The 31st Piece Turns the Tables
chapter-154

Frannan, Chameli, and the other pilgrims worriedly observed the pearl on the magic circle.

As everyone began to worry more, Markon, the holy relic keeper, began to bite his nails.

“This is making me… way too nervous…”

“Stop saying things like that.”

“Are you sure the demonic spirit didn’t just consume him?”

"I wouldn't have even started this if that's what I expected. And I wouldn't have said he could control it if I didn't believe in it."

“Urgh…”

"I understand your worries, but your silence right now is more helpful."

“Okay—”

It was then…

Glow… Glooow…

The pure white pearl began shining in a myriad of colors.

“H-Huh?”

“...It’s finished.”

Gloooow…

Glooooow…

Then, Markon pointed at the pearl.

“I-It’s black!”

As Markon pointed out, the pearl slowly became tainted with a black hue and remained unchanged thereafter.

“......”

“Pilgrims, ready our preparatio—”

“Stop! We don’t know yet.”

“But…”

As Markon and Frannan made a fuss, unsure what to do, something slipped out of the pearl.

Fwirl!

“Snowman!”

“What happened?!” yelled Frannan, worriedly.

He seemed much more concerned than he had initially let on.

“......”

Seol began to laugh, not saying a word.

After seeing his laughter, the others in the room relaxed as if all tension had suddenly left their bodies.

Frannan then asked Seol.

“Then why is the pearl…”

“Not reacting?”

And his question was soon answered.

Bzzzt…

Countless messages poured into Seol’s vision.

[A grand experience! You have successfully completed the pearl's test.]

[All stats have increased by 2.]

[Snowman concludes the succession ceremony.]

[The succession ceremony continues.]

……

Crackle…

The black pearl began to change once more.

First, the blackness in the pearl slowly coalesced toward the center, while the white sections filled the rest of the area.

Crackle…

And as it did, the pearl slowly took on a new form.

“...A lamp?”

“It’s a lamp?”

Craaaackle!

The pearl transformed into the same peculiar lamp that Seol had created within the mental world.

Clatter…

As the lamp hovered in place, chains extended outward, gracefully wrapping around Seol's hand.

[The pearl changes form to best suit the successor.]

[Warning! Impurities are detected within the pearl.]

[The pearl absorbs the impurities, turning it into strength.]

[Holy+Abomination: Agony is born!]

[You have earned the Inaugural Achievement 'Mutation'.]

[You have earned the Inaugural Title 'Collector'.]

Seol read over the text multiple times to confirm it.

‘Holy…+Abomination?’

In The World of Eternity, item qualities were typically categorized as Relic, Holy Relic, Abomination, or Treasure, never a combination.

There had never been an instance of an item having multiple qualities.

‘Then… is it a mutation like what the achievement suggests?’

[[Inaugural Title: Collector]

Related Achievement: Mutation (Adventure: N/A)

Bonus Effect: While equipped with one or more Holy+Abomination quality items, resistance to all abnormal status effects is increased by 20%.]

- …What kind of fucking title is this?

- Are titles not allowed to affect stats like that?

- Nah, it’s because if Snowman wants to raise his abnormal status resistance, he’s ‘forced’ to equip that item. It’s because there’s a condition to it.

- Ah, I see. Yeah, forcing you to equip an item is a bit annoying.

Though Seol had used items with higher qualities before, it was his first time equipping an item as unique as this. It possessed a quality that had never even been mentioned in the strategy guides.

‘Is it because of Agony? Then what about the effects…’

[[Holy+Abomination: Agony]

Quality: Holy+Abomination

Recommended Level: 30-40

Damage: 100

Durability: 300/300

Weight: 1.0kg

A miraculous item born from a pearl, an ancient holy relic, has transformed itself to the will of its successor. During the succession process, this peculiar weapon was supported by magic to allow a demonic spirit, a mass of demonic energy, to be implanted, enabling its powers to be effectively utilized without drawbacks. Through the combination of the Abomination's traits and the pearl's trait of growing with the successor, an Exceptionality has been formed.

Basic Effect: All stats +25

Bonus Effect: Tuner (Exceptionality), Diverse (Unique), Blood Connection (Unique). This item is regarded as both an Abomination and a Holy Relic. You may only equip one Holy+Abomination quality item at a time. Durability gradually recovers as long as the demonic spirit remains alive.]

‘Exceptionality? This item has an Exceptionality?’

Exceptionalities had effects that improved the user's skills overall.

‘I can’t believe I got one so soon even though I’m low leveled…’

[[Tuner (Exceptionality)]

- Your summons’ stats are increased by 20%, Agony’s damage is doubled while using Exceptional Skill: Night Crow, Shadow Summon’s chance to pass on high-rank skills to summons is increased by 40%, 10% chance of completely recovering the mana used from Night Crow: Iron Fist Rule, Shadow Space is increased by 900, the level of completion for creations made by you, personally, is increased.]

‘Oh my god…’

Exceptionalities were like an explosion of skill improvements. They brought overall growth that suited the owner based on their current skills and traits.

Typically, Exceptionalities only appeared in equipment made with the infusion of the wearer's own mana or within ancient ruins.

- There’s so many effects?

- I thought it was just going to be a simple effect, but there’s so much shit LOL

- Is this because of the pearl? Or Agony?

- Does that really matter here?

[[Diverse (Unique)]

- If desired by the wearer, the demonic spirit can transform this item into a pair of gauntlets.]

‘Wait, was this effect created because of Night Crow?’

It seemed that this item would typically resemble a lamp and then transform into a pair of gauntlets resembling the Mountain Fists once Seol entered the Night Crow form.

[[Blood Connection (Unique)]

- The demonic spirit can instantly discern the wearer's will. Furthermore, as the wearer grows, so too does the connected demonic spirit, which in turn contributes to the overall growth of the item.]

‘The equipment… also grows?’

This was likely a part of Agony’s original effect, the ability to become stronger the more blood it consumed.

It seemed that this effect had been enhanced into Blood Connection.

‘And if you add the fact that this item counts as both a Holy Relic and an Abomination…’

The Flagellant’s Seal should also come into effect.

[You have currently equipped 2 Abominations.]

[All of your stats increase by 10.]

[All of your skills have their mana costs decreased by 10%.]

‘I knew it!’

As Seol excitedly tried to grab Agony…

“Urgh…”

A black light flickered from within the white lantern.

Flicker…

Frannan took a defensive stance.

“It’s about to wake up. Everyone, get ready just in case.”

“...Okay.”

“This is the most important part, so focus!”

“Okay!”

“Okay!”

As Seol carefully put his hand forth, the lantern floated in place before flying toward him.

[My head… it hurts, it hurts so much!]

“Are you up now, Agony?” asked Frannan.

He carefully observed Agony, who was rolling around within Seol’s lamp.

[Huh? Ahhh… Are you that… old human?]

“I am. How do you feel?”

[It feels awful… Was I dreaming? Hahahahaha! But right now… I don't want to think about anything at all.]

Agony's voice remained as frightening as ever, like that of a demon.

The pilgrims gasped as they accepted the unfortunate result.

“It’s clear that it failed…”

“I knew it was impossible.”

“Vicar Chameli, we should prepare the purification ceremony immediately…”

Frannan turned around, raising his index finger to his lips.

‘Please, shut the fuck up!’ mouthed Frannan.

After delivering his message to them, he turned back to Agony with a comforting smile.

“Agony, what kind of evil things do you want to do today? Let me in on your plans.”

Flare…

Agony, who had been resting in the lantern, gave a devilish grin.

[Yeah, that's it! That's what I forgot! Even so... I can come up with a terrifyingly evil plan in an instant, for I am the great Agony, the genius of corruption! Hahaha...]

Frannan's hope dwindled after hearing that. He quietly murmured to himself, "So it failed..."

And almost as if it were trying to drive the nail deeper into Frannan's heart, Agony continued.

[I plan to do tremendous evil! That’s what I enjoy the most!]

“Okay, sure… so what do you plan to do?”

As everyone slowly prepared to purify the lamp, Agony spoke up.

[Tonight… I’ll sleep super late.]

“...What?”

[My body’s trembling just thinking about it!]

“......”

[Hey, want to join?]

“No, I’m fine.”

[Why? Does it make your heart pound too fast? This is why humans are... Ah! I can't hold myself back anymore! I should take a nap right now so I can sleep even later!]

Every single pilgrim contorted their faces in confusion, as if they had witnessed something that should never exist.

“H-How is this a demonic spirit… This isn’t the demonic spirit I knew…”

“What is this…”

“Oh my god!”

- In this other world, the worst demonic spirit is just a little kid?!

- Life is important! Kekeke…

- My wish is for world peace… kekeke…

- I love you mom and dad, kekeke…

- Putting ‘kekeke’ at the end doesn’t make you a villain 😭

Frannan laughed before whispering to Seol.

"It seems like it was a success. Agony will believe it's the most evil thing in the world for a long, long while."

“Are there any worries about it reverting to its original nature?”

"Not at all. No matter what you do, it won't easily become evil. I made sure of that. The Holy Relic's power is strong too, so do as you please."

“...Thank you.”

Seol blankly looked at the chain connecting him to Agony before pulling it.

Clatter…

As the lantern shook because of it, Agony cried out.

[Hey, you're making it shake! I bumped into the wall because of you! ...Oh? Were you... perhaps up to evil deeds as well? Hahaha... How thrilling. To dare challenge me... I'll make farting noises with my mouth when you're around a bunch of people. They won't say anything, but they'll all think it's you!]

* * *

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

They arrived at Frannan’s Timbrian villa.

Though it was a villa, it was large enough to comfortably accommodate twenty or so residents at a time.

Furthermore, it was impeccably maintained. The fact that it remained in such pristine condition despite Frannan's prolonged absence only underscored his immense wealth.

Regardless, Frannan, after concluding his business with Seol, had returned here and was indulging in strong alcohol.

Was it because he was thirsty?

Of course not.

Then was it because he just wanted to drink like usual?

It also wasn’t that.

“Damn it… shit…”

There is always a reason why people seek stronger alcohol.

He was, as ever, an Aspect Magician.

Though he had abandoned the tower's influence for some unknown reason, he was still tethered to it.

Once a member of the magic towers, always a member of the magic towers.

Knock, knock.

“Master, your guest has arrived.”

“Ah, him. Bring him here.”

“Yes, sir.”

Creak…

Seol appeared with Agony, who was floating behind him.

“Welcome. Have a seat.”

“Okay.”

“You’ll be suspicious wherever you go with that thing floating behind you,” laughed Frannan

“...That’s just something I’ll have to deal with.”

Pour…

Frannan filled his empty glass with more alcohol.

“You haven’t forgotten the promise you made for me helping you… right?”

Frannan had used the pearl’s powers to let Seol control Agony.

And in exchange for Frannan’s assistance, Seol had agreed to help Frannan with something.

“Yes, I remember it.”

“Sometimes when you make a trade… there are those moments.”

“What moments are you referring to?”

"When you suddenly profit, like when an item you were supposed to sell shoots up in price overnight."

“...Are you saying that you ended up making an unexpected profit, Frannan?”

Frannan’s face stiffened.

Seol thought hard about what he meant.

‘I agreed to help him, but the value of my help went up? That likely means that…’

“The problem I was supposed to help you with became harder, didn’t it?” asked Seol.

"Exactly. However, I don’t like this either. It becomes much harder for me as well."

“What could have happened…”

“Before I met you, the Libra Tower, the tower that I was affiliated to, sent me a request,” said Frannan.

Frannan took a sip of alcohol before continuing.

"The Tower Master had taken a brief leave, and due to the potential risk of the tower unity of Libra failing in their absence, they requested that I, one of the Aspect Magicians, assume command."

“And you refused them.”

“I refused them, but I changed my mind. After meeting you.”

“Meeting me?”

"Yeah. It would be boring if I went alone, but having a companion changes things. That's why I planned to take you there while also showing you around every once in a while, but..."

Slide.

Frannan placed a letter with a broken seal on the table.

“Read it. It just arrived today.”

Seol opened the letter made of a mysterious material and read through it.

As he neared the end, a worried look filled his face.

“Is this… real?”

“You don’t believe it, huh? I didn’t either… at first.”

Frannan put down his glass.

“The Tower Master is missing. They’ll probably be making a search party.”

“Then that means…”

“I’ll be going, of course, and…”

Frannan laughed. It was a forced laugh. He laughed at himself.

“You’re coming with me. I won’t let you refuse it either.”

Countless messages appeared in Seol’s vision.

[Adventure 'Libra Search Party’ is scheduled.]

[This Adventure is very dangerous.]

[This Adventure is expected to be a long journey.]

[Because this Adventure is a 'Linked Adventure' you cannot choose your next Adventure.]

"I've heard some details about where the Tower Master was headed last, and... I can tell you, this is going to be an absolute pain to go through."