One day left until the next defense battle. Afternoon.
Elize had co to the lords mansion. The female swordsman, dressed as a maid and carrying a Sword Coffin, was as expressionless as usual, but I greeted her with a cheerful smile.
Elize! How was it? Was Crossroad tolerable?
...There are too many facilities lacking, fitting for a Margrave, but the essential infrastructure is all in place. So yes, it was tolerable.
Elize had not rely accompanied here as a simple escort.
Silver Winters rchant Guild planned to launch several businesses in this place, Crossroad.
She was dispatched here to prepare for this and to gather information.
From finding land to build the rchant Guild branch to sourcing materials and labor for road construction, to figuring out how much magical stone stock needed to be transported to the Imperial Capital, and so on...
Anyway, she said there was an enormous amount of work to do. Thats why, after my escort mission ended, she was out of sight, only now to appear.
Is the necessary investigation all done?
Yes. I have collected all the information our rchant Guild needs. Now, I will return to the Imperial Capital, report to Master Serenade, and organize the workforce to send down the business unit.
Youve worked hard. The way back will be tough too.
I gave Elize a mischievous smile.
Is today a farewell visit, then?
...Actually, Ive co after hearing the news of the monster invasion.
Naturally, I have been announcing the expected invasion date of the monsters within the city.
Theres no reason to hide it, and its better for the citizens to be prepared. Elize seed to have seen that announcent.
I heard that the monsters are attacking tomorrow. Is that true?
Yes. I expect it to be tomorrow morning.
While there might be a chance that it could suddenly change like during Stage 3, it probably wont.
I have already understood this stages dark event...
You may think its a sudden imposition, Your Highness.
Elize cautiously brought it up.
May I participate in this defense battle?
What, what?
Surprised, I hesitated, and Elize showed her chest by lifting her hand.
Pardon my rudeness, but if Your Highness has faced my sword, you would already know my skills.
Its not your skills Im unsure of...
I wasnt bewildered by her skill level. Rather, I would be grateful if a strong person like Elize could help.
But... I dont understand why.
Why is she helping with the defense battle?
Our rchant Guild branch will be moving into Crossroad soon. And ordinary people, who have lived lives unrelated to monsters, will be deployed to start working here.
Elize glanced briefly at the city wall through the mansion window.
I would like to see the potential threat they might face with my own eyes.
Hmm, indeed...
Is this also part of the investigation on the rchant Guilds part?
Convinced, I nodded.
Alright. No, Im the one whos grateful! Ill count on you for this one ti, Elize.
I am the one who should apologize for making an unreasonable request. Tomorrow, I will faithfully follow Your Highnesss command.
An SSR-ranked swordsman like Elize is going to help. Tomorrows defense battle seems like it will go very smoothly.
I was in high spirits when I let out a loud "Ah!" and asked Elize,
"But Elize, do you also have maces in your Sword Coffin?"
I would need a striking attribute equipnt since the monster Ill be facing tomorrow is a sli. Elize was a sword-type character, so I wondered if she would also have maces at her disposal.
"A mace... are you referring to?"
Tilting her head, Elize put down the Sword Coffin and sneaked a peek inside, then nodded at .
"Yes, I have them. How many would you like to borrow?"
"No, I dont want to borrow them, I want you to use them tomorrow..."
Besides, how many maces are even in there? How many weapons are in that Sword Coffin altogether?
***
Dungeon. Basecamp.
Today, I ca here only with Lucas and Kuilan.
Flash!
As I passed through the teleport gate, Kellibey waved as though he had been waiting for .
"Co on, move faster, you slowpoke! It was finished long ago; why are you coming so late? Youll have delivering it next, eh?"
"Oh, you deliver all the way to Crossroad? Thats great!"
"Like hell I will, you damn rascal. Hey, co on, just co and take it!"
Cursing and complaining, Kellibey pointed to the equipnt placed on a display stand in front of his forge. I approached it.
One pair of red leather boots with tal plates attached. And also a short cape, similar to a muffler, in red as well.
In this world, not only tal equipnt but also leather and cloth gear are produced in the blacksmiths forge.
Its because equipnt to refine Magic Power cores and magic stones are basically found in the forge.
So in Crossroads forge, specialized leatherworkers and tailors are employed as well.
But Kellibey had crafted leather and cloth so neatly, all by himself.
Handling leather and cloth as skillfully as tal. Truly an impressive gentleman.
Now, lets see how it turned out...
I checked the options on both pieces of equipnt. Lets see.
[Vampire Generals Boots(SSR) Lv.35]
- Category: Shoes
- Defense: 25-30
- Durability: 20/20
- Agility 10
- Vampire-style Physical Enhancent: Strengthens the leg muscles, increasing movent speed by 1.5 tis for 5 seconds. Can be used three tis a day. If used all three tis, it inflicts a random injury to the legs.
[Vampire Generals Muffler(SSR) Lv.35]
- Category: Auxiliary Equipnt
- Durability: 5/5 (Irreparable)
- Agility 15
- Blood Mist Deploynt: When struck, there is a certain probability that the muffler will deploy a mist of blood, causing the enemys attack to miss. When the option is activated, durability decreases by 1.
I nodded approvingly. Great! It ca out just as I intended.
"I crafted it to increase agility and specialize in dodging enemy attacks, just as you ordered."
Kellibey clicked his tongue.
"Crafting this dodging equipnt with such a precious Vampire Generals magic core instead of a magnificent weapon... Tsk tsk. It seems you dont appreciate valuable items."
"What are you talking about, Master Smith? Good survival equipnt is as essential as a good weapon. You must be alive to hit one more ti, dont you agree?"
"Tch, no use arguing with you..."
I handed over a few bars of gold and so fine liquor to the grumbling Kellibey, as a modest token of appreciation.
Kellibey pretended not to be interested but gratefully accepted. After all, there was no such thing as a dwarf who disliked gold and alcohol.
"Now, Kuilan."
I took the boots and scarf and handed them to Kuilan.
"These are yours."
Kuilans eyes widened in surprise. He must have recognized just how valuable this equipnt was.
"Really, Your Highness? Youre giving this to ?"
"Who said Im giving it to you outright? Its a loan, a loan."
I chuckled, shaking my finger from side to side.
"Stay put at the front line until the end of your probation period, and it will be entirely yours once it ends. Understand?"
"Those words are golden! Ha-ha! Great! Probation for half a year? Ill stick to it like glue on a bald head!" (TL Note: Weird Korean saying, basically its the glue that holds a wig.)
A broad smile appeared on Kuilans face. He seed genuinely pleased.
I had been pondering a lot about Kuilans equipnt setup.
Initially, I thought of making robust equipnt for him. But soon, I reached a different conclusion.
This kid was fragile, falling at a single hit.
So, instead, lets tailor the setting to avoid him getting hit at all.
Rather than increasing the chance of getting hit by dressing him in heavy armor, lets make his body extrely light and set up safety asures.
Thats the conclusion I ca to, and it led to crafting this high-grade equipnt with expensive SSR-grade Magic Power cores.
If Im going to use it, I wont skimp on the investnt.
Though flawed in many aspects, Kuilan was an SR-grade character after all, and one of the few pure lee damage dealers.
He was worth nurturing. Thats what I judged.
"Yippee~!"
"..."
As Kuilan ran around, trying on his new scarf and shoes, Lucas glared at him with displeasure. I smirked.
"Whats wrong, Lucas? Dont like it?"
"... Yes, to be honest."
"You just got new weapons not too long ago."
"The more equipnt my Lord gives , the better."
This greedy guy.
I patted Lucass back reassuringly.
"Dont worry too much; Ill get new equipnt for you soon."
Lucass level was slowly approaching 50.
After his final third-class advancent and awakening his ultimate skill, Lucas would also be able to use his exclusive equipnt.
The privilege of SSR-grade characters, exclusive equipnt!
The reason SSR-grade was considered the highest honor was ultimately because of the exclusive equipnt that completed the character.
Thinking about Lucas flying around with his exclusive equipnt, a smile inadvertently crept across my face.
Just wait a little longer, you monster brats. Our protagonist, the hero, is almost here. Hes already incredibly powerful, though.
"...?"
Lucas looked at , puzzled by my sinister smile. Hmm. Youll understand why Im like this later, Lucas.
I covered my mouth, chuckling ominously, while Kuilan kicked the air, practicing a continuous aerial kick, adapting to his newly lightened body.
Then Kellibey yelled at us.
"Hey, if youre done looking, get lost! I need to concentrate!"
***
That evening.
Crossroad. The Temple.
"..."
Kuilans brother, Kureha, was sitting on a single-bed in his room.
The pallor from the traces of illness had regained so color, and the once emaciated body had put on so weight in just a few days.
But the left leg.
Compared to the right leg, the left one was particularly withered, just as it was.
He couldnt walk because of this leg, which hung limp like a deflated balloon.
"The other symptoms can be treated, but this leg will be difficult."
The head priest, who was in charge of Kurehas treatnt, said so.
Kureha gave a bitter smile and ran his hand over his withered leg. He wasnt disappointed because he hadnt hoped for anything in the first place.
It had already been over ten years since the leg had beco like this.
Ah, but...
Kureha faced forward.
And slowly, clenching his fists, he reached out.
I always regret not being able to see the next move of this technique...
Then it happened.
Bang!
"Kureha!"
With a boisterous noise, the door to the sickroom opened, and Kuilan walked in. Startled, Kureha quickly lowered his fists.
"Kuilan."
"Heheh, how is it? Isnt the temple sowhat comfortable to stay in?"
Kuilan grinned and sat down beside Kurehas bed.
"Damn Imperial bastards, but they do have one hell of a healing spell. Just look at how our brothers complexion has improved."
Kureha smiled faintly and nodded.
"Everyone here is kind and takes good care of . Ill be almost fully recovered with just a few more weeks of rest."
"Good, good. Thats great. Thats really great."
Kuilans smiling face suddenly turned serious.
"As soon as you are fully healed, were getting out of this city."
Kurehas face hardened as well. Kuilan clicked his tongue.
"Such nonsense. Do you think our grudge against the Empire will vanish if they hand us so money?"
"...Kuilan."
"Look at what theyve done."
Kuilan looked down at his brothers abnormally withered left leg, his mouth tightly closed.
"Look at what theyve done."
Kuilan tapped the X-shaped scar on his forehead.
"Do you think well forget even if they give us a fortune? Ha. Do you think well be fools again?"
"..."
"As soon as you feel better, we will gather the troops and leave this city imdiately. Its a bit regrettable to leave behind that overly kind-hearted prince, but you know, caterpillars must eat leaves to survive, right?"
Kureha slowly reached out and grasped his younger brothers hand.
"Kuilan."
"Huh?"
"What about making a new nest here?"
Kuilans face stiffened.
Kureha fumbled with his words.
"You can be pardoned for all cris committed during the last three years if you serve for just three years. Moreover, theyre offering an annual salary enough to not only et our targeted amount but exceed it."
"..."
"We didnt beco bandits because we wanted to. We didnt beco thieves by choice. We can turn back here."
"..."
"Lets go back to the world, Kuilan. Youre still young. You still..."
Thump!
Before his brother finished speaking, Kuilan got up. Kureha cried out in desperation.
"Kuilan!"
"Ill pretend I didnt hear that, brother."
Kuilan strode back towards the door of the sickroom.
"The Kureha I knew... my master, who taught martial arts, wasnt a man who would speak such weak words."
"..."
"Make sure to recover quickly. Until youve finished recovering, Ill be here earnestly brawling with monsters and earning my allowance."
"Kuilan!"
Kureha had heard and knew about the monster defense battle scheduled for tomorrow.
Stamring, Kureha spoke to his brother as he turned to leave.
"...Take care of yourself."
"Hahaha! I am Kuilan of Kangwoon, the miraculous Kuilan. Dont worry."
With a grin, Kuilan left the sickroom.
"Ill be back, Brother."
Thump!
The door closed, and his younger brothers large figure disappeared outside.
Kureha looked down at his pitiful left leg with a disheartened expression. His two emaciated fists clenched tightly.
***
And the next day.
Morning broke on Stage 8.
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