Sociality of Space-Time, you say.’

But what is my class?

The king of unfriendliness, the Demon Hunter.

On top of that, I had prior knowledge acquired through experience.

Having been tempered that way, I could guess to some extent.

‘If it is a ritual, it might be similar to the Exorcism Ritual.’

A ritual, then.

Thinking back on the Exorcism Ritual, it wouldn’t be too unreasonable.

Because even the flow of time ran separately within the Exorcism Ritual.

‘If the Exorcism Ritual is a ritual that only Demon Hunters and demons can enter, then the Sociality of Space-Time is a ritual that only Transcendents can enter, it seems.’

Thinking about it that way, my shoulders puffed up needlessly.

It felt somewhat like becoming a VIP, something like that.

Even so, I couldn’t help but flinch.

‘In any case, words I’ve spoken end up being realized no matter what.’

I had spoken to Harkon with bluster full of arrogance.

Saying, believe in me.

Despite having not even an ounce of a way to resolve the situation, as I said.

But now, having acquired [Sociality of Space-Time].

I had found the only option capable of making good on those words.

The Sociality of Space-Time.

There, the Sword Saint, who was a Transcendent just like me.

There was a chance I would meet Shegwin.

[Quest: A Pointless Endeavor]

Shegwin considered demon hunting a pointless endeavor.

Converse with Shegwin,

and discern the truth behind his actions.

─Encounter Shegwin. (In Progress)

The quest left by the Quernberg Mechanical Tower, of course.

─Defend Antonium. (In Progress)

Perhaps even the main quest objective might succeed.

But the information was far too lacking.

Above all, because I knew there would be rules, I couldn’t act carelessly any more so.

‘There will be rules, just like the Exorcism Ritual.’

The rules of the Exorcism Ritual are, well, simple.

The superior mental power dominates everything within the ritual.

But it is a ritual only Transcendents can enter.

The rules surely would not be that simple.

I wanted to search the internet if I could, but…

Could there be any related information?

“There is no socializing more important than one’s duties.”

Yes, yes, how right you are.

The only leave of absence submitted was to the Mage Tower.

Those were the words of Lord Granfel, stating that documents piling up on the desk of the Yusra Kingdom office were a separate matter entirely.

I was scanning those documents when I flinched.

‘Is this material sent from AAU?’

Because there was a peculiarly eye-catching word.

[Veterans’ Community].

Only after reading its contents carefully could I realize it.

…this is referring to the 『Sociality of Space-Time』, isn’t it?!

That is how I came to know.

The Sociality of Space-Time.

The rules of the ritual.

There was no hesitation for me at that point.

Evening, the sun having set.

I stood before a mirror.

Equipping the [Duke of Swalin’s Personal Treasure].

I adjusted my clothing and straightened the brooch. Someone might ask if I was dressing up just to enter the social gathering. I could answer firmly.

“It is not something I particularly welcome.”

…a cringe-worthy character trait surfacing after a long while.

『Heir of a great family. In the past, Granfel’s existence in social circles was like an oasis in a desert, or a mirage. Because he did not enjoy social engagements, the days he showed his face were few. Yet on the rare days he appeared without warning, he captivated the attention of every person present…….』

Honestly.

My hands and feet are curling up; I want to chop them off…!

No matter how generously I try to understand it, I cannot.

You could have simply said he was popular.

And left it at that simply, right?

Why does it have to be so specific and packed with pointless detail?!

‘He is unaware of the fact that he attracts attention, yet in reality he is admired by a great many people to a degree that sets him apart from any mere follower…….

The phase of a raging adolescence.

This is undeniably a setting riddled with blatant desire.

I’m so ashamed I can hardly even look in the mirror.

Of course.

Granfel, as always, was shameless.

And soon, I blurted out nonchalantly.

“However, if one cannot avoid it, one must enjoy it.”

Please, just stop.

Then I prayed desperately.

Please, may my dark history not be reenacted.

*

Tap

A sound echoing through the hall.

Everyone’s gazes converged.

Because they had all guessed whose unfamiliar presence it was.

The Sword Saint, Shegwin’s eyebrow twitched.

‘The one who cast a Superior Demon King into hell.’

A Superior Demon King.

Even oneself.

No, an out-of-the-norm existence that even the Transcendents gathered here would not dare to oppose. That was right. The owner of this presence was the one who had cast such a Superior Demon King into hell single-handedly.

‘I could not believe it even seeing it.’

It was the existing Transcendents gathered here who evaluated the qualifications of a new Transcendent.

And so the Transcendents confirmed the achievement that had arrived at the Sociality of Space-Time after such a long time, and were astonished.

And cast their votes in favor.

A unanimous passing with no precedent.

‘To think that someone with such capabilities remained on the continent.’

Was this truly the vast Arcana continent?

Shegwin received a greater shock than even the news that the elves had shown themselves.

The birth of such a Transcendent alone was already astonishing.

But it was also unexpected that he came straight to the social gathering.

About him, someone opened their mouth.

“Some people took years just to enter.”

The Sociality of Space-Time.

This place was not a physically existing space.

It was a space governed by consciousness, meaning one had to realize on one’s own both its existence and how to approach it.

Moreover, even if one did realize that fact.

‘One cannot easily dare to make an attempt to enter.’

A space where Transcendents of similar level.

Or above existed. Stepping in was no easy matter.

Of course, hostile acts between each other within the social gathering were prohibited.

‘In truth, setting aside the rules.’

As one could see, unless in special circumstances, Transcendents here did not exchange words with one another.

Because they could each surmise to some degree both the others’ personalities and abilities.

Each one knew well that there was nothing to be gained from starting a conflict.

‘But one cannot know that without experiencing it.’

Shegwin himself came to know about that rule through experience. The experience of drawing his sword over a quarrel here in the social gathering and getting expelled from the ritual right then and there.

“That is quite a self-confident newcomer.”

Indeed.

An entry so fast it might feel reckless was an expression of self-confidence.

Above all, looking at the confident footsteps growing closer, anyone could tell.

Tap

Soon, in the midst of everyone’s attention.

A new Transcendent appeared in the social gathering.

A chandelier on the ceiling radiating brilliant light.

Beneath it, far from losing his presence.

Rather, silver hair gleaming with a faint light.

Indeed, the silver-haired man was not the slightest bit intimidated.

‘He grasps the situation quickly. So those achievements were indeed true.’

‘To think he is not even wearing equipment.’

‘…beyond that, what region is that attire from?’

It was attire never seen on the continent.

Yet it did not feel out of place.

The top and bottom that fit him just right clung to the man as though they were his own skin.

On top of that, accessories that radiated presence without being excessive. The man’s appearance alone was already sufficient to capture the attention of everyone present.

Furthermore, was he not in possession of the achievement of killing a Superior Demon King, an overwhelming feat even among Transcendents? Perhaps because of that, an illusion arose as if a halo were shining behind the man.

But what was most astonishing was.

“……!”

The man’s behavior was natural.

No matter how much of a space of consciousness it was, what was seen and felt was no different from reality.

He could very well have been captivated by the luxurious and magnificent social hall unseen on the Arcana continent, yet…

Tap

The man did not even turn his gaze properly to any of it.

As if it were all entirely familiar.

He began walking across the social hall.

From all around, the sound of minds turning could be heard.

‘If one feels that familiar in a place like this, they must be nobility or royalty. There is no way I could not recognize a person of such caliber…?’

‘A curious existence. Just how transcendent a martial force does one have to possess to be able to slay a Superior Demon King alone?’

‘No, that is past familiarity…

…is that not utter fearlessness?’

The small murmurs.

Gradually had no choice but to turn into bewilderment.

This was certainly the man’s first visit to the Sociality of Space-Time.

As if he saw through it all.

As if he had a purpose.

The man did not hesitate.

Turning minds came to a halt.

‘I would rather avoid this if possible.’

What if, by chance, the man’s purpose was related to oneself?

They absolutely did not want to get entangled.

If only this were the Arcana continent.

‘Then one might have been able to gauge the gap in ability.’

But the irresistible rule of the social gathering.

All hostile acts between parties are prohibited.

Because of that, one could not assess the other party’s fighting strength or martial force here.

It would be more accurate to say the concept did not even exist here, making it impossible to sense at all.

‘Even without sensing it, there are achievements.’

‘Achievements of a level no one has accomplished.’

‘The first unanimous passing.’

Tap

At the man’s trajectory.

In addition to interest, concern began to pour in.

Just then, the man took a seat.

Then for what reason had he come to the Sociality of Space-Time?

In the tension.

All gazes waited only for the man’s lips to part…

.

.

.

Damnably.

My dark history never abandoned me.

Lord Granfel, who claims to have not a speck of interest in social circles, was unconcerned.

But I could feel the pouring gazes.

‘…I truly cannot live with this, past self.’

What, an oasis and a mirage of the social world?!

With this amount of attention pouring down.

Does it make sense that he himself does not know that, really?!

Tap

I will stake my certainty.

Of all places, this social gathering is more burdensome to me than any rift.

Not only the historically exceptional dark history hitting physically.

But I could tell at a glance that the individuals present here were no ordinary figures.

‘Everyone’s equipment alone is screaming that they are veterans.’

[Veterans’ Community].

The information conveyed by AAU had it stated that way. It was just a tentative name given since it remained at the idea stage, they said, but even just from that concept I could recognize it at a glance.

[Veterans’ Community: Including NPCs. A special place for ultra-high-level players who meet certain qualifications. The rules are as follows……]

If you fit only ‘Transcendent’ into the specific qualifications?

It was not different from the ‘Sociality of Space-Time.’

As expected, AAU.

I thought to myself, as Granfel said, they are not exploring the traces of the Creator for nothing, but on the other hand…

‘…why, of all things, is it a social gathering?’

A feeling of resentment welled up on one side.

Anyway, as much as possible, let me not stop my steps.

And let me not look around needlessly either.

‘It is useful at a time like this.’

An upright posture, wherever one may be.

Thanks to that, I took my seat on a luxurious chair without concern for the pouring gazes.

And then naturally gazed at the message that came to mind.

[Currently Available Menu]

According to the rules.

All facilities in the Sociality of Space-Time were free. Had Arcana been nothing but a game, I would have thought of it as a service for veterans and passed it by without much thought.

But as they say, you see as much as you know.

Now I thought I understood the reason.

‘Because there is no substance.’

A ritual.

In the end, everything that exists here has no substance.

So they offer it for free, is how I suppose it works.

Just as a cat cannot pass a fishmonger’s stall, nor a sparrow a mill, without stopping. I, Granfel, examined the message. The point being that free means there is no conflict with incorruptibility either.

By the way.

“Hmm.”

Don’t be obviously sullen, Granfel.

Could there be green tea in a place like this?

And at that, a teabag green tea at that.

[You have cancelled your order.]

……right, and what business do I have with tea in a situation like this.

I have a clear purpose for visiting the social gathering.

I delayed no further.

The vast social gathering.

Deep blue hair.

Clear blue eyes.

I looked at the Sword Saint, Shegwin.

And opened my mouth.

“Shegwin.”

Surrounding Antonium.

Not only that, but destroying the Quernberg Mechanical Tower.

That was an act where not a speck of dignity could be found.

Naturally, gentle words could not come out of my mouth.

“I will ask you something.”

“……?”

“Are you aware of your sins?”

“……!”

……even so, throwing a direct strike out of nowhere.

Granfel, you are clearly irritated because there was no green tea on the menu.

But since I had already said it, there was no taking it back.

“From now on, think wisely before you answer.”

I continued with an icier voice than any other time.

“Depending on your answer, I will decide your disposition.”

“!!!”