Solo Max-Level Newbie
chapter-125

Chapter 125: How a Veteran Wins the Festival (2)

A mushroom adorned with colorful patterns stood out.

It was the [Acidic Mushroom], only found in the 6th floor, ‘Elf Forest.’

“Ah, now that I think of it, this was here too.”

Jinhyuk’s eyes narrowed.

As the name suggested, the Acidic Mushroom contained a highly acidic poison.

Eating it would mean instant death, melting everything from the mouth to the esophagus.

But, like the delicacy that is the poisonous pufferfish, if prepared correctly, the Acidic Mushroom could be transformed into an ingredient that would bring tears to any gourmet’s eyes.

“Of course, handling this isn’t for just anyone.”

A single wrong move with the knife could spoil the entire mushroom, demanding the extreme skills of a chef.

How interesting.

Perhaps this was stirring a desire to challenge oneself?

Jinhyuk was intently studying the mushroom when Sylvia emerged from the opposite forest, looking for him.

“Mr. Jinhyuk! The elder has asked to see you for a moment… Oh?”

Sylvia’s eyes widened as she saw Jinhyuk picking up the mushroom.

“Are you, by any chance, planning to eat that?”

“Yes, I thought I’d give it a try.”

“Oh, you might not know since you’re unfamiliar, but that’s an Acidic Mushroom. It’s practically inedible. The preparation method has been lost for hundreds of years, so we’ve just left that mushroom alone.”

Sylvia smirked.

She seemed quite pleased to have shared something Jinhyuk didn’t know.

Feeling slightly sorry to crush that expectation, he couldn’t back down now that he heard such talk.

“Then, it seems I must take on the challenge.”

“What? You, you can’t possibly mean…”

“Expect something great. A special mushroom dish from a veteran. Even if two eat, and two die, there’ll be no evidence.”

Today, the postponed festival would be taking place in the evening. It’s likely the reason Elder Fenheim was looking for him was related to that.

And now.

He had decided on the theme for the dish he would use in this festival.

＊＊＊

Stars littered the night sky.

Overcoming the time of mourning for the loss of colleagues and the burning village.

Finally, the Elf Festival was held.

‘It really is spectacular.’

Jinhyuk strolled leisurely through the forest.

The meteor shower pouring endlessly and fireflies flitting through the grass created a fantastic sight.

Of course, the highlight was the mysterious spirits and elves, all dressed up.

[The fire spirit ‘Salamander’ spits small flames.]

[The water spirits ‘Undines’ startled, start to extinguish with water.]

In the lower layers of the Tower, the spirits of water and fire played, holding fig fruits in both hands.

The elves also played various instruments and enjoyed aromatic beverages, making the most of the festival.

Just then, Ting!

A blue status window flashed in front of Jinhyuk.

[You have witnessed an amazing sight.]

[You can earn the top banner spot if you post this video on the Tower’s HOT issue!]

Even the system recognized it.

This scene was worth seeing by countless people.

Where else, if not here, could one see such a spectacle?

It must be preserved for all to cleanse their eyes.

“Right. I’ll start recording now.”

Jinhyuk nodded, activated the broadcasting system, and everything he saw and heard began to be recorded.

Unbeknownst to him, when this video is uploaded later, it will plunge players who rise views by introducing exotic locations in the Tower into the depths of despair.

“Mr. Jinhyuk! Over here!”

“Ahem! Ah, we’re here.”

“Mosquito!”

Various voices called out to Jinhyuk.

It was Sylvia, Elise, and Goguma.

Having made significant efforts for this festival, everyone’s attire was meticulously prepared.

Sylvia’s ethereal and translucent traditional elf costume complemented her golden bob-cut hair perfectly.

Elise, on the other hand, chose a dark, elegant dress.

The aura of nobility exuded from her, decorated with sparkling jewels, clearly prepared with determination.

Indeed, both had spent a good three hours preparing, polishing to the soul for this festival.

However.

“Tsk, tsk. Rather than spending time doing that, you should have practiced shooting another arrow or casting Blood Spear. What’s more, with such attire, is it even possible to intimidate the opponent?”

Jinhyuk responded coldly, an impenetrable barrier.

“You’ve seen this, and you say that? This dress, I even made those dwarf guys work on it for a whole year! Normally, it’s all about compliments upon seeing it!”

Elise raised her voice, her tone sharp.

“Well, if we’re talking about attire…”

Jinhyuk swiftly scanned around, spotted someone, and shouted loudly.

“Look over there!”

His finger pointed toward Theslon with an expression as if he had lost a country.

Despite the occasion being about showcasing oneself, Theslon still had to pay the price for his loss in the bet.

Jinhyuk nodded proudly.

Yeah.

“How practical and intimidating is that attire?”

A red mustache and a pink dress, topped with a magic wand.

A veteran’s look that gives a chill down the spine just by a glance.

‘At least it looks three times stronger.’

To be honest, encountering such a figure in the field would unavoidably cause tension.

“Huh. Mr. Jinhyuk….”

“Enough. Let’s not talk, let’s not talk. My bad. I should have kept expectations.”

Sylvia and Elise sighed as if disgusted.

“Master! An insensitive mosquito!”

Goguma added his voice.

But Jinhyuk, indifferent to it all, watched Theslon’s attire with pride.

Correct.

‘My eyes were not wrong.’

That, indeed, was the best outfit that could swiftly transition to combat in an unforeseen emergency.

As time went by amidst laughter and chatter.

“Ahem! Ahem!

Elder Fenheim, who was among the crowd of elders, cleared his throat.

All eyes turned in one direction.

“Normally, we should proceed with the concert right away, but before that, this old man would like to intrusively say one thing.”

Fenheim paused for a moment, then looked down at the audience.

“As you all may know. Three weeks ago, humans from outside the Tower invaded our village, and we lost many comrades and parts of our precious forest.”

“……Sigh.”

“……Argh.”

“…….”

The atmosphere dropped rapidly as they mourned the losses and struggled to discard painful memories.

Naturally, Fenheim didn’t bring this up to pick at wounds.

“But, right here, thanks to Mr. Jinhyuk, the village was able to survive. Being able to mourn those we sent ahead, being able to continue into tomorrow, is all due to our benefactor.”

Gratitude and appreciation, as well as the fact that he helped to continue the existence of their race, reversed the atmosphere again.

Everyone looked at Jinhyuk with indescribable eyes.

Bow!

Bow…

Acknowledging him, thousands of elves bowed in respect as their gazes met with Jinhyuk.

The synchronized display of manners offered another unique vista.

Even the spirits expressed their gratitude for protecting the forest of elves.

Tiny flames and droplets of water scattered in different directions, while the wind gently wrapped around Jinhyuk.

“Uh. This puts on quite the pressure.”

Jinhyuk muttered uncomfortably, overwhelmed by the excessive attention and etiquette.

“Don’t feel pressured. Everyone is sincerely grateful to Mr. Jinhyuk.”

Sylvia smiled as well.

“Indeed. Accept it proudly. It’s only natural, being my contractor.”

Despite Elise’s confident tone, her face was slightly flushed, seemingly unable to contain her delight in her contractor being recognized by everyone.

Finally.

“This old man. This village. And our race. We will remember you forever.”

Fenheim bowed deeply.

＊＊＊

With the short speech over, the festival officially began.

Specifically, the concert – the highlight of the festival – commenced.

As the mystical and beautiful melodies resonated, exclamations of admiration flowed from all around.

Then.

“How is it? This is the music of elves. It’s a completely different art form from that of humans.”

Theslon had approached, brimming with arrogance.

Hm.

“You’re in that costume, yet you expected me to take you seriously?”

A pink prince wielding a magic wand, as grand and solemn as one could get, who wouldn’t bow their head in such majesty?

“Argh! You…!”

“Don’t get too heated on a happy day. I do recognize the excellence of your music.”

“…Hmm. At least your ears aren’t just for decoration.”

“Well, my hearing is often praised. Plus, anyone would be amazed by this music.”

Jinhyuk shrugged.

He was sincere.

Just being here was enough to melt away accumulated stress, like snow.

“Come to think of it, I’ve heard you’ll participate in the concert. Is that true?”

“Anyone can participate, so I was thinking of trying it out since I’m here.”

“Puhaha! A trial… that’s nice. Experiencing despair due to the difference in skill levels is always a good lesson. But remember one thing. While I acknowledge your combat skills, the world of music is entirely different.”

Theslon burst into loud laughter.

What a strange character.

It’s as if the only way to win in this area is to show the difference in skill levels… Like the whining persistence of a grade-schooler.

In any case, having twisted pride leads these sorts to be labeled abnormal.

Of course.

‘Twisted pride applies to me too.’

The more he saw, the more Jinhyuk wanted to plunge this opponent into the abyss.

Yes.

A little weak in just a pink dress.

For a veteran level, that look would be considered the weakest.

“So, let’s make this deal. If I win…”

“Win? You mean to say you?”

“Stop interrupting. If I don’t win, right at that moment, I’ll make you take off that outfit.”

“…Deal. Let’s hear it.”

“You’ve heard the condition if I fail. In return, if I win, I’ll add cat ears and tail to your outfit, plus some fluffy bunny fur shoes.”

“Wh-what nonsense are you talking about! I’m already dying of shame wearing this, and you want me to wear something like that?!”

Boom!

Theslon stomped the ground, face flushing bright red in panic.

“Uh? Are you afraid you’ll lose to a mere human?”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Well, if you’re that confident, then that’s settled. Surely you’ll win, so what’s to worry?”

“Yeek! Fine! I’ll let you feel the difference in levels between elves and humans!”

Theslon took the bait once again.

As easy as eating cold rice soup.

If only everyone was like him, swindlers would be playing Monopoly in Gangnam with buildings.

“You swear to keep the promise?”

“Once an elf makes a promise, it’s kept without fail.”

“As expected, such a noble race.”

Smirking, Jinhyuk turned around.

He ascended alongside a gentle slope, where various instruments were displayed.

There was only one choice.

[Dekartan]

An Elven-exclusive instrument, closely resembling a violin.

Given, it was much more complicated to handle than a violin.

‘I made a huge mistake here in the past.’

A recorder, of all things.

Looking back, he felt like kicking himself in the covers a thousand times over for such an embarrassing memory.

However, things were different now.

‘They certainly are different.’

Jinhyuk slowly gathered his mana.

The moment he did, [Lv3 ‘Heavenly Melody’] activated, sending an indescribable energy flowing from his fingertips into the instrument.

This was the start.