Chapter 203 - Spirits and Dragons (2)
Suddenly, the gazes of various constellations and divine realms poured in.
It was only natural.
A new dragon species had been born without any forewarning.
However,
『The constellations of Olympus withdraw under the gaze of the Constellation Zeus.』
『The constellations of Asgard withdraw under the gaze of the Constellation Odin.』
『The constellations of the Celestial Realm withdraw under the gaze of the Constellation Heavenly Demon.』
『The constellations of the Ennead withdraw under the gaze of the Constellation ???.』
The five constellations watching Kim Shimun. And even the constellations with question mark who were gulping somewhere.
As these high-ranked, king-level constellations intervened, the surging gazes naturally receded. Of course, not all constellations peeled their eyes away.
『The Constellation ??? roars, ‘Who dared create a new dragon species without permission!’』
『The Constellation ?? glares, ‘Which lunatic is favoring the dragons again? How much were you paid, huh?!’』
『The Constellation ???? fumes, ‘Around Shimdrasil—does that mean the Spirit Kings are involved? Damn them! They were invisible for a while, and now they team up with dragons?!’』
Constellations whose names weren’t even properly displayed. They seemed to harbor strong antagonism towards dragons. These unknown constellations all burst out in frustration.
In response,
『The Constellation Zeus shakes his head, ‘Do not be foolish. This new dragon species creation wasn’t the work of the Spirit Kings.’』
『The Constellation Heavenly Demon stands beside Zeus, ‘Indeed. This act is contrary to your expectations. Step back.’』
『The constellations Odin and Baal also nod in agreement, ‘It’s actually a hindrance for the dragons.’
‘Hmm.’』
Kim Shimun’s own constellations stepped up, clarifying the situation.
Each of them were constellations among the highest ranks.
『The Constellation ?? nods, ‘If you say so, then…’』
『The Constellation ?? departs, saying, ‘If it’s detrimental to those damned dragons, then so be it. Apologies.’』
The constellations who were venting their frustrations noticeably dwindled.
However,
『A Constellation ??? expresses distrust, ‘Why should we believe you?’』
『A Constellation ???? echoes, ‘Sure, you may be high-ranked, but you haven’t sworn an oath, have you?’』
『A Constellation ??? raises a point, ‘If what you say is true, there’s no need to hide it, correct?’』
Some constellations still expressed distrust and dissatisfaction.
But that was it.
『The Constellation Black Goat growls softly, ‘Leave. I’ve spoken once.’』
With the intervention of the Constellation Black Goat, the commotion quickly subsided. As no further messages from other constellations appeared,
『The Constellation Black Goat sighs in admiration, ‘Oh my, my child. I didn’t expect you to actually do it.’』
『The Constellation Heavenly Demon snickers, ‘Indeed. I didn’t think you’d step into the realm of creation so soon. Especially creating life.’』
『The Constellation Odin frowns slightly, ‘Is this alright? It looks similar to what that wretched hag Echidna was trying to do.’』
『The Constellation Zeus smiles, ‘That’s why it’s even better. A new dragon species has been born from his hands. It’s proof that he deserves to be a true god.’』
『The Constellation Baal nods very satisfied, ‘Hmm… mm!’』
Kim Shimun’s constellations conversed, each expressing their satisfaction.
『A Constellation ? murmurs in frustration, ‘This is driving me crazy… (Hurry up and call me! Hurry!!)’』
The unknown Constellation that continued to show interest also grew impatient.
However, surprisingly, the cause of the stir among the many constellations and divine realms, Shimun himself,
‘So warm…’
Was entirely unaware of this. To be precise, he didn’t notice at all. It wasn’t surprising.
Shriiing.
Embraced by the clarity and multicolored energy unique to nature,
『You have created a living being for the first time as a mortal.』
『Galaxy Arena praises your mythic achievement.』
『This achievement cannot be measured in achievement points.』
『‘This wasn’t… supposed to happen…’ Galaxy Arena hastily convenes a meeting.』
Kim Shimun received a series of messages. After confirming the final message, Shimun blinked his sleepy eyes.
‘An achievement that cannot be measured in achievement points?’
Was this such a monumental feat?
‘Rather than creating life, I was just trying to save it…’
Kim Shimun tilted his head at Galaxy Arena’s fuss but that was all.
The peculiar reaction, ‘This wasn’t supposed to happen’, did catch his attention.
‘Well, they will sort out the rewards.’
Disregarding the achievement rewards, Shimun checked the other messages floating nearby.
『You have achieved mythical alchemy.』
『The options of the title ‘Pioneer of Alchemy’ have grown.』
『You have received 20 Alchemy Energy.』
『Your truth responds to the mythical alchemy.』
『The cost of fusion for Ars Magna is reduced to 3,000 achievement points.』
“This is!”
Kim Shimun’s sleepy eyes shot wide open upon seeing the message.
All rewards were welcome, but what particularly caught Kim Shimun’s eyes was, the last message related to Ars Magna.
“The cost for Ars Magna has decreased?!”
The truth of alchemy that Kim Shimun had realized, capable of fusing even mythical items, originally required 5,000 achievement points for equivalent exchange.
‘It’s been reduced to 3,000 points!’
The cost had nearly halved. Although 3,000 points for alchemy was still expensive, ‘This is incredible!’
Compared to the previous 5,000 points, the difference was undeniable. With a highly satisfied smile, Shimun opened the title window to check the title ‘Pioneer of Alchemy’.
『Pioneer of Alchemy』 – Growth-type
A title given to alchemists who have created mythical products of alchemy.
You receive a significant bonus for alchemy-related activities.
The alchemy energy consumed is reduced by 45%.
The power of alchemy is increased by 35%.
‘Interesting.’
Kim Shimun’s eyes sharpened with curiosity.
‘Just like when I realized Ars Magna. Overall, it has greatly evolved.’
The first option, which gave a moderate bonus for alchemy-related activities, had grown to give a significant bonus.
The reduction in alchemy energy consumption and increase in power had each increased by 10%, reaching 45% and 35%, respectively.
‘These growths must have enabled me to save Kyung.’
One of the factors Kim Shimun felt the most was precisely these alchemy-related options.
Knowingly or unknowingly.
The title ‘Pioneer of Alchemy’, which continually increased his alchemical abilities, was truly a highly valuable asset.
‘As expected, there’s a reason it’s a growth-type title.’
Just like Shihyuk and Malsuk always said. The high-rankers of his previous life often praised growth-type titles.
Indeed, entering the middle stage of its growth, it displayed formidable capacities fitting of a late bloomer.
‘Moreover, I gained an additional 20 alchemy energy. Adding the 10 alcemy energy from connecting with the Spirit Realm earlier… my base alchemy energy is now 299.’
Including the points from ‘Chosen by the Constellations’ and the remaining stat points from clearing the Cradle of the Spirit King, his total Alchemy Energy was 309.
The bound stats reached 154 each. And with the addition of Spirit Energy, he now had four stats at 154.
“Ah… This is bliss.”
The sweetness extending throughout his entire body was almost intoxicating. It felt like being soaked in honey wine.
At that moment.
『The meeting has concluded.』
Galaxy Arena announced the end of its meeting.
『The reward has been decided.』
『For Player Kim Shimun of Dimension NO. 274, stats will be sold in the Achievement Shop.』
『The items ‘Random Stat +1’ and ‘Strength Stat +1’ have been added to the Achievement Shop.』
『More stat items will be available as your achievement points accumulate.』
Kim Shimun’s eyes widened upon confirming the contents.
‘They’re opening stat sales for me? But I don’t have enough achievement points yet?’
One of the high-ranker secrets Shihyuk and Malsuk mentioned in their previous life was the ability to buy stats.
Stat purchases were unlocked only after accumulating numerous achievements and invisible merit points. But now, they were opening it.
Even though, ‘I haven’t even entered the regular arena yet. And they’re giving me this already?’
This was before officially starting the regular arena.
‘Is the birth of the Faerie Dragon such a significant event? Regardless, getting stats unlocked already…’
This was a surprising reward no matter how he thought about it. Galaxy Arena seemed aware of this too.
『This is the first time in Galaxy Arena’s history that such a benefit has been granted.』
『Dimension NO. 274 has not yet started its regular arena run.』
『For the safety of the individual, we recommend keeping this benefit a secret.』
They requested him to keep it confidential. Since this was merely a recommendation, it was not enforced.
‘It wouldn’t benefit me to brag about this.’
It could potentially cause various troublesome issues due to jealousy and envy. Galaxy Arena likely had this in mind when making the recommendation.
“Understood.”
Kim Shimun nodded without hesitation.
Thus,
『For the first time, the stat sales item has been added to the Achievement Shop for Dimension NO. 274.』
『You have earned 10,000 achievement points as a reward.』
After receiving the initial reward for stat sales, the clear, resonant sound faded as the gigantic tree gradually filled his vision.
And foremost,
“Appa!”
“Savior!”
Shiyeon and Ernen, who had been waiting outside the alchemy array, entered his sight. Although he should have addressed their worried faces first, Kim Shimun couldn’t.
Exactly, he couldn’t afford to.
Because,
Hummm.
From the center of the array, where all the previously colorful alchemical light had converged, a vibrant egg emitted a resonant hum.
Soon after,
Crack.
Fine cracks started to appear on the smooth surface.
Before the egg completely hatched,
Pop!
A claw, covered in colorful scales, broke through the egg.
That signal initiated,
Crack.
Crack!
The shell shattered instantly.
From within emerged a 3-meter-tall creature.
Kyung?
The Faerie Dragon cocked its head, blinking its large, calf-like eyes. Those bright, doe-like eyes landed on Kim Shimun, who stood at 2 meters tall.
Kyung let out a clear, adorable cry that didn’t match its massive size.
Whoosh.
It suddenly fluttered what looked like butterfly wings, capturing a spectrum of colors in a rainbow.
“Hey, Kyung, wait a moment!”
Boom.
It dove headfirst into Kim Shimun’s embrace.
*
Kim Shimun’s chest,
Kyung! Kyung!
Letting out its clear, adorable cries repeatedly, Kyung nuzzled its head against Kim Shimun’s chest.
Had Kim Shimun not been in his Dragonoid form, such a headbutt could have easily injured him.
“You cheeky thing. That was dangerous.”
Kyung! Kyung!
Peeping like a chick, Kyung made Kim Shimun smile softly.
“Yeah, I’m glad you’re healthy too.”
He gently patted Kyung’s colorful head.
Seemingly pleased, its uniquely designed round horns, meant to contain the free spirit energy, twitched.
Like a chameleon’s tail or the curled horns of a ram.
At that moment,
Fwoosh.
“Hmm?”
The touch of Kim Shimun’s fingertips stroking Kyung’s head suddenly activated his Dragon Force.
Boom.
The energy seeped into Kyung’s round, curling horns.
Following that,
『A Faerie Dragon, the first unbound dragon species, requests a bond with you.』
『Do you accept? (Yes / No)』
A sudden message proposing a bond appeared.
‘The first bond? What does that mean?’
It was a situation he had never encountered in his previous life. However, Shimun didn’t dwell on it for long.
‘Whatever it is, it’s probably beneficial.’
Just from the term ‘bond’, it seemed like something advantageous.
When Kim Shimun chose ‘Yes’,
Shriing.
Rainbow-colored rays from Kyung’s horns shot into the center of Kim Shimun’s chest, merging with the Philosopher’s Stone.
‘This is…!’
Just like when he had acquired the knowledge of homunculi from the Black Goat.
“Ah!”
It transcended a single entity named Kyung, all the knowledge and properties of the Faerie Dragon that he had created engraved themselves into his soul.
More precisely, it felt like adding a new key labeled ‘Faerie Dragon’ to the keyring named Kim Shimun. As Kyung fully bonded with his soul,
『The trait Stigma reacts to the bond with the dragon species.』
Suddenly, the trait Stigma reacted.
『The level is too weak to activate the Stigma.』
『The Stigma expresses disappointment and falls back into slumber.』
『As a result, you gain the incomplete title ‘??? God.’』
Messages poured forth.
‘Why did the Stigma react suddenly? And what’s with this title?’
Before Kim Shimun could grasp the situation,
『You have bonded with a new dragon species.』
『All dragons belonging to the Faerie Dragon species will be loyal to you alone.』
The bond with the Faerie Dragon concluded.
As if to announce it, Kyung spread its beautiful wings wide and let out a joyful cry.
Thus,
“Incredible… A dragon species with spirit energy…!”
“Hehe! Kyung!”
Kim Shimun had gained his very first dragon species.
*
– This is unbelievable!!
Though the voice carried through a communication device,
– How could a mere mortal achieve such a feat!!
The voice from the other end was not just fierce but ferocious.
In reality,
Crack.
Not only did the communication device,
The surrounding magic circles around it also developed cracks.
– My research… This is unacceptable… This is impossible…!
The fierce voice, affecting even through the communication device, became mixed with static.
It trembled and cut off intermittently.
At that,
A black-clad woman hastily restored the broken magic circles and communication device.
With a troubled expression, Delphina said,
“Please calm down, Great Matriarch.”
She looked at the green-gray eyes floating above the communication device.