Gluttony.
Born of humanity's seven deadly sins, Gluttony traces its creation back to an ancient archmage's experiment.
Greed, sloth, wrath, lust, envy, and pride join it in forming this sinful septet—The Seven Deadly Sins.
Considered the original transgressions of humanity, they embody unique species.
Manifesting as flawed entities within the Inner Lunatic, they closely resemble demons. Their deep-seated distrust of humans—who birthed them—fuels their aggressive stance.
Yet, they're not devoid of intelligence, mirroring humans in their quest to satiate personal desires.
The early players found their existence baffling, sparking numerous debates about what to name them.
Were they demons? Chimeras, perhaps?
Or were they merely victims of humanity?
Cutting through the unnecessary verbosity, let's get to the core of the matter:
The primordial Gluttony was a brutal son of a bitch.
However, the current Gluttony's power is not comparable. It lies sealed within the abyssal depths.
Noah's onslaught has nearly annihilated its physical form, its soul fragmented and lacking its former potency.
While it's unkillable, its defeat is not an impossibility.
[…You're the first to correctly anticipate the initial onslaught from the shadows.]
Gluttony remained silent; not even a playful "Woof!" escaped it.
A pity, really—it would have added a touch of cuteness.
But, more pressing matters demanded my attention.
"Did anyone else handle that book besides me?"
I couldn't help but inquire—was I alone in my madness?
'Who else among the students would dare to touch this tome? How did this transpire?'
The response I received was unexpectedly affirmative.
[Yes, he eventually surrendered… he was pretty primitive, though. In a way, he might've been disastrous for you.]
"Who's 'he'?"
[Defeat me, and I'll disclose.]
"You're becoming quite the nuisance."
[Didn't you propose a bargain?]
He furrows his brow for a moment.
What a catastrophe…
I try to banish the thought.
The world is riddled with scoundrels.
I wonder if there's any merit in singling them out.
Victory promises to illuminate such knowledge.
However, a realization dawned upon me:
The significance of the book and the implications of interacting with it.
'The book I hold, the [Essence of Black Magic], embodies all facets of black magic within its pages.
Yet, no mage can decipher its contents—save for perhaps Noah.'
This boils down to two reasons.
Firstly, the language of the book.
'This tome shuns the conventional magical runes, opting for Dragonlanguage instead. This language, native to dragons, has fallen into obscurity within the Inner Lunatic.'
The book never intended to invite readers.
Naturally, even in death, I had mastered this language and come prepared.
In the meantime, could he read my thoughts?
Gluttony cleaned the blood trickling down his neck.
[Why yearn for a book written in an indecipherable human script?]
"It's my desire, hence the demand for the book. Hand it over."
[I fail to comprehend.]
I distract him, engaging him in conversation.
His leg wound… If I left it untreated, could it sap his vitality?
I re-sheathe my sword, charging it with energy.
Then, the second reason why this book remains unattainable to many strikes me.
'One must command the power of dark attribute magic.'
If this criterion eludes you, the book remains forever out of reach.
This is the unvarnished truth about the clandestine relic, the Black Magic Essence.
'That's why Noah von Trinity cannot lay a finger on this book.'
Reflecting on it, the prerequisite seems somewhat malevolent. Learning a language, then unwittingly harnessing dark elemental magic?
Moreover, a unique elemental magic only obtainable by birth?
'You're too innocent for this. That is, if you're an average individual.'
Had I not become Nox, I'd have opted for the simpler route.
But I am Nox now.
And in Arkriver… I've already learnt Dragontongue.
Moreover, my stats surpass the requirements.
...Of course, Penelope did throw me into a bit of a frenzy.
[Cringe!]
(keuleung!)
I evade Gluttony's assault, memories of Arkriver flashing in my mind.
The reason is apparent.
The Abyss… it offers a 1.5x skill bonus.
Coupled with his continuous healing, it's an ideal training ground—a veritable scarecrow on legs. No, more of a dog, really.
Thus, the opportune moment to harvest benefits has arrived.
'So… what was I like that day....'
It's thanks to that day…
I can recall my time in Arkriver just a few days ago.
I vividly remember oscillating between torment and bliss that day.
* * *
Days prior, once the duel with First Prince Louis concluded.
Princess Penelope addressed me with casual ease.
"I'll ensure you bathe in Arkriver this very evening. Regarding the compensation you seek from my brother, I'll pen a letter and send it directly to him."
"No, I need you to clarify what you previously mentioned."
My voice echoed with urgency.
Usually, Echidna would have reprimanded my interruption, but her absence now allowed me to voice my concerns more freely.
…No, truthfully, it wasn't me who staggered at the last moment, but the Princess.
Am I a potential suitor in her eyes?
Such an assertion from the head of the Holy Family?
Her inexplicable behavior nearly drove me to deactivate [Acting Master] on my own.
Penelope, however, appeared amused by the current situation. She placed a finger on her lips, feigning forgetfulness.
"I can't recall what I said...."
"You're toying with me."
I interrupted her, firm in my resolve. Penelope glanced at me before continuing.
"Ah. Fine. You want to hear about the marriage proposal?"
I crossed my arms and nodded. This was a tale I needed to hear.
Princess Penelope pondered for a moment, her hands interlaced.
"Firstly, I assure you, this is not a result of me falling in love with you. You know that. I'm not a woman who yields easily, nor do I blindly trust anyone."
"Understood."
"So, does that unsettle you?"
"Not at all."
"With such… resolve, and considering your current company—a princess… Are you certain of your safety when you depart?"
Was Penelope intentionally provoking me?
I swallowed hard, attempting to soothe my escalating anxiety.
Penelope resumed.
"Ultimately, this is a matter of survival before politics. I aspire to become empress. Nox-kun, you wish to avoid death. This arrangement satisfies us both, doesn't it?"
"Are you comfortable using marriage as a bargaining chip, especially with a rogue like me?"
"Nox, I believe in your talents. If you employ them to my advantage... I'm certain of my ascension to the empress' throne."
"You overvalue me."
"Do you truly believe so?"
Penelope leaned slightly towards me, and our eyes locked.
Her expression faltered momentarily. What am I to do in such a situation?
One concern is Penelope's withdrawal from the imperial competition due to my non-cooperation. Yet, before that occurs, I find myself in an even more bizarre situation: my family hasn't disowned me.
She'll shield me, but…
If my family casts me out, how will a notorious villain like Nox manage to survive in this society?
I must devise a strategy.
"Princess."
"No. Regardless of what you say, my decision remains unchanged. So, abandon your attempts to dissuade me."
"...."
Ultimately, I had no choice but to accept the Princess's proposal.
In return, she offered her unwavering support—a lifeline I needed to survive. I didn't anticipate her changing her stance.
So, I accepted. The one who bestows also holds the power to revoke.
That's what defines her as a princess.
Penelope's influence surpassed my initial estimation.
It seemed easier to surrender.
Of course...
Little did I know that she would publicize our agreement the next day, leaving me mortified.
Nonetheless, that evening,
I managed to immerse myself fully.
Navigating a lengthy corridor, bypassing several escort layers, Penelope and I found ourselves by the river. Its chilling and enigmatic aura enveloped us.
The encircling walls lent it an artificial appearance, though I suppose that was intentional.
Such a valuable asset isn't to be easily unveiled to others.
Gurgle-.
(joljoljol/rippling)
The warm sunlight danced on the water's surface while the stream meandered lazily.
For a long while, I observed, mesmerized.
Soon, Princess Penelope and Echidna moved away.
"Take care, Nox."
"...Well, why don't you go in first?"
"Uh, no. Do you plan to remain here and watch?"
"I prefer solitude, but...."
"Because I'm present?"
"It would cease to be enjoyable, so why bother...."
"You've repeated the same thing thrice. Is this an affront to the Imperial Family?"
"You two… your romance seems overly intimate."
Echidna commented from the sidelines as the Princess, and I bantered.
She seems to have misunderstood our intentions.
Does she believe we discussed a marriage pact out of love?
At times, she proves more naive than Talia.
Suddenly, it felt odd to use honorifics—it made me nauseous.
...Damn it. The mere thought of Talia filled me with dread.
I flinched in horror, an action not lost on the princess.
"Did Miss Talia cross your mind?"
Caught off guard, I denied it after a two-second delay.
"…No."
"That's fine, I'm generous. Go on, I'll remain here."
Penelope flashed a radiant smile.
Echidna stood by her, arms crossed.
With Penelope as my audience, I approached the river.
A river veiled in mystery. The Arkriver—a cherished treasure of the royal family.
Splash.
Upon my first contact with the river, I found it...
It wasn't frigid. It was just perfect.
Even though I usually only shower in hot water—even in the peak of summer—I found the water temperature didn't concern me here.
The water felt as if it were seeping into my body, radiating warmth from within.
I kept my status window open, monitoring the changes.
__________________
[Basic Info]
Name: Nox von Reinhafer
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Race: Human
Primary Element: Darkness
Achievements: None
[Traits]
Positive: [Genius with Swords and Martial Arts] / [Genius with Mana Sensitivity] / [Insightful] / [Master of Memorization] / [Steel Mentality] / [Master of Acting]]
Neutral: [Manifestation of Darkness]
Negative: [Time Limit] / [Nagging Illness] / [Cold Hand] / [Possession]
[Stats]
Physique: 6.2 (+2)
MP: 9.2 (+3)
Luck: 10
Willpower: 11.3
Charm: 26.3
[Hidden Stats]
Dexterity (Uncultivated): 7
[Skills] – Active Skills: [Genius's Time] / [Loser's Intimidation] / [Shadow Family Lower Level Swordsmanship] / [Southern Swordsmanship] / [Combustion] / [Type Change]]
*As per the [Time Limit] talent, the remaining player's lifespan is 149 days.
__________________
Then, as the river swept over me, a cascade of status windows began to populate.
[You've discovered the Hidden Piece!]
[You have soaked in Arkriver].
[Your stats have randomly increased by 2!]
Although I wasn't religious, I prayed fervently.
'Please… if there's a God, let my magic increase by at least 1.'
My prayer resonated with sincerity.
Physique would be ideal, as it reduces the fatigue of distant fighting, but I could defer that. It was time to start mastering black magic.
In order to truly grasp it and maintain control, you need your base stats to exceed 10, excluding your equipment.
But....
[The first stat increase has boosted your MP by 1!]
[The second stat increase has boosted your MP by 1!]
For some reason, I hit the jackpot.
What were the chances?
I achieved the two MP increases I prayed for.
Considering the odds....
Given Inner Lunatic's reputation for fickle odds, this was a significant win.
It implied a higher likelihood of achieving my desired build.
'Maintaining a high Luck stat could yield interesting results,' I thought.
However, in situations like these, composure is essential.
'But I am composed. The Arkriver's effects haven't ceased.'
I remembered. The Arkriver harbored another hidden effect.
It isn't a mere two-stat booster—Inner Lunatic wouldn't label something a Hidden Piece frivolously.
…Ah, a mantra, isn't it?
'Whatever.'
I gathered my focus, clasped my hands, and uttered a soft incantation.
'dlrjf rnedl qjsdurgkeksl! ekdtlsdms wlswjdgks wp thtjfdml ehrwkdlqslek!'{sic}
A sentence that didn't parse easily, its meaning remained crystal clear.
A trigger.
That is, a catalyst that activates another Hidden Piece nested within a Hidden Piece.
The second Hidden Piece I acquired was:
[Arkriver's second Hidden Piece triggers].
[Along the riverbed, etched onto a stone tablet, you've learned the ancient, unwritten tongue of Dragonlanguage].
You might wonder, "What's Dragonlanguage doing here?"
Some of you might question, "Why here, of all places?"
But perhaps it's not so surprising.
Why?
Because Noah once mentioned:
"I recall the Red Dragon heating the Arkriver for a leisurely swim... It's mentioned a few times in the game. I initially dismissed it, but… well… it turned out to be true."
Indeed.
Noah was an enigma, but they were also a purveyor of truth.
... By the way.
As I lounged in the water, a lingering thought occupied my mind.
Dean Noah von Trinity.
How ancient must she be to have befriended a now-extinct dragon?
In so many ways, she was a puzzle.