[Critical Hit!]
{Kroaaaaaaaaaaaaaar!}
As the Orochi's screams got louder, its attacks became more fierce as well.
Not stopping with making the land a sea of flames, it seemed as if it wanted to make its own body a sea of flames as well. As seven heads were aiming their magic bullets at Yu IlHan in order, eight tails were closing in on him as if to block his path of retreat, as well.
[It's becoming more used to its own body!] (Lita)
Yu IlHan also agreed to Lita's opinion. Unlike the beginning where it was unknown whether it wanted to destroy Yu IlHan or the Earth, currently, it had understood its powers and he felt like it was now pinpoint sniping him.
"Huuuuuu~k." (T/N: Breathing in deeply.)
He moved without loosening his tension at all, deployed weight transfer, along with transcendent regeneration as soon as superhuman strength's duration ended, and supplied his body with bloodrink whenever it was about to go tired.
He strained his slow brain to calculate the trajectory of the Orochi's attacks, and took out shields to block them. After all the shields he prepared had broken, he used the corpses of the monsters to replace them. Everything Yu IlHan had were now being used in battle.
"Hup!"
[Critical HIt!]
Yu IlHan's armor melted down and at the same time, his flesh became burnt. Fountains of blood sprayed out from the Orochi's body. At least two out of three of his attacks were critical hits, and by now, tens of them were stacked.
"But why the fuck isn't it dying! Uwaaaaaaaaa!"
{Kroaaaaaaar!}
Yamata no Orochi was also sick and tired of Yu IlHan. A fly that seemed like it would die at any moment not only endured to the point of annoyance, it also dug holes over its body so there was no way it wouldn't be annoyed.
In the end, it decided.
It had acknowledged that it would actually die if it wanted to keep its pride, and decided to remove him with all its power despite the fact that it mght become a little tattered.
"Huh."
The time Yu IlHan noticed the change was not long after that. Its tail, body, and head were all gradually coloring in purple, and he could see that its seven heads were shortening while the tails were lengthening and thinning.
Moreover, the sharp spikes that protruded out from each of the tails was as if looking at a poisonous knife.
"Pattern change?"
Absent mindedly muttering, he gripped his spear with both of his hands. He had become enraged.
"Are you some boss monster in a game!? Huh!? Why is the pattern fucking changing!"
[It's useless even if you vent your frustration in injustice!] (Erta)
"If this is the second phase, then there may as well be a third phase and a final phase!"
{Kroaaaaaar!}
The Orochi answered with a roar. The blades at the end of the tails flew at him as if to pierce through his heart, and after that, its purple colored body started flaming up.
[IlHan!]
Lita shouted, but Yu IlHan did not have the room to answer. He could only think that he was in pain.
He had leapt as soon as he realized that flames were shooting out, but even despite that he could not completely evade the flames.
"Kuuuuuuuuuuuuhk!"
Painful, even though the armor was holding out, that absurd heat could not be blocked completely. The flames transcended space to push his physical body into the abyss. The flesh, muscles, blood, and bones were all being scorched. If he did not have the mentality that had withstood loneliness for numerous years, it would probably have been impossible to remain conscious.
Only now that he had leapt several hundred meters into the air and escaped the effective range of the Orochi, did he continuously deploy transcendent regeneration while madly sucking on the bloodrink.
{Kgaaaaaaaaaaak!}
It also realized that Yu IlHan did not die. However, it did not shoot magic bullets anymore. Yes. It had probably given up its magic bullets in order to set its body on flames once again.
However, to replace it, the eight lengthened tails aimed for Yu IlHan like cannonballs. The blades at the end of the tails were also emitting a poisonous aura with purple light.
It had paid the price of its necks shortening, but the flexibility of the tails became absurdly high. Faster than Yu IlHan falling down, the eight tails were shooting up as if competing with each other.
The scene was a spectacle as if dragons were rising to heaven, but for Yu IlHan, who would be the one to get pierced by it soon, it was quite a damned scene.
"Hup!"
{Kgwaaaak!}
Activating re-leap while falling down, Yu IlHan stepped on the air and got as far away from it as possible.
Its tails did not expect that he would suddenly change directions in mid air, and were tangled into a mess. However, it wouldn't take a lot of time before it untangled the tails and assault Yu IlHan again.
The place Yu IlHan landed on was on the roof of a collapsed building that was miles away from the original battlefield. Now that he had escaped the first battlefield, the place that had turned into a sea of flames by the Orochi, he felt cool despite there being no wind.
{Kroaaaaarkakagagakaka!}
The Orochi charged towards Yu IlHan. A path of flames rose wherever it passed, but unlike the magic bullets that made the scene of impact a sea of flames, those traces didn't last long.
It was different from the time he had to give up fighting on the ground and go on its back due to the rain of magic bullets.
Despite the horrifying pain that he felt while his injuries were healing, Yu IlHan ended up laughing at that scene.
Why did it give up its magic bullets? That was because the Orochi was afraid of Yu IlHan climbing onto its back again.
Being annoyed at the fact that increasing injuries on its body, it had given up its most potent weapon. Of course, those bladed tails were just as dangerous, but it was much better than the magic bullets that destroyed the surroundings.
"Now I have the advantage."
Then, what kind of battle can Yu IlHan do on the ground? This, was already proven countless times.
[The skill, Transcendent Regeneration, has reached Lv 30. The range of regenerating the body increases and becomes more efficient.]
Coincidentally, his body completely recovered just as the skill levelled up. His back, in which even the bones could be seen, was now covered in glossy skin.
Well, he was worried since the armor that covered the flesh were absolutely tattered and molten, but now, he had no thoughts of getting hit again.
Yu IlHan adjusted his posture. He gripped the dragon-exterminating spike spear, which was the number one contributor to this battle, as tightly as possible, bent his knees, and pulled back his arms. The muscles of his arms became taut like a drawn bowstring, puffed up inside his armor.
{Kwaaaaaaaaaaaa!}
"Ha!"
With a single syllable shout, he threw the spike spear, which easily broke through the Orochi's eight tails before embedding itself deeply into the wound that was made by the pile bunker.
Flames receded, scales shattered, skin became tattered, flesh burst apart, blood evaporated, muscles ripped apart, and bones broke.
[Critical Hit!]
{Kuaaaaaaak!}
"Fuu."
Yu IlHan sighed in relief after seeing that his attack had worked properly, and that the spike spear that pierced the Orochi's body had safely been collected into his Cross Bag.
The Orochi also seemed to have realized its own mistake after being injured by Yu IlHan's throwing spear, but at that time, it was too late – it was impossible to revert its changed body.
{Kroaaaaaar!Kugagagagagkakagagaga!}
"Hup!"
The Orochi charged. The eight tails flew at him from different directions as if each of them had a will of their own; and the blades glistened dangerously at the end of those tails!
However, just because it became a little sharper, there was no reason to fear it in any way. The Orochi, the controller of those blades, had not changed from the start. It had only changed appearances, but the patterns in swinging those tails had no change.
Yu IlHan evaded them all without difficulty, and threw his spear in that process.
[Critical Hit!]
{Kuwaaaaaaaaaaa!}
[How come it's a critical whenever he throws it?] (Lita)
[It's just my hypothesis, but isn't it that the defense of its body had become weaker in price of burning its body in flames?] (Erta)
Yu IlHan ignored the angels' words for now. He only collected the spear, then threw it again. He evaded the attacks of the tails, evaded its charge which felt like it would collapse the Earth, and threw his spear again.
A critical hit occurred whenever he threw his spear. From the Orochi's purple flame covered body, fountains of blood sprayed out.
It roared at the heavens, but now that wouldn't affect Yu IlHan anymore. He could only see the injuries of his prey.
It didn't matter if his body was injured and tired. He might have thought about it if someone gave him a way out, but wasn't his fate to live and die on Earth?
He knew that everything would be over if he didn't kill it, and as such, his fighting spirit only increased. His feeble body endured through each moment with the help of the combination of bloodrink and transcendent regeneration.
At that time, the Lightning God clan had arrived. They were dazed at the sight of Yu IlHan evading the Orochi's disastrous and frightening attacks by a hair's breadth, and throwing his spear to burst its skin and break its bones.
"No way."
Kang HaJin denied reality even though he was looking at the scene with his own two eyes. It wasn't that he wanted Yu IlHan to die. However, he at least expected that he would be in a tougher situation.
Wasn't this thing a 4th class? There should be no one on Earth right now who could fight a 4th class alone!
"How can a human, a human of Earth… This isn't possible."
"But he is human, thooooough."
"Weapon. His weapon must be special."
The solution that Kang HaJin came up with in denying reality couldn't be more correct but the others ignored him.
The Clan Master, Kang MiRae, gritted her teeth while looking at Yu IlHan fighting the Orochi on equal grounds.
"We will help him exterminate the Orochi."
"No."
"Yes."
Kang MiRae declared and bit on a blue colored potion before holding up her staff with both of her hands.
"The Orochi's aggro is solely held by him anyway. We only need to be careful of the stray attacks. Like those blades and fire."
"Looks like I should defend with my life on the line."
"Na YuNa, you help him like you said last time. They may look like they are equal but the Orochi has not shown its limits yet."
"Yup, I came here to do exactly that."
"Good, I'll leave it to you."
Having finished with ordering, Kang MiRae started casting her incantation. Na YuNa buffed her with a magic enhancement, before turning her gaze towards Yu IlHan.
The land was burning. The Orochi burning in purple light looked like a monster that came to destroy humanity, and Yu IlHan was blocking it, alone, on the ground.
What seemed like an iron wall-like armor was molten to the point that it could not be any less effective, and the spear in his hands also became slightly blunt after breaking through the flames so many times. Just looking at those two equipment was enough to make her imagine what kind of frightening battle he had until now.
It was curious that no injuries could be seen on his body, but he was probably tired despite having no injuries.
[That human is a monster. He's a monster incomparable to the Orochi.] (Feyta)
"I know, Feyta."
Seeing Yu IlHan holding out alone against a 4th class mutant boss, Feyta seemed slightly scared despite her pride as a higher existence. However, Na YuNa smiled slightly and replied in a nonchalant manner.
"That's why it's more fun."
Na Yuna raised her two hands without hesitation, and brought out all her holy power that she had not used even in this frightening battlefield. The scene of her entire body being covered in pink colored aura made people wonder if she was really a 2nd class. (T/N: Hen~~shin~~~!)
"Your servant that was blessed by you, Na YuNa, dearly wishes."
The lands shook. Even the berserk mana in the air could not win against that power and was sucked into her. Kang Mirae, who was preparing her magic, Kang HaJin, who was desperately guarding at the front, and even the Orochi who was attacking Yu IlHan turned their attention to her.
Only Yu IlHan, the target of the holy power, threw his spear several times while the Orochi was distracted.
And Na YuNa's chant was finished.
"Bestow your mark of a hero to the one that strives to save the world by defeating great evil!"
Yu IlHan's injured and fatigued body warmed up in an instant as if he had entered hot springs.
[For 5 minutes, health and magic recovery rate increases by 300%. Attack power increases by 70% and critical hit rate increases by 50% when fighting against an enemy that is 100 levels or more higher than you.]
A too-delightful-to-be-true notice of green text appeared on Yu IlHan's retina. That was a sudden and huge power.
Yu IlHan instantly realized why an angel was tagged on to Na YuNa. She was an absurd monster. The words 'She's the hope of Earth', or 'She will save humanity' weren't lies.
Of course, to use Na YuNa's chant perfectly, there was an absurd condition where one had to fight something or someone a hundred levels higher than them, but that wasn't a problem right now.
Although he had levelled up several times during this incident, he was still a 2nd class (Lv200)!
{Kroooooaaaaaaar!}
However, the Orochi didn't seem to like the oh-hope-of-Earth Na Yuna. Its eight tails that continuously tried to pierce Yu IlHan seemed to miss him before heading towards Na YuNa!
Of course, this was within Yu IlHan's calculations.
Thinking that he wouldn't be a human if he left her to die after being buffed, Yu IlHan kicked off the ground instantly to catch up with the tails and swung his spike spear. The moment he did, his arm muscles puffed up to the limits.
"Haap!"
His spear strike was tremendously more destructive than just now, and at the same time, was frighteningly sharp. Although the spike spear had become slightly blunt after being thrown into fire several times, if the wielder was a master of spearmanship, then it was as good as new.
And that, had called for a miracle.
[Critical Hit!]
A flash flickered across the air, and unbelievably, one of the Orochi's eight tails were cut off midway and rolled on the ground. After that, it was collected into the Cross Bag immediately. Now Yu IlHan had a matching pair – a head and a tail.
{Kruuuuuukagagagagagak!}
[Wow, this actually got cut.] (Lita)
Lita muttered in a daze. Even Yu IlHan didn't imagine that it would actually get cut apart, and became dazed momentarily, while the Orochi rolled on the ground in pain. The people who were looking at that scene all became dazed as well.
"Yup, heroes should do at least that much!"
Only the one who gave the buff, Na YuNa, nodded in satisfaction.
{Kroarararararar! Kigugggagagagagak!}
Orochi's pain-filled screams resounded across the lands, and after that, its landscape-changing power ran berserk. (T/N: Remember how the lizards in LA had this power too?)
From the concrete and cement rubble-covered land, purple vines started growing. Every time it screamed, the thorned vines grew, got thicker, and shot up.
"Shit!"
"Master, not yet!?"
Kang MiRae did not answer them. It was as if she would keep chanting even if those thorned vines covered her up. No, perhaps, nothing could be seen in her eyes.
As such, all the clan members with Kang HaJin at the head, could only sigh while they defended against the shooting vines in order to protect Na YuNa and Kang MiRae.
[Yu IlHan!] (Erta)
"Not yet."
Tens of layers of thorned vines flew at him to restrain him. However, Yu IlHan did not activate leap to avoid them and instead cut apart each and every one of them with his spear while running forward. He endured the thorns that pierced his body. He sucked on the bloodrink, and recovered those wounds using transcendent regeneration.
[I think you drank 50 liters just in this fight.] (Lita)
"You wanna drink too?"
Joking around, Yu IlHan swung his spear. It was probably due to Na YuNa's buff, but during the short 5 minutes, he had the power to slash apart the Orochi's tail. The fact that the Orochi had blocked Yu IlHan's path using vines was also because it had realized that Yu IlHan could be a threat to its life.
It probably knew as well that this kind of absolute power wouldn't stay with Yu IlHan for long. The thorned vines were only to drag time. What was frustrating was that Yu IlHan had no choice but to be done in by this scheme.
However, even so.
"I can win." Yu IlHan muttered while glancing at the Lightning God Clan.
Of course, he would have fought with his life on the line even if he was alone, but thanks to them appearing he now could clearly see the path to victory.
Especially, that incantation that Kang MiRae was chanting now.
A high concentration of mana that was unbefitting of a 2nd class, was still gathering towards her. This level of mana was plenty dangerous for the Orochi after it had become riddled with wounds due to the fight with Yu IlHan!
{Kroaaaaar!}
"What do you think you're doing?"
The destination that Yu IlHan was heading to while cutting apart the vines was of course, the Orochi. Like how it had attacked Na YuNa last time, Yu IlHan was sure that it would attack Kang MiRae, and to prevent that, he was planning to throw himself, the biggest threat, in front of it.
{Krrrrrrr!}
The forest of thorned vines was cut apart as a whole. Yu IlHan's spear made a path, and he blocked and struck against the tail that was heading to Kang MiRae.
"Dammit."
Just one action of defending made his shoulder muscles and bones broken, but they soon recovered and solidified. Thanks to Na YuNa's chant, the efficiency of transcendent regeneration had increased quite a lot.
Pain was the evidence of life, if he didn't die then he could endure no matter how long. Well, at least for the 4 minutes that Na YuNa's chant lasted!
He had to kill it within that time somehow. If Kang MiRae's chant was completed before that, then it was possible.
{Krrrrr, Kroarararararara!}
However, immediately after he thought that, what he had expected to a certain point, but didn't wish for it to happen, had arrived.
Yamata no Orochi's body started changing again.
It had also realized. This was the final phase. The moment of showdown between human and monster!
(T/N: DUN DUN DUN, CLIFFHANGER!!!)
Author's notes
, the boss fight ends. I wanted to finish within book 3 though… T^T
Since this monster was hard to fight against currently, the fight scene became long. I compressed where I could, but there might be something lacking despite that. Please enjoy it!!
Translator's notes
It's so confusing as to whether I should use plural or singular when translating Orochi's actions cuz there are 7 heads and 8 tails…
Also, people wondering about critical hit rates, it's probably not that '100% increase in critical hit rate' will give him a critical whenever he strikes, but that it will be twice as likely as when he doesn't have one. So, 100% increase in critical hit rate doesn't mean 100% critical hit rate, but two times the probability.
So… any grammar nazis out there? Leaped or leapt? I keep thinking it's leapt, but using it for re-leap, i.e. re-leapt sounds weird, so I kept it as leaped.
Is it leap-leaped-leapt, or leap-leapt-leapt? (present-past-past participle) (Or something else entirely?)
Na YuNa's chant sounds so cheeky…
Editor's note: Ever since I heard EER did not have a PR, I immediately jumped to ask Chamber whether I could and he gave me the heads up. So, from now on, I'm gonna help make the chapters easier to read. Hopefully it helps!
Translator : Chamber
Proofreader: Kerrigan
The flames burning on its body receded in an instant. Was it trying to go back to how it was before?
Yu IlHan was worried that it might shoot magic bullets again, but the Orochi's body changed in a different way to the one he imagined. There was no change to the seven heads, but the seven tails seemed to fuse before it became a single, huge tail.
Despite the fact that the situation was quite serious, Yu IlHan couldn't not shout.
"That's no longer a Yamata no Orochi, though!"
[I knew you'd say that!] (Erta)
Like the 2nd phase, the now fused tail had a sword protruding from the end. Befitting of the fusion of the seven tails, the sword was much bigger, sharper, and longer. What was more fatal was that a vicious purple flame was burning on top of it.
[It focused its means of attack into its tail.] (Lita)
[Be careful, Yu IlHan. It will be different from just now!] (Erta)
Yu IlHan also expected to a certain point. He was even scared thinking about how he would have thought if Na YuNa's support wasn't here!
As soon as it changed, it charged towards Yu IlHan, and the tail that was attached to the body stretched like a rubber band and flew at him. The giant sword at the end emitted a horrendous light!
"Ugh!"
No matter how much stronger he became, the option of blocking that sword head on did not exist. Yu IlHan left that place with all his power, and immediately after that, the giant sword struck the ground, leaving a crater tens of meters large while burning it. It was truly a tremendous force.
{Kuhaaaaaaaaaaaa!}
Not satisfied with just a single attack, the Orochi charged towards Yu IlHan with all its might. Perhaps due to fusing the tails into one, its speed had also become incomparably faster than before. The seven heads flashed its fourteen eyes and looked at him.
Yu IlHan focused all his nerves. This attack was much more fatal, and faster than the magic bullet.
If he only focused on the tail, then one of the seven heads would swallow Yu IlHan, and if he tried to avoid it, then he would be sliced into halves by the giant sword before turning into ashes and scattering.
However, he couldn't die here.
There were still 3 minutes to the buff. It was too short of a time to kill it, but Yu IlHan did not give up.
"In, insane. He was fighting against this?"
"But look at it, it's dying. It's only a last struggle before death."
It seemed like another person had intruded on the battlefield, but Yu IlHan didn't mind them. If he minded those trivial details while his life was on the line, then he would die.
{Khwaaaakakakagagagak!}
The giant sword smashed the ground, and the flames flickered onto the ground and scorched pebbles that was scattered everywhere. Yu IlHan dodged each and every one of them and waited until the opportunity to sever its life, came. He believed that it would definitely come.
I will definitely win. I cannot die here! – These two thoughts enhanced Yu IlHan's concentration beyond its limits.
He saw through everything on the battlefield, and picked out only the information useful to him, and calculated what action he should take at every moment.
"Looking at it now, that's true. We can kill it! We just have to wait until Susanoo dies before partying with the Lightning God Clan, then, we'll have a share too."
"Idiot, if Susanoo dies, then we all die! I'm saying that we need to help Susanoo! Right now!"
Numerous people started gathering on the battlefield, the thorned vines were being destroyed, and the Orochi was roaring. Those with and without ability all attacked the Orochi, and the battle was nearing its climax.
And at one moment, Yu IlHan naturally knew that the time to counterattack had come.
Even though there were only 2 minutes left of Na YuNa's buff, but fortunately, Kang MiRae had finished her preparation.
She had prepared a magic that would even work against a 4th class, and put it into a defenseless state even. She was waiting for the moment to activate it. The wait was to match Yu IlHan's timing.
Now, that he had become ever so sensitive to mana, did he know.
How? It was impossible until now!
Even amidst the endless pain and fatigue, Yu IlHan felt a wondrous pounding. Despite the fact that he himself was in the middle of the battlefield, he could feel the breath of the Orochi and the people that surrounded it.
No, it wasn't only that. What came into his senses weren't just mere breaths.
The mana that everyone had, the mana that covered the world, and the mana that boiled in his heart could be felt. He also realized by what method it could move, and how it changed.
This was an awakening, an enlightenment, and a moment of emotion.
He finally knew why the angels said that there was no need for additional training. This was Yu IlHan's wings, which he had not had until now.
How could a wingless existence practice flapping wings? It was enough to wait until the wings were sprouted, and nothing else could be done.
And finally, it had borne fruit.
Yu IlHan had not seen the Earth properly until now. Despite knowing the existence of mana, he did not understand it properly.
If it was now, he could. Mana was wonder, possibility, and absolute power.
"We won."Yu IlHan muttered.
[We will win.] (Lita)
[We will definitely win.] (Erta)
The angels declared without a shred of doubt. Yu IlHan didn't know what their inner thoughts were, when they were actually thinking that they would run away after kidnapping him if things became the worst, but he was happier because he didn't know.
Here was a pervert that liked absurd homeworks and absurd trust in himself.
Yu IlHan swung his arms to slash all the thorned vines in an instant, and leaped into the air. Although he had just started wielding mana, he felt that the amplification of superhuman strength had increased after he put mana into it.
From the watching Orochi, seven heads, a huge sword flew at him, but Yu IlHan re-leaped as if waiting for it.
High into the skies, to a zone that the Orochi could never reach now that it could not use the magic bullets!
{Krrrrrrr!}
It roared while seeing Yu IlHan shooting up into the air. Wasn't there a precedent already of it being ambushed by it? While it was afraid that Yu IlHan might come again with a similar weapon to the pile bunker, seeing him rising to heights out of its range, it could not hide its worry.
However, it had no room to mind for Yu IlHan, since countless humans were rushing at it trying to peel off some scales!
One ant was just one ant, but if tens of thousands of ants attacked, it would definitely become a scary matter. It really wanted to be on guard against Yu IlHan, but it couldn't not confront the other humans.
And that, was what Yu IlHan had aimed for. It was also the only useful effect of the people that came to the battlefield.
"That's a nice view."
Gripping onto the spike spear in mid air, Yu IlHan postured himself – a throwing spear position.
This was a method that he hadn't used until now since he would helplessly fall down and get eaten after he threw it. One that poured out all his power into a single attack, and one that befitted of a death god.
He couldn't use this since the Orochi was constantly conscious of him after the pile bunker ambush. As long as the Orochi was conscious of him, no matter how strong of an attack he used, it would evade it and that would be the end.
This was also why he was waiting for the moment Kang MiRae used her magic. If it was her, he expected that she would buy him enough time for his passive concealment to activate again.
However, now, that kind of probability fight was unnecessary.
Breathing deeply, Yu IlHan awakened the boiling mana in his heart, and carefully activated his innate, absolute ability.
Which was none other than concealment.
[...!] (Erta)
[Il, IlHan, you, don't tell me you…] (Lita)
The two angels finally noticed the great change that Yu IlHan had met, but Yu IlHan did not reply; he was concentrating in deceivingthe Orochi and successfully activated concealment.
{Krk?}
And that bore fruit. The Orochi, which was conscious of the air that Yu IlHan had shot into, even while fighting against the humans, had lost his presence in a blink of an eye.
It simply thought that it was because there were too many humans for it to mind, and that it could become conscious of Yu IlHan again after he fell back down.
This, was an error that decided the battle.
The ground was in a mess. It was good that they had defeated the other mutant species with the help of foreign ability users, but as they tried to defeat even the Orochi with that morale, they were swiped out like fallen leaves to the autumn wind.
However, what was the reason that they attacked in the first place? It was because they had seen that the Orochi was riddled with wounds, and thought that they could take a share if they attacked.
The Orochi was huge, and if they succeeded in killing it, then the amount of wealth they could loot from it would be enormous.
They paid the price for their greed. Their overflowing desire came back to them as blades that severed their heads, and the executioner did not hesitate even a little.
The next moment, Kang MiRae's lightning magic struck it. This was the moment Yu IlHan had waited for.
{Krahaaaakagagagak!}
Its violent screams could be heard even by Yu IlHan high up in the air. Even while posturing himself to throw his spear, he ended up leaking a smile.
He had thought about what one must eat to bring out such a scream from a 4th class monster, before he realized that it wasn't something he himself should be thinking about.
"Sorry for not getting into a party." Yu IlHan muttered quietly.
No matter how great of a magic she shot out, and no matter how great of a buff that Na YuNa had given him, no matter how tens of thousands of people were attacking the Orochi, the MVP of this battle could only be him.
There were 19 seconds left to the buff.
He took a deep breath again, and threw his spear with all his might. At the same time, he transferred the weight of the Cross bag onto it as well.
The spike spear flew down vertically while drawing a pitch black line that connected the skies and the Earth, and pierced through the electrified body of the Orochi.
Like chopsticks to a piece of soft tofu.
{Kahk.}
Such were the last words of the Orochi. Since an absurd shock had struck its body and burst its heart at its weakest moment due to the lightning magic, there was no way it could mutter anymore.
[You have earned 2,051,894,873 experience.]
[You have become level 87. 7 Strength, 5 Agility, 4 Health, 4 Magic increases.]
[You have earned the title 'Dragon Slayer.'. All abilities increase by 10% when fighting against dragonkin.]
[You have earned the record of Lv 221 Yamata no Orochi.]
[You have acquired the legend rank artifact, Heavenly Cloud-Gathering Sword. (Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi)]
[Absorbing the power of life of Yamata no Orochi with the power of Death Collector.]
Strings of text appeared on Yu IlHan's retina. Despite the fact that there was only a 20 level difference between it and the 4th class mage, the experience given was quadruple the amount, it was so absurd.
What was more absurd was that he had only levelled up by 4 despite all that!
The spear that struck the ground after piercing through the heart of the Orochi, and the corpse of the Orochi disappeared from the ground. Of course, it had gone into Yu IlHan's Cross Bag, but the humans watching only became dazed.
"Just, what."
"Did you see that? Something fell from the sky."
The fools were shamelessly getting angry that someone had took the treasure that was theirs, but this was a minority of the minority.
The Susanoo Army that endured through the mutant rush and came to this battlefield were touched that 'Lord Susanoo' had protected Japan, and cried. Magia and Metal Knights were shocked and confused since the situation was over before they had a chance to put a fork in, while the clan master of the Lightning God Clan, Kang MiRae, bit her lips at the scene of the overwhelming power.
"...That last strike, there's no way that was true"
"MiRae, you angry? But stealing's no good."
Na YuNa tilted her head before clinging to Kang MiRae. However, Kang MiRae herself just shook her head and pushed her away. Then, she muttered in a small voice only enough for her and Kang HaJin to hear.
"Will I, be able to draw a beautiful line like that someday?" (T/N: It's just a straight vertical line though?)
Kang MiRae could not notice Yu IlHan in his concealed state, but she definitely saw the attack that connected the skies and the Earth. And that scene was still embedded on her eyes right now.
"Hm."
Na YuNa saw it as well – the overwhelming destructive power that seemed like it could split apart anything, as well as the attack that was completed with her help. It even felt a little desolate, and the trajectory was that of a God's judgement. As such, she thought more carefully before replying while smiling brightly.
"I don't think you caaaan?"
"Na YuNa, I will kill you!"
"Uaaaa. I was only being honeeeest!"
Meanwhile, Yu IlHan had lost all his strength after throwing that spear, and was helplessly falling down, and could not safely land on the ground.
Even though he himself could not use magic, despite having become able to wield mana, Erta had cast magic with the reason that 'it will be pitiful if he got injured after awesomely killing the Orochi'.
[Now you will go rest, right?] (Lita)
[That was a nice finish.] (Erta)
The angels were the same in becoming delighted at Yu IlHan's marvelous actions.
At the moment of crisis, humanity all attacked the monster, and the main character killed the monster after awakening a new finisher attack. Isn't that the perfect finale?
However, Yu IlHan denied their words with a laugh.
"What nonsense are you saying?"
After seeing the mass of humans that gathered at the place that the Orochi had disappeared, he turned his head and walked towards another direction. It was a different direction to the one he came from.
"The Dungeon Wave isn't over yet. Even if I have to rest. I should rest after cleaning up Chiba at least. Those in novels always died after being relieved after killing the boss. There cannot be such a thing to us."
[...I really pity the ones that have IlHan as the enemy. I mean it.] (Lita)
[You just realized that, Lita?] (Erta)
Hero Yu IlHan, that had broken through the biggest and the most serious crisis that arrived at humanity after the Great Cataclysm.
Now that it had become possible for him to cancel his concealment since he could use mana, he had instead ran off to kill other monsters quietly without cancelling it.
After 3 days, he returned back to Korea after finishing up the Dungeon Wave in Japan.
Author's notes
He can now use mana! But there were some readers that thought that his strength would instantly multiply twice or thrice the moment he did, but speaking from the conclusion, no, that doesn't happen. Currently, he can just use active skills, and some work become more easier! (T/N: Like mana crafting). Hey, the tens of thousands of people there could all use mana you know…. (T/N: The English Readers didn't expect that he will be able to use mana…)
Of course, IlHan is a monster, so if he could use mana when he acquired his 2nd class, then an attack skill might have popped out, then if so, then the Orochi might have been finished a little easier.
This battle was a rare one where IlHan could not dominate the enemy. I really wanted to portray one where he finishes the enemy with a miraculous attack at the last moment after a long, tough battle, but due to this author's bad ability in describing the main character's crisis moments, I gave the readers a 'Hey, aren't those people trying to take credit?' misunderstanding. This is all Toika's fault… T^T
Susanoo loses the sword he uses while battling the Orochi, and instead, acquires the Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword, (aka Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi) from its tail and slashes it. This is one of the three myths of Japan. Of course, the legend rank artifact, the Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword is a different artifact with the same name! ^^
Neither Kang MiRae nor Na YuNa are bad people…T^T Na YuNa is in fact just feeling curious of Yu IlHan, and Kang MiRae's feelings are only that of admiration. You can see it this way.
Translator's notes
Enjoy~
Translator: Chamber
Proofreader: Kerrigan
Having returned to Korea, Yu IlHan immediately took the taxi to go back to Seoul, and entered his house. (T/N: There are no airports in Seoul). He subconsciously looked for his mother, but remembering that he became independent, he made a smile. (T/N: He can finally take the taxi while being seen! (He can actively cancel his concealment now))
"I'll wash and go to sleep."
[I wanna sleep together too, since I think Spiera might be calling for me at any moment.] (Lita)
[Rest together. BUT, mini-sized.] (Erta)
'Fighting for several days without rest' sounds cool, but in reality, it stank, and was unbelievably dirty. Especially since Yu IlHan was grinding in dungeons for 3 weeks before that as well.
He took off all his 'armor', which were no different from rags, threw away his inner clothing, and washed up.
It would be a lie to say that he didn't want to check the spoils of war, especially that of Orochi's, but no matter how his physical body was in top condition with the help of level ups and transcendent regeneration, since his mental fatigue had reached the maximum, he dived onto his bed without saying anything.
"Wake me up tomorrow morning."
[It's morning now though…?] (Erta)
"G'night…"
Bringing out the full powers of the Resting skill, Yu IlHan fell asleep in 1.5 seconds after he lied on the bed. He had gone into such deep sleep that even if the Orochi roared right next to his ear, he wouldn't wake up.
[We didn't even give him the rest of the quest rewards though.] (Erta)
[I will be sleeping here with IlHan, so go reap some quest rewards. Oh yeah, bring him some skills if possible, ones that can help him.] (Lita)
[Can I really leave you two here alone?] (Erta)
Erta looked at Lita in disbelief, but Lita did not say anything and instead waved her hands. In the end, Erta had no choice but to leave it to Lita's conscience.
Of course, the conscience-less angel, Lita, stuck next to the sleeping Yu IlHan AFTER she had reverted to human size as soon as she saw Erta leaving, but she didn't seem to have any other motives as she kept looking at the side of his face.
[His sleeping face looks so cute too.] (Lita)
Looking back, it did seem like his face did get quite neater as he levelled up continuously. She did feel a little disappointment since the face she had seen for a thousand years was disappearing, but what mattered to her was not his face but his existence itself, so she could shake away that disappointment soon.
[It would be good if we lived like this forever, right...?]
Muttering quietly, Lita pulled Yu IlHan's arm and hugged it. If Yu IlHan heard it, he would have shouted "No! That's a flag for separating in the next scene!" but since he was sleeping, he couldn't retort.
She slowly closed her eyes. And like Yu IlHan did, she fell deep asleep.
Meanwhile, Erta was caught by the other angels as soon as she had arrived.
[Where's Lita? Why isn't she here with you?]
[Tell me about that human. The one that killed the 4th class mutant was your partner, right?]
[Introduce him to me too!]
[Shouldn't we lure him into being an angel? Wouldn't he become a higher existence very soon? We need to give him the bait right now!]
Since angels were nagging her from everywhere, her mind was in a mess. This incident had been that shocking.
4th class monsters only appeared in worlds that had experienced the 2nd Great Cataclysm at least, and for humans to defend against such beings smoothly, the 3rd Great Cataclysm would be needed to be experienced.
However, in a world that had only gone through a mere 1st Great Cataclysm, someone had blocked a 4th class with such little casualties, and a mutant one at that too!
[There's something more important than that. The Overflow, did you find out who caused it?] (Erta)
When Erta asked one of the angels, that angel shook his head in defeat.
[There were quite a few angels in that place, but none had caught traces of them.]
[From how they used Traps of Destruction, it's definitely a traitor's doing. I checked and they don't even know when the Traps were leaked out. Idiots!]
[Only Feyta, who couldn't see through it despite being right next to it, is having a big time getting crushed.]
Oh my god, walking on the spot again? Even though the number of angels dispatched had been increased precisely to prevent these kind of situations? (T/N: I think it's obvious that increasing numbers is exactly why such a thing had happened)
This was why they deserved to be insulted as 'useless' by Yu IlHan – thinking up to that point, Erta sighed.
[Erta.]
Just as Erta set foot into the Heaven City with the other angels, someone appeared in front of her. Lifting her head, Erta could confirm a brave angel with a spear of pure white on her back, Spiera.
[Spiera-nim. Lita is currently resting. She will probably come back up on her own later.] (Erta)
[Tell her, that there is no more special training.] (Spiera)
[Did her advancement get cancelled?] (Erta)
[No, it was approved.] (Spiera)
When Erta widened her eyes, Spiera replied with a bitter smile.
[The Wall of Chaos is opening. It's as if it had waited for the moment for the forces of Heaven to be focused on Earth. There is no more time to leisurely do special training.] (Spiera)
Wall of Chaos, this was the front lines of the battlefield between the angels and evil higher existences that tried to devour all records of all worlds unlike the angels who guarded and managed countless worlds.
Normally, they could not pass the wall made with Heaven's power, but sometimes, there were times when the strength of the walls became unbelievably weak.
These were moments that they were desperately waiting for, and also the moment when the angels go into battle with their life on the line as the true Army of Heaven.
Yu IlHan always told them that they were useless, but he shouldn't be able to speak like that anymore once he knew what the angels were really doing in order to protect the many worlds.
Of course, that didn't make the angels not responsible for what had happened to Earth.
[Will Lita be needed in battle?] (Erta)
[She is capable. If she didn't strongly request herself, we wouldn't have sent her to Earth.] (Spiera)
Thinking back to Lita's 3000 aerial combo against the traitor, Erta subconsciously nodded her head. At that moment Spiera's words continued.
[I have heard about what happened on Earth. However, unfortunately, Army of Heaven will not have the room to mind about a single world for quite a while. We will have to leave it to the humans.] (Spiera)
Erta's mind became faint. Not mind? Even though Earth became to be in such a mess? She hurriedly replied.
[It's not that I don't understand since the situation is like this, but the situation on Earth is very serious. If Yu IlHan wasn't present during this incident, then Earth would have been doomed just like that. We have already committed a lot of crimes against Earth!] (Erta)
[However, since there was that human, Yu IlHan, the Earth was safe, was it not?] (Spiera)
Erta couldn't believe what Spiera was saying.
Was she trying to push all the management of a world that the Heaven's Army was in charge of, to a single human? With the reason being 'capable'?
The difference in leagues between Spiera and Erta was very wide. Despite that, Erta became thoroughly enraged. Spiera looked and laughed.
[Is that it? Erta, do you also love that person? Quite the funny matter.] (Spiera)
[I only worry for my contractor.] (Erta)
[I don't care what you name that emotion you harbor. What's more important is that you harbor feelings to a lower existence that you have only met for 3 months.] (Spiera)
[Were you one that discriminated lower existences?] (Erta)
[I only differentiate them.] (Spiera) (T/N: I'm quite sure a similar conversation happened in Guilty Crown, Season 2)
Erta shut her mouth. Inwardly, she wanted to stab that rotten bitch's stomach with a spear, but if she said that out loud, it was clear that she would get beaten up.
[Our duty is to fairly manage and protect all worlds. However, slaying predators from the Wall of Chaos is another one of our duties, and if we get pushed back on the front lines, then an according number of worlds will lose their light. Unless our bodies suddenly multiply by two, we need to choose a more correct choice.] (Spiera)
[I...I, also know.] (Erta)
[Fuu.] (Spiera)
Erta's expression wasn't that of understanding at all, so Spiera decided to explain the higher up's decision in an easier manner. There was still a lot of time since the Wall of Chaos hadn't opened completely yet, and Erta was also a contractor to the most important person on Earth.
Having chased away all the other angels that were eavesdropping, Spiera led Erta into one of the resting places of Heaven -one that many human imagine heaven to be: A boring and empty place where little birds chirped on top of lands made of clouds.
[I did panic since higher existences along with traitors were in this, but they also cannot do anything directly. All they can do is to connect gates to other worlds that take Earth to be a target of conquer, or cause Overflows... They are, in the end, things that happen between lower existences, no?] (Spiera)
[They definitely are, but this is a crisis that's two whole stages higher than Earth's current levels.] (Erta)
[However, since it's between lower existences, we cannot directly interfere. The only thing we can do is prevention, but is that happening properly?] (Spiera)
Even Erta couldn't be free from those responsibilities. She was Yu IlHan's contractor, but she was also, an angel.
[Even higher angels aren't responding properly. Is this all simply because the angels dispatched to Earth are all useless? No, this is impossible unless our enemies have analyzed us meticulously, have procured enough traitors, and have calculated the future.] (Spiera)
[So, that's why, you're saying that we should wash our hands off this matter? Do you think that it will be all over once we sacrifice Earth?] (Erta)
[What is definite is that we will be playing into their hands even if we recklessly dispatch more angels.] (Spiera)
'They'. As Heaven had a lot of enemies, they couldn't find out exactly who was behind this. It might be the Destruction Demon Army, who are gritting their teeth right on the other side of the Wall of Chaos, or the Army of Brilliant Light, who have colored their wings with an ash grey color.
[That's why we need to use another method. Not just simply defending Earth, but to protect all worlds including Earth.] (Spiera)
[By throwing it all onto the people of Earth, that is.] (Erta)
Erta retorted, but Spiera surprisingly nodded her head.
[Higher existences should do what they can do with their own power, and lower existences should do things within their own capabilities. At least, the higher ups think that this is more efficient, at the same time, being the method that can minimize damage. As such.] (Spiera)
[As such?] (Erta)
[We are planning to give as much support and reward as possible within the range of what our Heaven's Army can do, to the ones that are proactively moving around to protect Earth. From what I know, there is an overwhelming first place on Earth.] (Spiera)
Speaking up to that point, Spiera pulled Erta towards her.
[We will open the treasury of Heaven. There's something that just fits him.] (Spiera)
[Although I cannot acknowledge you and the higher ups' decision, but I will gladly receive what I can.] (Erta)
[Why are you thanking me? It isn't for you but for the one called Yu IlHan.] (Spiera)
Erta lost her words, and Spiera giggled. And then, softening her brows very slightly, she told Erta as if to advise her.
[Be careful of your emotions. The predators and the fallen angels were all once those that emitted bright light. Their corruption all stemmed from their emotions. Especially love, it's dangerous. It's sudden, strong, and undeniably charming.] (Spiera)
[...I will keep that in mind.] (Erta)
Erta grumbled. Then, she followed Spiera's back, one that proceeded without a shred of hesitation.
When Yu IlHan woke up, the sun was nigh. He checked to see if he had slept for more than 24 hours, but he had only slept for 5. Even though he hadn't slept for nearly a month, his mental fatigue, not to mention physical one, had all been cured!
"This is making me crazy. I can't even sleep now."
[That's because your recovery is powerful. It's not a bad thing.] (Lita)
Lita, still lying down while hugging Yu IlHan's arm, replied with a smile. Yu IlHan finally realized that Lita was stuck against him, and was surprised, but with the reason that 'he didn't want to show ripples to his big sister-like existence', he shook her off as if nothing had happened.
"I'm hungry so let's eat."
[You can do other things too, though.] (Lita)
It would be good if she assaulted him without saying anything, but if Lita had that kind of courage, Yu IlHan wouldn't have been able to protect his virginity for a thousand years.
However, the moment Lita got up while sighing, Erta appeared in mid air. Lita shrunk back due to her sudden appearance, but Erta called her with a helpless voice.
[Lita.]( Erta)
[I didn't do anything.!] (Lita)
[You should have.] (Erta)
[Huh?] (Lita)
While Yu IlHan was tilting his head in confusion due to the conversation between the two angels, Erta declared with a sigh.
[The Wall of Chaos is opening. You are called for the battle between us and the predators this time. Rejoice, you will advance without a test. You will receive a new name I guess.] (Erta)
[What about you?] (Lita)
[I need to protect Yu IlHan's sides.] (Erta)
Lita's eyes glistened with frightening light. Erta shivered after seeing Lita's expression, which was that of murder.
[I, it's the higher ups' decision. I was against it.] (Erta)
[I know. So I will go kill them.] (Lita)
[Hold it. It won't end with a joke!] (Erta)
Yu IlHan didn't know exactly how the situation was playing out here, but he did understand that Lita would have to leave his side once more. Well, since Yu IlHan could now use mana, there should be no need to be close to the two angels any more but... he made a bitter smile.
"Will I not be able to see you for a long time?"
[No, that kind of battle, I will finish it off quick and come back.] (Lita)
Lita completely erased her murderous intent before hugging Yu IlHan's head and declaring confidently. Yu IlHan also lightly patted her back.
"Yes. I will be waiting for you so come back quickly."
[Yeah.] (Lita)
Lita seemed to take a step back after the hug before kissing Yu IlHan's cheek lightly. Then, she looked towards Erta.
[If you make any progress while I'm not here… you get it, right?] (Lita)
[You're scaring me. Really, you're scary!] (Erta)
After lightly threatening Erta, Lita disappeared after a sigh. Only after she had disappeared did Erta sigh in relief and approached Yu Ilhan.
The thousand year virgin Yu IlHan, who would never realized that Lita and Erta had affections for him, and one that people had for the opposite sex, tilted his head and asked Erta.
"What progress? Are you dating someone on the ground or something?"
[It's just some code between us angels so don't mind it. Rather than that, here are your rewards.] (Erta)
How could he predict that this was something romantic but not understand that it was about himself? Even while retorting, Erta sighed.
Meanwhile, after seeing Erta blatantly changing topics, Yu IlHan decided to see through those secret codes later, and extended his hand.
The moment Erta softly touched his hand, green text appeared in Yu IlHan's vision.
[Heaven's Quest 005, Dungeon Wave, Complete!]
[All status have increased by 7. 10 magic increases additionally.]
[You have acquired the skill, Higher Curse Resistance.]
"This is…"
The rewards weren't simple. Not to mention the absurd amount of status points, higher curse resistance? He felt unsettled since he felt like he could 'safely' 'suffer' in the future.
[This isn't the end.] (Erta)
"There are more?"
As Yu IlHan had already enhanced the capabilities of his Cross Bag as a part of the reward, he was suspicious as to why they were being so generous. This was something he could think of since he himself did not know how amazing of a feat he had accomplished.
[It's this.] (Erta)
Erta opened up her hand. On top of it was a small hourglass, and the sand inside it was solidified and didn't move. Yu IlHan replied with a soft smile.
"You picking a fight?"
[Check the information.] (Erta)
With a sigh, he grabbed the hourglass. At that moment, the following message appeared in Yu IlHan's eyes.
[Hourglass of Eternity.]
[Rank – God] (T/N: Those of you that read the 'weapon rank' spoiler on NUF finally know why I said it will appear soon, right?)
[Options – Once a month, the user can deploy a barrier on the surrounding space and freeze time. Time will not flow outside even if it does on the inside. It can be used for a maximum of 2 months in the wielder's standard. Those not permitted by the owner cannot enter the barrier.]
[User restrictions – Permanently owned by Yu IlHan.]
[Durability – Infinite.]
This was the appearance of the artifact that would make him the true loner.
Author's notes
It isn't that the Earth is isolating me, but it is me that's isolating the Earth!
Translator's notes
Btw, it isn't mentioned yet but the delay for using the Hourglass of Eternity is 1 month. (So he can practically increase one month into 3 months)
Proofreader's Note
Sorry if there are many mistakes guys… I worked on this immediately after I got off work so I'm quite tired… Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
Translator: Chamber
Proofreader: Kerrigan
Yu IlHan's eyes turned fierce.
"Are you trying to make me suffer even more?"
[It's a really good artifact! It's too exceptional of a treasure to be given to you! It's one of the best artifacts in Heaven!](Erta)
Yu IlHan took a detailed look at the God-ranked artifact on his palm. He thought about what he could do with this artifact that can freeze time and put up a barrier.
"Wait, does the barrier reject everyone i don't want out if I put it up when I'm about to die?"
[Now you know how amazing this is?] (Erta)
It really was incredible. Although there was a usage restriction of 'once a month', didn't he just acquire another means of saving his life?
He had felt death right in front of his nose several times even when fighting with the Orochi this time. With regards to his 'curse', it was given that he would have to suffer a lot more in the future, but now that he had acquired a last resort for extending his life, he became a little more settled.
And secondly,
"I think you gave me this to do labor…"
Since not even the angels knew what would happen on Earth, this was as if they were telling him to grind out weapons from his workshop for two months, by himself, that is. Erta obediently nodded her head.
[Correct, Yu IlHan. You don't have a lot of spare time.] (Erta)
"Just because of who was it again? Huh?"
Gritting his teeth, Yu IlHan put the hourglass in his chest pocket. It did made him hurt when he realised he would become a loner for 2 months every time he used it, but thinking on it, since he was a loner anyway, it didn't really matter.
"Erta, I will allow you to enter the barrier no matter what happens."
[Wh, what are you saying?] (Erta)
Yu IlHan only thought that he could not be stuck in a barrier alone for two whole months, but Erta felt her heart pounding.
Of course, he couldn't care less about whether Erta's heart pounded or not, so he immediately grabbed her and headed to the workshop. Then, he activated the power of the hourglass as soon as he arrived.
The barrier was wider than he thought, covering the entire workshop. Considering how he was using the entire basement 5th floor of the building that Vanguard was on, it was very large.
[It's also the first time that I am entering this barrier. Amazing. I can feel that time has been frozen.] (Erta)
Erta was looking around her with wide eyes, but in fact, Yu IlHan wasn't that unfamiliar with this space. Why? It was similar to when time on Earth was stopped entirely.
"Erta, come here."
[Yes… Yes!] (Erta)
Yu IlHan's voice calling Erta sounded strangely kind for some reason.
Even though nothing had changed, it seemed that only Erta was strange for feeling a special feeling since they were alone in frozen time.
No, that wasn't it! Everything occurring in this space didn't amount to anything on the outside, and would only be shared between Yu IlHan and Erta. Erta thought that this was a very romantic thing.
She became scared for a moment imagining Lita's growling face, but the next moment, she remembered Lita's words – 'it's not crime if you don't get found out', and calmed down again.
Yes, it's not crime if you don't get found out! If Yu IlHan shuts his mouth, then even Lita wouldn't be able to find out! Erta became calm instantly and looked towards Yu IlHan.
When she did, she could find herself facing ragged armor, spear, and robe. Her expression also became ragged.
[I knew this would happen.] (Erta)
"Right? They're worse than I thought. They somehow pulled through during the battle, but now… they're scraps."
The robe was unique-ranked, while the armor and the spear were both legend-ranked. But they ended up in such a bad state so how can he not be sad? Seeing the depressed Erta, Yu IlHan thought that she was not much different.
"I need to restore them. Wouldn't it be possible if I use the Orochi's skin and bones?"
[*Sigh*] (Erta)
Erta set herself straight. She scolded herself for expecting romance from someone she shouldn't expect anything from, and chose to face the ice-cold reality.
[Yu IlHan, what level is your mana crafting at?] (Erta)
"32, why?"
[Then it should be possible. I will teach you a technique that you will use a lot from now on.] (Erta)
Hearing about a new technique, Yu IlHan's eyes shined brightly. However, Erta's feelings while looking at that was as cold as a blizzard.
[Mana crafting is a technique to awaken the potential of an object that did not have any ability. Then, wouldn't it be possible to do the reverse?] (Erta)
"Reverse?"
[Compressing an already activated ability and extracting it.](Erta)
Yu IlHan momentarily did not understand what she was saying, but he fell into thought while thinking about what it was meant by doing the opposite to the things he were doing until now.
This technique wasn't something that was usable by directly injecting information into Yu Ilhan, so Erta also just kept watch. Of course, it was also because she herself couldn't use the technique she was trying to teach Yu IlHan – extraction.
Yu IlHan had long since caught up with Erta's mana crafting skill level.
"I vaguely get it. So you're saying to take away the ability bestowed onto the artifacts."
[You will need magic stones.] (Erta)
It was too dangerous to experiment with a legend-ranked equipment from the beginning, so Yu IlHan selected some unique ranked weapons and 2nd class magic stones to experiment on.
[There are two months left so don't be hasty and take it slow.](Erta)
As soon as Erta finished talking, a brilliant light appeared.
A transparent liquid-like substance flowed out from the axe Yu IlHan was holding, before it climbed up his arm, through his shoulders, and towards the magic stone he held in his other hand. After that, brilliant light appeared once again.
Erta checked while thinking 'no way'.
[You failed, right?] (Erta)
"I succeeded."
At the same time as Yu IlHan replied, the axe that had its ability absorbed became metal powder and crumbled, but Yu IlHan couldn't care less.
He looked at the 2nd class magic stone in his hand. Green text slowly appeared on his retina.
[2nd class magic stone with the power of 'Destructive' 'Tyrant' dwelling in it.]
[A magic stone possessing 2 options. When mana crafting with this as the material, it is possible to apply 2 options onto the target. The options may devolve, or evolve, according to the ability of the crafter and the level of the magic stone.]
[Alpha option 'Destructive' : Increases the attack power of the weapon.]
[Beta option 'Tyrant' : Increases critical hit damage.]
"Ooh, I was wondering if it was the same as when Earth stopped in time but it isn't, eh? Akashic Record is still aware of this place."
[God ranked artifact doesn't necessarily mean God's powers. Rather than that, be honest with me. You were actually a dragon, weren't you?](Erta) (T/N: She says this since dragons are innately adept at using mana)
Having a high skill level didn't correspond to high technical ability. Although there was the Akashic Record's help, the one using the technique, in the end, is the entity.
However, having succeeded in a new technique, and perfectly too? Erta couldn't accept it.
However, Yu IlHan had his own reasons.
"No, but this is similar to the things done by enchanters in novels, isn't it? So the image making was quite simple."
[In fact, people who do mana crafting as their profession are called enchanters. It isn't like all blacksmiths are capable-of-anything like you.](Erta)
"And now, I can use mana."
[Ah.](Erta)
Erta shut her mouth.
That was true. She had forgotten since the equipment that Yu IlHan had made until now were unbelievably OP, but until now, he had made numerous equipment and did mana crafting without the ability to wield mana!
So now, that he could wield mana, succeeding in extracting in one go wasn't too strange.
Not only that, his blacksmithing and mana crafting would bring out results incomparable to before. Since mana was the absolute energy that affected all things!
[Quickly acquire 3rd class, Yu IlHan. And you have to acquire blacksmith as a subclass! Got it?](Erta)
"Okay, I get it so don't give me that frightening look."
If possible, Erta even wanted to leave Yu IlHan's equipment creation to until 3rd class, but no matter how high his level had become, it was still a long way to lv 100.
Yes, let's make him look at his equipment again after acquiring the blacksmith class. Looking forward to that day, Erta decided to honestly admire his pure smithing techniques.
"Should I go in order?"
There were two important elements in extraction – The target equipment of extraction and the magic stone to imbue it into. The robe, the armor, and the weapon's specs were all specialized to Yu IlHan's strengths, so if possible, Yu IlHan wanted to extract them using the best magic stones possible.
It wouldn't end with just extraction. He had to make the new equipment with the finest materials he had in order for those options to be applied in full. He did not want to make a mistake.
To do that, what came first?
Yes.
Dismantling.
[Are you insane? You're saying that you will dismantle all these monsters!?](Erta)
"Erta, our ancestors once said this. That everything can be worked out by pure labor."
[I don't like those ancestors!](Erta)
Now that his plan had been set, there was no more time to lose! Yu IlHan took out a knife for dismantling and opened the entrance of the Cross Bag. He started dismantling while taking out corpses in quantities that he could handle!
"Eternal Flame, you are now in charge of taking care of the byproducts!"
Flicker! It felt as if the Eternal Flame had nodded in response.
In fact, it didn't matter even if it didn't. He'd just stuff it full anyway! Not satisfied with using just one hand, Yu IlHan took out another knife on his other and danced like a madman.
What was interesting was that every time his knife was swung, the monsters that popped out from the Cross Bag were all stripped of their skin, and were being dissected into parts.
Bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and excluding a little of the monster's meat, blood, and magic stone, all the extra waste were all goaled-in into the furnace with a light movement of Yu IlHan's feet.
The Eternal Flame swallowed all of it before burning it into nothing. Meanwhile, Yu IlHan would dismantle another one, and throw its meat and waste into the furnace. Such a process was being repeated again and again without the tiniest bit of a mistake.
[I wonder if he might catch the attention of the God of Dismantling at this rate.](Erta)
Erta worried. Yu IlHan, who had half-heard her, shouted while swinging his knives with a uselessly cool smile.
"I will even dismantle God if it's dead!"
[Don't act cool, it isn't cool!](Erta)
2 weeks passed from then. Yu IlHan, who had only taken the minimum amount of rest, finally stopped moving his knives.
"I finished."
[Really!? There were over 100,000 2nd class monsters though!](Erta)
"I only needed to dismantle a little over 7000 a day then."
[Okay, you're the Dismantle King.](Erta)
Having earned a new nickname, Yu IlHan shrugged his shoulders.
"In fact, there's one left, but these won't do for that one."
Erta knew very well which one that was – it was referring to the sole 4th class mutant that Yu IlHan had hunted this time in the Japan incident, Yamata no Orochi!
Meanwhile, Yu IlHan flicked the now-ragged dismantling knives to the Eternal Flame, and took out a pair of butcher blades lying in his Cross Bag.
[Don't tell me you're trying to dismantle that here too?](Erta)
"Why not? It's no problem if I take it out slowly."
To Yu IlHan, who had already mastered remote collection of the Cross Bag, something like that was not even difficult.
Seeing him using a function that the angels had applied without much thought to such degree, Erta thought that she herself and the angels had committed a huge mistake, but the boat had already set sail. (T/N: i.e. the milk was already spilt)
"Then here I go."
Yu IlHan clanged the butcher blades in mid air a few times, before calling out the corpse of the Orochi from the Cross Bag little by little with a deep breath.
"Huaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
Then, he jumped around like a madman while dismantling the Orochi's body!
[I should have shown this to Lita.](Erta)
Even while Erta was flabbergasted at that sight, the body of the Orochi was slowly, but surely coming out from the Cross Bag.
As the Orochi had a sturdy body, excluding the parts that were shredded by the pile bunker and the final spear throw, the body was almost fully intact. such a body was now being flayed into skin, meat, bones and blood.
Yes. Even while dismantling, Yu IlHan was extracting the blood in a special container!
[Can I upload this on Yout*be?](Erta)
"Don't talk to me!"
In a blink of an eye, a tenth of the tens of meters large Orochi was dismantled.
Having seen through where to slice to be more efficient, Yu IlHan sped up. Quicker, and more perfectly!
"Damn, can't see a magic stone."
[Considering what kind of chaos a 4th class magic stone would bring to the current Earth, it's instead fortunate that there isn't one!](Erta)
Thinking that Erta was worrying unnecessarily, since it would be used in Yu IlHan's own weapon anyway, Yu IlHan sped up even more.
Even though the corpse of the Orochi was, in the end, just skin and bones, every time the butcher blades came into contact, sparks flew everywhere.
Was it because it came to be after swallowing three Traps of Destruction? Even though he was bringing out the best capabilities of the dismantling techniques he had learnt, separating flaying the skin and the bones was teeth-grittingly hard. He wouldn't even be able to try if not for the superhuman strength skill.
"You can eat that!"
Even while dismantling with all his effort, he threw the parts that were destroyed by his attack and became unusable, to the Eternal Flame.
Perhaps due to the meat being of a tremendously higher class to the ones it had ate before, the Eternal Flame ate up all of the Orochi's byproducts in joy. Then, it shined brightly before changing into a golden-colored flame.
[Aaah, it grew again, again!](Erta)
"Don't be so angry."
The dismantling speed kept speeding up. Starting with the seven heads, through to the body all the way until the tails!
Then, Yu IlHan ended all his actions after some time. In front of his eyes was the giant sword that was made from the fusion of all of the Orochi's tails.
The dismantling of the Orochi had ended, and now, there was only the un-dismantlable part left.
[Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword (天叢雲剣)]
[Rank – Legend]
[Attack power – 4,444]
[Options – 40% increase in attack power when confronting dragonkin, able to activate 'Purple Flame' by imbuing mana.]
[Durability – 5,000/5,000]
[A weapon that was created after the energy of a mutant 4th class monster that was born absorbing the records of the Japanese mythological monstrous beast, Yamata no Orochi, was refined. It is extremely hard and sharp, and shows maximum power when fighting against dragonkin.]
"Hm."
Thinking back to it, there was a notification of acquiring a legend-rank artifact when he killed it.
He just passed it up at that time since he was in a mess, but it seemed like the notification appeared because its entire body had entered the Cross Bag while a part of its body became an artifact.
Checking the abilities of the artifact, Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword, Yu IlHan nodded. Then, he spoke.
"It's a little weak considering it came from a 4th class boss, right? It's not even that sharp too. What's the worst is that I would need to be a 5m tall giant if I want to use this weapon."
[Yu IlHan, your next line is 'So I will create a new spear from this!'](Erta)
"So I will create a new spea… Huh?"
Yu IlHan became shocked, and Erta spoke while sighing.
[Make it, Yu IlHan. Just why don't you create epic-ranked ones too. Just…](Erta)
The hope of humanity, Yu IlHan, nodded his head and picked up his hammer.
Since he finished dismantling, what was left was to extract the options and create the equipments. He had neither reason nor room to hesitate.
Author's notes
In Mabinogi, there's a concept called 'reverse enchanting'. It's acquiring the said enchant scroll by burning the enchanted item. I've got the idea of extraction from there. Fuu…. whenever I think about it, my blood pressure…!
I will even dismantle God if it's dead : It's a parody of a famous line in the novel, Kara no Kyoukai.
Answer – Melting the sword and making it into a spear! Of course, in Japanese mythology, Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword isn't such a giant sword.
Translator's notes
~~~
Translator: Chamber
Proofreader: Koukouseidesu
Before making new equipment for himself, Yu IlHan focused on perfectly extracting the options from his old equipment.
The robe that was ripped apart into pieces of cloth, half molten armor that should be called 'lump of metal' rather than armor, and the spear that finished off the Orochi along with itself due to the several thousand tons of weight applied.
If the Orochi had dropped a 4th class magic stone, then he would have extracted the options onto it, but unluckily, or perhaps, because the energy that was supposed to become the magic stone was fully concentrated into the Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword, the Orochi did not spit out a magic stone, so he used 3rd class ones for all the options.
As there weren't that many 3rd classes in the battle, the number of 3rd class magic stones he had acquired was four, and Yu IlHan invested three of them to extract the options. Extracting the options were not wasteful at all, rather, he found it wasteful to give them up and try new ones.
[The skill, Mana Crafting, has become Lv 33.]
[You have acquired a 3rd class magic stone with the power of 'Frighteningly' 'Hard' 'Shadow Leopard'.]
[You have acquired a 3rd class magic stone with the power of 'Secretive' 'Reaper'.]
[You have acquired a 3rd class magic stone with the power of 'Dark' 'Deathgod's' 'Dragon-exterminating'.]
[You can't let your guard down just because you've done the extraction perfectly. If you don't do mana crafting while activating the maximum power of the magic stone, then the options may devolve in quality or may even disappear.](Erta)
"Thank you, Ertawagon."
However, her worries were unnecessary; never did Yu IlHan slack in doing anything.
Of course, excluding team projects where he never had his turn since no one in his team found him!
Yu IlHan had a look at the robe first. He was confident in processing leather or cloth, but as he could only bring out the best of his abilities while handling metal, his expectations of completeness of the robe was the lowest.
After finding the most intact, sturdy, and tenacious part of the Orochi's skin, he started processing it in detail. In his head, he was wondering about how to make it into a legend rank artifact, so he muttered these words unintentionally.
"It will be good if I'm able to enhance the equipment by using loads of magic stones."
[That's impossible. Although it will definitely differ according to the abilities of the crafter, equipments have an innate limit to the quantity of mana they can have.](Erta)
Yu IlHan also knew that much.
If it was possible to enhance equipments simply by pouring mana into them, then other worlds had to be overflowing with legend or higher ranked equipments. There also shouldn't have been cases like his, where a person created a legend-ranked artifact through only mana crafting, but without the ability to wield mana freely.
As such, there exists a limit in every artifact. Mana crafting should be viewed as a process to refine an amount of mana within the limitations of the item itself.
This is also why both the abilities of the mana crafter and the item creator were important. If the item was a mess, then it was difficult for options to appear, and no matter how great of an item, if the mana crafting process was a mess, then the true power could not be brought out in full.
Alas, even if everything was perfect, it was impossible for too many options to be imbued into a single equipment, nor was it possible for too large an amount of power to dwell in it. That's why equipments with 3 options have overwhelming value...
"Huh."
Yu IlHan momentarily stopped speaking. It wasn't that he had committed a mistake while working. It was just that something flashed in his head. And what's more, a brilliant flash that would make him stronger!
[What is it, Yu IlHan? Did you think up of something weird again?](Erta)
"Hm. Hmmmmmm."
Seeing Yu IlHan in thought, Erta thought that her judgement was correct. She didn't know just what bulb had swtiched on in his head, but she did think that he might begin producing epic ranked weapons like nothing!
"Hm, so that's why the Traps of Destructions were, so that's it. I think I get it a little."
[Well, please keep it secret from other people.](Erta)
"No, it won't do for now. I don't think I can make a great one with just a 2nd class magic stone. Moreover, if I don't at least put a 4th class for the core…"
Yu IlHan seemed to speak nonsense before he took his phone out and started writing stuff on his memo. He hurriedly wrote with horrible handwriting, afraid as if he would forget it soon, before putting it back in satisfaction.
"Good, that's the idea done. I think I can manage a simple application at the current moment."
[How suspicious.](Erta)
"Well, you'll get to see it."
The robe was created smoothly. Yu IlHan first scraped off the Orochi's sharp scales carefully before gathering them all in one place and processing the skin, and he processed them so thinly that it looked like cloth, before putting together a robe large enough to cover his entire body.
There weren't many places for his abilities to shine, so despite the materials being of the best ones, it ended up as a rare ranked artifact, but the main course was from now.
Yu IlHan turned his head. The scales he had scraped from the Orochi were in that place.
[Yu IlHan, please tell me it isn't] (Erta)
"It is."
Yu IlHan picked one of the scales with tongs and put it inside the furnace where the Eternal Flame was burning. Since he knew that the Orochi's scales, bones, and even some parts of the muscles showed metallic characteristics, he had no hesitation.
The Eternal Flame seemed to have acquired quite a lot of firepower after being strengthened by eating part of the Orochi's corpse. Erta only looked at it while sighing, but Yu IlHan couldn't shake off the 'what if?' thought from his head.
"What if the Eternal Flame became like that after absorbing a part of the Orochi, which had absorbed 3 pieces worth of high ranked metals from the Traps of Destruction?"
[I'm also predicting that that's the case. Of course, it's properties did change by quite a large amount.] (Erta)
That meant that the Orochi meat and blood he had extracted also had a lot of heavy metals! Yu IlHan became depressed since he had been expecting a dragon-meat party.
[Don't eat it, you can't resist it even with your extreme poison resistance!] (Erta)
"But I will be able to endure if I only eat little bits of it at a time, right?"
[Aren't you thinking something weird at the moment?] (Erta)
Since he felt like he would get scolded if he said it now, Yu IlHan shut his mouth and processed the scales. He sharpened or hammered the molten scales or fused them with other materials. As always, as he gained experience, his working speed became insanely fast.
His work didn't end easily. He sharpened and fused countless scales until they became palm sized. he sharpened them and processed them for an entire day. He did that until they numbered 300.
[I think I get what you're doing.] (Erta)
It was obvious what he was trying to do. What did the Orochi do when he first approached it? Didn't it make the scales stand erect and shoot them out?
Yu IlHan was trying to imitate its technique through equipment. Since he had experienced the attack himself, he wouldn't fail with the mana crafting process.
However, Yu IlHan denied her words.
"No, Erta. That much is too weak."
Saying that, Yu IlHan took out 300 2nd class magic stones from his Cross Bag. Since the number of monsters he had killed numbered 100,000, he still had more than 20,000 magic stones.
Japan was almost doomed due to the dungeon wave, but Yu IlHan had acquired an absurd amount of money, enough to revive a country.
[Are you saying you will use all of that? That's impossible! Didn't I just say so a moment ago? There is a clear limit to the mana an armament can receive!] (Erta)
"Yes. One for each equipment. At most 3 or 4. This is the limit."
Yu IlHan's lips were making a smile. Despite the fact that he was doing the same thing for 24 hours straight, his confident smile was without a hint of fatigue.
[If you know then... Hm?] (Erta)
At that moment, Erta also seemed to have realized.
Insane as ever – being able to think of that, Erta asked.
[Yu IlHan, are these scales all...] (Erta)
"They're all rare ranked or above."
Yu IlHan answered as if he had waited for it.
This meant that, he had, through 24 hours of work, had created 300 rare ranked daggers.
"Of course, the weapon has a limit, so there is a limit to their uses, and I do wonder if the people will be able to use them properly even if I gave it to them."
Assassins would like it. The finished daggers were both extremely light and extremely sharp. If anyone knew that he had only used 5 minutes to finish each of these, then they would all be shocked.
However, Yu IlHan didn't create these to use them as daggers. He had made them as a part of the robe.
"Let's start then."
Yu IlHan grabbed a bunch of daggers on one hand, and a bunch of magic stones on the other, before starting mana crafting. He focused in order for the mana to be equally distributed among the daggers he had. He wouldn't have been able to try such an insane method when he couldn't wield mana, but now, it was different.
The flow of mana from the magic stones flowed almost too easily according to his control and were split apart into streams before being absorbed into the daggers, and under the same imagery from Yu IlHan, implemented the same ability in all of them.
Yu IlHan finished all that work in a short time. The 300 daggers were still of rare rank, but their abilities were all the same. (T/N: How is it 'rare' if you have the 300 of the same dagger? O.o)
[Flash Orochi Dagger]
[Rank – Rare]
[Attack Power – 2,500]
[Options – Will be ejected at high speeds if a shock is received. At that time, attack power increases by 30%, and after the power is depleted, it returns back to its original position.]
[Durability – 2,200/2,200]
When Yu IlHan smacked the handle of the dagger as a test, the dagger shot out like a bullet and seemed to embed itself deep into the wall, before returning to its original position below Yu IlHan's hand.
Perfect. This was a splendid weapon in itself. Of course, Yu IlHan had no intentions in stopping here though.
"Right, then."
It was time to fuse the robe and the daggers. To compare, it was like multiple single items combining into a set. It was like how coke and french fries were bland on their own, but great together.
[That looks heavy.] (Erta)
"Hey, I swung around weapons weighing tens of tons, this is nothing."
Yu IlHan equipped the 300 daggers he had made onto the robe in order. As they were originally attached together as skin and scales, just putting in a slight amount of mana made them stick to each other.
When 300 of them were stuck close together, the robe looked quite frightening, but it wasn't too easily told apart – the daggers were too thin.
Confirming that the daggers were attached, Yu IlHan nodded in satisfaction before starting mana crafting. His first objective was to bring out the power of 'secretive' 'reaper' in the magic stone, and his second and compulsory objective was to...
'It's fortunate that I can now wield mana. Although I can't acquire a skill right away, if I increase the number of equipments that work with mana, then I can become a lot stronger than others.'
You are already overwhelmingly strong as you are now! – or so Erta would say if she knew what he was thinking; the mana crafting began.
The overwhelming energy of a 3rd class magic stone, and the two options dwelling inside it were pulled out entirely and were led to the black leather robe under Yu IlHan's lead. Not long after, a brilliant light appeared foretelling the results.
[Secretive Reaper's Roaring Dark Python Robe was completed.]
[Secretive Reaper's Roaring Dark Python Robe] (T/N: Gosh, that's long)
[Rank – Legend]
[Defense – 3,500]
[Options-
25% increase in concealing abilities
25% in attack power when attacking in surprise
Generates a strong shock wave using mana]
Yu IlHan gripped his fists. Although he was sure that he would succeed, it was different seeing it for real. However, Erta turned pale after checking the finished equipment's stats and shouted.
[Don't you dare test that thing here!] (Erta)
"It will be quite a spectacle though."
[And, your workshop along with this building will collapse!] (Erta)
the additional option on the robe was quite simple. Consuming mana to generate a shock wave in all directions. He did the mana crafting while thinking about the Orochi's absurd strength, but it seemed like it had worked out as he had expected.
That in itself was a plenty good of an option, but the problem(?) was the neatly attached daggers on the surface of the robe.
The daggers had options that would eject when receiving shock, so the moment Yu IlHan creates a shock wave using mana, they would eject in all directions.
"In fact, there is a combo here."
When Yu IlHan pulled his sleeves up, there was the Quick LIghtning Storm's Gold Leather Bracelet. This was a splendid accessory that increased his mana recovery speed by 20%, and generated a lightning storm when under attack once a day!
The problem was that this did not come to light in the anti-Orochi fight.
[The attack power was too weak. I think it did activate during the battle, but I can't remember when.] (Erta)
"Yes. However, it will be a different story if it's with the robe's power."
If he timed the lightning storm well after creating the shock wave; if only the lightning storm would envelop the daggers at the same time they were ejected!
[Your imagination is frightening as ever!] (Erta)
Yu IlHan had now created a once-a-day defensive finisher attack. He wanted to test if it went the way he wanted it to, but as the barrier would dissipate once he exited it, he could only give up for now.
Having acquired a good result from the robe he had made, Yu IlHan's hammering also gained power.
What he made next was the armor, and since he had an overflowing amount of leather and bones, he was planning to make an inner armor and an outer armor.
He first processed the Orochi's skin wholeheartedly to make a simple inner armor, and he transferred the options in the 3rd magic stone with the power of 'Shiveringly' 'Hard' 'Shadow Leopard's'.
[What?] (Erta)
[Strong Shadow Dragon's Dark Python Leather Armor was completed.]
[Rank – Unique]
[Defense – 4,200]
[Options –
35% increase in defensive power.
30% increase in critical hit rate and critical attack power when attacking in surprise]
[Durability – 3,200/3,200]
"Huh?"
A unique ranked armor was made.
Of course, it was already very good, but Yu IlHan was slightly disappointed.
Among the 3 options, the option to enhance the other two had completely disappeared, and the other 2 options had changed. Although it was just leather armor, it was made from the skin of the Orochi!
The original armor had the option to increase attack power by 50% when doing a surprise attack. Although he did gain a critical hit rate increase which he didn't have before, he somehow felt like he had made a loss.
[Perhaps this is better. You have the critical hit skill, as well as a lot of titles and artifacts that go well with it. How about you make other equipments to increase critical hit rate in the future?]
"*Groan*."
Critical hits were definitely strong. If it happened, it could stun the enemy for a moment, and the damage also explosively increases as well.
the reason he could cut the Orochi's head and the tail was also because they were critical hits.
However, unless he could bring out critical hits 100% of the time, Yu IlHan had no plans on relying on it. This was the reason he wasn't happy.
Anyway, armor crafting hadn't ended yet. Since his surprise attack power was lowered, he resolved to make one with good options and heated up the Orochi's bones with the Eternal Flame.
However, he wasn't making armor with those bones, but sharp blades.
[You're doing the same thing like the robe again?]
"No, this is a process to complete one of my dreams!"
Yu IlHan reminisced about the time during the initial stages of the Great Cataclysm, when he had just learned mana crafting, and had made the defensive equipment with the mantis scythe. At that time, he was proud of himself, but thinking back now, that was trash!
"Moreover, despite my mana crafting ability increasing since that time, I instead had to focus on the defensive power and the surprise attack power, so I put aside my dreams for a little. However, not anymore. I will fuse my ideals and reality into one!"
[You sound reasonable, but you're planning to make armor with protruding blades again, aren't you!]
"Yup. It's my preference so please respect it."
Although Yu IlHan had relied on the pile bunker, spear and other weapons until now, that didn't mean that the Vale Tudo he had learned from Lita in the numerous years had disappeared nor had it regressed.
As such, he had not left out close combat when training alone until now. It was the final and the most fatal trump card he had against enemies who closed in on him after deflecting his spear!
Yu IlHan was now making the method to enhance that weapon.
"There definitely will come a time when I use this. The probability probably just went up now that I said it. 96%. Oh, 98% now."
[Shaddap. I should've realized when you imbued the option magic stone into the leather armor.]
Even while sighing deeply, Erta had no choice but to watch Yu IlHan's work progress. The scene in her head was one where Yu IlHan was courageously fighting against the Orochi.
'May an armor befitting of the hero who challenges the impossible, be born' – Muttering that in her heart, she ended up smiling slightly.
Author's notes
Just, what had he thought of!?
I planned to skip the crafting part as much as possible, but I can't just not use the Orochi half heartedly. But even so, the next chapter will be the end of it!
Translator's notes
Sorry, been ill since the new years…. T^T. As of 5th Jan, I owe you 8 chapters (including sponsors)