Memorize

Since this ancient priestess's mark has such beneficial functions, Seraph must be contemplating intensely right now. I felt a slight tension as I gazed at her lips. This procedure was the ultimate key that could lead my plan, which had a high chance of failure, to success. Finally, Seraph's delicate lips slowly parted.

"Yes."

Bingo.

"I will accept player Kim Su-Hyeon's request. It is expected to take approximately 5 minutes and 7 seconds. I will proceed with the procedure immediately."

"Okay."

At that moment, ancient symbols began to appear in the air before me, emitting a bright blue light and starting to spin around my body in an oval shape. Simultaneously, I felt a sort of auditory illusion as if I could hear the solemn voices of priestesses.

Five minutes later. The ancient symbols, which had been slowly revolving around, began to merge into my heart, one by one.

Although it was entering my heart, there was no particular pain. Instead, I felt a surge of vitality each time a symbol entered. Finally, when the last symbol entered, I was able to conclude the procedure.

I couldn't immediately sense what had changed. However, it would soon become apparent once I started checking my magical power. I began to inspect it immediately.

'Oh.'

Initially, I thought I would struggle with the dramatically increased magical power, but there was no burden at all. The magic flowed smoothly along the circuits. The procedure was successful. I felt an unexpectedly satisfying sense of contentment.

"It's alright. Seraph? Let me know the remaining time."

"It will take 48 minutes and 39 seconds to reach the passing ceremony."

"It's 48 minutes and 39 seconds." I slightly licked my lips. From the lack of response, it seemed that Seraph thought there was enough time. However, in my opinion, it's tight. The fifth privilege was a risky adventure. Since it was uncertain, it involved great danger. But considering its necessity, it was an unavoidable process. I steeled my wavering mind and recalled the fifth privilege.

'5. The player, Kim Su-Hyeon, can choose one piece of equipment of their choice, with no restrictions on type. However, EX-grade equipment cannot be selected.'

In a way, the range of options was quite broad. Swords, armor, elixirs, accessories, and so on. However, if I chose something too ordinary, it would defeat the purpose of receiving the ancient priestess's tattoo. The fifth option was something I really needed.

"Hwajung, the fire Hwajung would be better. I'll choose that for the fifth option."

"User Kim Su-Hyeon's request is approved…?"

The ending of the sentence rose oddly. Seraph shifted the ending to a questioning tone and slightly furrowed her brow.

'Could it be that she figured out my intention?'

It's quite possible that she noticed my intent. Nevertheless, the approval request was processed normally, and in Seraph's right hand, a small orb with a red glow was appearing.

"...."

"...."

No words were exchanged between us. But I could tell from Seraph's eyes that she had no intention of handing over the orb. As I suspected, Seraph's stern expression and reproachful gaze confirmed it. In response, I also hardened my expression and met her gaze head-on.

"User Kim Su-Hyeon."

"Tanay."

"Of course. But this is a different matter. Even if it's Tanay, if it could harm the user, advice can be given."

"You're just interfering under the guise of advice. Stop wasting time and give it to me. I need Hwajung. Do you think I'm crazy for choosing the ancient priestess's mark over other good ones?"

This is why I dislike Seraph. We often end up fighting before she gives in, with emotions running high as we resolve things. As I recalled such times, harsh words instinctively rose to my throat. But then the image of her eyes, filled with affection before we parted, flashed in my mind. I instinctively closed my mouth and listened. I was at least willing to hear her out.

"I pay my respects to your creativity. It is truly astonishing that a human came up with such an idea. But that is all it is."

"..."

"User Kim Su-Hyeon. I wonder how much you know about Hwajung."

"Only that it can burn everything?"

"That's about right. Another name for Hwajung is the Eternal Burning Flame. The most destructive fire known to the world is said to be the Infernal Flame of Hell. However, this pure flame, the Hwajung, possesses a power dangerous enough to be on par with it. It is, quite literally, a fire for destruction."

"I know. That's exactly why I'm asking for it."

"Resistance: 92. Magic power: 90. Estimated success rate: 21%. Including the ancient priestess's mark, the estimated success rate increases to 42%. In other words, there is a 58% chance of failure."

Seraph was desperately trying to persuade me. But no matter how hard she tried, the benefit was ultimately at the Tanay level. As she said, she might be able to give advice, but she couldn't stop my decision. So, I spread my right hand and boldly demanded Hwajung.

"Just make it succeed."

It was an easy statement to make, but it was a hard choice. Seraph must have been fuming by now. Despite all the discussion, it seemed to have no effect. She was now practically begging.

"Not to mention the failure, even if you succeed, there will be problems. If you fail, you'll lose everything and become a cripple. Even if you succeed, there will undoubtedly be unforeseen disadvantages."

"I thought I read that all equipment except EX-grade ones will be provided. Was the Hwajung EX-grade?"

"Originally, the fire Hwajung was EX-grade. It exists in the Hall Plain but is not meant to appear. Although it has been reduced to S-grade through balancing efforts, the inherent danger…"

If things continued like this, it would never end. Feeling incredibly fatigued, I raised my hand to stop her words. I wanted to listen to the end if possible, but time was too tight. Or, I suddenly thought that Seraph might be dragging this out to prolong the process.

"I don't want to drag this anymore."

"Even with resistance and magic stats over 90, it's tough, and your vitality is only 78. I understand your confidence, but please face reality."

I knew what Seraph was worried about. For an average person, her sincere persuasion would have swayed them slightly. But I couldn't be swayed. I would rather concede other things than this; it was something I had been determined about. If I gave up on Hwajung now…

"The recovery time isn't trivial. If you drag this out, you'll enter the rite of passage in a semi-corpse state."

"User Kim Su-Hyeon."

"I won't say more. I am definitely requesting the fire Hwajung."

In the end, I gave a cold retort. Whether she sensed the unusual tension or could no longer refuse the Tanay level, Seraph slowly began to fidget with her fingers. Her face was still full of discontent, but eventually, she extended the Hwajung toward me. However, it wasn't handed over gently.

"Even if you succeed, surely a day will come when you'll regret it."

"I know…"

With a gentle thud.

The Hwajung. A pure embodiment of fire. Eternal flames of the Elixir.

There's no need for preparation. It's been a long time since I made up my mind, and if I calculate the aftereffects, there's not much time left.

The Hwajung traced a thin scarlet trajectory before it slipped right into my mouth.

Gulp.

I finally obtained the Hwajung. At last, it was within my grasp. As I managed the surging relief and joy, I quickly observed the inside.

Gulp.

As I moved my Adam's apple once, I felt the round bead sliding down my esophagus.

From now on, the true challenge begins.

.

.

.

.

You can read advance chapters and view R-18 images of the characters on pat reon page.

pat reon.com/GreenBlue17

200 Power Stones for 1 extra chapter.

10 New reviews for 1 extra chapter.

Goal refresh every week.