A Veteran in a Dead Game - Chapter 195



Only Krnovel

195. Harmful mixing ritual (1)

The dungeon called the Ark was extremely large. Even the city located inside it was only a small part of the entire area.

But that vast space had no particular meaning. It was just an empty space, with the gray, flat land stretching out into the distance.

“Over there.”

The golden cauldron was ready in the desolate space outside the ark city.

Beyond the railroad tracks that run around the city’s borders, just outside the city lights, you can see firewood piled up like a pyramid.

And above it all, a golden cauldron was placed.

The inside of the pot was already full. It was filled with pure white milk, sloshing as if it would overflow at any moment, and various materials and herbs floated and sank repeatedly on the surface.

Surprisingly, a rainbow was in full bloom around the golden cauldron. If a rainbow were used to create a flower garden, it would look like this.

“I’ve seen it before… but it’s pretty.”

By the time Sarah finished speaking, Kyle and Sarah had already arrived in front of the prepared golden cauldron.

“Hey. Nice to meet you.”

Two people were waiting by the golden cauldron. One of them, Mael, raised his hand first and gave a brief greeting.

“Did we meet at Tesse?”

Mael, who was famous for his outstanding intelligence and numerous research achievements. He was also the one who gave instructions on how to create the king’s skull on behalf of Kyle when he escaped from Tese.

“I survived thanks to that time.”

And the other person next to Mael was also a face that Kyle recognized. Although this was their first meeting, he had often seen him as a named NPC in games.

“Nice to meet you. It’s Kinda.”

“It’s Kyle.”

Kind was wearing a strange outfit made up of a bunch of daggers and trousers made up of arrows strung together with string.

Rather than saying he was wearing clothes, it would be more appropriate to say he was wearing weapons wrapped around his body.

‘You’ve gotten so old.’

The bronze body visible through the unusual clothing was still solid, but there were also signs of aging here and there.

When he first appeared as a named person in the game, he was already around 200 years old, so now, 100 years later, it would be difficult to find someone older than him.

Unless there is something very special, the user’s lifespan limit is 300 years. However, Kindle is actually close to that lifespan limit, making him an old hand among old hands.

He was even older than Ratchet, the alchemist who had just created the potion for Kyle.

‘To be honest, I didn’t know you were still alive.’

Kind’s age was a secondary issue. Kind had always been a fighter, and Kyle assumed he had died long ago when human civilization was coming to an end.

“I’ve already heard about your accomplishments. It’s an honor to be with you this time.”

Kind held out his hand, and Kyle took it and shook it. Kind’s palm was extremely hard. Not calloused or anything. Literally, without metaphor, his skin was closer to rock.

As Kyle recalls, Kindr was a very simple man. One word could be used to sum up his personality.

‘warrior.’

I wonder how strong a human being can become. I want to know if I can reach that limit.

That desire for improvement is what motivates Kind.

“…And, we may be able to join you in more battles in the future.”

Peña did not want to remain on the ark. And he was not the only one who made that decision.

At that time, Peña gave a few names of people he wanted to be with Kyle, and Kind was on the list.

Kind’s words that they might be together in the future were hinting at such a future.

“…if I’m with you.”

Kind lowered his voice, glancing at Sarah, who was inspecting the golden cauldron.

“I may be able to reach the battlefield where I can burn my last flame.”

Kind came from a tribe with somewhat pre-modern traditions, and the warriors of that tribe considered it a virtue to die on the battlefield, wielding their weapons to the end, rather than rest comfortably in their beds.

This was also the case with Kind.

“I am a warrior who was not buried with my comrades. I am an old man who missed his grave, a rusting blade. I am also an old man who has lost his strength.”

“…….”

“But I have no intention of becoming a loser.”

To be honest, Kind’s situation was not Kyle’s concern. But it was a welcome one. He was a strong and experienced warrior.

As he gets older, he may not be able to display the same strength as he did in his prime. However, he can make up for what he lacks with experience. Kind was a warrior who could do that.

“Ready to go!”

Meanwhile, Sarah, who was inspecting the golden cauldron, waved both arms and shouted.

“You’ve finished introducing yourselves, right? Let’s have a quick briefing and then we’ll be on our way. Kyle, please.”

When Kyle asked for the Golden Cauldron ritual preparations, he had already conveyed the contents sufficiently. However, since we do not know what will happen in real life, it is only natural to proceed with the final confirmation process.

“As you’ve probably heard, the ritual of mixing the sea takes place in a place comprised of the ocean and sixteen islands. There is a reward box on each island.”

Kyle took a stenographer’s quill from his bosom and lifted it into the air.

This item, which can draw whatever its owner wants in the air, drew several shapes according to Kyle’s will.

There were 16 circles of various sizes and shapes in total.

“You just need to conquer 4 islands per person.”

Then the stenographer’s quill drew lines between the circles representing the islands, indicating the direction in which each of the four men should move.

“The events that occur on the island should be easy to conquer. The problem is the war between Deva and Asura.”

In short, the Harmful Mixing Ritual was an event where you had to secure a reward box while monsters were fighting each other.

“I have a question.”

Kind opened his mouth.

“Wouldn’t it be easier if we just wiped out all those monsters, Devas and Asuras?”

It was a kind-hearted opinion that sought out struggles.

“No. I will not intervene in the war between Devas and Asuras, and will ignore it as much as possible.”

“It would be neater to just organize it and move on.”

‘Deva and Asura.’

They are beings that appear in Hindu mythology. The Devas and Asuras that appear there are implemented as quite powerful monsters here in Piltos.

but.

“There is no reason to do that.”

In the original mythology, Devas and Asuras were a kind of god and demon.

Perhaps because they had such grand business cards, they had considerable power even in this world where Deva and Asura appeared as monsters.

Even so, it’s not as strong as the current Kyle or the members of the Regeneration Society, but numbers are the problem.

“There are hundreds of Devas and Asuras in each group. It’s not easy to deal with them all, and more than anything, it’s difficult to keep up with the times.”

“Hmm.”

“The island where the reward box is placed gradually sinks. If you waste time uselessly, you’ll miss the reward.”

For reference, Kyle had already tried to wipe out Devas and Asuras.

Even if it’s difficult and useless, if you play the same game over and over again, you’ll want to try it at least once.

But even though all the Devas and Asuras were dealt with, no special rewards were given.

In other words, facing that monster is an ordeal that has no value other than a challenge for self-satisfaction.

If it were a game, it would be fun to try it out, but this place is clearly another reality, so there is no need to take the difficult path.

“If you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them.”

After that, shortly after we discussed some additional matters.

“Okay, let’s get started.”

As Mael snapped his fingers, the ritual of stirring the harmful substances finally began.

At Mael’s gesture, a large ladle that had been prepared rose into the air and began to stir the milk inside the golden cauldron.

Paat-

Suddenly, a thick, misty light burst from above the golden cauldron, and soon, an appetizing, savory smell began to permeate the surrounding area.

It was evidence that the ceremony had begun properly.

Hooooo-

The thick fog that had been rising descended. The milky-colored smoke, like a mist, spread out widely across the ground for a moment, then gathered again and formed a circle. A circle large enough for a person to pass through.

The scenery beyond that circle was a vast sea. A sea filled with milk, not salt water. Islands were occasionally visible above the surface.

That circle was the entrance statement for the event called the Harmful Mixing Ceremony.

Crackle, crackle.

Kyle passed through the door and stepped onto the milky sea that spread out in white. With the effect of his 7th-grade skill, the water rain, he was able to step onto the milky sea as if it were solid ground.

“What?”

Sarah followed Kyle into the room. She too walked on milk with great ease. The members of the regeneration group also had their own means of moving around on liquids.

“Isn’t it a beautiful view?”

Sarah, who followed Kyle into the room, was impressed. Honestly, Kyle couldn’t help but agree with that sentiment.

Because the pure white milk that stretched endlessly beyond the horizon was calm and collected without any shaking.

“This is truly a rare sight.”

Kind, who came in next, was also impressed.

“Ohhh. Is it okay if I try this?”

Mael even tried to taste the milk under his feet with his finger.

“It’s delicious. If we just leave this event alone, won’t we be able to supply milk to the ark infinitely?”

Mael said in admiration.

“No. It is impossible. After a day, the golden cauldron loses its function.”

“What a pity. Oh, I see the island over there.”

In the middle of the pure white sea, small islands could be seen here and there, and on each island stood a uniquely styled building.

“Is that the island we need to conquer? It’s not as big as I thought-”

Mael could not finish his words. Before that, something began to appear in swarms from the distant sky of the Milk Sea.

A group of monsters that basically resemble humans, but have some heterogeneous elements in them.

They had multiple arms, blue or green skin, and strangely long fangs and fingernails.

Some even had multiple eyeballs embedded in various parts of their bodies, or had additional faces attached to the back or side of their heads, or even had parts of their bodies shaped like animals.

The monsters mentioned once before entering are Deva and Asura.

Those rushing in from the left are Devas. Those rushing in from the opposite side are Asuras.

The appearance of the two was not much different. If the impression was a little softer, or if the appearance was reminiscent of a herbivore, then it was Deva. If it was fierce, red, or resembled a wild beast, then it was Asura.

Such monsters were swarming in like a swarm of bees. It was truly a violence of numbers.

“Let’s go.”

With Kyle’s declaration, the four men shot in different directions.

There are sixteen islands in total. Since there are four people, the islands that each person visits are also divided into four.

‘There is one reward box on each island.’

You can’t know what you’ll get from each box. It could be an elixir, a material, or a strengthening ticket.

The four islands furthest east, west, north, south from the starting point are guaranteed to contain rare items, but even those items are not guaranteed to contain any specific items.

So, each person will collect items from their island and redistribute them later.

There is little chance of conflict during the distribution process, since it has already been decided who gets which item.

While heading towards the first island.

Kwakwakwakwak!

The sky was awash with colors as explosions and lightning struck.

The sky, which looked like it was made from blue porcelain, was sprinkled with countless explosions and lightning, making it look like a painting.

The battle between Deva and Asura was a grand one. Both sides were flying through the sky, firing all sorts of projectiles, so much so that it seemed like a scene from a science fiction movie.

Kkwarreung!

A thick bolt of lightning struck right next to Kyle. Then, with a deafening roar, a cold bolt of lightning spread out in all directions along with the pure white milk.

Kwakwakwakwang!

Blood spurts, limbs fly away, and the remains of flesh stain the white milk filthy.

A similar sight covered the whole sky and the milky sea.

And the violence of that war reached Kyle too.

Shh …

At that moment, I thought I heard a ripping sound, like a bomber diving down from above.

Boom!

Something fell squarely on Kyle’s forehead.

But Kyle was no longer there.

He activated the sandals of Hermes, accelerated rapidly, and fell slightly backwards.

“Waaaaaaaaaaaa!”

The one who attacked Kyle was a red-skinned Asura. It had four arms and a face on the back of its head.

The weapon he held was a sword, held in each of his four hands. The blade was slightly curved.

Gurrrrrr!

Kyle immediately swung his Galatine and fired a heat ray. However, Asura dodged it by jumping up. It was a maneuver that reached maximum speed in an instant, without any acceleration.

Asura, who had risen so high, once again demonstrated mobility that defied the laws of physics and began to slam down on Kyle.

It started to fall suddenly, changing direction without even slowing down or turning, at the same speed it had been going up.

Kaka kaka kang!

Pull the trigger on the mixer to activate Astra, which pours out letters of light. Asura strikes them all down with his four swords.

Choaack!

He swung his sword and split the ocean of milk. At that point, Kyle had already activated his flash and was standing behind Asura.

Chorus!

The iron chain that had been spread out, calculating the destination, immediately wrapped around Asura’s neck.

Knock knock!

Kyle activated the Shoes of Hermes in that state and quickly shot forward. Then, Asura’s neck, which was bound in chains, snapped.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of it.

“Waaaaaaaaa!”

As if to avenge his comrade who had just died, another Asura began to fall towards Kyle with a roar as he swung his spear down.

However, Asura never reached Kyle.

Kkwarung!

The reason why the lightning bolt pierced Asura’s body.

“iced coffee.”

The one who struck the lightning was none other than Deva.

It has two limbs each, but it has three faces, one on the front and one on the left and right. Its ivory-colored skin is more heterogeneous than beautiful. It feels like a human face drawn on porcelain.

“Ahhh.”

The Deva looked down at Kyle and raised both arms. Then, blue lightning began to grow around both arms.

The lightning bolt that had just pierced Asura was now aimed at Kyle.

But, just before that.

Crunch.

A thick greatsword more than 5 meters long pierced through Deva’s abdomen and protruded out.

Chomp!

Immediately afterwards, the greatsword swung upward, splitting Deva’s upper body and three faces vertically. Another Asura had newly entered the scene, waiting for an opportunity to surprise Deva.

‘This is a mess.’

Kyle laughed in vain as he saw Asura, who had split Deva apart, raise his greatsword towards Kyle. He thought that it would not be easy.