Chapter 43 – It’s Been a While Since You Used a Sword (3)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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Appreciating the tea and checking the appraisal contents for a moment.

Click

I put down the teacup.

To state the core point first, it was like this.

“What a pity.”

First of all, it seemed there was no method to lower the level requirement of items even in the Mage Tower.

[Vampire Count’s Orb]

[Grade: Unique]

[Requirement: Lv.400]

[Effect: When attacking, applies additional damage with a high probability.]

[Description: An orb filled with a vampire’s blood. Every time it comes into contact with magic power, its blood bursts out and inflicts damage to the target.]

Additional damage with a high probability upon every attack.

I had thought it might be a good match for me but.

‘Because magic can be manifested creatively.’

To put it bluntly, let’s say I split a single piece of rock into small pieces.

And blew it away at the enemy.

Because the additional damage effect would be applied to every single small pebble.

The damage would essentially more than double.

I had requested the appraisal thinking, ‘Perhaps I can salvage just that effect, by any chance’.

‘Because level 400 is a story too far away.’

My level is nothing but a mere level 226 after all.

‘It’s gone down the drain.’

Thinking so, my gaze naturally went to the postscript.

-[Vampire Count’s Orb] possesses an effect that is hard to observe even in the Mage Tower. There are doubts about whether its heterogeneous effect is related to demonic magic tools. Therefore, we formally request to rent the [Vampire Count’s Orb] for research purposes.

“A rental request.”

Certainly, demonic items were not common.

Furthermore, the [Vampire Count’s Orb] was high in level.

I did not ponder for long.

Scribble

I immediately scribbled on the parchment with my quill pen.

I will accept that request.

Setting aside the immediate effect, it was an item that only took up space in my inventory for me anyway. Above all, to think the world-renowned Mage Tower would eat an item and run.

Theres no way.

Besides.

“Everything has a give and take.”

Right, there is a give and take.

I looked down at the brooch for no reason.

‘……Since I need to have something to say too.’

If by any chance they asked me to return the Hexagram Brooch.

If I put forward the [Vampire Count’s Orb], wouldn’t I be able to postpone it somehow?

Considering the level of magic tools scattered around the Mage Tower, there might even be a possibility of them just forgetting about it and moving on.

‘It’s a loss for me, but I will tolerate it until I reach level 400. Generously.’

Who knows?

Good research results might come out and it might be profitable for me too.

That useless expectation lasted for a moment.

I moved on to the next content.

[Pure Emerald Crystal].

As a material item, it seemed production tailored to my requirements was possible.

As expected, it was the Mage Tower.

Although it was before production.

There was an explanation of roughly what kind of effect it would have.

-From the appraisal result, it is confirmed that a [Recovers Health upon taking a hit] effect will be endowed.

In the past, back when Arcana was a game.

How was the Mage Tower able to sweep up Players’ money?

I felt like I knew the reason.

‘To be able to know the effect before crafting!’

Because it meant equipment could be crafted suitably for that effect.

There was a reason Players spent tremendous expenses to get appraisals.

By the way, to think I am utilizing such a premium service for free.

‘Feeling a bit like I’ve made it in the world isn’t bad.’

Recovers health upon taking a hit, huh.

Above all, it was an effect with good versatility.

It meant it was an effect that didn’t particularly discriminate against classes.

‘Considering reselling it later on as well…….’

It certainly would be better to craft it towards an [Accessory].

Even in the appraisal result, there was content recommending the crafting of an [Accessory].

Above all, because the level requirement could also be matched to my level so I could equip it right away.

“There shouldn’t be a need to hesitate for this either.”

Picking up the quill pen once again for a moment.

The last item, [Island’s Treasure, Koi Scale Silk].

I checked the appraisal result I was curious about the most.

[Island’s Treasure, Koi Scale Silk]

[Grade: Unique]

[Requirement: None]

[Effect: Upon crafting, endows the crafted item with Fire-attribute affinity enhancement / Evasion probability enhancement / Aesthetic stat unlocking effect]

[Description: Silk that cannot be traded even for jewels of the same weight. Because it is so rare, no one would dare evaluate its worth.]

The thing that was the biggest question above all else was.

Was exactly the [Aesthetic] stat.

‘Since it didn’t come up even when I scoured the internet.’

No matter what, wouldn’t the Mage Tower know?

However, it was an unexpected result.

“Hmm.”

……Even the Mage Tower does not know?

It was clearly written on the parchment as an ‘unconfirmed unknown ability’.

Befitting the Mage Tower that explores the unknown and truth.

Similar to the [Vampire Count’s Orb], a postscript was added.

Needless to say, it was a polite rental request.

Right, they must be curious.

An unknown ability.

Theyd only be satisfied after confirming the effect of [Aesthetic].

But.

“That’s a shame.”

This is something even I cannot concede, though?

‘This side’s purpose is not for research but survival……!’

Of course, the absolute performance of the equipment would also decrease the lower the level requirement is.

But am I in a situation to be picky about such things right now?

Whatever the material is.

If it’s even a little helpful, I have to craft and use it. That was my reality.

And above all, Granfel’s discerning eye.

“I have already decided where to use it.”

Because that lofty perspective of his had been keeping in mind right from the start what to make out of this scale silk. Soon, my gaze headed toward my empty jacket pocket.

Scratch, scratch

Such a me finally wrote a reply on the parchment.

──────

[Vampire Count’s Orb] – Rent

[Pure Emerald Crystal] – Craft Accessory

[Island’s Treasure, Koi Scale Silk] – Craft Handkerchief

──────

Handkerchief.

‘……If it were really me, I wouldn’t have even been able to imagine it.’

A handkerchief, seriously.

Anyway, since it was an item that could satisfy both formality and aesthetic sense. It would be nice if I could even get a plausible effect on top of that.

‘Well, you never know until you crack it open, right?’

The effect of the [Aesthetic] stat.

That wasn’t up to me.

What I could do was.

Just adding a few words in the postscript.

-Regardless of the cost, I want the best possible result.

Scratch

Very characteristic of me.

-I look forward to the abilities of the Mage Tower.

.

.

.

……By the way, just when I felt something was missing.

Matis Dean Carl!

I had forgotten the message from that Senior Mage.

I check its contents belatedly.

Oops.

It would have at least put my mind at ease if they had thrown me grounds for a proof like the [Sage’s Pastime]. But isn’t this nothing more than a simple request?

-……I will be waiting in the Floating Garden.

Of course, neither his face, our acquaintance, nor his business could be known.

But looking at it broadly, aren’t we coworkers in the same workplace?

If one must nitpick, I’m a non-regular temp, but anyway.

‘Is he still waiting?’

Far from going out to the meeting place, it’s like I left a company message on read.

‘Wait, if it’s the Floating Garden…….’

It was a space that could be called the Mage Tower’s social venue.

It wasn’t difficult to find.

Because there were books about the structure of the Mage Tower among the books placed in the laboratory.

Of course, the prior knowledge of it being a social venue was also obtained from there.

However.

While sitting at the desk, I did not move in the slightest.

Anyhow, this damn personality that values formality and procedure!

There was no such thing as flexibility in it.

Unless it was a mutually agreed-upon appointment, even if it’s a coworker.

Even if they are waiting for a long time at the meeting place.

It means there is no reason to meet.

I thought once again.

‘No matter how much I think about it…….’

Quitting my job was a godsend move!

Saying I cannot follow the instructed contents.

I imagine myself furiously talking back to the boss.

Even that hair color being silver.

‘……Truly terrible even just imagining it.’

It’s a pity for Matis who would be waiting, but it cannot be helped.

That this stubbornness wouldn’t bend.

Because I knew well enough through experience.

Like refusing an interview.

Or telling players to receive etiquette education first.

To list them, there’s no end to that experience…….

-That is troublesome.

That was it.

Just four syllables.

That was my reply.

But letters floated up on the parchment immediately.

-Then is tomorrow afternoon alright?

It was an instant reply, as if not caring about being refused.

At this point, I become curious about that purpose.

Because it’s obvious the Senior Mage would harp on about my qualifications.

I picked up the quill pen.

-That is also troublesome.

However, that was also troublesome.

A prior engagement in the afternoon.

Because I had a swordsmanship training schedule mapped out.

Conveying the intent of refusal once again.

However, an immediate answer returned this time too.

-Then how about the morning time the day after that?

……At this rate, isn’t this exactly the Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage?

I somewhat understand the reason Zhuge Liang’s heart wavered.

Of course, Granfel’s stubbornness was unyielding to the point where it couldn’t be compared with Zhuge Liang.

The reason for consenting wasn’t that my emotions wavered over affection or what have you, but simply because the appointment time changed to the morning.

‘Since I would be in the Mage Tower in the morning anyway.’

Somehow it seems the positions of the top dog and underdog have switched but.

As if it were a matter of course, I opened my mouth.

“I can grant you a meeting if it is during the morning.”

……Yup, I’m so great. Really.

*

Squeeze

I try gripping the sword.

Swoosh

I try swinging the sword.

I try repeating that series of actions.

‘Damn it, Demon Hunter.’

Unfortunately, simply repeating an action did not generate a [Skill].

Because in Arcana, a skill was something like an exclusive property of each class.

‘It means it’s not something you can get just by trying.’

Even if it’s not necessarily a class-specific skill.

It meant that skills of other lineage classes generally couldn’t be acquired.

However, I know.

That there is another ‘something’.

That cannot be explained with skills.

『Magic』 was one of those ‘something’s.

And.

It seems this 『Sword Force』 is also one of them.

Wooooo

I looked at the light spouting from the sword.

My expectation hit the mark exactly.

“It will not be easy, but think of it as becoming one with the sword.”

There was no understanding or deep realization there.

“You are the sword, and the sword is you…… Ah?!”

Intuitive learning just like magic.

Just by seeing and copying it.

I was able to successfully emit sword force as well.

Harkon could not hide his astonishment.

“……C-Could it be! I did not know it would truly be possible!”

Of course, my sword force was shabby to an extent that couldn’t be compared with Harkon’s.

To be exact, faint would be correct.

It was at an abysmal level even compared to Jesica or Enoch.

“Sir Ho-yeol, do you know how amazing this is!”

Harkon with evident signs of excitement.

However, even if he didn’t express it like that, I could also feel it to some extent. Since I was personally experiencing through my body just how amazing sword force was.

‘……I think I know why he emphasized physical stamina.’

Being swung around by sword force, did he say.

Really, I could understand those words fully.

It feels like physical stamina is being chipped away in chunks……!

Just emitting sword force was enough to make sweat run down my spine.

The feeling of fatigue accumulating in my physical body in real time was a bonus.

I realized reality anew.

‘Because it’s practically no different from skipping the intermediate processes.’

Sword force.

It must definitely be a stage close to the extremes of swordsmanship.

Because it was like I filled that stage into a bottomless pot.

It was natural that physical stamina, whatever it may be, would be consumed severely.

On top of that, let’s consider my level.

It’s just level 226.

Let alone Harkon, there’s a tremendous gap even with the level 430 Jesica and the level 400 Enoch.

The difference in strength and agility?

That wouldn’t even need to be mentioned further.

Since I’ve been investing all my points into magic power so far.

But despite that, I didn’t whine.

As for a method to supplement that deficiency.

Since I already knew.

‘……Class Quest!’

It was a perfect solution that would supplement my stamina, strength, and agility stats all at the same time.

So I don’t show it outwardly.

Withdrawing the sword force, I spoke shamelessly.

“The sunlight is exceptionally warm today.”

Using the weather as an excuse, I wiped away the cold sweat.

……With struggling this shamelessly, it’s a talent.

Harkon’s fuss didn’t easily end.

“I was certain from before, but only today can I say it with confidence. Sir Ho-yeol! You must walk the path of the sword. What do you mean five fingers? You would at least be within the top three fingers in the continent……!”

Harkon, who had been rambling on for quite a while, said.

“In fact, it is safe to consider there is nothing left for me to teach.”

Wait a minute, what is that supposed to mean?

It hasn’t even been a few days, what do you mean it’s already over!

Where else would I find a master like Harkon?

‘There’s still so much to rip…… No, to learn?!’

Regardless of whether I acquired sword force or not, I felt somewhat wronged.

I felt like showing him my broken bottomless pot.

But fortunately, there was no need to go that far.

“Because starting from now, it is the stage of finding realizations in actual combat.”

“Actual combat.”

“Indeed! Fortunately, there is no better environment than this either. To the Yusra Kingdom’s surroundings, monsters are overflowing. Because in a battlefield where life and death intertwine, sword force becomes deeper and takes on its own unique color.”

Aha, so that’s what it meant.

In that case, there shouldn’t be a need to feel pity for nothing.

I had actually been curious about it myself anyway.

‘When the Natural Enemy doesn’t activate.’

Exactly how much would my combat power be?

Honestly, I wasn’t highly expectant.

More importantly, my own status.

Because I knew my class well.

Demon Hunter.

Unless it’s when hunting demons.

A class that shows performance that looks like it’s missing a few screws.

However.

‘……Huh?’

Thud!

I thought while looking at the falling monster.

This expectation, it’s beyond that.