Chapter 412 |
Suramachang
(General Description: The divine spear, Sura, which has been passed down through a thousand years of legend. It is a Divine Armament recorded in the myths of the War of Gods and Demons in the ancient Hall Plain.
However.
Over the thousand years it was handed down, Suramachang has absorbed the blood of countless dark lineages. Drunk on the blood that slowly accumulated over a long period, Suramachang was, at some point, tainted by a demonic nature.
The current Suramachang is no longer a divine spear. It is a demonic spear that endlessly craves blood and cries out for destruction from its wielder.
In other words, the Suramachang.)
(Warning: The ill fortune latent within Suramachang will continuously bestow hardship and trials upon its wielder. Be careful. The moment you think you have overcome its demonic nature, the demonic spear will devour you without mercy.)
(Detailed Description: 1. Unconditionally increases the wielder's Strength by 6. 2. The wielder...)
After moving to a quiet spot with Gong Chan-ho and Seong Ha-yan.
As soon as we sat down in some nearby seats, Gong Chan-ho's lament began. Seeing his face filled with anxiety, it seemed Kim Min-hee's words, "Just you wait," had truly gotten to him.
"...For now, I think it would be best to wait for the Shadow Queen's judgment."
"B-But! Even so..."
Still endlessly anxious, Gong Chan-ho's lips trembled as he looked back and forth between me and Seong Ha-yan. Seong Ha-yan patted his back with a worried expression as he fell into despair.
This is... not the attitude of someone I can have a conversation with.
No, before that, is this Gong Chan-ho really the Peerless Under Heaven?
I let out a short sigh at this unfamiliar version of 'Peerless Under Heaven.' Then, I calmly organized my thoughts about the death. It seemed better to make him fully aware of the current situation before asking the questions I had.
"The key point is the fact that woman touched the spear."
The moment I spoke, Gong Chan-ho's head shot up. His desperately shining eyes looked as if he were gazing upon a lifeline.
"User Kim Min-hee's claim is simple. When that woman touched it, there was no reaction, but the moment User Kang Seong-hun touched it, a massive rebound effect occurred, strong enough to cause death. Therefore, if you can provide a clear answer for this, User Gong Chan-ho's innocence will be proven."
Gong Chan-ho seemed to understand to some extent. However, he still looked dejected, so it appeared there was a problem with providing a clear answer.
"About that... The truth is, I don't know why that happened either."
"Hmm."
"Whew. Mercenary Lord. Please, hear me out. First... the woman next to me is Seong Ha-yan, a trainee who is not yet a User."
It was a sudden introduction, but I quickly turned my gaze. Seong Ha-yan looked at me quietly, then bowed her head.
"Hello. I'm Seong Ha-yan."
"...I am Kim Soohyun, Lord of The Mercenary Clan."
Her voice was clear, without a hint of impurity. It was as pure and lovely as the thought of white snow.
Anyway, I raised an eyebrow, silently asking what she had to do with this, and Gong Chan-ho shyly continued.
What followed was nothing special.
Gong Chan-ho was an instructor for melee classes. However, since it was his first time teaching, he said he made frequent mistakes and was often flustered at the beginning.
Then one day, after finishing an outdoor lecture, Gong Chan-ho forgot the Suramachang on his way back. When he rushed back to retrieve it, he saw Seong Ha-yan holding it.
"Just thinking about that time still makes me dizzy. If the rebound effect had occurred... Ah. Of course, I don't know why it didn't... Haha."
Pausing for a moment, Gong Chan-ho looked at Seong Ha-yan and smiled shyly. She also blushed and smiled back at him.
From their expressions, I could guess their relationship. They had probably gotten close quickly after that incident.
A baseless irritation surged within me, and I opened my mouth, my tone sharper than before.
"...Does that even make sense?"
Gong Chan-ho's smile vanished, and his expression turned serious again.
"As I thought... it's not enough, is it?"
"...Hmm."
I touched my forehead for a moment before speaking quietly.
"Then I suppose we have no choice but to hope for the Crystal of Truth."
"But I don't have the means to acquire a Crystal of Truth..."
"User Gong Chan-ho doesn't need to be the one to get it. If the other party wants to clearly determine right from wrong, they will get it themselves."
"But what if, by some chance, I'm proven guilty..."
Unable to resolve his surging anxiety, Gong Chan-ho kept bringing up hypotheticals. I strained my voice, signaling him to stop.
"In the current situation, User Gong Chan-ho has the advantage. That's because User Kang Seong-hun forcibly touched the weapon even after being told not to. If that part is taken into consideration, it's highly likely the ruling will be death due to negligence."
"Really... You think so?"
"The Head Instructor, Go Yeon-ju, is a member of the Mercenary Clan. I spoke with her briefly earlier, and her thoughts weren't much different from mine."
Gong Chan-ho blinked pitifully and looked at me. Seeing his face, I unknowingly frowned.
Really... so unfamiliar...
To be honest.
My first meeting with Gong Chan-ho was a tremendous disappointment.
Who was Gong Chan-ho? Wasn't he the strongest hero of his time, 'Peerless Under Heaven,' whose name made the entire Northern Continent tremble?
Gong Chan-ho, 'Peerless Under Heaven,' was so outstanding, so powerful, that he was kept in check by every clan. I still remembered his great renown—how he repelled a joint attack from the 'God of War' Cha Seunghyeon and the 'Madwoman' Ban Da-hee, and how he was called a One-man Army.
"Yes. An opponent has to be at least this strong to be worth fighting. Hahaha!"
And when he had fallen into a trap. The image of him looking at the thousands of Users surrounding him, laughing softly as he proudly drew the 'Suramachang,' was still deeply engraved in my mind.
But. That being the case.
"Haha... I'll be in your care. Mercenary Lord!"
What was this servile attitude right now?
After a moment of savoring the bitter taste in my mouth, I slowly nodded.
Was he finally relieved? Gong Chan-ho let out a sigh of relief and bowed his head to me. He even added his thanks.
Seeing Seong Ha-yan bow her head along with him, I slowly shook my head.
A moment later, an awkward silence fell, and some time passed.
I tapped the table for a long while before breaking the quiet stillness.
"Come to think of it... I heard you were quite active in the recent war."
"Y-Yes?"
"I heard you were recognized for your contributions and became an instructor."
"Aha... Oh my. It was just a small contribution. How could it possibly compare to the Mercenary Lord's?"
As he said this, Gong Chan-ho glanced at me as if observing me. That meant he knew a certain amount about me.
I tilted my head slightly and continued speaking.
"I heard you don't belong to a clan yet. Are you perhaps operating alone?"
"Ah, that's not it. I have comrades I've been working with, for as short as a few months to as long as a few years."
"So... you're still a caravan, I see."
"Hey. Still, we plan to establish a clan soon. I don't think we'll fall behind in the performance evaluation thanks to this war. Haha."
So that was it. I had actually expected this, but I couldn't help but feel a bitter taste.
Gong Chan-ho's User Information was incredible. Just the fact that his Strength stat was 101 was enough to call him one of the Ten Strong without reservation.
So, why had such an incredible User remained unknown until now?
There was no need to even think about it. There was only one answer.
It was because Gong Chan-ho had been deliberately hiding his abilities until now.
I figured he probably had similar thoughts to mine in the early days of the Hall Plain. That is, to live quietly until his foundation was firmly established. Or perhaps it was just his disposition.
Of course, I didn't know when he obtained the Suramachang. However, it was hard to believe Gong Chan-ho could have hidden this well at all. It was highly likely that he was bound to be outstanding comrades helping him.
Shin Hyo-chan... No. It's more likely to be Hong Jo-hee. She assisted Gong Chan-ho for the longest time.
At the sudden thought, I stared intently at Seong Ha-yan. It seemed they already had a relationship, but if she hadn't been scouted yet...
Feeling like I was grasping at straws, I opened my mouth.
"User Seong Ha-yan. From what I see, I heard you're achieving quite excellent results at the Academy."
"Huh? Ah, no, not at all."
"Have any clans offered to scout you?"
"Ah, that is... Thank you for asking, but..."
However, Seong Ha-yan cautiously trailed off. Seeing her reaction, I could grasp the general situation. I let out another deep sigh.
In truth, the future had already changed, and Gong Chan-ho might no longer be my enemy.
But that was merely a possibility. For me, who had experienced the power of 101, there was a nagging part of me that was uneasy about letting the variable known as 'Peerless Under Heaven' go so lightly.
Who knew if that Suramachang would be aimed at me and my comrades in the future?
"Ah... haha. Mercenary Lord. Actually, I've already scouted her. She has decided to follow me after completing her studies at the Academy."
Was my silence making him anxious? Gong Chan-ho's careful explanation clearly cut off even my last straw. At the same time, the future Peerless Under Heaven sent a suspicious glance my way.
Well, it was only natural. I had asked a series of questions that sounded like an investigation, and I had made a pass (?) at Seong Ha-yan, who already seemed to have a deep relationship with him.
I thought I should stop here, but I couldn't help feeling a sense of regret.
After organizing my thoughts for a while, I decided to take a step back for now.
There's nothing I can do right now.
Just as I was about to change the subject, the Suramachang hanging at Gong Chan-ho's waist caught my eye.
If only I could prepare for the Suramachang...
The Suramachang was a piece of equipment that had vanished without a trace sometime after Gong Chan-ho's death. Users had searched for it with fire in their eyes, combing through everything, but they couldn't find it. As such, it was also the most veiled piece of equipment.
In that moment, I made a decision. I would figure out the Suramachang to prepare for any eventuality. First, I wet my lips...
"Whew. I understand. If you've already scouted her, then there's nothing to be done."
"Thank you for your understanding."
"Yes... Shall we return to our previous topic, then?"
"Yes? What topic?"
"I'm talking about that spear-like rod."
When I gestured toward the Suramachang with my chin, Gong Chan-ho tilted his head.
"Honestly, part of me doesn't believe it, and I've also become curious... User Gong Chan-ho. May I take a look at that weapon? If I do, I might be able to help you a little more."
"Y-Yes? Ah. Of course."
Gong Chan-ho was momentarily flustered but quickly held out the Suramachang toward me. He offered it so easily that I was almost taken aback myself, but I managed to compose myself when I saw him gripping both ends of the spear tightly.
"Please, look with your eyes only. It might be dangerous even up close, so it's best to keep some distance."
I immediately shook my head. Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.
Suramachang, Suramachang. That damned Suramachang. I don't know its full extent, but I have to find out how much latent power it holds.
I had already thoroughly examined its stats with my Third Eye. However, there was bound to be a difference between that and actually holding and wielding it, so I planned to touch it myself and feel the rebound effect.
I stared at him intently and spoke in a low voice.
"May I touch the weapon myself?"
"What...? Ah! N-No, absolutely not!"
"It's fine. My magic resistance is quite high. I'll just touch it lightly, and if it feels wrong, I'll let go immediately."
"No! Even if you are the Mercenary Lord, this is the one thing you absolutely cannot do! P-Please, just look at it with your eyes. Please..."
I tried to coax him, but Gong Chan-ho vehemently objected, shouting. Seeing his arm showing signs of pulling the spear back, I quickly continued.
"No. Don't worry. What could this possibly do..."
"The distance to the spear was already within arm's reach. Acting as if it were no big deal, I swiftly moved my arm.
Gong Chan-ho tried to pull it back quickly, but my Agility stat was 98 points. Thus, I successfully placed my hand on the Suramachang before he could fully retract it.
"Ah, no...!"
Crackle! Crac-crackle!
The demonic energy of the Suramachang is generating a rebound effect!
Glory of Heaven and Glory of Sun activate in response! Judged as 'Partial Defense'
Blessing of the Battlefield (Rank: EX) activates in response! 'Partial Defense' judgment is upgraded to 'Complete Defense' judgment!
"Keuk!"
Were they surprised by the massive electrical discharge? I felt the grip on the spear loosen for a moment, and as I gently pulled it away, the man and woman stared at up me blankly.
I had prepared to use EternalFire just in case, but there was no need. I felt a slight friction, but that was all.
I gave the spear, which was emitting crimson currents, a light twirl. Then I shrugged at the two people staring blankly at me.
"See? It's fine, right?"
"H-How...?"
Gong Chan-ho stammered, still in disbelief.
However, I didn't let my guard down. Simply holding it was possible, but I hadn't drawn out its true power yet.
So, after quietly composing myself, I slowly roused my magic and pushed it into the spear.
And, it was in that moment.
Zzzzt! Zzzzzzt!
"Kyaah!!!"
"M-Mercenary Lord! Let go of it right now!"
The demonic energy of the Suramachang is running rampant!
Voooom! Vooooom!
Victoria's Glory responds to the demonic energy and protects the User's body!
Kgh!
I almost lost my grip for a second, but thanks to the 'Victoria's Glory,' I barely managed to swallow a groan. Even though I had been thoroughly prepared, the demonic energy that momentarily surged back was truly terrifying.
Was it because it was a divine weapon passed down for a thousand years? The thousand years of power concentrated in my right hand was truly on a level that couldn't be ignored. It was so overwhelming that it felt far more burdensome than even Mabollo de Alight.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz!
Voooom! Vooooom! Vooooooom!
A sharp pain, as if hundreds of needles were stabbing my hand, washed over me, so intense it was beyond heavy. I managed to look down and saw the Suramachang, its demonic energy flaring up as if telling me to let go at once. Rest it was with the faint aura of light enveloping my body.
But I could see the faint aura fading quickly. There was nothing I could do here besides rely on my base resistance. The magic power currently connected to the Suramachang was my own. If I were to rouse my magic now, the spear's power would only amplify along with it.
Crackle! Zzzzt! Zzzzzzt!
"Kuh, keuh!"
Barely holding onto the rampaging Suramachang, I grit my teeth. And I thought.
In the end... do I have to use EternalFire?
For now, I was barely holding on with the 'Victoria's Glory,' but the moment this aura faded, the burden would become even greater.
Crackle, Boom! Kaboom! Kaboooom!
Now it was even exploding.
Damn it. It really seems to hate me. The swords weren't like this.
With no more time to think, I took a deep breath. I was just about to awaken the power sleeping in my heart.
It was then.
Fwoosh! Fwoooosh!
"Oh my?"
Zzzzzzt! Zzzzt... I zat...?!
—Oh my, my, my. Hey. Aren't you Sura?
Before I could even awaken it, my heart spoke.