NOVEL WEB Chapter 18
Chapter 18. Magi (3)
TL: xLordFifth
ED/PR: The reader
“Why are you acting like this?”
Kim Shimun communicated without opening his mouth since he was in the middle of energy cultivation.
-It’s exactly as I said. Do you really have to create a energy core right below you navel? In fact, do you even need a energy core?
Kim Shimun was momentarily lost for words.
The reason was nothing else.
“I’ve never thought about it that way…”
It was because he had never considered such thoughts before.
-Listen. In the end, isn’t a energy core just a sort of aggregator for efficiently storing and using Qi?
“That’s true.”
-Then why go below the navel? You already possess the world’s greatest aggregator.
He didn’t ask what that was. It would have been a foolish question.
From synthesizing items of mythical quality to absorbing knowledge, the Philosopher’s Stone was rightfully called the best aggregator there was.
“Indeed, making the Philosopher’s Stone my energy core wouldn’t be a problem.”
It would probably be even better.
From the moment the Philosopher’s Stone became bound to him, it had taken root throughout Kim Shimun’s body. And wasn’t the fused obsidian tablet utilizing it as well?
“It would actually be better than a energy core.”
“That’s right. Besides, even if you mastered the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts, you’re ultimately an alchemist. You must not forget your roots.”
Those words awakened Kim Shimun’s mind.
“That’s right. I’m an alchemist.”
Since the start of the Galaxy Arena, from his past life to the present, alchemy had always been a disparaged field. But not for Kim Shimun.
“Alchemy changed my life.”
Regression, mana inability, and even this Heavenly Demon Divine Arts,
Ultimately, what led to the current situation was nothing other than alchemy.
Realizing this, his mind felt significantly clearer.
“Thank you. I’ve realized something because of you.”
-Hehe!
Smiling inwardly at the chuckling entity, Kim Shimun resumed the operation of the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts.
“Then, I leave it to you.”
-No need to ask. For me, demonic energy and such are merely subjects of taming.
The Philosopher’s Stone confidently responded.
Smirking, Kim Shimun redirected the demonic energy flowing towards the energy core to the center of his chest.
-Oh? Can’t sit still? Are you challenging me, calling yourself magi?
As if it had been waiting, the Philosopher’s Stone voraciously devoured the gathering demonic energy.
Before long.
[You have successfully absorbed the demonic energy.]
[You have acquired the special stat demonic energy.]
The system notified that the demonic energy stat had been obtained, and Kim Shimun operated the Heavenly Demon Divine Arts around the Philosopher’s Stone instead of the energy core.
[The energy core has successfully fused with the Philosopher’s Stone.]
[Due to the influence of the Philosopher’s Stone, the demonic energy is bound to your alchemy energy.]
“Bound, you say?”
After finishing the energy cultivation, Kim Shimun quickly opened his status window.
[Status Window]
Title: Pioneer of Alchemy (and 2 others)
System: Magic
Level: 7
Affiliation: South Korea
Strength: 6
Agility: 6
Health: 7
Alchemy Energy: 17
Demonic Energy: 8
Available Stats: 0
Special Traits – Philosopher’s Stone (E)
The changed status window.
The strength, agility, and health had each increased by 2, influenced by the pill.
Kim Shimun’s gaze turned to the newly added demonic energy stat.
“So this is what a bound stat looks like.”
It was his first time seeing a bound stat, but it wasn’t hard to understand.
Then.
“Huh? No!”
Kim Shimun’s eyes widened.
His gaze was directed at the number next to the demonic energy.
“I just acquired this stat, and it’s already at 8?!”
The amount of demonic energy absorbed from the hobgoblin’s serum wasn’t large, and the quality wasn’t that good either.
Yet, to have 8 stats?
Kim Shimun immediately understood the reason for this phenomenon.
“That’s it. Being bound doesn’t just affect where it’s displayed…”
-Right. It also affects the stats. It’s not a symbiotic relationship but a binding one.
“So, these 8 stats…”
Kim Shimun’s mind quickly processed the information.
“My alchemy energy is currently at 17, so having 8 demonic energy stats means…”
Roughly ‘half’ of my alchemy energy.
“Sigh.”
Having finished his calculations, Kim Shimun couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh. It was inevitable.
‘This is a total jackpot!’
From the player’s perspective, acquiring a new stat wasn’t always cause for celebration.
‘Do you have any idea how hard it is to raise a single stat!’
After all, it meant making new investments in that particular stat.
To begin with, the sheer difficulty of basic stat growth was overwhelming.
Although it was possible to increase stats through special training or the consumption of spiritual pills, these methods required grueling practice and higher-tier potions to overcome resistance.
Ultimately, the fastest way to grow stats was through leveling up and the stats it provided…
‘But that’s nowhere near enough.’
As is commonly known, each level provides just one stat.
It was no wonder Kim Shimun had his eye on the achievement store’s stat purchases.
But to think he could pull 8 stats right from the start…
‘Hang on.’
Kim Shimun, who had been trembling with joy, suddenly froze.
“Excuse me, Philosopher’s Stone?”
-Yes, oppa. What’s up?
He asked very cautiously, as if testing the waters before crossing a stone bridge.
“By any chance, if my alchemy energy grows… does my demonic energy stat also increase?”
-Of course! It’s similar to how I’m affected by your growth. It all comes down to our bond.
“Ah.”
A broad smile spread across Kim Shimun’s face.
Pleased with his reaction, the Philosopher’s Stone continued in a cheerful tone.
-Hehe! But it’s not omnipotent, you know? Rounding up isn’t applied. Stats always have to match in even numbers.
“That’s more than enough for me! You little treasure!”
-You’re really happy? Then pet me!
Oh, I’ll pet you to death!
With a gesture full of ecstasy, Kim Shimun vigorously rubbed over his chest.
‘Just by increasing my alchemy energy, my demonic energy stat increases!’
Even converting the demonic energy stat into stats, it held the value of 8 levels.
That meant he was gaining stats worth being level 15 while he was only level 7.
And the value would only increase as he continued to grow.
‘I can’t wait for the next arena!’
At his current level 7, the stat increase of 8 was enormously efficient.
“Hehe!”
Kim Shimun didn’t hide his overflowing emotions.
-Haah! Crushed by the handsome touch!!
The Philosopher’s Stone felt Kim Shimun’s joy just the same.
* * *
[Welcome to the Galaxy Arena.]
[The category for this arena is ‘Survival’, and there are 100 participants.]
[The arena will commence once all participants have been gathered.]
Alerts popped up before the short-haired man.
“This is a survival game. Annoying.”
Streamer DonKing frowned.
-What can we do, this is the abyss.
-Lol, right. Wasn’t it called the 3-piece set?
-Still, it’s a 1/3 chance. Why does he act like this whenever big shots are around? So unlucky lol.
The audience’s reaction was not much different from DonKing’s.
Defense, Offense, Survival.
These were frequently matched categories, not just in the Bronze and Silver ranks,
but also in Gold rank, which was considered the real start for players.
Hence, they were called the 3-piece set by the people.
“Now, everyone, please be careful with your words. Survival is a mode that appears frequently in higher ranks as well.”
-Right, right. We’ve got the big shots of the abyss here today. Mind your words!
-As always, nothing precedes money. Just yesterday he was bad-mouthing the abyssal trio lol.
-DonKing is money-hungry~~.
Viewer comments streamed by.
However, knowing what DonKing’s broadcast was like, the chat remained light-hearted, not crossing lines or degrading ranks further.
‘At least our viewers don’t go off the rails, which is nice.’
Pleased with this, DonKing smiled satisfactorily and turned around.
“Now, our guests?”
There, unlike DonKing,
“As you may well know, the survival category is the worst mode for boosting services.”
three slightly shabbily dressed players were standing.
“As you can see, even our party disbanded, right?”
“What? Really?”
“Damn it! I paid ten million Won! What are we going to do? Huh?!”
Two of the players, referred to as guests, grimaced and expressed their frustration.
-The guests are pissed lol.
-What’s DonKing gonna do? Refund?
-Nah. Why refund? The category is random anyway. They knew that when they got the boost.
-What are you saying, idiot. It’s not like the boost was cheap. Ten million Won is more than twice the regular price.
-Why the insults? Did you pay the money?
The chat room, invigorated by the disgruntled guests, burst into flames with discussions of refunds and boosting fees. Of course, the faces of the guests watching the broadcast also began to spread with unease.
“Everyone, please calm down. You don’t need to pay too much attention to the chat room.”
DonKing hurried to calm the chat room, speaking calmly to the anxious guests.
“After all, the survival rewards are split according to ranking. With 100 people, the minimum reward starts from 50th place up to the highest reward for 1st place.”
At DonKing’s explanation, a middle-aged guest, who had been the only one maintaining silence, opened his mouth.
“Does that mean you’ll get us to 1st to 3rd place?”
“You saw it correctly! With your experience, you understand differently.”
Like a salesman who hadn’t even moistened his lips once.
DonKing replied with a full business smile.
“Me, DonKing, the bus fare might be expensive, but it’s worth the price. The audience here acknowledges that, right?”
-Of course. He’s a money bird, but the skill is solid.
-From the start, a guy aiming for diamond wouldn’t come down to the abyss if he wasn’t skilled.
-Our DonKing takes pride in being a bus driver! Really amazing~.
The middle-aged guest also nodded calmly.
“I entrusted you, knowing your skill. It really sets you apart from the other buses in terms of clear rate.”
“Ha ha! It’s a bit embarrassing to be praised so openly.”
DonKing scratched the back of his head with a pleasant smile.
Then, other guests asked.
“So, how are you going to get us to 1st to 3rd place?”
“Nothing much. We just need to team up.”
“Teaming? But then, wouldn’t that only tarnish our reputation?”
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
DonKing looked around.
A kind of cave.
There were occasional torches, but overall, it was a dark cave-like terrain.
Familiarly touching the wall, DonKing said,
“Looks like it’s a mine map, hiding in the back would make it difficult for others to notice the teaming.”
“Indeed. And at this rank, the ability to detect presence isn’t that great either.”
The middle-aged guest nodded, and DonKing lightly thumped his chest and said,
“The bus method is simple. I’ll sweep them all, and when only the four of us are left, I’ll cleanly take my own life.”
“So, the three of us will decide our rankings?”
“Exactly. Since everyone paid the bus fare equally, I can’t interfere with the rankings, can I?”
At DonKing’s logical words,
-Wow! Our DonKing, such professional spirit!
-He has a point. It’s not fair if DonKing decides the rankings when everyone paid the same bus fare.
-So what? The guests are going to fight it out?
-Wow, a real battle among them?
-Too bad we can’t see it. Really want to watch!
-Can the guests not start a private broadcast! I really want to see!
The chatroom overflowed once again.
Then,
Flash.
A man appeared not too far away, along with a small light.
DonKing’s eyes curved into a smile at the sight.
“Wow, lucky us. Looks like we’ll have an easy kill.”
-LOL. The prey just showed up openly.
-And he doesn’t even have armor or weapons?
-That guy is going to be so unlucky LOL.
-“Bon appétit, guuuuulp!”
Along with DonKing’s smile, the viewers lined up to express their pity.
Of course, like in typical bus broadcast chat rooms,
Their pity was mostly disguised as mockery.
[All participants have been matched.]
[The location is ‘Abandoned Frozen Mine’.]
Along with the message window, the unique stuffy air of underground seeped into their nostrils.
DonKing deeply inhaled that air and said,
“Alright, guests? Please hide well in the back.”
“Got it.”
“I understand.”
The guests quickly distanced themselves and hid behind cover.
Once DonKing confirmed everyone was hidden, he clenched his fists.
Smoothly.
The black knuckles wrapped softly around his hands as if custom-made.
‘Expensive stuff really feels different from the touch.’
Commissioned from the Life Guild for a whopping 80 million won, the value of the knuckles truly provided great satisfaction just by gripping them.
‘This is why I can’t quit being a bus.’
How could I ever afford such equipment with just the measly clear rewards?
And becoming a shackled subordinate under a massive guild was out of the question.
[The arena will begin.]
[Eradicate all enemies.]
As the start notification for the arena appeared,
The pleasant smile on DonKing’s face instantly turned cold.
His gaze naturally fell upon the man in a grey hoodie, summoned not too far away.
“Then…”
Flash.
DonKing instantly dashed forward, kicking off the ground.
The dim scenery of the surrounding mine whizzed by in an instant.
Turning his head after hearing the noise.
“A bon appétit to you!” DonKing thrust his freshly warm knuckles.