The 31st Piece Turns the Tables
chapter-93

Zando was successfully stabilizing the central axis of the altar.

However, this did not resolve everything.

"Damn it. How could you not find even a single rat?"

“I-I apologize! I will notify you the moment I hear anything!”

Zando, the high priest, continued to work, despite complaining.

Fwirl!

GLOOOOOOOW!

The fire-shaped tattoo on his face lit up like a flame.

Flare!

Smoke surged out of him as he cast his spell.

“Hrmm… Hrmm…”

Rumble Rumble Rumble…

Thud.

Zando planned to search the entire altar and locate the rat himself the moment he fully set the central axis.

“Magra, I apologize for letting you down. It seems like my subordinates have yet to find the rat.”

“It’s fine. The commanders should be blamed for not being here.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“With a situation like this, I should just investigate it myself. Weirdly, I haven't heard anything from Zoze and Kango yet… It’s very strange.”

Zando turned his head.

“Have you not realized it yet, Magra? It’s obvious what they’re aiming for. What else would it be but me?”

“Are you implying that they are using the chaos to aim for your life?”

"Of course. If they knew about the central axis's existence, it would have been easy to also assume that I needed to use my powers to prevent it from falling. And our foes planned on killing me while I was defenseless!"

“...It definitely is logical. But what about the armory, the military warehouse, or the shaman warehouse? Wouldn’t they be in danger too?”

Zando nodded.

“I agree, but it’s a necessary sacrifice. If our enemies attack that, then it means I'm just as much safer. Since it’s come to this, we should also delay mobilizing the soldiers a little bit.”

“...I see.”

“This is a bit embarrassing to say as the chief of the Sulfur Skull Tribe, but… I request that you protect me until I can completely stabilize the central axis.”

“That is not a hard request at all. Who would even attempt to kill you when I’m here?”

“Thank you! It won’t take too long for me to put it back into place.

The postponement of mobilizing soldiers.

The acceptance of a moderate amount of sacrifice.

The moment their actions solidified, the situation became much simpler. All they had to do was turtle up, and protect Zando.

It wasn’t as if they had to mobilize the soldiers right away, and it wasn’t time for the Old God Festival either.

‘Hold on… the Old God Festival?’

Magra’s quick wits realized the opening created by the plan.

“Is there anyone at the Sacred Fire?”

“Some soldiers were dispatched there. The priests there are also coming here before it gets too dangerous.”

“If they’re aiming for the Old God…”

“How would they know about its existence, much less the way to summon it? I think you are worrying too much, Magra.”

Zando wasn’t wrong.

The only people who served the Old Gods in Pandea were the trolls and other old races.

‘Hold on, something’s off?’

Magra couldn’t let go of that uneasiness in his heart and kept thinking to himself.

Since they’ve infiltrated the altar, they were poised to land a critical blow regardless of their actions.

But then, a messenger interrupted his train of thought.

“Zando, the reinforcements are close to arriving!” said the messenger.

“Damn, it’s a bit troublesome to let them in during such a messy time.”

However, a second messenger arrived, skyrocketing their anxiety.

“Zando, there’s a big issue!”

“What is it this time?”

“The sacrifices… the sacrifices have been freed and have attacked the armory! They’ve stolen weapons and are climbing up!”

“Damn it! I knew they were aiming for me!”

“No… that’s not it. You’re not their objective, Zando. They aren’t aiming for you.”

“What?”

Magra’s energy flamed up like an explosion.

“It’s the Sacred Fire! We have to block them!”

* * *

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

Magra’s hunch was correct.

His worries were true. The soldiers guarding the Sacred Fire were in incredible danger.

“E-Enemies!”

“They’re coming here!”

“We have to notify Zando… Damn it! He’s blocking the door!”

Seol and Karen were blocking off the path to the Sacred Fire.

FWOOOOSH!

[You have defeated Sulfur Skull Sacred Fire Guardian.]

[You have gained experience.]

Slice!

[You have defeated Sulfur Skull Sacred Fire Guardian.]

[You have gained experience.]

The trolls near the Sacred Fire were elite monsters, requiring at least two players to kill.

However, Karen was killing those same monsters in one hit like she was a mixer.

- Is she really killing elite monsters on her own like it’s nothing?

- She’s not alone 😠 She has a summoner with her

- Summoner (Cheerleader)

- Karen: My pet is cheering for me!

As Seol cleaned up the trolls near the Sacred Fire, he saw messages pop up.

[You have successfully rescued all of the survivors.]

[Rewards are being arranged.]

[The Linked Adventure continues.]

[This Adventure is very dangerous.]

[You can only collect your rewards after all of the Adventures have been cleared.]

‘Jamad must have succeeded.’

Everything so far was going according to plan.

[You begin your next Adventure.]

[Your 14th Adventure is starting.]

[Adventure 14. Pierce the Flames]

[Adventure 14. ‘Pierce the Flames’

In a strange twist of fate, the residents of Nobira, the Ruins City, were kidnapped and transported to the Yognatun Volcano. Although they had initially given up on escaping, they were all freed thanks to your help.

However, you are still at the Yognatun Volcano. Much remains to be done before you can confidently declare their rescue complete. You and the survivors are left with only one option. Escape from Yognatun by any means necessary.

Objective: Kill the Chief of the Sulfur Skull Tribe or have at least 70% of the survivors arrive in Gulia.

Caution. This Adventure is very dangerous.

Remaining Time [167:59]]

Seol was fine with it, since he expected the new Adventure’s objective to be something like this.

He skimmed the contents before concentrating on what was before him.

The Sacred Fire existed on the top floor of the altar. It was a dangerous floor where everything, other than the floor, was open.

‘I’d die if I fell off from here.’

Since he would be falling into bubbling lava, it was clear that even his bones would melt.

Even though one would expect security to be tough, given the location essentially being a building's ceiling, it wasn't difficult at all.

‘Did Zando recall the soldiers to protect himself? It seems like the Sulfur Skull Tribe’s chief this time is inexperienced.’

As a result, Seol practically ran into nobody.

10 minutes.

It didn’t even take 10 minutes for Seol to slaughter all the trolls in his path and arrive at the top of the temple where the Sacred Fire was.

There was still plenty of time until the central axis was fully recovered.

“Defend the Sacred Fire!”

“Hmph! How dare you sully this sacred place!”

Even though the talking experience points tried to stop Karen, they were all easily cut like stacks of hay.

[You have defeated Sulfur Skull Sacred Fire Guardian.]

[You have gained experience.]

The dead trolls all died with their eyes open in shock, like they couldn’t believe they died so helplessly.

“Hm… He should be arriving soon.”

“Were you looking for me?”

“...Mael.”

“So you weren’t surprised.”

Before Seol realized it, Mael was standing behind him.

“Hahaha! Don’t worry, I saw him flinch.”

“How did you get here so fast?”

“With just a few shamanic spells and twists of the terrain, it was simple to avoid the rushing soldiers. However, I am worried. The soldiers who went down to catch me might also go to check on their captives…”

“Jamad’s with them, so it should be fine.”

Mael nodded.

“Then I will begin the ceremony right away.”

“Alright.”

As they approached the Sacred Fire, Seol saw options.

[[You are at a sacred location of the Sulfur Skull Tribe. What do you do?]

1. Destroy the brazier containing the fire.

2. [Required: Avenger] Turn the fire over.

3. [Required: Fire Pocket] Transfer the fire into the Fire Pocket.

4. [Required: Shaman] This is a place where Sulfur Monkey Purga, an Old God, holds their ceremony. Go through the shamanic procedures to hold the ceremony.

5. [Required: Troll Language] Read the words written on the altar.

……]

Mael gathered his hands and began murmuring something.

After a while, he then grabbed a dagger near the Sacred Fire before handing it to Seol.

“Pour your blood into the fire.”

Slice

With a stinging sensation, Seol’s blood dropped into the brazier.

Fsssss…

- World’s 1st Adventure carried by a helper.

- Seriously, Mael has insane value LOL I can’t believe getting him some mushrooms snowballed into this.

- I guess he’s good at rolling snowballs since he’s Snowman! HAHAHAHA!

- I really want to punch something now… Maybe I should punch your face?

Flare!

The fire shook after taking in the blood.

Seol then repeated what Mael told him.

"Oh, mighty fire! Oh, blazing sulfur! Oh, Wild Purga, dormant in this volcano, reveal yourself to us, humble beings!"

Bubble… Bubble… Bubble…

Suddenly, the lava that the altar was hanging on started bubbling.

And then, a whirlpool formed before the skies, and the earth shook.

FWOOOOSH!

‘Urgh… that’s hot.’

The lava transformed into a large monkey of fire. It then approached the brazier.

[You have witnessed an extraordinary being.]

[Your Wisdom permanently increases by 5.]

Boom!

Frsss…

“Krgh…”

It was indescribably hot, and the pressure from Purga felt like it was pushing down on their entire bodies.

If it wasn’t for the Mael’s protective spell he placed on Seol ahead of time, he would have screamed.

Purga playfully approached Seol.

“It’s my first time seeing you, child. So, what made you so fearlessly wake me up?”

Each one of Purga’s words felt like lightning strikes to Seol.

“Purga, accept my offering!”

“Offering? Hahahaha! You’re not the sacrifice, are you? Or maybe… it’s all of you?”

Purga's words were like a hammer practically banging on Seol's head.

By now, everyone in the altar, including Zando, would have realized that something must have transpired at the Sacred Fire.

Flare!

“This is my offering.”

Seol pulled out something from his inventory.

[[Atarak’s Heart]

Quality: Treasure

Recommended Level: N/A

Weight: 0.1kg

The heart of Atarak, the last descendant of Anachindria, an ancient spider. Though it has stopped beating, the ancient blood remains there faintly.

However, this treasure’s use is very limited.

Bonus Effect: Cannot be determined.]

Seol acquired this in the previous Adventure. But because he couldn’t think of an appropriate place to use it, he held onto it.

It was Atarak’s Heart, a heart containing ancient blood.

Purga scratched his chin while inspecting it before giving a loud, hearty laugh.

“Hahahahaha! Pretty good, it’s pretty good! Yeah, you can definitely wake me up for something like this. Well then, I won’t decline such a nice gift.”

Flaaaaaare!

A large fire took Atarak’s Heart from Seol.

And then, there were options before him.

[[Purga, a Wild God, has appeared. What do you do?]

1. Taunt it.

2. Attack it.

3. Ask questions about ancient knowledge.

4. [Required: Summoning Magic] Ask questions about ways to increase one’s summoning powers.

5. [Required: Spirit Magic] Ask questions about news related to the Spirit Throne.

……]

After confirming there was an option to receive something for the item, Seol shouted at Purga.

“I want something as a price for the offering!”

“Hm… this blood… It's excellent. Fine, what do you want?”

[[Purga has asked you for what you want. You must choose your answer carefully.]

1. Tremendous wealth.

2. Purga’s Sulfur Soldier.

3. Destructive power.

4. Move the Fire Rain.

……]

Many options lay before Seol—thirty varied and distinct choices.

As he scanned through the possibilities, he found exactly what he wanted.

Seol smiled.

“Shadow! The Ghastly Shadow!”

“Your greed shall be etched in flames.”

Purga pointed his finger at Seol, and a tattoo formed on Seol’s face.

“Aaaaaaargh!”

It felt as if his face was melting.

Nevertheless, Seol persevered, holding onto his consciousness, and soon, he realized the pain was only temporary.

Eventually, the pain subsided, leaving him with a refreshing sensation.

[You have received the Ghastly Shadow’s Grace.]

[Your maximum Shadow Space is increased by 1200.]

[Shadow Space has increased in elevation.]

[You are now able to summon three Shadow Summons at the same time.]

[You have earned the special achievement 'Fire’s Grace'.]

[You have earned the special title 'The Burning One'.]

‘It’s so much power!’

Seol expanded his Shadow Space, elevated it, and could now summon more Shadow Summons simultaneously.

Everything related to shadows had increased overall explosively.

It was a ridiculous increase in power.

However, this was all a miracle made through incredible timing. Not only did he have an important treasure on hand, but someone else also prepared the altar beforehand.

Even if Seol wanted to do this again intentionally, he couldn’t. This was only possible because of the knowledge he held beforehand was utilized to its maximum ability.

Furthermore, he realized once more that each and every Adventure was important.

Even though he couldn’t summon his powerful summons due to his lack of Shadow Space, he could now do it thanks to the blessing he received. Now, Seol could use all of his summons.

Purga stretched as if it was satisfied and returned to the lava.

“...Is it over now?”

Everything that Seol just went through felt like a dream.

Not only did he meet an Old God, but he also received a portion of its strength.

“Then now…”

And then it happened.

BAAAAAAM!

Crumble…

“Pretty good… I bet you’re also the ones who killed my subordinates, aren’t you?”

It was Magra. He had brought over ten trolls with him.

He had also ignored the freed captives and rushed here.

However, he soon realized that he was too late. He could do nothing more than glare at Seol’s back.

Pull.

Seol turned around and took his hood off.

A fire monkey tattoo stretched from his face down to his neck.

“Magra, huh? How unlucky. Why did it have to be…”

“A human knows me? And why were you after the sulfuric fire?”

“Let’s set things straight, alright? You’re the ones who kidnapped my friends.”

"So it was the sacrifices, I see. However, your luck ends here now that you've run into me. This volcano will be your burial ground."

“Luck? You’re right. I’ve always been the unlucky type, however…”

A powerful energy poured out from Seol’s shadow.

Glow…

And then…

Fwirl!

A blue knight made from shadows awoke.

Karen shouted after seeing him.

“Karuna!”

[Twin Knights: Karuna has finished being passed on everything.]

[You have currently summoned both Twin Knights.]

[Twin Knights’ Connected Soul activates.]

[The two summons’ current stats are doubled.]

[Twin Knights’ Equilibrium activates.]

[The two summons’ stats are summed together and divided equally.]

…….

Incredible messages poured in.

Seol ignored the ceaseless messages and looked at Magra.

“Because I’m so unlucky, I prepare quite meticulously.”

“...You bastard.”

Karuna placed Seol behind him and spoke while looking at Magra.

“It was too long of a sleep.”

The small crack had grown to the point of a large canyon.