Novel Will Be Taken Down on 17 May or Earlier Chapter 202 - But before that, (2)

I didn’t have to worry about Grandfel’s sense of aesthetics.

 

But I had to worry about my–Lee Hoyeol’s–disgrace.

 

No, really, why so flashy?!

 

Let’s take a look at the appearance first.

 

Should I call this a jacket?

 

It looked like it belonged to medieval nobles… No, the craftsmanship was so splendid that it might even surpass the nobles. The navy blue fabric looked almost black.

 

If I were to express that mysterious color in Grandfel’s style.

 

“It’s like the color of the sky just before dawn.”

 

The visual expression is such a killer.

 

If you say it twice, you’ll kill me too.

 

‘Anyway.’

 

The fabric.

 

It had silver embroidery that looked extremely expensive at a glance.

 

From the neck collar to the lapels.

 

The pattern of the embroidery that followed was so splendid that it was embarrassing.

 

But that was just the beginning.

 

There were epaulets on both shoulders.

 

It looked like it would shake uncomfortably every time it moved. I looked into it to take a closer look… It didn’t seem to be ordinary silver?

 

The effect of the [Pentagram of Pure Knowledge].

 

Thanks to acquiring knowledge about all the minerals in the Arcana Continent, I was able to recognize it right away.

 

‘It’s [magic platinum].’

 

Magic platinum.

 

A precious mineral that was extremely limited because there were no mines containing it.

 

Naturally, its effect couldn’t be compared to ordinary minerals.

 

How much magic platinum did you put on just one jacket? Even just the epaulets on both shoulders seemed to weigh a lot of money.

 

If you considered the weight of the money in the vest, belt, and pants…

 

Indeed, it seemed like magic platinum was used in units of platinum bars.

 

If you had a conscience, you couldn’t help but admire it.

 

“They must have put a lot of effort.”

 

I was extremely sincere when it came to clothing.

 

Grandfel even said such words.

 

Everyone, including Worswyle, must have had a hard time.

 

Haiel bowed her head politely.

 

“I’m relieved that Sir Hoyeol is satisfied.”

 

…Yes, Haiel.

 

You put in so much effort.

 

This armor is born.

 

It’s thanks to you.

 

Is this how parents feel when they receive carnations ^[1] Carnation = A flower whose red or white petals bloom in layers resembling wrinkles, which a parent wears on the lapel of a jacket on Parents’ Day. made by their children on Parents’ Day?

 

So I supposed I had no choice but to try it on.

 

‘But before that.’

 

Let’s also check the specifications of the equipment.

 

I might not meet the restriction to wear it.

 

I went through the information window that popped out one by one.

 

But, wait a minute.

 

[Trousers of the One Who Waits for Dawn]

 

[Shirt of the One Who Waits for Dawn]

 

[Best Craft of the One Who Waits for Dawn]

 

[Belt of the One Who Waits for Dawn]

 

[Jacket of the One Who Waits for Dawn]

 

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

 

‘Wait for daawn?!’

 

Navy blue that was close to black.

 

It was like the light of the sky right before dawn.

 

Apparently, this was what Grandfel was talking about.

 

‘There is no way dwarves would have such sensibilities.’

 

This was a name that could only be given by someone who had a sensibility that resembled Grandfel’s.

 

Of course, there was only one person I could think of.

 

No, only one spirit.

 

Diend, it’s you.

 

I held back the sighing that was about to come out.

 

‘…Yeah, I’m not going to show it to anyone else.’

 

Let’s put up with it.

 

It’s just.

 

It’s a little embarrassing, Hoyeol.

 

In that regard, I had no choice but to wear it because of its performance, and I needed the mental victory.

 

I went through the information window one after another.

 

“!”

 

And I was shocked.

 

[Grade: Epic]

 

Five pieces of equipment, all of which were epic grade.

 

Even if I had acquired [legend] grade item.

 

The value of epic items didn’t change.

 

Each and every one of them had a value equal to the demon king’s loot…!

 

“Let’s see.”

 

It wasn’t as if I didn’t understand.

 

No, considering the value of the material invested in it and the fact that it was the dwarves who smelted it, the epic grade was fitting.

 

[Restriction: Lv.500 / High level of fame]

 

First of all, that was a relief.

 

Level restriction, level 500.

 

Even though there was an additional restriction called [high level of fame]. It was not a problem for me.

 

I had high-level fame since I defeated Greed of the Seven Deadly Sins.

 

This was how I grew.

 

I felt proud for a moment.

 

Aside from the information window.

 

An additional message appeared.

 

[Due to the craftsman’s dexterity, the wearing restrictions have been greatly reduced.]

 

[Craftsman’s dexterity effect: – Lv.300]

 

…No, I took back my words.

 

‘I still have a long way to go.’

 

If it wasn’t for the craftsman’s dexterity effect, the level restriction was level 800. If it wasn’t for the dwarves, I probably wouldn’t have been able to put a leg into these pants.

 

[Effect: Appears when wearing a set item]

 

[Description: Equipment made only for the ‘One Who Waits for Dawn’. Luxury, masterpiece, magnum opus. It has no modifiers because there’s no modifier that can describe its nobility.]

 

As the description said.

 

The One Who Waits for Dawn.

 

So, I was grateful that it was equipment made just for me, but…

 

For some reason, the effect was unusual.

 

‘Epic items are all like that.’

 

The demon king’s loots too.

 

From the epic grade, the effect was definitely unique.

 

Even just the Evil Eye’s Telescope or the baton.

 

They had effects that even the Arcanains found questionable.

 

‘Of course, the effect is only a small part of its performance.’

 

In the Arcana system, the attack power or defense power of equipment items was not displayed. It was because attack and defense power couldn’t be calculated and quantified.

 

However, I could guess.

 

[Evil Earth Dragon’s Fang]

 

[Grade: Unique]

 

[Restriction: Lv.800]

 

[Effect: None]

 

[Description: A sword made from the fangs of an earth dragon that failed to become a dragon. Although it has no special effects due to the earth dragon’s inherent limitations, its destructive power is not inferior to that of any weapon.]

 

Even considering the restrictions, it was exceptional, either in the description or in the effects.

 

It allowed the player to recognize its performance in some way.

 

‘Anyway, it’s worth the grade.’

 

Of course, since it was an epic item.

 

The description was unusual rather than specific.

 

But it was nothing to worry about.

 

I will know when I try it on, right?

 

‘There’s a test site, too.’

 

The equipment’s level restriction was originally level 800, which was the same as the recommended level for [Dungeon: Lava Siren], which I was currently entering. This was the most fitting situation.

 

Float–

 

With magic, I floated the clothes in the air and changed into them.

 

Although I was suddenly changing my clothes at the entrance of a cave, my confident movements were as elegant as if I were changing in the locker room of a luxury store.

 

All that was left was the jacket.

 

Among the clothes, the jacket was particularly fancy.

 

Seriously, damn it. I naturally cursed out.

 

‘There’s even a blue gem on it. Really.’

 

Is it a medal or something?

 

Thinking like that, I reached for the jacket.

 

Wait, the energy I felt in my hand was unusual.

 

They all displayed the same information window. The biggest problem was that I put off checking the information on the jacket because I wanted to ignore it until the last minute.

 

[Restriction: Lv.700]

 

It was level 700 even with the craftsman’s dexterity effect applied.

 

That meant it was originally a level 1,000 item, wasn’t it?

 

It seriously seemed dazzling….!

 

I glanced at Haiel.

 

Those bright eyes were very burdensome.

 

I had a lot of thoughts in my head.

 

I still needed 100 levels.

 

I couldn’t even check the set effect until I reached level 700.

 

I felt like I was losing my mind.

 

But as expected, I revealed none of it on the outside.

 

Rustle–

 

I brazenly picked up my jacket.

 

Then I put it on my shoulder.

 

Yeah.

 

This was the best I could do at this point.

 

Why?

 

Because of my damn level.

 

I can’t even fit my arm into the jacket.

 

‘…I guess it’s a relief.’

 

I was glad I could use magic to attach a jacket to my shoulder like a magnet.

 

Haiel’s eyes widened at my appearance.

 

“I, Haiel, have never even thought about wearing it like that.”

 

At her words, I took a look at my appearance.

 

Other players’ equipment was also very fantasy-like. But even if you tried to understand it roughly and carry on. It would be really hard to accept having a jacket on someone’s shoulders…

 

‘…if it’s not acceptable.’

 

Good.

 

Just reach level 700 quickly.

 

All I had to do was meet the restrictions.

 

So, even though I declared that level was not important.

 

I couldn’t help but feel obsessed with the level.

 

Through the profound contradiction, I took a step.

 

Tap tap–

 

Ah.

 

Speaking of which.

 

I had to figure out how to change these damn shoes…

 

*

 

Zero Mountain.

 

The hunting was in full swing in the vast new world.

 

If you asked, hadn’t they been continuing hunting in the ruptures, too?

 

Then you didn’t know what you were talking about.

 

“You could say it’s truly an all-out war!”

 

It was different from the ruptures that only players could enter.

 

Zero Mountain was added as a region.

 

So the monsters that appeared in reality were defenseless against modern firearms.

 

Bang!!

 

The gunshot that couldn’t be heard on the Arcana continent.

 

Liu Jinchun, the guild master of Union, shouted.

 

“All the troops go forward!”

 

He didn’t lead the aircraft carrier squadron for nothing.

 

When Zero Mountain was added as a non-rupture area.

 

Liu Jinchun had completed all his plans.

 

He would utilize the military power of his country, which had faded after Cataclysm.

 

He activated [sovereign]’s class skill.

 

Liu Jinchun’s eyes quickly examined the situation.

 

The players clearly looked exhausted from the continuous hunting.

 

Liu Jinchun sent troops to their rear.

 

Bang!

 

Too doo doo!

 

Bang bang!

 

In the early days of Cataclysm.

 

The world had developed new weapons to deal with the monsters that had flooded reality.

 

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

 

But even though it was created for monsters.

 

It was difficult to withstand the new weapon against monsters that maximized killing power.

 

In the ruptures, it was a different story.

 

Only players could enter the rupture.

 

Only a small number of players could handle those new weapons.

 

Even if they used the new weapons to hunt monsters, not only did it cause a huge loss in experience points, but it couldn’t increase their skill proficiency properly.

 

The executive of Union, Yu Jioh.

 

“I always thought it was just a piece of junk.”

 

She continued as if moved.

 

“As expected of Master Liu. I never imagined that you would make use of these nuisances in this way!”

 

Of course, the monsters in Zero Mountain were not an easy opponent.

 

Even after being hit by hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

 

The monsters didn’t stop struggling until the very end.

 

But they didn’t have to worry about the supply.

 

Screech.

 

Thump.

 

Screeech.

 

Wild beasts from the mountain range fell down everywhere.

 

Then a message came to Liu Jinchun.

 

[Your level has gone up.]

 

All the military forces deployed were players, not ordinary people.

 

They were low-level players from the homeland who didn’t have the qualifications to join the Union.

 

Liu Jinchun had no intention of fostering them.

 

In the first place, they couldn’t even be his swords and shields.

 

They were just a stepping stone to step forward.

 

Liu Jinchun’s eyes flashed.

 

‘Yes, only I can.’

 

All the other [sovereigns] who relied on players were shoved aside.

 

The only one who survived was Liu Jinchun himself, who reigned over the players.

 

‘Now that the Zero Mountain has appeared, it is only a matter of time.’

 

Level 524.

 

Finally, they were at the same level.

 

Rox, I’ll jump over you.

 

Skal, you too.

 

The news of Liu Jinchun’s level-up was also delivered to Rox.

 

“No. Isn’t he going to catch up with you, Rox?”

 

Rox laughed at Dmitry’s agitation.

 

“Haha. Maybe.”

 

“You’re laughing? Is there something funny about this situation? Seriously?”

 

“Well, they even bring guns and shoot the monsters, what can I do?”

 

Despite his words, Rox’s eyes narrowed.

 

‘Did you not realize it even after seeing it, Liu Jinchun?’

 

The duel between Hoyeol and Sword Saint.

 

During the duel, Rox realized something.

 

The important thing was not the level.

 

Why did Hoyeol send the Knights of Lionheart and the Mage Tower to the players?

 

He even gave them an opportunity to interact with the Arcanains.

 

‘There is something more important than level.’

 

Rox was certain.

 

Liu Jinchun’s direction was wrong.

 

So he didn’t feel impatient.

 

Of course, his tranquility didn’t last long.

 

“…Wait a minute, Rox?”

 

Camilla, who was scouting around the tree, was startled.

 

“We have an unexpected guest.”

 

It was a person who instilled a few bad memories in Camilla.

 

Rox was able to guess it from Camilla’s unusual reaction.

 

Who the uninvited guest was.

 

An eternal rival who couldn’t be compared to Liu Jinchun.

 

“It’s Skal.”

 

It seemed to be the correct answer.

 

Clip clop–

 

The sound of horses’ hooves echoed across the mountains.

 

Soon, Skal came from under the mountain range.

 

Along with Alexander, its golden mane fluttering.

 

Finally, Skal appeared.

 

Arcana’s official rankings, the first rank, the second rank, and the third rank, had gathered in Zero Mountain.

 

Camilla spoke with a clear hint of discomfort in her voice.

 

“But why does his expression look like that? He seems heated, Rox.”

 

“!!”

 

What had bothered Skal?

 

In the heightened tension.

 

Gradually, Skal got closer.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

Scar repeated in his mouth.

 

“Lee Hoyeol.”

 

…No. He should have formality and manners before meeting.

 

“Look, where the hell is Sir Hoyeol?”

 

He was good at saying things that would make the person in question freaked out if he heard it.

 

Of course, for Skal.

 

There was no way that Rox and all of Shining would cath his attention.

 

Clip clop!

 

Alexander’s horse hooves didn’t stop.

 

Flash-!

 

Let alone having a conversation.

 

He didn’t even make eye contact.

 

Skal passed them by.

 

Silence–

 

“…Huh?”

 

Only Dmitry tilted his head.

• 1. Carnation = A flower whose red or white petals bloom in layers resembling wrinkles, which a parent wears on the lapel of a jacket on Parents’ Day.