Chapter 202 – But Before That (2)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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It wasn’t Grandfell’s discerning eye I had to worry about.

It was my, Lee Ho-yeol’s dying of embarrassment I had to worry about.

No, seriously, why is it so flashy?!

Let’s carefully examine its appearance from the outside.

Should I call this a jacket.

Really, like some noble from the Middle Ages…. No, it’s a make so flashy that even an ordinary noble wouldn’t dare covet it. A navy fabric close to black.

To express that profound color in Grandfell’s style.

“Is it the color of the sky right before dawn.”

What a killer visual expression.

If he expresses it twice, he’ll even kill me, totally.

‘Anyway.’

What embroidered on that fabric was.

A silver embroidery that looked exorbitantly expensive even at a glance.

From the collar on the neck to the lapel.

The continuing pattern of the embroidery is so flashy it makes one blush.

But that was only the beginning.

What are the epaulettes on both shoulders again.

They look like they’d swing cumbersomely every time one moves. I look closer to examine it in more detail…. This doesn’t even look like ordinary silver?

The effect of [Pentagram of Pure Knowledge].

Thanks to having acquired knowledge about all minerals in the Arcana Continent, I could realize it immediately.

‘It’s [Platinum of Magic Power].’

Platinum of Magic Power.

A precious body whose supply is extremely limited because a vein does not exist.

Naturally, its effect is also not something to be compared with general minerals.

How much of such Platinum of Magic Power did they hammer into a mere jacket, this? Just the epaulettes on both shoulders alone looked like they would easily weigh several tens of don.

Considering the weight consumed for the vest, belt, and trousers….

Really, it seemed they used Platinum of Magic Power in platinum ingot units.

If one had a conscience, one had no choice but to admire it.

“It seems you have poured your heart and soul into it.”

When dealing with clothes, he’s infinitely sincere.

For such words to come out of the picky Grandfell’s mouth.

Everyone including Wallswale must have suffered tremendously, everyone.

Hiel bowed his head politely.

“Since my lord is satisfied, I am finally relieved.”

….Yeah, Hiel.

Because of the effort you put in in many ways.

No, thanks to you.

Such armor must have been born.

Is this the feeling of a parent receiving a carnation made by their child on Parents’ Day.

So I have no choice but to put it on again.

‘But before that.’

Let’s check the equipment’s specs too.

Since I might not be able to meet the wear restriction by any chance.

I examined the floating info windows one by one.

But, wait a minute.

[Trousers of the One Waiting for Dawn]

[Shirt of the One Waiting for Dawn]

[Vest of the One Waiting for Dawn]

[Belt of the One Waiting for Dawn]

[Jacket of the One Waiting for Dawn]

I wasn’t surprised by the fact that it was a set item.

‘One waiting for dawnnnnnn?!’

Navy color close to black.

Seeing that and calling it the color of the sky right before dawn.

Certainly, Grandfell had babbled like that.

‘There’s no way dwarves have such sensibility.’

This is a naming only an owner of a sensibility exactly like Grandfell’s could do.

Naturally, the one coming to mind is one person.

No, only one spirit.

The End, it’s you.

I tightly blocked the sigh trying to flow out.

‘….Yeah, it’s not like I’m going to show it to other people.’

Let’s endure it.

Just.

Only I am a little embarrassed, Ho-yeol.

In that sense, I need mental victory saying I’m wearing it out of necessity because of the performance.

I examined the info windows in order.

“!”

And flinched.

[Grade: Epic]

The five pieces of equipment, all of them were Epic grade.

Even if I had acquired the [Legend] grade Gwicheol.

The value of an Epic item doesn’t change.

It means each one has a value equivalent to a Demon King’s spoils…!

“Indeed.”

It’s not incomprehensible.

No, considering the value of the invested materials and what kind of existences the dwarves who refined them are, Epic grade might actually be a proper judgment.

[Restriction: Lv.500 / High-level Reputation]

For now, it’s a relief.

Level limit, level 500.

An additional restriction of [High-level Reputation] was imposed, but it’s not a problem for me.

A high-level reputation is something I met since I defeated the Seven Deadly Sins, Greed.

I grew this much.

Gloating inwardly was also a brief moment.

Separately from the info window.

An additional message floated up.

[The wear restriction is greatly alleviated by Artisan’s Dexterity.]

[Applied Artisan’s Dexterity effect: – Lv.300]

….No, I retract saying I grew.

‘I still have a long way to go.’

If it wasn’t for the Artisan’s Dexterity effect, the level limit would be a whopping level 800. If it wasn’t for the dwarves, I wouldn’t have even been able to put one leg into the trouser leg, this?

[Effect: Manifests upon equipping the set item]

[Description: Equipment produced solely for ‘The One Waiting for Dawn’. Masterpiece, excellent work, magnum opus. Since no modifier can express its nobility, no modifier was attached to it.]

As stated in the description too.

Only the one waiting for dawn.

So I am thankful that they said it’s equipment made just for me, but….

Somehow the effect is a little peculiar.

‘Though Epic items are all like that.’

The Demon King’s spoils too.

From the Epic grade, the effect was certainly unique.

Even just the Demonic Eye’s Telescope or Baton, they had effects that players as well as Arcanians would find questionable.

‘Of course, the effect is merely a part of the performance.’

In the Arcana system, the attack power or defense power of equipment items are not displayed separately. The reason is that attack power and defense power cannot be calculated and quantified.

However, a guess can be made.

[Fang of the Evil Earth Dragon]

[Grade: Unique]

[Restriction: Lv.800]

[Effect: None]

[Description: A sword made from the fang of an earth dragon that couldn’t become a dragon. Due to the earth dragon’s innate limitation, it does not possess special effects, but its destructive power does not fall behind compared to any weapon.]

If it’s an exceptional level considering the wear restriction, whether in the description or the effect.

Because it allowed the player to recognize its performance in some way.

‘Anyway, it lives up to its grade.’

Of course, is it because it’s an Epic item.

The description was ominous rather than specific, but.

It’s not something to worry about.

Wouldn’t I know once I wear it?

‘I also have a testing ground just in time.’

The original wear restriction of the equipment was level 800, which was the same as the recommended level of the [Dungeon: Siren of Lava] I entered currently. Meaning there’s no more appropriate situation than this.

Float

Applying magic power to make the clothes float in the air and change.

Although changing clothes randomly at a cave entrance, the disciplined and confident movement was as elegant as changing in a luxury boutique dressing room.

What’s left is now just the jacket.

An unusually flashy jacket even among the clothes.

Really, an oops spills out involuntarily.

‘What’s up with adding blue jewels too. Seriously.’

Is it a medal, or what.

As I reached out for the jacket like that.

Wait a second, the energy felt from my hand is ominous.

Since they all floated the exact same info window without exception. It was a disaster that I put off checking the info of the particularly avoidable jacket until the end.

[Restriction: Lv.700]

Level 700 even receiving the Artisan’s Dexterity effect.

That means it was originally a one thousand (1,000) level item?

Someway I thought I was seriously excessively radiant…!

I slyly looked at Hiel.

Those sparkling eyes are incredibly burdensome.

My head is full of a myriad of thoughts.

To think there are still 100 levels left.

To think I can’t even check the set effect before reaching level 700.

I felt like my energy was draining out.

But as expected, there is no showing it on the outside.

Swish

I picked up the jacket shamelessly.

Then draped it over my shoulders.

That’s right.

This is my best at this point in time.

Why, you ask?

Because of this damn level.

I can’t even put a single arm inside the jacket.

‘….Is this at least a relief.’

That I can attach the jacket to my shoulders like a magnet with magic power.

At my appearance like that, Hiel’s eyes popped out round.

“This Hiel, I could not even dare to think of such a wearing method.”

At those words, I examine my appearance once.

Since other players’ equipment is formidably fantasy-like too. Even if I try to roughly understand and move on. Draping a jacket over the shoulders is really hard to accept….

‘….If it cannot be accepted.’

Good.

Swiftly reaching level 700.

It’s a matter of meeting the restriction.

So, although I declared that level doesn’t matter.

Unable to help but obsess over the level.

In a profound contradiction, I moved my steps.

Click

Oh wait.

Speaking of which.

I should also do something about these damn clicking shoes….

*

Zero Mountain Range.

Hunting was in full swing in the vast new continent.

If one asked whether hunting didn’t continue in the ruptures.

It was said without knowing anything.

“It can truly be called an all-out war!”

It was different from ruptures where only players could enter.

Zero Mountain Range, added as a region.

The monsters that revealed themselves in reality were defenseless against modern firearms.

Bang

Gunshots that couldn’t be heard in the Arcana Continent.

Guild Master of Unification of the World, Liu Guanzun shouted.

“All forces advance!”

There’s a reason he brought an aircraft carrier fleet.

The moment the Zero Mountain Range was added as a region, not a rupture.

Liu Guanzun completed all his plans.

After the era of Cataclysm dawned.

Saying he would utilize the military power of his homeland that had faded.

Class skill of [Monarch] activated.

Liu Guanzun’s eyes swiftly surveyed the state of the battle.

Players with glaringly evident signs of exhaustion from continuous hunting.

Liu Guanzun deployed military forces behind them.

Bang!

Rat-a-tat!

Bang bang!

The early days of the Cataclysm.

The world developed new weapons to counter monsters flooding reality.

Indeed, the power of [Science] that supported humanity was great.

Even if they were monsters.

It was difficult to withstand the new anti-monster weapons that maximized lethality.

However, the story was different in ruptures.

Only players could enter ruptures.

Only a tiny fraction of players could skillfully handle such new weapons.

Moreover, even if they hunted monsters with new weapons, they suffered massive experience losses and couldn’t properly raise skill proficiency.

An executive of Unification of the World, Yugio.

“I thought they were utterly scrap metal.”

She continued speaking as if touched.

“As expected, it’s our Monarch Liu. I couldn’t even imagine you would utilize those nuisances in this way!”

Of course, the monsters of the Zero Mountain Range were not easy-going.

Even after taking hundreds of pouring bullets.

They didn’t stop struggling until the very, very end.

But there is no champion against overwhelming numbers.

Boom.

Thud.

Rumble.

Beasts of the mountain range falling everywhere.

Then a message floated up to Liu Guanzun.

[You have leveled up.]

The deployed military forces were not ordinary people but all players.

Low-level players from his homeland who didn’t qualify to enter Unification of the World.

Liu Guanzun had no intention to nurture them.

They were existences who couldn’t even become his sword and shield in the first place.

They were merely stepping stones to step on and advance.

Liu Guanzun’s eyes flashed.

‘That’s right. It is only possible for me.’

Other [Monarchs] who relied on players were entirely weeded out.

The only one surviving is himself reigning above players.

‘Now that the Zero Mountain Range has revealed itself, it is a matter of time.’

Level 524.

Finally, entering the same eye level.

Rox, I will surpass you.

Skal, you too are no exception.

The news of Liu Guanzun’s level up was relayed to Rox in real time too.

“No way. Aren’t we going to be caught up to at this rate, Rox?”

At Dmitri’s fuss, Rox laughed.

“Haha. Perhaps so.”

“You laughing? You can laugh in this situation? Seriously?”

“Well, if they bring guns and shoot, what can we do?”

Contrary to his words, Rox’s eyes narrowed.

‘Did he fail to realize even after witnessing?’

The duel between Ho-yeol and the Sword Saint.

From the duel, Rox realized.

That what matters is not level.

And why Ho-yeol gave players the opportunity to interact with Arcana Continent people, including the Lionheart Knights and Mage Tower.

‘That there is something more important than level.’

Rox could be certain.

Liu Guanzun’s direction is wrong.

That’s why he wasn’t feeling impatient.

Of course, that tranquility didn’t last long.

“….Wait a minute, Rox?”

Camilla, who was scouting the surroundings from a tree top, flinched.

“This is, an unexpected guest has arrived?”

It was a figure who had planted few bad memories in Camilla.

At Camilla’s rare reaction, Rox could intuitively guess.

Who that uninvited guest was.

An eternal rival incomparable to Liu Guanzun.

“It’s Skal.”

As if saying correct.

Clip-clop

The sound of horse hooves echoed in the mountain range.

Soon, from below the mountain range, Skal.

His Alexander, with a golden mane flying, revealed its appearance.

With Skal’s appearance being the last piece.

Arcana’s official ranking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd assembled in the Zero Mountain Range.

Camilla spoke with a voice glaringly evident of discomfort.

“But, what’s wrong with his expression? Looks like he’s angry, Rox?”

“!!”

What offended Skal’s temper?

Amid the escalating tension.

Skal gradually got closer.

.

.

.

Skal repeated inside his mouth.

“Lee Ho-yeol.”

….No. Before the meeting, formality and etiquette first.

“Excuse me, where on earth could Sir Ho-yeol be?”

Averring a saying that would make the person concerned freak out if heard.

To such Skal, Rox of course.

The entire Shining guild wouldn’t enter his eyes.

Clip-clop!

Alexander’s horse hooves didn’t stop.

Swoosh!

Let alone having a conversation.

Without even making eye contact.

Skal brushing past them.

In the silence

“….Huh?”

Only Dmitri tilted his head.