[Chapter 203]
[For the Fierce Battle]
On this day, Pandora Clan members departed for the National Museum of Korea.
The faces of clan members leaving to obtain artifacts were uniformly bright.
"Baek-ryeon, are you busy?"
"Ah, Eun-ae unni. Hello."
Eun-ae, who happened to meet the clan members at the door, saw them off.
Then she went to meet Ha Baek-ryeon as if it had become her daily routine.
Ha Baek-ryeon was reading a book in the cafe while enjoying the air conditioning.
"I'm looking for Baek-ryeon to water the flowers with me..."
"Me! I'll go with you!"
Noh Eun-ae said playfully.
Then Ha Baek-ryeon closed her book and jumped up from her seat.
They looked at each other's faces and burst into laughter.
The two had become quite close recently while watering the flowers being grown in the clan.
"Are you watering them in the evening these days too? That child has been asking for water constantly lately."
"Yes! I'm doing as you said, unni."
"Wow, really? Then it seems you can do well on your own now even without me?"
Noh Eun-ae and Ha Baek-ryeon held hands and chatted casually.
It was idle talk.
Just with that, the two made shrill sounds saying they were happy.
And Gong Baek-gi, who recently took over as Ha Baek-ryeon's bodyguard from Han Seo-hyun's exclusive service, followed from afar.
"That Baek-ryeon was quite shy, but she's not shy with Eun-ae?"
Gong Baek-gi muttered quietly.
Then he followed them into Noh Eun-ha's office.
Because there was a flower the two were carefully managing.
"Wow, it grew a lot in just one day?"
"It seems to be growing rapidly these days. Ahjussi was amazed watching me water it too."
"This isn't just a flower. It probably needs a lot of water to prepare to be born soon."
A well-lit location.
There was one flower bud that hadn't bloomed yet.
The seed Eun-ae received from Eun-ha before had grown vigorously.
"When will it be born?"
"It seems like it will be born today or tomorrow, but we'll have to water it to know?"
"I filled the watering can with water!"
"Ah, really? Thank you! Then how about you water it directly, Baek-ryeon? It will like that too."
"Hmm, okay, I'll do that."
After checking the flower's growth state.
Eun-ae smiled.
It seems it will be born soon.
Then she wanted to surprise Ha Baek-ryeon with this joyous event.
Eun-ae made a playful face and handed the watering can to Ha Baek-ryeon.
Then Ha Baek-ryeon who received the watering can watered the flower as usual.
Eventually─.
"─Oh, unni!!"
"It's about to be born now. Watch closely."
The mouth of the large flower bud opened.
Sparkling powder sprayed out.
Ha Baek-ryeon was startled by the sudden sight and stepped back.
Eun-ae supported her from behind while watching the flower bud fully open.
"Yawn."
And finally.
The flower bud opened.
The two gazed at the red flower as if entranced.
A small girl was sitting on top of the flower.
"Lala!!"
Soon the girl who was yawning with a dazed face discovered the two.
She spread wings from her back and flew into Ha Baek-ryeon's arms.
"Unni, this is...."
"Baek-ryeon, you got a little sister? Congratulations!"
"What?"
"Lala! Lalala♬"
Ha Baek-ryeon who received the child in a daze.
Noh Eun-ae saw her flustered and grinned.
The fairy-like child as small as a palm nuzzled her face into Ha Baek-ryeon's arms.
☆
The treasure vault of the National Museum of Korea opened.
Of course, the clan decided to enter first was Pandora Clan.
Subjugation of Goeshini.
Subjugation of Crimson, Cobalt Knight.
Repelling Maegu.
Saving
Stopping the military's bombardment, etc.
It was possible because Pandora Clan achieved the most merits in the Uijeongbu Recapture War.
No clan expressed objections and handed over their turn to them.
"It's a shame. If those kids were alive too, they could have come here..."
Pandora Clan members were excited.
On the other hand, as Jung Ha-yang said in a lonely tone, they couldn't be purely excited.
4 people died in Uijeongbu.
The Fairy Government, considering their merits, awarded them medals too.
In reality, it was no different from honorary medals since dead people can't receive treasures.
However, people with connections to them would receive compensation commensurate with the medal grade from the Fairy Government.
But for those without family-like connections... We should handle it according to that person's will.
Pandora Clan kept the wills of deceased clan members.
Pandora Clan had the responsibility to act as an intermediary between the Fairy Government and deceased clan members' families to cleanly wrap up the compensation process.
It was under Han Seo-hyun and the administrative staff's jurisdiction.
Even now, they were working to respect the wills of the deceased for their bereaved families.
Meanwhile, people remembering the deaths of clan members couldn't be too purely happy.
"Welcome to the National Museum of Korea. I'm honored to guide you all again. Thanks to heroes like you, the nation's boundless..."
Soon Eun-ha and clan members met the guide.
Clan members who had obtained treasures before didn't feel much excitement even at the guide's praise-filled explanation.
But clan members entering the treasure vault for the first time had expressions of deep emotion.
"The treasures Pandora Clan will receive are treasures corresponding to Hwarang, Chungmu, and Eulji grades. I'd be grateful if you form groups according to each merit."
The criteria the Fairy Government put forward as compensation for the 2nd Uijeongbu Recapture War were mainly related to subjugating corps commanders.
Chungmu grade was given for directly being involved in subjugating corps commanders.
At this time, Hwarang grade was given for indirect involvement.
The criteria for Inheon grade were ambiguous.
Because it was given for helping to subjugate corps commanders or providing some help to the recapture team.
Meanwhile, for Eulji grade one level higher than Chungmu grade─.
"─We decided to award Eulji grade for defeating two or more corps commanders or achieving equivalent merits for the recapture team. 20 people from Pandora Clan were given Eulji grade. You set a new record again this time. Congratulations. You will soon have your names recorded in Korean history. I'm really envious."
That's how it was.
Pandora Clan's merits were so great.
As a result, 20 people including Eun-ha achieved Eulji grade merits in the clan.
It was the first time 20 Eulji grade recipients came from one clan in Pandora Clan.
The guide's words that it would be recorded in history weren't just empty flattery.
"Then we'll go down to the treasure vault now. Eulji grade recipients please follow me."
""""...."""
Anyway.
Eun-ha and those who received Eulji grade medals followed the guide.
At that time, Eun-ha called Kaede.
"Wait, Hou."
"I told you not to call me by that name. If it gets recorded in history books by that name, I won't let it slide. What?"
"Have you thought about what you'll choose?"
Kaede who achieved Eulji grade merits.
She replied with a blank face.
Kaede's shoulder was empty as her bow was destroyed while battling Maegu in Uijeongbu.
Perhaps because of that, sure enough she answered.
"I'm thinking of finding a new bow to replace grandfather's bow. I want to use that to make a new bow."
"Choose well since it's a weapon you'll use for a long time."
"Don't worry, I'll choose well."
Before the regression, On Tae-yang's party received Eulji grade medals for subjugating the 2nd rank monster Maegu.
At that time, Hoshimiya Kaede obtains a bow that will be counted as the symbol of
A powerful bow is born by combining the trophies she obtained in Uijeongbu and the Eulji grade treasure.
Even if I don't specifically say anything....
Hou will handle it well on her own.
It might be my imagination but.
The treasures stored in the National Museum of Korea had something that drew people in.
As if telling you this treasure suits you well now.
So Eun-ha decided to trust Kaede's intuition without giving unnecessary advice.
☆
"─Let's split up from here. If we look around all together, a whole day will pass."
Eulji grade treasure vault.
Eun-ha who entered the treasure vault told the clan members following behind.
The clan members nodded too.
Originally, they had entranced looks after entering the treasure vault.
The aura drifting in the treasure vault captivated people's hearts.
"Eun-ha, have you thought about what you'll choose?"
"I have something in mind."
"That from before?"
"Yeah, that. Look forward to it."
At that moment Jung Ha-yang asked.
She seemed curious what kind of treasure Eun-ha was thinking of choosing.
Others seemed the same too.
When Eun-ha answered telling them to look forward to it, only Ryu Yeon-hwa acted like she knew.
"What? Why do only you two know?"
"We came in here together before."
Then Jung Ha-yang puffed her cheeks.
She looked at Eun-ha and Ryu Yeon-hwa alternately with a sulky face.
Ryu Yeon-hwa looked embarrassed.
Additionally, Noh Eun-ah sighed.
Eun-ha felt uneasy for no reason.
I don't know why I feel guilty towards Ha-yang when I didn't do anything wrong.
What Eun-ha could do was resolve Jung Ha-yang's curiosity.
He smiled bitterly and opened his mouth.
"There's something called the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword here. I'm going to make a new sword with that."
"Do you know where it is? Should I help you find it too?"
"I remember the location so it's okay. And as soon as we came in here─."
Jung Ha-yang came closer.
Eun-ha put his hand on her waist while turning his gaze.
He could feel a clear aura.
"─It seems to be calling me."
""""...."""
"So let's split up here. I'll be going now too."
Eun-ha removed his hand from Jung Ha-yang's waist.
He decided to follow the aura that seemed to be beckoning him.
"Let's meet in front of the elevator later."
Eventually leaving those words.
Eun-ha followed the refreshing aura.
If he focused his eyes, he could see the mana floating in the air.
Among them, one mana looked different to Eun-ha.
It's amazing.
To think an artifact is calling me.
It was an indescribable sensation.
He couldn't tell if he was calling the sword.
Or if the sword was calling him.
But he could guess that his compatibility with the sword was perfect, to the extent he could tell even from afar.
Eventually─.
────!!
Winter Blooming Coldly reacted.
The necklace of restoration reacted together.
Eun-ha, who entered the treasure vault carrying weapons unlike before, witnessed a phenomenon he was experiencing for the first time.
The device and artifact are strongly resonating.
The scabbard vibrated faintly.
The necklace rang with a clear sound.
At that moment, Eun-ha's body was almost automatically approaching the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword.
And finally─.
────!!
He reached the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword.
The sword inside the glass case was trembling.
As if it would rush to Eun-ha if only it wasn't fixed to the wall.
It matches well with me.
It didn't show such a reaction when I came in a few years ago.
At that time, Eun-ha felt drawn, but the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword just silently watched as if testing Eun-ha.
But the positions reversed.
The Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword was sending what seemed like courtship gestures towards Eun-ha.
Why is it doing this?
Because I've become stronger than before?
It was unknowable.
Can I understand an artifact's heart?
Eun-ha read the description attached below the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword.
Though he couldn't know the artifact's performance, the legend about the sword was written.
『Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword (七星斬妖劍, Eulji)
Taesan Nogun is one of the Heavenly Honored Ones. According to legend, the above sword is said to have been bestowed to So Woon-seong by Taesan Nogun. The following words are on the blade: 'A sword that cuts down evil energy with the energy of the Big Dipper, may it grant the power to slay seven demons.'』
A sword said to be imbued with a Heavenly Honored One's power.
But Eun-ha didn't believe it.
It was probably just an explanation added to raise national prestige.
Rather, Eun-ha focused on the sword's name itself, "Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword".
It was an amazing sword just as its name suggests.
When magic was activated, it was a sword that became starlight and swept the surroundings....
The Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword had excellent cutting power for cutting magic and beings made of mana.
It also had the power to ignore defenses while breaking through most protective magic.
Not just that.
According to On Tae-yang's statement before the regression, the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword was said to deal damage equivalent to seven attacks with just one attack.
The Sword of National Salvation made with that sword as material plus the Seated Buddha Statue and척사다뉴조문경─.
─Was just amazing.
It was truly an amazing sword that could be believed to save the country.
Of course it cut through magic.
It broke through protective magic.
It nullified debuffs themselves.
It increased allies' morale.
The sword transformed into particles and swept through an area in a storm, boasting attack power almost equivalent to 7 attacks with 1 attack.
All of that was compressed into just one magic.
"─It has to be this sword. The new sword must be made using this sword as material."
So among the many treasures, Eun-ha's gaze only went to the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword.
There was no hesitation in his choice.
Eun-ha chose the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword.
☆
At that time.
The situation of Pandora Clan members who entered the Eulji grade treasure vault was similar.
Clan members dispersed to search for treasures.
The clan members' reactions varied.
While some clan members felt drawn to specific treasures, others didn't feel any particular attraction.
All clan members who had entered the treasure vault before felt drawn.
As the guide explained─.
"─I think humans are beings with potential. Beings that can become anything if they just wish for it. But as we age and grow, we slowly reduce our infinite possibilities as we hit the wall of reality."
At the same time, the path you've walked so far also suggests the possibility that suits you best now.
The aged guide explained with a hearty laugh.
"So feeling drawn could be said to mean you now have a firm future of what kind of person you want to become. The treasures stored here are being drawn to your firm possibilities."
Good is good.
The clan members decided to think positively.
In reality, as they turned 25, clan members realized what kind of player they wanted to become and could become.
So the attraction leading them to the form they most desire now wasn't a bad thing.
Anyway, clan members listened to the calls of treasures summoning them.
Among them were eccentrics like Ariel who rejected the attraction of treasures.
"─Oh! This water bottle is calling me! It must mean I should make alcohol with it and dri..."
"Instead of thinking about getting scolded by Noh Eun-ha, why don't you choose something proper?"
"Ugh, Kaede is being tyrannical!! So mean! I'm clearly feeling drawn, you know? This is destiny..."
"Why don't you look for the trident Noh Eun-ha recommended only to you?"
"Ugh..."
Ariel, who gained a new epithet in the 2nd Uijeongbu Recapture War, was tempted by a treasure that caught her eye in passing.
She bounced up and down, making her pink hair flutter.
Of course, she was quickly suppressed by clan members like Hoshimiya Kaede and Cha Eun-woo.
"Did Eun-ha not trust me... He told others to choose on their own, but he specifically pointed one out for me. So mean. And I hate myself for feeling drawn to that spear. Ah, Ariel's life."
Ariel had to resign herself quickly.
I wish we'd just have the company dinner soon.
So I can drink dew abundantly.
Ariel hung her head low and chose the trident she felt drawn to.
Kaede, who confirmed her choice until the end, left her spot.
She was feeling drawn too.
It's somewhere around here...
Kaede moved her steps.
Before she knew it, she arrived at the most secluded spot in the treasure vault.
Bows were on display.
"..."
Players avoided bows.
Because they were inconvenient to use.
Perhaps that's why the bows she was looking for were in a secluded corner.
And those bows were emitting auras and calling her.
"─This is it."
Kaede was momentarily flustered feeling drawn to numerous bows.
Soon she came to her senses and approached the bow she felt the strongest attraction to.
It was a bow with an old, red leather finish.
『Heavenly Bow ( Eulji)
A bow estimated to have been used by Goryeo's best divine archer. According to tradition, the following words are passed down: 'Only one with the strength of a thousand jin can draw the bowstring. If one just sets their mind to it, they can surely hit even the sun, moon, and stars floating in the sky.'』